Photo Club

Fujifilm has added a new model to its FinePix Z series of ultracompact cameras. The 10-megapixel FinePix Z200fd offers an f/3.8-4.8, 33mm-165mm (35mm camera equivalent) 5x zoom lens and a 230,000-pixel, 2.7-inch LCD with a scratch-resistant coating. Its metal body also houses a single memory card slot that can conveniently accommodate xD-Picture Card, SD, or SDHC media.

The Z200fd is designed for easy automatic shooting, with 16 automatic scene modes and a programmed auto mode. The camera’s light sensitivity can be set as high as ISO 1600 and its shutter speeds range from 1/1000 to 4 seconds. The Z200fd offers Fuji’s new Couple Timer and Group Timer modes, which work with face detection to trip the shutter automatically when a couple or group is posed in front of the camera.

Other notable functions include Dual Image Stabilization, which combines sensor-based optical image stabilization with an ISO boost to reduce blurring due to both camera shake and subject movement; IrSimple connectivity for transferring images wirelessly to compatible devices; and an automatic redeye removal feature that works with the camera’s face-detection mode by evaluating every face detected in a shot and automatically removing redeye when it’s found. The Z200fd also offers Fuji’s i-Flash flash metering system to adjust flash intensity and reduce blown-out areas in flash photos, as well as a Dual Shot Mode that takes two images in quick succession, one with and one without the flash, then allows the photographer to save the best one. The camera provides three continuous-shooting modes, can capture smooth Motion JPEG video with sound at 640×480 resolution, and has a voice-annotation feature for stills.

The FinePix Z200fd will be available for $299.95 in September 2008. It will be sold in four finishes: black, pink, silver, and black with a red sliding lens cover panel.