Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix S9100, a refinement of the highly-regarded FinePix S9000, with 10.7x Fujinon optical zoom lens, 9 megapixel Fujifilm Super CCD sensor, and class-leading ISO 80-1600 performance.

The outgoing FinePix S9000 won an excellent reputation in a highly competitive area of the camera market and the FinePix S9100 builds on the quality of its predecessor with the addition of some significant extra features. The FinePix S9100 is aimed at serious hobbyist and enthusiast photographers who will benefit from its impressive optical zoom lens range, plus superb functionality, image quality and responsiveness.

The new camera's sensitivity range, made possible by Fujifilm's Real Photo Processor enables users to take images in all lighting conditions, not just bright sunlight. Furthermore, the potential for blurry images is all but eliminated. Unlike optical image stabilization systems, the high ISO setting combats blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement.

The camera's renowned Fujinon 10.7x (28-300mm - 35mm equivalent) zoom lens incorporates aspherical elements within its design, and is already distinguished for its optical qualities. Not only does its versatile optical range offer all of the most popular focal lengths in one package, but the closed unit of body and lens helps diminish the potential of external dust particles which may compromise image quality. The lens is easily controlled via a manual zoom ring, giving pinpoint accuracy when composing the image.

Joining an already impressive 'S-series' FinePix line-up, the S9100 will be available in October at a price of $699.99.

The FinePix S9100's five areas of improvement over the FinePix S9000 are:

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- Increased sharpness and resolution achieved via improvements in new

image processing algorithms

- The image quality of this body and sensor combination has already

gathered acclaim, and the FinePix S9100 delivers improvements in the

area of resolution and image sharpness, giving enthusiast

photographers a level of quality that will satisfy even the most

critical inspection.

- Increased size 2" LCD monitor with 235,000 pixels. The size of LCD has

been increased from the FinePix S9000. The new 2.0 inch tilting LCD

screen on the FinePix S9100 means flexibility for shooting at any

angle, such as close to the ground or overhead. Unlike conventional

digital SLRs, the 235,000-pixel LCD can also be used to compose

images, which means even more convenience for the photographer.

- iFlash (Intelligent flash function), which provides even foreground

illumination, with blur-free, well-exposed backgrounds. Using flash at

night has traditionally involved the choice between the dark,

underexposed backgrounds of conventional flash, or the blurred

background swirl of a slow-sync flash. Fujifilm's iFlash on the

FinePix S9100 makes full use of the camera's inherent sensitivity to

achieve a clear, sharp, well-exposed background, and proper flash

exposure in the foreground.

- Improved autofocus speed. The camera's response times for autofocus

have also been improved by up to 40%, enabling the user to compose,

frame and take action photographs without delay, especially in darker

conditions.

- HS-V2 software included for full functionality in RAW file conversion.

The Fujifilm Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3, means that the

photographer can explore the full potential of the camera's RAW file

format. With full control of the 18 million pixel RAW file from the

Super CCD, the photographer can enjoy the control and flexibility of

working on a 'lossless' file format.

- A 30-frames-per-second movie mode with manual zoom capability and

sound. The new S9100 features this unique function that cannot be

integrated into traditional digital SLRs due to the physical designs

of these cameras.

FinePix S9100 features at a glance:

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- Fujifilm Super CCD sensor with 9.0 million effective pixels

- Fujifilm RP (Real Photo) Processor

- iFlash (Intelligent Flash system)

- New 28-300mm (10.7x) Fujinon zoom lens with manual twist-barrel zoom

control

- Class-leading sensitivity setting of ISO 1600 at full resolution for

photography in low light conditions

- Low sensitivity of ISO 80 for ultra-high quality photography

- 2.0", (235,000 pixel) tilting LCD screen for easy high and low angle

shooting

- Ultra-fast response times (0.01 second shutter lag and 0.8 second

start-up)

- Real-time histogram to assist exposure settings before shooting

- Highlight Warning feature for displaying highlight areas in playback

- VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with zoom capability and

sound

- Closed unit design to help diminish dust accumulation on the CCD

- Hotshoe and PC sync terminal

- Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3 for RAW format shooting

- Both xD-Picture Card(TM) and CompactFlash(TM)/Microdrive compatible

About Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc

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Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, one of the world's leading imaging and information product developers and manufacturers. Fuji Photo Film Canada is based in Mississauga, Ontario, with regional offices in Montreal and Vancouver.

Fuji Photo Film Canada creates new dimensions in photography and storage media by introducing innovative technologies in the digital camera, digital and film photofinishing, camera and data media categories. Recent advancements such as Digital Super CCD, Image Intelligence, 4th Colour Layer Film Technology, ATOMM and NANOCUBIC Media have helped the company establish itself as the brand of choice by Canadian consumers.

Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc. also makes environmentally friendly practices central to its business including its operations, its products and its community outreach. Green is more than just its corporate colour. It is a symbol of its commitment to improving our world - one person, one classroom, and one species at a time. Their efforts and dedication to continual improvement is reflected in the ISO 14001:1996 certification achieved in 2001 and ISO 9001:2001 in 2004.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

For further information: Samantha Kemp-Jackson, Diane Medeiros, APEX Public Relations, (416) 924-4442 ext. 248, ext. 234, sjackson@apexpr.com, dmedeiros@apexpr.com

Source: newswire