Fujifilm updates fashion-forward Z and budget-conscious J models

[Allison Johnson]

In their round of pre-PMA announcements, Fujifilm has unveiled the FinePix J20, FinePix J250, and Z30 FinePix ultracompact cameras. The J series cameras update the sleek and slim J10 and J150 budget-friendly compacts. The FinePix Z30, successor to the Z20, stands apart with a loud, statement-making design. With its "Face It, Blog It, Roll It" modes, Fujifilm has aimed this camera squarely at the younger generation of point-and-shoot users.

Each of these models will feature a new automatic scene recognition shooting mode. The system automatically recognizes six types of scenes and adjusts focus, white balance, ISO, and exposure to optimal settings for each scene. It's designed to streamline the shooting process for a casual photographer.

All three models will debut with prices under $200.

J20 and J250 expand options in budget-friendly J series
More megapixels seems to be the name of the game, and Fujifilm has stepped up the resolution on the J20, giving the J20 and J250 10.0 megapixel sensors each.

Outside of that, the J20's 3x optical zoom and 2.7 inch LCD are consistent with the previous model. The J250 offers a 5x optical zoom and a larger 3.0 inch LCD for a little extra cash.

Both cameras will feature face detection technology and will be able to track up to six faces in a frame. Additionally, both models will offer some kind of image stabilization technology. The J250 will offer dual image stabilization while the J20 will feature picture stabilization.

A couple of other features that the J20 and J250 will share:

• Low light shooting up to ISO 1600 at full resolution
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Pre-programmed scene modes

Z30 offers Fuji's latest take on cost-conscious fashion camera
The Z30 shares many features with the J20, but in a very different package.

Available in attention-demanding orange, pink, and black, it's geared for use with social networking websites. The camera's features include what Fujifilm calls "Face It, Blog It, Roll It," describing face detection, blog shooting mode, and movie mode respectively.

Like the J series cameras, the Z30 will be equipped with face detection technology allowing the user to track six faces in one frame. Blog mode automatically formats photos into blog-friendly sizes. The features list is rounded out with successive movie mode, allowing users to capture 60 second movie clips.

The Z30 will also include a "Natural Light& with Flash" mode. Using this setting, two images will be recorded in succession with each shutter release- one with flash and one without. Both pictures are saved so that the user can choose the best one.

Here are a few more features to look for on the Z30:

• Separate shutter release buttons for photo and movie capture
• 13 pre-programmed scene modes
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

[KCook]

Got any shots of the backs of these beasts?

"Natural Light& with Flash" mode

I actually do find this mode useful on my Fuji F45fd. Though the label "Natural" is a bit off the point, this is really a "low light" mode. In most cases I end up going with the Flash shot from the pair, at least on the F45fd the flash has a fair kick to it.

Kelly Cook

[David Rasnake]

Got any shots of the backs of these beasts?

Not at the moment. I'll see if I can round some up from Fuji today.

dr

[KCook]

Looked at the Z30 today. Fuji needs to update their site, the actual camera design is very different from the shots they provide! On the back, this has what at first glance appears to be a 2nd 4-way disk control, up above the usual one. 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock points are the zoom buttons! In this case the big central button is not a button at all, just a hard point. It looks cool, and it does work, but I was not comfortable with that as the zoom.

In all an attractive camera, very simple controls (not like the F-series), but still does cover all the bases (more than I can say for the Nikon S220). With the hot colors I can see this design as a cool choice for girls. Or guys craving simplicity.

Kelly