Fujifilm today announced the FinePix F420 Zoom, while it has a similar look and feel to the F410 it has a smaller case a larger, higher resolution LCD monitor, is powered by a supplied rechargeable battery or AAA batteries and a video out socket for display on a TV. The camera features a 3.1 million pixel SuperCCD HR and three times optical zoom lens. In addition movies can be recorded at a full 30 frames per second for as long as there is space on the xD-Picture Card. Jumping on the bandwagon the F420 Zoom also has PictBridge support (although just how many people will use it in any camera is yet to be seen).

Press Release (Fujifilm UK):

FinePix F420 Zoom: tiny and shiny, but no lightweight

Smallest Fujifilm camera to incorporate Super CCD HR technology and 30 frames per second video

21 October 2003 - Fujifilm today introduced the FinePix F420 Zoom, an A-list compact digital camera that marries style with substance to stand out from the crowd.

Building on the success of the highly acclaimed FinePix F410 Zoom, the FinePix F420 Zoom oozes quality with its robust, metal body, yet measures just 77 (W) x 69 (H) x 26.4 (D) mm - even smaller than its predecessor.

A real show-stopper, the FinePix F420 Zoom is the smallest camera to include Fujifilm's 4th Generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution) technology and can realise 3 million effective pixels, producing 6 million recorded pixels. Its diminutive frame also successfully incorporates a 3x optical zoom lens and a voice memo recorder capable of storing up to 30 seconds of sound.

What's more, the FinePix F420 Zoom's high quality movie capture capabilities give an encore-deserving performance. It records at 30 frames per second, a frame-rate that will ensure silky-smooth movie clips.

While this camera's compact dimensions ensure it will fit into any shirt pocket or clutch bag, usability has not been compromised. The FinePix F420 Zoom comfortably incorporates a 1.8" LCD monitor into its svelte frame, as well as a Video Out socket for viewing images on a TV. The camera is also compatible with PictBridge, the industry standard for printing images from a digital camera without using a PC, making the process simpler and more efficient than ever.

This camera is a real crowd pleaser, and powered by its rechargeable battery (with an option to use AAA batteries should it run low), you can be confident the FinePix F420 Zoom will last the night - even if you don't.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Consumer Products, commented: "Earlier this year, the FinePix F410 Zoom set some serious standards in photography; heavyweight picture power, contained within a small metal shell. The FinePix F420 Zoom crams greater firepower into an even more discreet package."

"This camera is that rarest of combinations - it looks great wherever you take it, and you can be sure the pictures will, too."

FinePix F420 Zoom: Features at a glance

• Fourth Generation Super CCD HR sensor with 3.1 million effective pixels, delivering 6.2 million recorded pixels
• Movie capture at 30 frames per second (fps) with sound (320 x 240)
• 1.8", 134,000-pixel LCD monitor
• Video Out socket for fast and easy on-screen viewing
  
• AAA battery supply for additional off-the-shelf power
• Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera
• Continuous shooting with frames at intervals as short as 0.25 seconds
• xD-Picture Card™ providing large storage capacity, low power consumption, fast write speed
• PictBridge compatibility for direct printing

Super CCD HR technology

Fujifilm's Super CCD HR technology allows high resolution sensors to be housed in even smaller digital. The benefits include:

• Ultra-high resolution images
• Faster shutter speeds for action shots
• Low noise photography
• Low light photography

Availability & pricing

The FinePix F420 Zoom will be available in the UK in February 2004. Price not yet announced.

Fujifilm FinePix F420 Zoom Specifications