BIOS: Technology Means Business

Continuing its history of developing digital cameras that look as good as the pictures they take, Fujifilm has announced the launch of the FinePix Z3, the latest model in Fujifilm’s slim and stylish Z-Series of digital cameras and the successor to the FinePix Z1.

With an updated body and a new, funky second colour - metallic blue - to go along with the traditional silver, the FinePix Z3 should appeal to the most fashion-conscious consumer searching for an ultra-portable digicam that looks good as it takes great pictures.

Taking memorable, high-quality photographs while out on the town with friends at a restaurant or other nighttime spot is a challenging exercise for any owner of a compact digital camera.

These picture-worthy moments often are snapped in close proximity to the subject and in low light, conditions that can lead to blurry photos, ‘washed out’ subjects and backgrounds lacking in detail.

With a 6th generation, 5.1-MegaPixel Super CCD sensor and a 2nd generation RP (Real Photo) Processor on board, the delete button may be one of the least-used controls on the FinePix Z3.

The FinePix Z3 combines higher light sensitivities (up to ISO 1600) with faster shutter speeds to stabilize pictures and reduce blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement. To make it easy for FinePix Z3 users to achieve blur-free results, Fujifilm has added a convenient ‘Picture Stabilization’ button to the FinePix Z3.

The FinePix Z3’s Intelligent-Flash system, or ‘i-Flash’, is more advanced than similar flash systems because it can detect more accurately the subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then light the subject accordingly with a variety of flash intensities.

If the subject is off center and standing under a streetlight, the i-Flash system will correct the exposure automatically. i-Flash leads to pictures with more natural looking subjects and backgrounds that are full of bright and crisp detail.

This mode preserves the scene mood and enhances background detail by shooting with faster shutter speeds at higher light sensitivities (if necessary) with a suppressed flash. This mode is perfect for low light moments that would otherwise be ruined by a powerful flash or situations where the use of flash is inappropriate.

Users can also experience the benefits of Natural Light through a feature called the ‘Dual Shooting Mode’. In this mode the FinePix Z3 quickly shoots two images in rapid succession - one with and one without the flash - saving both. This convenient function, which is unique to Fujifilm digital cameras, allows for an on-the-spot picture comparison by the user, who can decide which photo is preferred.

In addition the FinePix Z3 has a number of other noteworthy features. These include a reinforced, scratch-resistant, 2.5-inch LCD with a 230,000-pixel resolution and Fujifilm’s glare-reducing CV Film for better viewing in direct light, as well as a high-quality, non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens from Fujinon that keeps the FinePix Z3 thin.

There are also fourteen pre-programmed scene positions that trigger optimal settings based on the surrounding conditions, VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound, and 10MB of internal memory.

The FinePix Z3 will debut in July 2006 at a retail price of $279.

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