Pre-PMA 2005: Fujifilm has today announced the 5.1 million pixel FinePix Z1, their first camera to use folded optical lens technology first used by Pentax and Konica Minolta. The super slim aluminum-cased Z1 is powered up by a sliding lens cover that is the size of the camera. It also boasts a 2.5-inch LCD with toughened glass, ISO up to 800 and VGA-quality movies. The FinePix Z1 will be available worldwide in June.
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Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom: a body for the catwalk with a spec for the studio
Five megapixel power in a pocketable, ultra-cool body
Fujifilm today announced the launch of its new FinePix Z1 Zoom, a super-slim compact digital camera that boasts 5.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a mammoth 2.5 inch LCD monitor, inside an aluminium body barely bigger than a credit card.
The FinePix Z1 Zoom showcases a variety of Fujifilm’s inventive construction techniques that help the camera achieve its sleek, seamless casing and miniature dimensions. The zoom lens has a special refractive, non-extending design that delivers 3x optical reach without any visible movement on the Z1 Zoom’s flat exterior.
The pocket-sized FinePix Z1 Zoom houses a fifth generation version of Fujifilm’s Super CCD HR sensor, delivering superb images even in low light conditions, making it the ideal pocket companion for concerts or nights out. Its five megapixel processing power and low noise ISO 64-800 sensitivity range also means that large reprints can be developed without loss of image clarity or detail.
With its ergonomic, single-shell casing available in several colours, the FinePix Z1 Zoom promises to appeal to those with an eye for beautiful design. Simply slide back the front panel, and the camera lights up with Fujifilm’s logo in crisp, white light. More importantly, the camera is powered up and ready for action in a super-fast 0.6 seconds.
Despite its diminutive build, the FinePix Z1 Zoom sports a huge 2.5 inch LCD screen that is the largest in the Fujifilm range, making it ideal for viewing and editing images while out and about. Importantly for this type of ‘take-everywhere’ camera, the glass screen is also specially toughened, which makes it more than a match for the harsh environment of the pocket or handbag.
Remarkably for a camera of these dimensions, the FinePix Z1 Zoom also includes a TV-quality movie function, capable of capturing 30 frames per second, VGA video with sound. Furthermore, the large LCD screen makes it easy to view movies and share the action without needing to use a TV screen.
FinePix Z1 Zoom features at a glance:
- Super CCD HR sensor delivering 5.1 million effective pixels
- New non-extending refractive optical zoom lens with 3x optical zoom
- Unique aluminium shell design body with sliding power-on function
- 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass
- Sensitivity range of ISO 64-800 for low-noise photography in all conditions
- TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
- PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC
Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said, “The FinePix Z1 Zoom is a design rarity that will satisfy those with a penchant for style. Yet it’s also equipped with enough photographic versatility and quality to satisfy off-duty enthusiast photographers. This is the supermodel of digital cameras!”
0500 GMT
The FinePix Z1 Zoom will be available from UK retailers in April 2005. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.*
Fuji FinePix Z1 specifications
| Sensor | • 1/2.5" Super CCD HR |
|---|---|
| Image sizes | • 2736 x 1824 (3:2 ratio) • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 |
| Movie clips | • 320 x 240 @ 30 fps • 640 x 480 @ 30 fps |
| File formats | • Still: JPEG |
| Lens | • 36 - 108 mm (35 mm equiv) 3x optical zoom • F 3.5 - 4.2 |
| Digital zoom | Up to 5.7x |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Focus distance | • Normal: 60cm to infinity • Macro: 8cm (W) / approx. 45cm (T) |
| Metering | 64-zone TTL metering |
| ISO sensitivity | • Auto • ISO 64 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 (in SP mode only) |
| Shutter speed | 3 - 1/1000 sec (TBC) |
| Aperture | F 3.5 - 4.2 |
| Scene modes | • Natural Light • Sports • Night Scene • Portrait • Landscape |
| White balance | • Automatic • Fine • Shade • Fluorescent Light (Daylight) • Fluorescent Light (Warm White) • Fluorescent Light (Cool White) • Incandescent Light |
| Self timer | 2 or 10 secs |
| Image parameters | • B&W • Chrome • Standard |
| Flash | • Auto • Effective range: Wide angle approx. 0.3m – 3.0m Telephoto approx. 0.6m – 2.3m • Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro., Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro |
| Viewfinder | No |
| LCD monitor | • 2.5" TFT LCD • 115,000 pixels |
| Connectivity | • USB 1.1 and 2.0 • Power in • Video out (NTSC/PAL) |
| Print compliance | PictBridge |
| Storage | • xD-Picture Card • 16MB card included |
| Power | • NP-40 lithium ion battery • Charger and Picture Cradle included |
| Weight (no batt) | 130 g (4.6 oz) |
| Dimensions | 90 x 55x 19 mm (3.5 x 2.1 x 0.7 in) |
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