First up is its durability, with the camera boasting a handful of features that makes it an outdoorsy camera worthy of trips to harsh environments. The FinePix XP200 is waterproof to depths of 15-meters, with Fujifilm boasting that it offers “crystal clear quality” when submerged. Likewise, the camera is shockproof against drops from heights up to 2-meters, and is dustproof. If you’re one to tread into cold territory, you’ll be happy to know the camera is also freezeproof, able to withstand temps down to -10C.

Those features aside, the XP200 also offers wireless image transfer to both computers and mobile devices via either the Fujifilm PC AutoSave program or the Fujifilm Camera Application, depending on which device you want to transfer the images. Both images and videos can be transfered, although there is a 30 image per transfer limitation when moving pictures from the camera to a tablet or smartphone. Both Android and iOS is supported.

Because the camera is aimed at those engaging in rugged – and likely fast-paced – activites, the XP200 also offers a 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode. If that’s not enough, there’s also an ultra-high-speed mode that can snap 60 frames-per-second for a maximum of 60 frames. Continuous mode is activated by a dedicated button on the back of the camera, meaning you won’t have to toggle around the menu before getting that here-now-and-then-gone shot.

The camera will be available in yellow, red, black, and blue in May for $300.

First up is the long-zoom, which is one of the camera’s biggest claims to fame. The S8400W features optical image stabilization to help ensure that images come out sharp even when the zoom is being utilized to its maximum. This is on top of an autofocus speed of 0.3-seconds and a half-second interval between images.

The S8400W features a BSI-CMOS 16-megapixel sensor and offers a high ISO of up to 12,800. The camera has a rapid start-up speed of a single second, helping ensure that, in combination with the fast autofocus and optical image stablization, you get the image you want just as it happens. Taking advantage of this hardware, this FinePix camera also have an outstanding burst mode, which allows photographers to take shots at 60 frames-per-second at a resolution of 1280 x 960 and 120fps at half that resolution.

The S8400W’s video recording capabilites are also excellent, with the camera offering filming options that appeal to many different types of photographers, including those heavily involved in video projects. This camera offers 1080i video capture at a maximum frame rate of 60fps, as well as the ability to record in slow-motion at a very high 480 frames-per-second.

No word yet on pricing.

[via Fujifilm]

You can expect a fixed 26x manual zoom lens with a range of 24-624mm and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.6, and a large 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor. With an impressive wide angle, long zoom and super macro capabilities all from a single lens, the X-S1 mimics a DSLR camera but in a single camera and lens body. The characteristics of the long zoom and macro capabilities will make for an incredible photographic experience. With a zoom ranging from 7cm to 1cm in Super Macro Mode you, too, can easily capture a single droplet of water falling off a leaf.

With a late-January ship date you will have adequate time getting to know the ins-and-outs of Fujifilm’s X-S1 in time for your favorite spring or summer sports. At 7 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution you can expect high speed continuous shooting with minimal shutter lag. No more worrying about missing those heart-stopping moments. Priced at $799.95 seems rather steep, but keep in mind, no extra lenses will be necessary, unlike traditional DSLR cameras.

[via Engadget]

Olympus confirmed the $1.1bn hit in its financial reports today, re-filing five years of results with what the company says is the correct set of figures versus the falsified numbers inserted by previous execs. There’s now just 46 billion yen ($589m) in Olympus’ bank account, and Japanese analysts believe the firm is ripe for takeover.

Still, Fujifilm is keeping coy on the speculation. CEO Shigetaka Komori told reporters last month that it was “too early to discuss Olympus issues” during the period where the third-party panel put together to look into the company’s business affairs was still investigating the fraud.

The third lens will supposedly be a zoom, yet to be detailed. A possible fourth lens, a 60mm, is also suggested, though unconfirmed. Style-wise, the camera keeps the retro theme of the X100, with plenty of physical controls – including a pair of settings dials on the top edge – and a hot shoe for accessories. There’s also an optical viewfinder along with the LCD display.

Fujifilm confirmed back in October that it would be launching a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera in spring 2012, with the company later promising that prototypes would be on show at CES in January next year. No pricing or detailed specifications have been revealed, though Fujifilm was keen to point out that its “clear objective in the development of lenses, sensor and processor technology is to achieve the highest image quality.”

The X300 will support interchangeable lenses, and its release will apparently be dependent on the sales success of the X100 and X200. Given demand for the former is far outstripping supply at present, it doesn’t seem unlikely that the X200 will be similarly popular.

