New 2.3 Million Pixel MX-2900 Sports 3x Optical Zoom, Adaptable Lens and Flash Features Building upon its prior digital imaging success stories, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., announced today its latest innovation in digital camera performance and design -- the Fujifilm MX-2900, a new double mega-pixel model featuring a 2.3 million pixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens.

(don't miss the first article - detailed specifications)

Fuji MX2900 (click for larger image)
(I hate to say it but is that a good looking camera, or WHAT?)

Designed with advanced amateur shutterbugs in mind, the MX-2900 digital camera melds the traditional look and feel of a 35mm SLR camera with the high-quality image capture capabilities of the MX-2700, Fujifilm's first consumer digital camera with more than two million pixels. With an increased focus on several progressive photographic features, such as a hot shoe mounting for an external flash along with optional 43mm filter and 28mm wide angle attachments, Fujifilm has answered the call for a consumer model with greater image capture controls.

To compose professional looking shots, the full-featured MX-2900 gives the user the power to adjust shutter speeds and select aperture settings, while the camera's manual mode allows for the examination of photography settings before the shot is recorded. In this mode, photographers can specify the settings for the white balance, exposure compensation, manual exposure, flash brightness adjustment, light metering mode and continuous shooting.

The Aperture-Priority AE mode can be accessed to emphasize subjects with either F3.3 or F5.0 aperture at the wide angle setting. The Slow Synchro mode of the MX-2900 combines use of the flash with a slow shutter speed to allow shots that beautifully capture both the foreground subject and an evening backdrop.

Another way to frame pictures is through the camera's Metering Mode, which allows photographers to control the light metering through the use of the dial mode. By selecting these controls - AVERAGE: an average value for the entire image is used; SPOT: where the exposure is optimized for the center of the image; and MULTI: where the camera automatically assesses the scene and selects the optimum exposure - the desired image focus is achieved. All of these features contribute to the production of clear, colorful images.

"We've taken some of the most popular features from both our MX-2700 and MX-600 digital cameras and combined them to form the MX-2900, our most complete consumer camera to date," said Darin Pepple, Product Manager, Consumer Markets, Digital Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "Designed to bring together all the photographic elements a shutterbug could want in a digital camera, the MX-2900 will rival any camera on the market in terms of performance, features and styling."

Sporting a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to a 35-105 mm lens on a 35 mm camera plus a 2.5x digital telephoto mode, the MX-2900 packs an impressive 2.3 million-pixel CCD sensor that captures high-resolution 1,800 x 1,200 images rich in color and clarity. Depending on the image compression selected: fine, normal, or basic, the MX-2900 can record 8, 17 and up to 35 JPEG images respectively or a 4.32MB uncompressed TIFF image on a bundled 8MB SmartMedia(TM) card.

Equipped with both a precision, 2-inch polysilicon color LCD monitor with 130,000 pixels and an optical viewfinder with a diopter (a great feature for those with corrective eyewear), the MX-2900, with its built-in flash, is ideal for indoor and outdoor image capture and viewing. In addition, a Manual Mode allows users to adjust the white balance settings, and select the exposure compensation. For added versatility, the camera features automatic playback, and a zoom mode so users can zero in on areas within the picture, and with the multi-frame playback can view 9 images all at once on the LCD.

Designed for long-lasting use, the MX-2900 uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can take up to 250 shots when the liquid crystal display is turned off, and 100 shots when it is turned on. For computer connection, the camera comes equipped with video output and serial ports. For even faster computer access to digital images, an optional SmartMedia card reader transfers files through a USB port at up to 12Mb/second. Serial cables and data transfer software, such as floppy disk and PC card adapters, are also available.

The rechargeable lithium ion battery is environmentally friendly as well as economical. An AC Adapter is included to recharge the long-life battery while it is in the camera. An optional Quick Charger is also available to ensure the MX-2900 will be ready for the next opportunity. Sporting a high-grade, high tech-looking magnesium alloy body, the MX-2900 weighs 12 ounces and measures 5.1 (w) x 2.35 (h) x 2.7 (D) inches. The Fujifilm MX-2900 Digital Camera will be available in August 1999 and will carry a suggested retail price of $899.00.

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