Megapixels galore as Fujifilm lets SuperCCD HR off the least

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3AM BST Three new cameras, a 12 megapixel output prosumer model, a 6 megapixel output mid-range model and a 2MP entry-level model.

The first two, the FinePix S7000 Zoom and the FinePix S5000 Zoom, respectively, use Fujifilm’s latest 4th-generation SuperCCD HR, however there is still no news of the SuperCCD SR-equipped FinePix F700 pre-announced back in February.

FinePix S7000 Zoom
(official press release & specs- click here)

If the S7000 looks familiar, that’s because it’s a revamped S602, now equipped with a 4th-generation 6MP (native) SuperCCD HR sensor in place of the S602’s 3rd-generation 3MP (native) SuperCCD. This raises maximum image output size from 6MP with the S602 to 12MP in the S7000. In theory, the S7000 should have better image quality than Fujifilm’s current flagship model, the S2 Pro DSLR. The S2 Pro has the same pixel counts but uses only 3rd generation SuperCCD silicon.

Other improvements include an upgrade from USB 1.1 to USB 2.0 for PC connection, the electronic viewfinder resolution improves by 28% from 180,000 pixels to 230,000 pixels and highest ISO sensitivity is extended from 400 to 800. The retro-style, but very handy, threaded cable release socket in the shutter release of the special edition S602 Pro has been retained in the S7000.

The S602 accepted both Compact Flash types I and II cards, including Microdrives, as well as SmartMedia cards. The S7000 remains dual format capable, but SmartMedia has, predictably, been retired in favour of the new Fujifilm/Olympus xD mini-card standard. A RAW file format mode for highest quality custom image manipulation is another new feature compared to the S602.

Apart from that the same 6x (35-210mm equivalent) Fujinon Super EBC zoom of the S602 is there again and the S602 Pro’s all-black finish is retained. You also get unlimited length movie clips of up to 640x480 resolution at 30fps.

You won’t be able get a S7000 until October and the price in the UK has yet to be finalised but the S602’s guide price is £730. Some US retailers are already advertising the S7000 at $800 and European outlets show prices around €725, making the probable UK street price in the region of £500, though you might have to add VAT to that, making it around £590.

FinePix S5000 Zoom
(official press release & specs - click here)

Unlike the other two new models announced today, the new FinePix S5000 Zoom looks like a substantially new design. This is a budget-priced camera with some big features, including a 10x optical zoom (37-370mm equivalent), 4th-generation 3MP SuperCCD HR sensor with optional 6MP output and an SLR look and feel. Preliminary US street pricing is around $500 and in Europe, €460 – putting the UK street price at roughly £360 inc.VAT, though final official guide pricing has not yet been decided on.

The cost cutting is evident in some obvious areas, like the electronic viewfinder. This only has 110,000 pixels, half the number of the new S7000 model also released today, memory card support is limited to xD cards and movie clip recording is limited to half quarter VGA (320x240) resolution.

However, that 10x lens, with a f/2.8 maximum aperture, looks useful and we have seen other impressive wide zoom range optics from Fujinon before, including the 8x lens used by HP in its Photosmart 850. Unusually for a camera in this sector, there is a RAW file image format option. Fastest shutter speed offered by the S5000 is a useful 1/2000th sec, but highest ISO setting in normal auto mode shooting conditions is just 200, though this rises to 400 if the integrated pop-up flash is used.

The FinePix S5000 continues in the tradition of the S304 (3800 model in the US) in providing a chunky, SLR-style body, long zoom lens digital camera at the lower end of the price scale. You should be able to see the S5000 in the shops in September.

FinePix A205S Zoom
(official press release & specs - click here)

The final member of today’s trio of new models is the FinePix A205S. This appears to be a direct replacement for the A204 model. While we can see some detail visual changes, the specifications of the two models look much the same: 2MP conventional CCD sensor, 3x zoom (though the new A205S zoom range is 36-108mm equivalent range compared to 38-114 with the A204), plus a simple, easy to use set of features.

A205S shipments should be available from September and though there is no UK pricing at press time, street pricing is likely to be well under £200.

www.fujifilm.co.uk