Fujifilm extends range to include FinePix S8500, S8300 and S8200 superzooms

Fujifilm has launched three mid-range superzoom cameras - the 46x S8500, the 42x S8300 and the 40x S8200, all based around otherwise similar specifications. The Europe-only S8500 offers a 24-1104mm equivalent range, while the North America-only S8300 has to make do with a 24-1008mm equivalent range. Meanwhile the S8200, available in all territories, gets a 24-960mm equiv zoom. All three models share a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and 460k dot rear screen.

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Press Release:

FUJIFILM announces new long zoom S-series all-in-one bridge cameras that give consumers maximum versatility and performance

Fujifilm FinePix S8200

New S-Series cameras combine long zooms, fast autofocus speeds and powerful features for step-up photography consumers   

Valhalla, N.Y., January 7, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation announces its newest S-Series all-in-one bridge cameras, highly-regarded for their precision FUJINON lenses and simple, compact designs. The new cameras also feature improved CMOS sensors, advanced processing power and amazing optics to give consumers a great selection of long zoom, yet easy to use digital cameras.

The new S-Series collection features two models – the S8200 and S8300 that each boast fast apertures of F2.9 to F6.5, an amazing Optical Image Stabilization system for excellent blur reduction, and genuine FUJINON long zoom lenses with 40x optical (S8200) and 42x optical (S8300) zoom options.
 
“The new FinePix S-Series long zoom bridge cameras have an all-in-one compact design and deliver extraordinary performance and high resolution image quality that all photography enthusiasts and step-up consumers can appreciate” said David Troy, director of marketing, Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “These cameras strike the perfect balance between advanced performance, ease of use and the ability to capture remarkable images at amazing distances – perfect for every family event.”

Powerful Optical Zoom and Potent Optical Image Stabilization
The FinePix S-Series offers the following wide range of focal lengths for maximum versatility:

• FinePix S8200 - 40x zoom (24-960mm)
• FinePix S8300 - 42x zoom (24-1,008mm)

The FinePix S-Series each use a superb FUJINON lens that consist of 17 elements in 12 groups, and combine aspherical and ED elements that help to reduce aberrations and promote a superior level of image quality. Each of these new bridge cameras are also capable of a Super Macro mode for users to get as close as 0.39” from a subject for great close-up shots.

Fast Autofocus and Quick Response Times
The S-Series cameras each have an impressive 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor that captures excellent quality, low noise shots at sensitivities as high as ISO 12800. With autofocus speeds of 0.3 seconds*1, start-up times of 1.0 seconds*2, a 0.5 seconds*2 interval between shots and a continuous shooting speed of 10fps (max 10 frames at full resolution)*2, users can feel confident about capturing a fast-action shot. And with their ultra-high-speed shooting of up to 60fps (max 60 frames, image size 1280 × 960) and up to 120fps (max 60 frames, image size 640 × 480), the S-Series lets users capture the action in slow-motion for advanced photography.

Easy to Use
The S-Series cameras have an easy to use Mode Dial for shooting selection, dual zoom control for speed and precision zooming, and a bright 3.0” LCD screen (460K-dot) and electronic view finder (EVF) with 200K-dot resolution for easy viewing and image framing.

Full HD movie 1080i/60fps with Stereo Sound
The FinePix S-Series make movie recording as easy as taking pictures using the dedicated movie button to start recording instantly. The high resolution, 1080i movie capture at 60fps with stereo sound and slow-motion capture at 480fps*2 is superb when played back on HDTV screens, and users can even take still photos during video recording. The FinePix S-Series also adds a number of in-camera movie editing features including “movie trimming” and “movie join.”

