Fujifilm has today announced the FinePix Z3 Zoom camera sporting 5.1 million pixels, ISO up to 1600 and a 36-108mm lens. A marginal update to the Z2, the Z3 adds Intelligent-Flash mode and a higher resolution 2.5-inch screen. The Z3 will be available in silver, metallic blue and light pink. Must be why it's marketed at us ladies...after all, we can't use anything but a pink camera now, can we?

Press Release:

FinePix Z3: Sociable, stylish and reliable – a ladies’ favorite

Fujifilm today announced the launch of FinePix Z3, the 3rd generation of the iconic ‘Z’ series design. With a re-designed body and funky new colours, the FinePix Z3 will appeal to the most fashion conscious customers, and is likely to be particularly popular with female owners. Women now buy almost as many digital cameras as men, however the FinePix Z3’s appeal to this market is more than the usual ‘slim camera’ story.

Research has shown that the majority of pictures taken by women are ‘people pictures’ in low light situations and taken in close proximity. Ironically, it is exactly this kind of situation that spells trouble for conventional digital cameras. Blurry shots, unnatural-looking flash and a complete absence of background detail mean that very few photos from social events make it into the picture frame or onto the mantelpiece.

With Fujifilm’s Super CCD and Real Photo Processor II, it is possible that the ‘delete’ button will be one of the Z3’s least-used controls. Here is why the Z3 could spell the end for spoiled shots:

• High sensitivity (up to ISO1600) with minimum ‘noise’ will help to reduce the blur caused not only by handshake, but also subject movement. The FinePix Z3 operates with a much faster shutter speed than conventional cameras.
• The Intelligent-Flash system ingeniously combines both a clear, well-exposed background and natural skin tones on subjects in the foreground. No more washed-out faces with dark backgrounds!
• The innovative Dual-Shooting Mode takes two consecutive shots (one with flash and one without flash) giving users the choice between the two – almost like being guided by a seasoned expert.

FinePix Z3 features at a glance:

• Super CCD HR sensor delivering 5.1 million effective pixels
• RP (Real Photo) Processor II resulting significantly less noise by enhanced double noise reduction and delivering enhanced color reproduction across entire sensitivity range
• Intelligent Flash achieving the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones
• Anti-blur button setting up ultra-fast shutter speed to minimize the risk of blurry images
• 14 pre-programmed scene positions including Dual-Shooting mode (Natural Light without Flash & With Flash) which takes two consecutive shots giving the flexibility for choosing preferred picture
• Non-extending refractive optical zoom lens with 3x optical zoom
• Sensitivity range of ISO 64-1600 for low-noise photography in all conditions
• Slim and Stylish body, wrapped by Monocoque rear shell
• High resolution (230K Pixels) 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass
• Continuous shooting mode for action photography
• 10 MB Internal Memory for being ready-to-shoot
• TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
• PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Joining an impressive line-up of Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras featuring the breakthrough Real Photo Technology, the FinePix Z3 will be available in 3 colours, Silver, Metallic Blue and Light Pink.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Consumer Products, said “This is camera that fits right into a night out. So many slim cameras are marketed as the ‘ultimate party accessory’, yet they amount to little more than electronic jewellery, unable to cope in the dark world of indoor, sociable photography. The FinePix Z3 Zoom is the ideal blend between a very serious low-light picture-taking tool and head-turning design.”

FinePix Z3 Zoom specifications

Additional images