Pre-PMA 2004: Fujifilm has today announced the new entry level FinePix A330 and A340 Zoom digital cameras. These two compact cameras both have a protective sliding cover which doubles as the power switch and a three times optical zoom lens. The A330 has a three megapixel standard CCD and the A340 a four megapixel standard CCD. We say 'standard' because these two digital cameras don't utilize Fujifilm's SuperCCD sensors.

Press Releases (Fuijfilm UK):

Fujifilm announces the FinePix A330 Zoom:
slim, smart, but straightforward

Stylish 'point-and-shoot' digital camera designed to include the non-computer user

5 February 2004 - Fujifilm today announces the arrival of the FinePix A330 Zoom, a slim, attractive and easy-to-use digital camera that makes top-quality photography available to all - even those without a PC.

With 3.2 million effective pixels and precision Fujinon optics, the FinePix A330 Zoom produces high-resolution pictures with sharp detail and brilliant colours - ideal for printing enlargements up to 8x10 inches for framing or family photo albums.

With the FinePix A330 Zoom, those new to digital photography need not worry about complicated features or functions. With its fully automatic operation, the camera controls every setting, including focus, exposure and white balance, ensuring that pictures are clear and vibrant every time. Using its 3x optical zoom and 1.6x digital zoom, the FinePix A330 Zoom makes it simple to capture subjects without fuss or error - well-exposed, well-focused and with excellent colour balance. The camera's powerful macro mode also enables users to achieve close-ups at up to 10cm.

For users who like to share their photos with family and friends, the FinePix A330 Zoom provides a convenient Video Out socket, connecting the camera easily to a TV for viewing on-screen. This versatile model also offers PictBridge compatibility, allowing direct printing from the camera without the need to connect up to a PC or Mac. Alternatively, high quality photos can be printed from the FinePix A330 Zoom's xD-Picture Card™ at any high street photographic retailer.

Entry-level digital cameras can often compromise on speed and power efficiency. Not so with the FinePix A330 Zoom, which offers fast operation times and reduced power consumption. And there's no need to worry about batteries running down when out and about, as the FinePix A330 Zoom takes an average of 250 images per set of AA alkaline batteries.* Furthermore, rechargeable NiMH batteries can be úsed, providing up to 100 additional shots before recharging is required.

* Pictures taken with LCD screen off, and flash on for half of the pictures taken

FinePix A330 Zoom: features at a glance

  • 3.2 million effective pixels
  • Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38 - 114mm on a 35mm camera
  • One-touch, fully automatic operation, with easy navigation for beginners
  • Fast start-up time of 3.3 seconds
  • Highly efficient energy consumption: uses 2 x AA-type alkaline batteries (or rechargeable batteries)
  • Movie recording capability up to 60 seconds (320 x 240 pixels, 10 frames per second)
  • Video out for connection to a TV (NTSC/PAL)
  • Self-timer
  • USB digital interface
  • PictBridge compatible, for direct PC-free printing
  • Clear 1.5" LCD display
  • xD-Picture Card ™ compatible (currently available up to 512MB)
  • Optional PictureCradle for easy link to any PC/Mac if required

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Consumer Products, commented, "With the digital camera market booming, Fujifilm has met the needs of the photographer at the entry-level. With the FinePix A330 Zoom, we have created a camera that offers high quality images at the touch of a button - a camera that is accessible for all the family to enjoy, with or without a computer."

Availability & pricing

The FinePix A330 Zoom will be available in the UK from leading photographic retailers in March 2004. Pricing is yet to be decided.

FinePix A340 Zoom: Fujifilm goes for four

Stylish compact camera offers great value and impressive features with four megapixel resolution

5 February 2004 - Fujifilm today launches the FinePix A340 Zoom, a camera that marries Fujifilm's entry-level compact expertise with four megapixel resolution. The FinePix A340 Zoom represents extremely good news for those new to digital photography: high performance, sleek styling and complexity kept to a minimum.

The FinePix A340 Zoom has been developed with no-nonsense, enjoyable digital photography in mind. Offering 4 million effective pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a sturdy but stylish body, this camera forms a reliable base for shots that will satisfy every time.

Hugely efficient and simple to use, the FinePix A340 Zoom offers the user fully-automated settings to ensure sharp detail, faithful colour reproduction and accurate exposure. This, combined with low power consumption (operating on standard AA batteries) and compatibility with xD-Picture Card™ format (available up to 512 MB), makes the FinePix A340 Zoom an ideal option for newcomers who want a smooth transition into the world of digital photography.

