NewsJanuary 2007

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Fujifilm FinePix A610 & A800

Pre-CES 2007: Fujifilm has also announced a couple of additions to its entry-level 'A' series range. The A610 and A800 (6.3MP and 8.3MP respectively) are notable mainly for being the first A series cameras to sport Super CCD HR sensors and Real Photo processors. Like the F40fd (see above) both cameras have dual media slots (for xD and SD cards). Is this the beginning of the end for xD-Picture card?

Press Release:

FinePix A800 and A610 strengthen Fujifilm’s entry level A series

Super CCD HR and RP Processor featured together for the first time in FinePix A series

Fujifilm today announced two new additions to its entry-level A series, the FinePix A610 and FinePix A800. In a first for Fujifilm’s A series, both cameras feature the company’s proprietary Super CCD HR sensor and RP (Real Photo) Processor together, making it possible to capture sharp images and more detail, with less noise. Fujifilm’s ‘Real Photo Technology’ cameras combine lens, CCD and processor, optimised to work together for best results.

In another first for Fujifilm’s FinePix cameras, both models feature a dual memory card slot, which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Card™ but also the popular Secure Digital (SD) card format.

Fujifilm’s A series cameras are easy to use, with an intuitive button layout and straightforward access menus. They are a good investment for families who want a reliable, affordable take-anywhere camera that everyone can use, which captures great photos with minimum fuss.

The FinePix A800 features 8.3 megapixels, selectable sensitivity up to ISO 800 and a 3x optical zoom, whilst the FinePix A610 couples 6.1 megapixels and selectable sensitivity up to ISO 400 with a 3x optical zoom.

Users will immediately appreciate the benefits of Fujifilm’s Super CCD sensor. The increased surface area means it is more sensitive to light, enabling faster shutter speeds to help reduce image blur and the need for flash when taking photos in lower light. When extra illumination is required, Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system analyses the subject and sets power output accordingly. This overcomes the traditional problem of flooding the foreground with harsh light, leaving subjects in the frame looking ‘ghostly’ and the background in darkness.

Multiple scene modes make it possible for everyone to take first-rate photos in a range of situations. The new Baby mode is ideal for parents, ensuring babies’ skin tones are reproduced naturally. Sports mode means action shots will suffer from less blur. The FinePix A800 also features a newly designed mode dial, so that users can quickly select scene position modes using just their thumb.

Framing and reviewing photographs is made easy thanks to a large 2.5” LCD monitor, with an anti-reflective coating to prevent glare when shooting in bright daylight.

Both cameras are powered by two AA-size batteries.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said: “These cameras significantly bolster Fujifilm’s A series, and for the first time, introduce technology from our higher-end cameras to our entry level models, demonstrating our commitment to first time users. The FinePix A610 and FinePix A800 are very affordable cameras, offering reliability, ease of use and great results, ideal for anyone starting out in digital photography.”

FinePix A610 features at a glance

• 6.3-megapixel
• High-performance Super CCD
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor
• Selectable sensitivity up to ISO 400
• 10MB internal memory permits shooting without a media card
• Power source 2x AA-size alkaline (included)/2x AA-size Ni-MH (optional) and AC Power Adapter AC-3VX (optional)
• QVGA movie capture of 30 frames per second (without sound)
• 14 selectable scene positions

FinePix A800 features at a glance

• 8.3-megapixel
• High-performance Super CCD
• 3x optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor
• Selectable sensitivity up to ISO 800
• 10MB internal memory permits shooting without a media card
• Power source 2x AA-size alkaline (included)/ 2x AA-size Ni-MH(Optional) and AC Power Adapter AC-3VX(Optional)
• QVGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with Monaural sound (AVI format)
• 14 selectable scene positions

The FinePix A610 and FinePix A800 will be available from late February 2007. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.

For information about Fujifilm and its products, please visit: www.fujifilm.co.uk

Fujifilm FinePix A610 / A800 specifications

	FinePix A800	FinePix A610
Sensor	• 1/1.6 " Type Super CCD HR • 8.3 million effective pixels	• 1/2.5 " Type Super CCD HR • 6.3 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3296 x 2472 • 3504 x 2336 (3:2 format) • 2304 x 1728 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480	• 2848 x 2136 • 3024 x 2016 (3:2) • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 320 X 240 pixels, 30 frames/sec. • With monaural sound, AVI format (Motion JPEG)	• 320 X 240 pixels, 30 frames/sec. • No sound
File formats	JPEG
Lens	• Fujinon 3.0 X zoom lens F2.8-5.1 • Equivalent to 36 - 108mm	• Fujinon 3.0 X zoom lens F3-5.4 • Equivalent to 39-117mm
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Focus	Auto Focus
AF area modes	Centre
AF assist lamp	n/a
Focus distance	• Normal: 50cm (1.6 ft.) to infinity • Macro: Wide Angle: 10cm (3.9 in.) to 80cm (2.6 ft.), Telephoto: 35cm (1.1 ft.) to 80cm (2.6 ft.)	• Normal: 60cm (2.0 ft.) to Infinity • Macro: Wide Angle: 10cm (3.9 in.) to 80cm (2.6 ft.) Telephoto: 35cm (1.1 ft.) to 80cm (2.6 ft.)
Metering	• 256-zone TTL metering
ISO sensitivity	• AUTO • 100/200/400/800	• AUTO • 100/200/400
Exposure compensation	Yes
Exposure bracketing	No
Shuttter speed	4 sec. to 1 / 1600 sec. ( depending on the shooting mode)	4 sec. to 1 / 1500 sec. ( depending on the shooting mode)
Modes	Auto, Baby, Anti-Blur, Red-eye reduction, Digital zoom, Portrait, SP(Scene Position)	Auto & Scene
Scene modes	Baby mode, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Sunset, Underwater, Flower, Party, Museum, Text
White balance	Automatic scene recognition Preset (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light)
White balance fine tune	no
Self timer	n/a
Continuous shooting	No
Image parameters	None
Flash	• Auto flash • Flash mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro. Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro.
Flash Range (auto ISO)	• Wide angle (0.5 -3.8m/1.6 -12.5ft.) • Telephoto (0.6-2.0m/2.0-6.6ft) • Macro (0.3-0.8m/1.0-2.6ft)	• Wide angle (0.5 -3.5m/1.6 -11.5ft.) • Telephoto (0.6-1.9m/2.0-6.2ft) • Macro (0.3-0.8m/1.0-2.6ft)
Viewfinder	no
LCD monitor	2.5 inches, 115,000 pixels, Amorphous silicon TFT colour LCD monitor, approx. 100% coverage
Connectivity	USB 2.0 High-Speed
Print compliance	DPOF
Storage	• Internal memory (approx. 10MB) • xD-Picture Card (16MB - 2 GB) • SD Card • No card supplied
Power	• 2xAA battery • Mains adaptor (optional)
Other features	Optional Waterproof case WP-FXA800
Weight (no batt)	Approx.151 g/5.3 oz.	Approx.145 g/5.1 oz
Dimensions	97.5 x 61.9 x 31.0mm (3.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 in)