Fujifilm Canada Inc. has announced 12 new digital cameras. The Spring 2012 lineup includes five super-zoom models, three waterproof/shockproof models, and four budget-priced cameras for casual photographers. The new cameras will begin arriving in Canada in February.

Bridge Cameras

At the top of the line are two SLR-styled super-zoom bridge cameras: the FinePix HS30EXR (shown at top of story) and HS25EXR. Both feature a 30x zoom lens that covers the 24-720mm range (135 equivalent). The cameras' Intelligent High Resolution Digital Zoom feature extends telephoto reach to 1440mm; this is done without sacrificing image quality, Fujifilm says.

Both cameras have an improved version of Fujifilm's EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR Processor. The shape of the photo diodes in the 16-megapixel backlit EXR CMOS sensor has been redesigned, reducing digital noise by 30 per cent less digital noise at higher ISO settings.

The new sensor offers three different shooting options. Intended for use in bright conditions or when fine detail is of paramount importance, High Resolution (HR) captures full-resolution images. In high-contrast conditions, Wide Dynamic Range (DR) Priority captures 8MP images with improved detail in both shadow and highlight areas. For low-light/high-ISO shooting, High Sensitivity and Low Noise (SN) Priority captures low-noise 8MP photos. All of these modes can be user-selected, or it can be left to the HS30EXR to choose through the EXR AUTO function.

Both cameras can record 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second, with autofocus and manual focus while shooting. For high-speed still photography, both models are capable of burst rates of 11 frames per second. The HS30EXR and HS25EXR both have TTL flash metering for use with optional Fujifilm external flash units.

Composing images can be done using either the 3" LCD or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). Both cameras have a 460,000-dot tilting LCD; additionally, the HS30EXR features a Monitor Sunlight mode for easier viewing in bright conditions. The EVF of the HS30EXR is now larger at 0.26-inches and features 920,000 dots for a clearer viewing image. Also, the viewing angle has been increased to 22 degrees. The HS25EXR has a more conventional 200,000-dot EVF.

Priced at $500, the HS30EXR features RAW shooting capability and has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can shoot up to 600 photos per charge. The HS25EXR ($400) lacks RAW capability and employs four AA batteries.

Compact Super-Zoom

The new 16MP EXR CMOS sensor is employed on the new FinePix F770EXR, which features a folding 20x zoom lens that covers the 25-500mm range (135 equivalent). Telephoto reach expands to 1000mm when the Intelligent Digital Zoom feature is selected. Like the two new bridge cameras, the F770EXR offers 11fps shooting for stills, and can shoot 1080p HD video at 30fps with stereo sound.

The EXR Auto mode automatically optimizes settings according to scene types and has been expanded to 103 different shooting patterns. The Pro Low Light Mode is designed for shooting low-light scenes without resorting to flash. Other features include improved GPS with high-sensitivity antenna for fast positioning, a rechargeable battery that can capture 300 photos per charge, in-camera photo and video editing, high-resolution 3" LCD with Sunlight Mode, 3D shooting and Motion Panorama modes, RAW Shooting, full manual controls (PSAM), and Advanced Anti-Blur. The new ergonomic design has angled dials and a rubberized grip for easier handling.

Priced at $380, the F770EXR will be available in black and red finishes.

Budget Super-Zooms

The Fujifilm FinePix SL280 (shown at left) and S4200 both employ a 1/2.3-inch 14MP CCD sensor with CCD-shift image stabilization. ISO is adjustable from 64 to 6400.

Priced at $230, the FinePix S4200 has a 24x wide-angle zoom lens, 230,000-dot LCD, 8fps high-speed shooting, 720p HD video recording, in-camera photo editing, face detection with auto red-eye removal, smile and blink detection, and manual controls (PSAM).

At $290, the FInePix SL280 features a 28x zoom lens and 460,000-dot LCD, and adds a dedicated TTL hot shoe for Fujifilm's external flashes. It includes a Li-ion rechargeable battery rated for 300 photos per charge.

"Adventure-Proof" Cameras

The new FinePix XP50 is shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 5m, freeze-proof to -10°C and dustproof). The rugged body provides a firmer grip than earlier models, Fujifilm says, even when wet; and its 5x wide-angle zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) has a water-repellant coating.

The XP50 employs a 14MP CMOS sensor and new image processor; these enhancements deliver lower picture noise, and speedier autofocus and startup times, Fujifim says. For low-light photography, the FinePix XP50 offers a Pro Low light mode, ISO sensitivity up to 3200 and CMOS-shift image stabilization.

Other features include 1080p HD movie capture at 30fps, in-camera photo and movie editing, 2.7" LCD with anti-reflection coating, easy uploading to YouTube and Facebook, rechargeable Li-ion battery with 200 photos per charge, and Motion Panorama.

Priced at $200, the XP50 will be available in green, blue, orange and silver.

Fujifilm says its FinePix XP150 (shown at right) and XP100 are its toughest cameras yet: they're, dustproof, waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, and freeze-proof to -10°C. Both models feature rubberized coatings, riveted metal handgrips, extensive weather seals to repel dust and sand, and a double-locked battery/memory card cover.

Other features include 14MP CMOS sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) with water-repellant coating, sensor-shift image stabilization, 2.7" LCD with anti-reflection coating, Li-ion battery with 300 shots per charge, Pro Low Light mode with ISO up to 3200, high-speed shooting at 10fps, 1080p HD video recording at 30fps, and in-camera photo and video editing, and easy uploading to Facebook and YouTube.

Both cameras will have a silver finish. The XP100 will retail for $250. Priced at $280, the XP150 adds a built-in GPS receiver that provides location ID and tracks movements, showing your route on the LCD. Electronic compass and Photo Navigation show shooting direction, altitude and the direction and distance to a previous location.

Super-Slim

Equipped with a 16MP CCD sensor and 8x wide-angle zoom lens (25-200mm equivalent), the FinePix JZ250 is only 0.9" thick. Features include 3" LCD, 720p HD video recording at 30fps with dedicated movie button, ISO sensitivity to 3200, optical image stabilization, Scene Recognition (SR) Auto mode, a face-detection feature that can focus on up to nine faces in group shots, rechargeable Li-ion battery and easy uploading to Facebook and YouTube. Finished in black, the JZ250 will retail for $150.

Budget Cameras

Rounding out Fujfilm's Spring 2012 are three entry-level models. Priced at $80, the FinePix AX600 is a 14MP point-and-shoot model with 5x zoom lens, 2.7" LCD, 720p HD video capture, Motion Panorama, face detection with smile and blink detection, and Intelligent Scene Recognition.

For $100, the JX500 (shown at left) offers an improved LCD that's easier to read in sunlight, 5x wide-angle zoom lens, SR auto mode, and easy uploading to Facebook and YouTube. It will be available in black or silver. At $130, the JX700 increases resolution to 16MP. It's available in black and pink, and has a lens ring that matches the camera body.

Article Tags:  Fujifim, EXR, CMOS, super-zoom, waterproof, dust-proof, shockproof, FinePix, AX600, JX500, JX700, JZ250, XP100, XP50, XP150, F770EXR, HS25EXR, HS30EXR