Steve's Digicams - Breaking News - Fujifilm 07/28/04 Press Releases

Popular Fujifilm Finepix Models Receive Upgrade

VALHALLA, NY – JULY 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a pioneer in digital imaging technology, today announced the addition of two new digital cameras in the company’s esteemed S-series line. Both the FinePix S3100 and S5100 deliver powerful 4.0 megapixel resolution in appealing 35mm-style form factors, and provide enhancements for improved viewfinder and LCD viewing in low-light situations – making it easy to capture brilliant images under any condition.

"The FinePix S3100 and S5100 offer long zoom power combined with ease of use and best- possible image quality," said Susan Schaffer, Director, Consumer Products, Photo Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "Fujifilm is proud to continue its digital imaging leadership with these solid performers."

Top Features

The FinePix S3100 offers beginner digital photographers 4.0 million pixels of shooting power with a fully automatic point-and-shoot feature set. The camera also offers a 6x optical and 3.4x digital zoom to capture crisp, clear images of distant subjects, and captures QVGA video clips at a rate of 10 frames/second. This model will replace the popular FinePix S3000 in August.

The FinePix S5100 offers mid-level digital photographer 4.0 million pixels combined with both point-and-shoot simplicity as well as a more advanced manual feature set including continuous shooting, continuous auto-focus, shutter priority and aperture priority modes. This model offers a 10x optical and 3.6x digital zoom capability, the longest in Fujifilm’s consumer category. In addition, the FinePix S5100 can capture VGA video clips at a rate of 30 frames/second, with sound, and can capture RAW format files. This model will replace the company’s best-selling FinePix S5000 in October.

Both cameras offer a low-light viewfinder and LCD enhancement, making it easier to see the subject in dark conditions, and can be used with telephoto and wide-angle lenses. The FinePix S3100 and S5100 operate on four AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries, and use Fujifilm’s xD-Picture Card™ storage media, which can hold up to 532 4.0 megapixel (normal) images on a 512MB card.

Familiar SLR-Type Design

The FinePix S3100 and S5100 offer traditional 35mm styling, while pistol grips offer easy handling. The FinePix S3100 measures 3.9(W) x 3.0(H) x 2.7(D) inch and weighs 10.1 ounces without batteries and storage media; the FinePix S5100 measures 4.4(W) x 3.2(H) x 3.1(D) inches and weighs 11.9 ounces without batteries and storage media. Optional telephoto and wide-angle lens adapters increase the performance of both models.

Availability

The FinePix S3100 will be available in August 2004 and sell for approximately .99, while the FinePix S5100 will ship in October 2004 and sell for approximately .99. Both cameras will ship with a lens adapter ring, a 16MB xD-Picture Card™, FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, four AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, A/V cable, and a shoulder strap.

Great Prints

Fujifilm digital cameras offer consumers best-quality printed images made from home, at home and at the store. Both the FinePix S3100 and S5100 offer consumers PictBridge compatibility for fast and convenient at-home printing, without the use of a computer. Now, consumers can use Fujifilm’s inkjet paper in nearly any manufacturer’s inkjet printer to ensure long-lasting prints with bright colors. Consumers may visit http://www.digitalcameradeveloping.com to find a store near them – or near friends and family across the country – that offers in-store digital camera developing, and to order images from local retailers online.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital medical systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked in the top ten for U.S. patents granted during the last decade, employs 73,100 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2004, had global revenues of more than billion.

In the U.S., Fujifilm is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Film and Imaging Systems, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is committed to being an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.

For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm U.S.A. Web site at www.fujifilm.com.