By Ian Burley
29th August - 2001
(News release originally dated 23rd August)
Fujifilm has introduced three new budget-priced additions to its FinePix camera range. They are the:
FinePix 2600 Zoom
The new 2600 model is a 2.0 megapixel camera with a maximum picture resolution of 1600x1200 pixels (1.92MP). There is no mention of Fujifilm's award winning but controversial SuperCCD technology in this model.
With the 2600 you get a 3x (38-114mm equivalent) optical zoom, a 2.5x supplementary digital zoom, 64 zone through the lens (TTL) metering, a 20 second video clip shooting mode, PC WebCam mode when USB connected and battery power comes via a pair of NiMH AA rechargeable batteries. There is an optical viewfinder and a 72,000 pixel 1.8 inch LCD view screen. A 16MB smartMedia card is supplied and this can store up to 75 1600x1200 images in basic quality mode.
FinePix A201
Fujifilm is now offering a 2MP digicam for under £250 in the form of the A201. This is a relatively simple camera with a non-zooming (36mm equivalent) lens. However, it does boast a 64-zone TTL metering system, USB PC WebCam mode, a 1.6 inch 55,000 pixel LCD viewscreen and a separate optical viewfinder. Like the 2600, it takes a pair of AA batteries, but cost cutting means you don't get rechargeables or a charger in the box. At least a sensibly sized 16MB SmartMedia is included.
FinePix A101
The A101 is almost identical in specification and looks to the 201 except that it is a 1.3MP camera. This means its maximum native image resolution is 1280x960 instead of the 1600x1200 resolution of the other two. Our experience is that there is usually a significant benefit to having 2 million pixels compared to just 1.3 million and the extra £50 may well be worth it for the A201 if you are considering this camera.
Fujifilm is fighting hard to maintain its number one spot in the UK and while these new models won't set enthusiasts alight with excitement, we suspect they will be strong mass market sellers to first time buyers.
www.fujifilm.co.uk/di
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