Fuji brings FinePix Z200fd to the US

Valhalla, NY, July 31, 2008 – FUJIFILM U.S.A, Inc. today introduced a new model in its ultra-compact, fashionista Z-series lineup – the FinePix Z200fd. Versatility and style abound in four striking colors combinations; this glam-cam is sure to turn heads wherever you decide to capture the moment.Fujifilm USA today announced the ultra-compact FinePix Z200fd. This camera was introduced in the rest of the world back in May, but now it's our turn to check it out.

Here are its specs:
FinePix Z200fd [specs to come]

10.0 effective Megapixel CCD

F3.8-4.8, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 33 - 165 mm

Sensor-shift image stabilization

Ultra-compact body comes in four colors: silver, black, pink, and a
black/red combo

2.7" LCD display with 230,000 pixels

Point-and-shoot operation

Fancy face detection feature with new Couple and Group Timer modes (click
the link to read more about those) and auto redeye removal

Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound

Supports both xD and SD/SDHC memory cards (has 52MB of built-in memory to
get you started, as well)

Can beam images to other IrSimple-enabled devices

Uses NP-45 lithium-ion battery; 170 shots per charge

Ships in September for $299

Feature Happy

Despite being only 20.0mm thick, the 10-MegaPixel FinePix Z200fd touts cutting-edge technology and advanced features including a Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens, a high-resolution, scratch-resistant 2.7" LCD and sensitivity settings of up to ISO 1600 that enable partygoers to take beautiful, natural-looking images without flash, retaining the atmosphere of twilight and late-night events.

Featuring Fujifilm's acclaimed Face Detection Technology, now working in tandem with automatic red-eye removal, the FinePix Z200fd makes it easy to capture your friends' good sides. At the press of a button, this mode identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, and sets the correct focus and exposure, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. The FinePix Z200fd then instantly checks each detected face for red eye, and if found, corrects it automatically in the camera, avoiding the process of editing later.

Timing Is Everything

The FinePix Z200fd debuts Fujifilm's new Couple Timer Mode and Group Timer Mode, ensuring you can appear in every shot you take, even when there's no-one else around to take the picture! Working in conjunction with Face Detection Technology, these self-timer modes automatically capture the image when the camera has detected faces in a frame.

Couple Timer Mode detects two faces in a frame and will automatically take the picture as the two faces come closer together. This mode has three settings so users can set the timer to detect faces at specific distances, depending on how close you really are!
Group Timer Mode automatically sets the timer to take the shot when up to four faces have been detected in the frame. Users can simply select the number of faces in the frame, and then jump in front of the camera to pose with the group – ensuring that you appear in the stunning shots you take with the Z200fd.

Other noteworthy features found on the FinePix Z200fd include:

• Dual Image Stabilization: Dual Image Stabilization marries a mechanically
  stabilized CCD with high ISO sensitivities for total anti-blur protection.
  
• Dual Shot Mode: In this mode the FinePix Z200fd quickly shoots two images in
  succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient
  function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide
  whether the FinePix Z200fd produced the most pleasing photo with flash, or
  without.
  
• Rotary Dial Menu: The Rotary Dial provides easy control and selection of the
  convenient functions, and lets the operator swiftly scroll and select anything
  from scene positions to thumbnails.
  
• Blog Mode: Blog Mode automatically resizes any image captured to a properly
  sized 640x480 pixels (VGA) or 320x240 pixels (QVGA)image size, and allows for
  in-camera editing, such as Illustration and Painting to add an artistic flair,
  saving time from downloading it and adjusting it on a PC.
  
• Movie Mode: Capture VGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with
  sound. Great for when you're out and you don't have your video camera on-hand.
  
• Photo Folder Management: This useful new feature organizes photos right in
  the camera, with five pre-set file folders that can be easily downloaded to your
  computer for convenient image management. Pre-set folders include: Travel,
  Family, Favorites, My Pictures, and Events.
  
• i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash detects subtle lighting differences
  within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also
  leverages the high sensitivity of the FinePix Z200fd to enable the camera to use
  less flash, preventing that "blasted with light" effect that so many digital
  camera flashes leave you with. The result is pleasing, natural tones with no
  flash "wash-out".
  
• Special Scene Modes: The FinePix Z200fd has 16 scene positions including
  ‘Fireworks,' ‘Beach,' ‘Party,' and ‘Under Water' offering a one-touch setting
  for almost any situation.
  
• Auction Mode: Fujifilm's Auction mode makes it easy to create merged image
  formats suitable for use on auction websites or to add a creative flair to your
  images.
  
• Micro Thumbnail: A playback feature that allows for viewing an index
  print-style image on the LCD. The FinePix Z200fd will show up to 100 images in
  micro form. Control buttons are used to move over specific images and select
  them. This makes it easy to quickly find a single image by being able to jump to
  particular segments of images in the time sequence.
  
• IrSimple?: Infrared communication via IrSimple? technology for fast, easy
  wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
  
• xD / SD / SDHC Compatible slot: A single media slot that accepts both xD
  picture cards and SD/SDHC media cards.

"The FinePix Z200fd lets you focus on your style with the perfect digital camera for consumers looking for a combination of cutting-edge technology and a chic, sophisticated design," said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. "We believe consumers shouldn't have to sacrifice performance for form or function."

The FinePix Z200fd will debut in September at a retail price of $299.95.

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