Todrick claims that Fujifilm “have decided to pursue what they call the serious prosumer market” though it’s worth noting that his suggestions are meeting with no small amount of skepticism among some Fuji-fans.

[via 43Rumors and via DPReview]

It’s not so much the raw specs that’s driving the appeal – the X100 has a mere 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, with a non-interchangeable Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens – but the combination of the classic looks and strong image quality appear to be buoying the Fuji above potentially more capable Micro Four Thirds models. Fujifilm is yet to confirm when new X100 supplies will be coming through; they’re too busy supplying a generous relief package worth 770m yen to Japan, including diagnostic ultrasound systems.

[via 43 Rumors]

The camera also has a 2.8 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD capable of displaying both 2D and 3D images.  The system is based upon angled slices that present a slightly different image to the left and right eyes; combined together by the brain, these two images are perceived as one, 3D scene.

Fujifilm are also discussing the potential of shooting high-definition video with the camera by the time of its launch.  The camera will be accompanied by new lenticular paper, onto which 3D images can be printed, and a 3D-capable digital photo frame.

[via Wired and TechOn]

“If you want 99% of the functionality of a DSLR but without blowing all sorts of coin and space on multiple lenses, then the S100fs is right up with the Sony DSC-R1 as a viable SLR alternative” Chris Coleman, InfoSync World

Its CCD might be somewhat smaller than that on offer in DSLRs and even other prosumer models, but that doesn’t seem to stop the S100FS producing excellent results. Shutter speed can be cranked up to 1/4000-second, automatic-exposure and focus are instantly tweakable, and only an underdeveloped light-meter seems to dampen things.

InfoSync’s conclusion is that the FinePix is a great choice, whether you’re in the mood for some manual RAW editing or not. It’s available now, priced at around $700.

It’s all thanks to a specially-designed controller coupled with the latest in SLC flash memory.  In fact, the improvements introduce a big gap in Fuji’s range; the next option is the 100x CompactFlash card, which tops out at a measly 15MB/sec.

Three versions of the 310x card will be available; 4, 8 and 16GB.  Pricing is £49.99 ($98), £119.99 ($235) and £209.99 ($411) respectively, and they’ll be available in the UK at the end of July 2008. 

Press Release:

Fujifilm launches fastest CompactFlash to date

The professionals’ choice of storage device with Fujifilm quality

Fujifilm UK Ltd has announced the launch of a new 310x version of its CompactFlash card. The Fujifilm Professional UDMA enabled 310x CompactFlash card offers the fastest sustained write speed of any memory card available today.

Using a specially designed controller and the latest SLC flash memory chips, the Fujifilm 310x CompactFlashTM card is available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.

This memory card provides support for the latest generation of UDMA compatible digital SLRs and professional video cameras. With a staggering sustained write speed of 46.5MB/sec, the Fujifilm 310x CompactFlashTM card will cope with every picture a professional photographer could ever want to take and more!

*Correct at time of going to print and based on Fujifilm test matrix data.

Availability & pricing
The Fujifilm 310x CompactFlash card is available from UK retailers end of July 2008. Pricing is as follows:
310x CompactFlashTM card 4GB – SRP £49.99
310x CompactFlashTM card 8GB – SRP £119.99
310x CompactFlashTM card 16GB – SRP £209.99

Contact details for customers
For information about Fujifilm and its products, please visit: http://www.fujifilm.co.uk or call 0870 084 1310

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm is a global leader in imaging technology, products and services including digital cameras, photofinishing, digital storage and recording media, consumer and professional film, motion picture film, professional video, printing systems, medical imaging, office technology, flat panel displays and graphic arts. The company employs more than 73,000 people worldwide, with 178 subsidiaries stretching across four continents.

Uniquely placed to be a market leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm develops and manufactures its own sensors, lenses and processing technology. In addition to its production plants and R&D operations in Japan, the company has key manufacturing facilities in Europe and the USA for core products such as colour film, colour paper, single use cameras and CTP printing plates, and has further factories in Brazil and China. It has a global turnover in excess of £13 billion.

In the UK, Fujifilm has been supplying the imaging, printing and graphics industries, as well as consumers, professional and enthusiast photographers, with high quality, innovative products and services for over 25 years. Fujifilm UK currently employs more than 450 people and has become one of the country’s most popular photographic and imaging brands.

© 2008, Fujifilm UK Ltd. Specifications are subject to change.  