In its quest for usability, the FinePix A340 Zoom offers every function to make image capture and viewing as simple as possible. Each of the camera's functions can be accessed via one-touch buttons positioned neatly alongside its 1.5" LCD monitor, and its Video Out socket enables users to view their images directly on a TV screen.

To ensure that successful images are always achieved, even in difficult photographic conditions, the FinePix A340 Zoom offers quick access to scene position modes including Portrait, Night, Sports and Landscape.

The camera is also compatible with PictBridge, the new industry standard for printing images directly from a digital camera without using a PC, making the print process simpler and more efficient than ever. Alternatively, users can take their xD-Picture Card™ into any photographic retailer offering digital photo printing and receive high quality, durable prints for framing or sharing.

FinePix A340 Zoom: features at a glance

  • 4.0 million effective pixels
  • Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38 - 114mm on a 35mm camera
  • One-touch, fully automatic operation, with easy navigation for beginners
  • Fast start-up time of 3.3 seconds
  • Highly efficient energy consumption: uses 2 x AA-type alkaline batteries (or rechargeable batteries)
  • Movie recording capability up to 60 seconds (320 x 240 pixels) at 10 frames per second
  • Video out for connection to a TV (NTSC/PAL)
  • Self-timer
  • USB digital interface
  • PictBridge compatible, for direct PC-free printing
  • Clear 1.5" LCD display
  • xD-Picture Card ™ compatible (currently available up to 512MB)
  • Optional PictureCradle for easy link to any PC/Mac if required

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Consumer Products, commented, "Fujifilm was making first-rate compact film cameras many years before digital imaging took off. Having proven our expertise with sensor and image processing, it would be fair to say that the FinePix A340 Zoom is a great example of how both areas have come together to create a highly desirable, affordable camera that will produce great photos for everyone."

Long lasting battery life

The FinePix A340 Zoom has been specifically developed to reduce power consumption. The two AA alkaline batteries supplied with the camera deliver an impressive 220 shots under normal conditions.* Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are also available as part of the Fujifilm accessories range for even better battery economy, providing approximately 110 additional images before charging is necessary.

* Pictures taken with LCD screen off, and flash on for half of the pictures taken

Availability & pricing

The FinePix A340 Zoom will be available in the UK from leading photographic retailers in April 2004. Pricing is yet to be decided.

Fujifilm FinePix A330 and A340 Zoom specifications

 
Fujifilm FinePix A330 Zoom
Fujifilm FinePix A340 Zoom
Sensor 1/2.7" Type CCD
3.34 million pixels total		 1/2.7" Type CCD
4.23 million pixels total
Effective pixels 3.2 million 4.0 million
Image sizes 2016 x 1512, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960
Movie clips 320 x 240; 10 fps, max 60 sec
160 x 120; 10 fps, max 240 sec
No audio
File formats JPEG (EXIF 2.2), AVI (Motion JPEG)
Lens 3x optical zoom, 38 - 114 mm equiv.
F2.8 - F4.8
Focus distance Normal: 60 cm - Infinity
Macro: 10 - 80 cm
Digital zoom 1.3x @ 1600 x 1200
1.6x @ 1280 x 960		 1.4x @ 1600 x 1200
1.7x @ 1280 x 960
Exposure modes Auto, Manual, Scene mode
Sensitivity ISO 100 equiv. (flash off)
Metering 64 zone TTL
Shutter speed 2 to 1/2000 sec
Aperture Wide: F2.8 / F5.6
Tele: F4.8 / F9.5
White balance Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent (Daylight, Warm White, Cool White), Incandescent
Viewfinder Optical (80% frame coverage)
LCD monitor 1.5" TFT LCD, 60,000 pixels (90% frame coverage)
Flash Built-In, range 3.5 m (wide angle)
Auto, Red-eye reduction, Forced, Surpressed, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction + Slow sync
Self timer 10 sec
Storage xD-Picture Card, 16 MB supplied
Connectivity Video Out, USB, DC-IN
Power 2 x AA (NiMH recommended), AC adapter
Dimensions 104 x 62 x 31 mm (4.1 x 2.4 x 1.2 in)
Weight (no batt) 145 g (5.1 oz)