NewsJuly 2005

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Fujifilm FinePix S9000 / S9500 Zoom

Fujifilm has today announced what it sees as competition to entry level DSLRs with the 9 million pixel FinePix S9000 Zoom (US) S9500 Zoom (Europe). It features a 10.7x optical zoom (28-300mm) (with no image stabilization), ISO from 80 to 1600, twist-barrel zoom control, a tiltable 1.8-inch LCD, plus a 640 x 480 movie mode. Fujifilm sees the S9000 Zoom as the point where compact and DSLRs meet as it offers the resolution and control of an SLR, while at the same time offering functions associated with a compact camera. Other features include a real time histogram, xD-Picture Card, CompactFlash and Microdrive compatibility, hotshoe and RAW format. The S9000 Zoom will be available in August at a priced to be confirmed.

• European name: Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom

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Press Release:

Fujifilm FinePix S9000 Zoom: DSLR approach, with a flexible attitude

Fujifilm’s new ‘bridge’ camera marries high end image quality with a lens so good, you’ll be glad it’s not removable

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix S9000 Zoom, a new model that marks the point where compact digital cameras and digital SLRs meet. Aimed at amateur and enthusiast photographers, the FinePix S9000 Zoom features resolution good enough to challenge entry-level digital SLRs. It combines this with a range of features that enable a level of photographic flexibility more often associated with compact digital cameras.

The FinePix S9000 Zoom features Fujifilm’s brand new 5th generation Super CCD sensor, and offers an image size of nine megapixels. Recognising that image quality is determined by more than just pixel count, the inclusion of Fujifilm’s Real Photo Technology gives the FinePix S9000 Zoom a true advantage. It has a class-leading sensitivity range of ISO 80 - ISO 1600, which reduces the need for reliance on image stabilisation. The ISO range means that sharp, focused images can be achieved in all light conditions – from bright sunny days to night-time shots – without the use of a flash. Fast shutter speeds not only lessen the effect of blurring from camera shake, but subject movement, too.

The camera incorporates a 28-300mm (equivalent on a 35mm camera) Fujinon zoom lens with twist-barrel zoom control. This is a zoom range that encompasses all the major focal lengths, and the manual zoom control enables the photographer to make precision adjustments. Furthermore, because the lens and body on the FinePix S9000 Zoom are built as a closed unit, it eliminates the possibility of dust on the lens and CCD – a serious problem when removing lenses on a digital SLR.

A new tilting LCD screen on the camera means that it is possible to view images at awkward angles, such as close to the ground or above the head. Unlike digital SLRs, the LCD can also be used to compose images, which means even more convenience for the photographer.

In addition, the camera features a 30-frames-per-second movie mode with manual zoom capability, giving high quality moving images with sound – a function that cannot be integrated into traditional digital SLRs due to the physical design of the cameras.

With a 0.8 second start-up time, and just 0.01 second shutter lag, the FinePix S9000 Zoom will give users a near-instant response so that spontaneous shots and unexpected action need never be missed. The camera also incorporates RAW mode, for uncompressed and unprocessed image quality. A hotshoe attachment and PC sync terminal for external flash make it a camera that’s as happy in the studio as it is out and about.

FinePix S9000 Zoom features at a glance:

• New Fujifilm Super CCD sensor with 9.0 million effective pixels
• New 28-300mm (10.7x) Fujinon zoom lens with manual twist-barrel zoom control
• Class-leading sensitivity setting of ISO 1600 for photography in low light conditions
• Low sensitivity of ISO 80 for ultra-high quality photography
• 1.8” tilting LCD screen for easy high and low angle shooting
• Ultra-fast response times (0.01 second shutter lag and 0.8 second start-up)
• Real-time histogram to assist exposure settings before shooting
• Highlight Warning feature for displaying highlight areas in playback
• VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with zoom capability and sound
• Closed unit design to eliminate dust accumulation on the CCD
• Hotshoe and PC sync terminal
• RAW format shooting for uncompressed and unprocessed images
• xD-Picture Card™ providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption and fast write speeds (16MB to 1GB capacities currently available)

Adrian Clarke, Director of Photo Products, Fujifilm, said, “Enthusiast photographers are drawn towards digital SLRs because of the image quality they offer. Certainly, a digital SLR is the definitive tool for professional photographers wishing to take stills photography. However, as DSLRs are specialist cameras, they inevitably offer less flexibility when it comes to everyday photography. We’ve introduced the FinePix S9000 Zoom to add a credible alternative for consumers considering an entry-level DSLR.

“Photography enthusiasts will be delighted by the image quality produced by the new Fujifilm-designed sensor and the 10.7x zoom capability. Usually, with an optical range like this, you’d also be dealing with detachable lenses and the problem of dust, which is incredibly tricky to deal with. The FinePix S9000 Zoom’s closed unit eliminates this problem.

“At the same time, the camera offers a freedom of functions more usually associated with a compact digital camera, such as a tilting LCD screen that can be used to compose images, and a high quality movie mode. Our aim was to design a camera that gives the best of both worlds, and the S9000 Zoom truly delivers.”

Availability & pricing
The FinePix S9000 Zoom will be available from UK retailers in August 2005. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.*

Fujifilm FinePix S9000 Zoom specifications

Sensor	• 1/1.6" Type CCD • 9.2 million pixels total • 9.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3488 x 2616 • 3696 x 2464 (3:2) • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30 fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 fps • With monaural sound
File formats	• Still: JPEG/RAW • Movie: AVI Motion JPEG
Lens	• 28 - 300 mm (35 mm equiv) 10.7x optical zoom • F 2.8 - 4.9
Digital zoom	Up to x
Focus	• Auto • Continuous • Manual
AF area modes	• TTL contrast type • AF frame selection • AF center • AF multi • AF area
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 50 cm to infinity (high speed shooting 2m to infinity) (W) 2m to infinity (in high-speed shooting mode 4m to infinity) (T) • Macro: 3 - 10 cm (W) 3 - 90 cm (T) • Telemacro: 1 cm to 1 m
Metering	• TTL 256-zone metering Multi • Spot • Average
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Exposure compensation	• +/- 2EV • 1/3 steps
Shutter speed	30 - 1/4000 th sec
Aperture	F 2.8 - 11
Modes	• Aperture priority • Shutter priority • Manual
Scene modes	• Auto • Anti blur • Natural light • Night • Portrait • Landscape
White balance	• Auto • Fine • Shade • Fluorescent (daylight) • Fluorescent (warm white) • Fluorescent (cool white) • Incandescent/Custom (x2)
Self timer	2 or 10 secs
Continuous shooting	Yes
Image parameters	B/W, Chrome, Standard
Flash	• Built-in pop-up • Mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro., Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro • Range: 30cm – 5.6m (W) 60cm – 3m (T) • Hotshoe or synchronizing terminal
Viewfinder	• EVF • 235,000 pixels
LCD monitor	• 1.8" TFT LCD • 118,000 pixels
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 • AV out • DC in
Print compliance	• PictBridge • DPOF
Storage	• xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash/Microdrive • 16 MB card supplied
Power	• 4x AA battery alkalkine or NiMH • Charger optional
Weight (no batt)	645 g (22..8 oz)
Dimensions	128 x 93 x 129 mm (5 x 3.6 x 5 in)

Additional images