Still, you’ll probably be too busy fathoming the fourteen scene modes and 30fps video capture to be too bothered by the appearance.  A 2.5-inch LCD does for shot framing, and there’s 24MB of onboard memory augmented via SD/SDHC memory card.  Usefully, the A850 will run off two normal AA batteries, great if you’re stuck without a power supply while on holiday.  Frankly this isn’t going to set the world alight, but it could be a decent choice for anyone wanting a sturdy, reliable point-and-shoot camera.  The A850 measures 92.9 x 60.4 x 30.1mm, and weighs 135g (not including the batteries).  It’ll be available from July, price as-yet unannounced. 

The Z200fd, meanwhileis somewhat more appealing, especially considering how compact it is: 92 x 55.7 x 20mm (although the weight is just just 1g less than the A850).  It also has a nifty face-recognition system that can be set to automatically trigger the shot when a certain number of people are spotted in the frame (ideal if you’re setting the camera up on a tripod and then dashing to get yourself in the group) or can take the photo when the faces of two loved-up people are moved close together.  The Z200fd will be available in Japan first, from early June, priced at around $380.

It has a 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom and 2.5” LCD Screen. It also comes with Face It, Beam It, Roll It and a Blog Mode. It’s Mpeg 4 video recording allows you to create 60 second compilation of multiple clips and the Blog Mode will resize them to standard web resolution. It also has a Stamp It feature to allow you to add designs to your shot.

The Z20fd will be available in March and cost around $200. It’ll come in several different colors so I’m sure the perfect one will find you.

[via Crave]

So, as long as your transport your tapes in sets, your set. The GPS supposedly works even in rural areas and will even broadcast through vehicles and warehouses.

It comes with a FujiFind application so you can actually locate your tapes when you lose them and you can even track multiple sets of tapes within the software. It should be available first quarter of next year, but there isn’t any word on price as of yet, however chances are if you have a set of tape backups, something like this to guarantee it doesn’t get lost, especially when you most need it, nearly priceless.

Fujifilm intros GPS-based Tape Tracker to prevent data mishandling [via engadget]

Fuji’s latest offering is the FinePix F480, which is an 8.2 megapixel camera that sports a 4x optical zoom. It has 12MB of internal memory, but we all know you’re going to want to buy an extra memory card for it. Thankfully Fuji doesn’t tie you down to the overpriced xD card format, as it gives you the option of that or an SDHC memory card for storage.

The Fugi FinePix F480 won’t break the bank either. You can pick one up for just $149.

Fujifilm FinePix F480 launched [via coolestgadgets]

Sadly I have even found myself going so far as being willing to sacrifice several megapixels in exchange for an optical zoom higher than 3 or 4 times. This camera does just that, it offers a slightly lower resolution than its competitors, but still a respectable 8MP.

Other features include 6400 ISO at 4MP and dual image stabilization handy. The face recognition is still there, and has on-the-fly red-eye reduction. Other than that the notable upgrades end with the addition of SD and SDHC cards alongside the regular xD cards.

When it comes to supplying power to digital cameras it’s a lose-lose situation, some have rechargeable batteries (not this one) that are good for the environment and often times last longer, but cant be recharged too terribly quickly or just replaced by a quick run to the store. This particular camera uses 4 AA batteries, which you can buy disposables or rechargeable batteries for.

The cost is $399.95 and it should be available by September.

Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd has 8MP, 18x Zoom and 6400 ISO (kinda) [via Gizmodo]

The new camera features an enhanced CCD sensor and and image processor that works with IR and UV filters creating the ability to capture images in poor lighting conditions.

The new IS Pro will come in various kits that start out at $2600 and nearly double in price to $5000, depending on what extras you want to get. They are currently on sale now, you’ll want to check with your local camera shop to find them.

Fujifilm IS Pro caters to specialized shots [via electronista]

Post-capture Face Detection software on the camera can identify up to ten faces in a single shot and allow the photographer to zoom in directly onto each and make sure eyes were open, exposure properly set and everything in focus.  Weatherproof seals and a variety of film-simulation modes round out the deal.

The S5 Pro will be available in February 2007 across the US for a MRSP of $2,000.

Fujifilm [via Gizmag]

Okay, so it’s a mystery why they chose infrared and not Bluetooth – perhaps they’re planning a special edition “Beam it in Blue” for next Christmas or something – but I can see this being a useful little gadget.  Sadly it’s Japan-only for now, and costs around $130.

Fujifilm [via Pocket-lint]

Newest Fuji camera specializes in face recognition [Via: MobileMag]