Pre-PMA 2002: As part of three new cameras announced today based on its third generation SuperCCD technology Fujifilm has revealed the FinePix F601 Zoom. This camera, as the sucessor to the popular 6800Z also features a 3.1 megapixel SuperCCD (although this time the new 'third generation') which produces a 6 megapixel image. There are a full set of manual controls, selectable ISO sensitivity and high speed continuous shooting at five frames per second.

Todays Fujifilm announcements: FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom, FinePix S2 Pro

Fujifilm UK press release:

The FinePix F601 Zoom: the ultimate combination of style, performance and ease of use

Click here for more pictures on the Japanese Site PC Watch

Form and function perfected in the latest addition to Fujifilm's signature series FinePix range

Fujifilm is pleased to announce the introduction of the FinePix F601 Zoom, the successor to the popular FinePix 6800 Zoom, one of the best selling cameras of 2001. In addition to an all-new design and 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor, the FinePix F601 Zoom boasts a wealth of new features that for the first time puts true photographic control into a stylish pocket-sized digital camera.

New features at a glance

• New 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor and advanced LSI algorithm (3.1 million effective
  pixels) producing class-leading 6.03 million recorded pixels (2,832 x 2,128)
• Full photographic control including full manual exposure, aperture & shutter priority, advanced focus and metering options
• Ultra-high sensitivity of 160-1600 ISO
• High-quality VGA movie capture at 15 frames per second with sound
• All-new stylish, ultra compact & lightweight design
• High speed shooting at up to 5 frames per second
• Powerful built-in flash
• New USB PictureCradle for fast and easy image download and battery recharge
• New easy-to-use Graphical User Interface
• High-definition 1.5 inch LCD monitor
  

3rd Generation Super CCD and advanced LSI for stunning image quality

At the heart of the FinePix F601 Zoom lies the 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor. Already renowned for its class-leading colour reproduction, high sensitivity and low noise, the latest incarnation of Fujifilm's unique technology offers significant improvements in sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO* - the highest ISO speed of any compact digital camera**) and even lower levels of noise. The higher sensitivity of the new Super CCD system brings with it several significant benefits, especially in challenging lighting situations. Users can now choose to shoot hand-held photographs without flash in situations that would be impossible with other digital cameras, even by candlelight. From atmospheric portraits to photography in theatres and museums (where flash is often banned) - or even at parties, where flash can be intrusive - the immense versatility offered by the ultra-high sensitivity reaps rich rewards for all photographers. Fujifilm has managed to overcome the most serious problem associated with higher sensitivity - that increasing sensitivity generally amplifies unwanted noise in the image. The the 3rd generation Super CCD system resolves this problem through the use of Fujifilm's new Noise Reduction Technology, which utilises a new LSI to process both the luminescence and chroma information from captured images before removing the noise element.

* In 1280 x 960 mode only ** As of January, 2002

As a result, the 3rd generation Super CCD system offers high sensitivity shooting while maintaining outstanding picture quality. Fujifilm has also newly developed a Pixel Data Coupling Technology that is applied by the new LSI to realise the higher sensitivities.
In addition, a new auto white balance algorithm guarantees perfect colour by incorporating focus distance information into the calculation, whilst a new digital signal processing system improves sharpness without increasing noise.

The 3rd generation Super CCD is not just a new CCD, but reflects a comprehensive improvement in overall image quality through consideration of the complete system, including the CCD and the new LSI featuring an advanced image-processing algorithm.

Powerful multimedia

The FinePix F601 Zoom has a greatly improved movie recording function and can record high quality VGA size (640 x 480 pixels) movies at 15 frames per second. The high sensitivity of the 3rd Generation Super CCD boosts low light movie capture significantly, meaning moving images are brighter and less noisy than competitive models. The FinePix F601 Zoom also can record up to 33 minutes of audio on a 16MB card and up to 272 minutes using a 128MB card and offers
30-second voice captioning capabilities. Use of the supplied USB PictureCradle also allows the camera to be used as a PC webcam for video conferencing.

High style, high specification

The FinePix F601 Zoom takes Fujifilm's signature upright styling - which has proved so popular in previous models, including the FinePix 6800 and 4800 Zoom cameras - to new heights. Ultra compact - yet offering excellent handling - the FinePix F601 Zoom is even more compact and portable than the FinePix 6800 Zoom. Like its predecessor, the FinePix F601 Zoom comes complete with a USB PictureCradle that charges the Lithium Ion battery and automatically transfers images from the SmartMedia card to the computer.

New to the FinePix F601 Zoom is the inclusion of a full range of photographic features, allowing the serious photographer to enjoy the portability of a stylish compact camera without compromising their desire for photographic control. Features of note include AF Area Focus, Manual Focus, Aperture and Shutter Priority Auto and Full Manual exposure. Of course not everyone wants to fiddle around with focus and exposure, so the FinePix F601 Zoom also features a fully automatic mode as well as four special scene modes (Portrait, Sports, Scene and Night Scene). A newly redesigned full colour Graphical User Interface (GUI) makes using the FinePix F601 Zoom's plethora of features child's play.

The Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens covers a range equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera - enhanced by a digital zoom of up to 4.4x - allowing photographers a great deal of shooting versatility.

"The FinePix F601 Zoom is the most highly specified ultra-compact digital camera we have ever produced," comments Michelle da Gama, Fujifilm's UK Digital Imaging Marketing Manager. "Never before has such a powerful set of features been available in such a small, stylish and easy to use package."

Complete out-of-the-box solution

The FinePix F601 Zoom is supplied with a full complement of accessories PictureCradle USB docking/recharging cradle, long life Lithium Ion battery, 16MB SmartMedia card, strap, lens cap, case and all necessary cables. The supplied software CD includes USB drivers, Fujifilm's FinePix Viewer for image browsing and corrections, DP Editor, and VideoImpression for movie editing.

Optional accessories include SmartMedia cards (4-128MB), Mains adapter, Memory card readers.

Availability and Pricing

The FinePix F601 Zoom will be available in April at under £600 inc VAT.

Fujifilm USA price: $599

Fujifilm FinePix F601 Zoom specifications