Artistic shooting effects
The FinePix S-Series uses advanced in-camera filters that bring creative photography to life. The S-Series artistic effects include:

• Pop color – emphasizes contrast and color saturation
• Toy camera – create shaded borders as if you were taking a photo on a toy camera
• Miniature effect*4   – blurs the top and bottom of the frame for a diorama effect
• Partial color – retain one selected original color and change the rest of the photo to black and white
• Cross screen*4   – creates starbursts around bright objects
• Soft Focus – create a look that is evenly soft throughout the whole image

FinePix S-Series key features:

• FUJINON super zoom Lens (24mm wide-angle, fast apertures of F2.9 to F6.5)
• 1/2.3inch 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor
• Autofocus speed of 0.3 second*1 in fastest conditions
• Continuous shooting; 10fps (max 10frames, full resolution), 60fps (max 60 frames, image size 1280 × 960) ,120fps (max 60 frames, image size 640 × 480)
• Start-up time of 1.0 second
• Shooting interval time of 0.5 second
• Full HD movie 1080i/60 fps with stereo sound and slow-motion capture at 480fps*3  
• Bright 3.0” LCD screen (460K-dot)
• Electronic viewfinder (200K-dot)
• Super Macro to 0.39”
• Manual exposure control (P/S/A/M modes)
• Dual zoom control
• Advanced Filters
• Instant zoom and Zoom Bracketing
• 4×AA alkaline batteries with approximately 300 shot battery life

*1 35mm format equivalent
*2 FUJIFILM research based on CIPA standards
*3 High Speed Movie can be recorded at the following speeds and sizes: 480fps (320 x 120 pixels), 240fps (320 x 240 pixels), 120fps (640 x 480 pixels)
*4 Only in post shooting view

Pricing and Availability
The FinePix S-Series will be available March 2013 at the price of $299.95 (S8200) and $309.95 (S8300).

Fujifilm FinePix S8500, S8300 and S8200 specifications

Additional images

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Comments

Total comments: 13

By Francis Carver (5 months ago)

Wait a bloody minute -- the lens's aperture setting is variable throughout the zooming range, and the iris opens up only to F6.5 in the tele end? Wow, why not make it a constant F8 lens from one and to the other, and be done with it, Fuji?

0 upvotes

By stevens37y (5 months ago)

Why would they do?
Variable aperture is a normal way of making zooms.

0 upvotes

By stevens37y (5 months ago)

SLnnn - lithium motor zoom
Snnnn - AA motor zoom
HS - EXMOR manual zoom

I think

1 upvote

By Timmbits (5 months ago)

I will stick with the X-S1 and it's 2/3" sensor... that is the smallest I am willing to go.

1 upvote

By N22515 (5 months ago)

ok.

1 upvote

By Francis Carver (5 months ago)

X-S1, after its disastrous debut, will probably be one Fuji model that will not have a designated successor. But their brand new top-level models are stunning (not these here, but the other 2 or 3).

0 upvotes

By peevee1 (5 months ago)

I like how different the lenses are:
24 – 1004 mm 24 – 1008 mm 24 – 960 mm
And of course 24-1000 in HS50 and 24-1200 in SL1000 etc etc etc.

REALLY important to have all 3 million options. For the picky few who would never be satisfied with 1004, but 1008 is just right.
Prices too. US: $309.95 US: $299.95
Yeah. Those 10 bucks will make or break the sale.

Somebody has too many engineers in superzoom department, and not enough making XF lenses.

0 upvotes

By stevens37y (5 months ago)

Lens quality classes.

They make a lot of lenses
the best go into the 8500
the worst into the 8200

0 upvotes

By peevee1 (5 months ago)

Well, now Panasonic officially has S, SL, HS and X-S lines of superzooms. Sheesh.

0 upvotes

By Francis Carver (5 months ago)

No, they do not. But then again, maybe you had mean to say "FUJIFILM?"

0 upvotes

By mpgxsvcd (5 months ago)

It looks like a DSLR without the larger sensor and better lens. What is the point?

1 upvote

By AntonyJ (5 months ago)

Most oridinary people only view their images on their ipads or print at 6x4. Most won't notice the difference in quality between a decent bridge camera and a DSLR, and they probably don't want to carry and change the lenses that come close to the range of this all in one, especially on vacations etc. They have their place in the market. These superzoom bridge cameras sell on their specs and a 24-1000+ lens is a big selling point against their competitors (including low end DSLRs which all cost a lot more than this).

1 upvote

By Francis Carver (5 months ago)

Sorry, but these Fuji models here definitely do not even look like DSLRs to me.

0 upvotes

Total comments: 13