As digital camera technology progresses, so too does the challenge in actually using all of the features on your new camera. Long gone are the simple days of “point-and-shoot”, now you often need to adjust the subject setting, adjust the flash, decide if macro mode is appropriate and make sure that the special sepia effect is off. Well the guys at Fujifilm have obviously heard this grumble as they have unveiled their new range of digital cameras which are based on the premise that a gadget should be easy to use.
The new Fujifilm FinePix J100, J110W, J120 and J150W are all aimed at consumers who want a choice of multipurpose fuss-free cameras. Don’t think just because your grandma can use them that the photo quality is also going to go back to 1924, as this range of cameras is aimed at giving the highest quality images at affordable prices.
For the tech-minded, the FinePix J-range offers a core specification of a 10 Megapixel CCD sensor and a versatile and functional 5x optical zoom lens, but varies the LCD size and lens for maximum choice. They also incorporate a specially designed FinePix DSP (digital signal processor), borrowed from some of Fujifilm's higher priced compacts.
These cameras are the perfect thing to bring with you on holiday or even on a night out with friends. This family-friendly camera range means that it does all of the hard work so all you need to do is remain sober enough to press a button. No longer will you need David Attenborough’s camera crew with you next time you go to the zoo just so that you can be proud of your motion shots.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a paparazzi in the making, then the J110W and J150W has a wide-angle focal range of 28mm-140mm, making it ideal for a wide variety of photographic subjects. If you’re more concerned about better candid shots, the telephoto range of the FinePix J100 and J120 extends to 175mm (starting at the standard 35mm). This pulls the image of your nephew waving to you from the top of an oak tree nearer, without compromising on image quality.
The design of these cameras are so sleek that you won’t need to apologise in advance when you next pull it out at a party. Despite the higher quality 5x zoom optic, the FinePix J-range cameras are only 22.6mm wide, which means it will fit into any clutch purse- a breakthrough for many women! Encased in a high-grade brushed aluminium metal shell, they are well protected from bumps, scrapes and your drunk best friend.
Speaking of the drunk best friend, my pet hate with whipping out my digital camera on a night out is that after 1am, I can never make out who is in the viewfinder thanks to the tiny screen on my camera. That won’t be a problem with these cameras as there are two choices of screen size, both of which are perfect for the hard of seeing. The FinePix J100 and J110W have a 2.7" LCD screen and the FinePix J150W and J120 offers the bigger 3" LCD screen. Grandad won’t need his glasses for this device.
This easy-to-use, easy-to-look-at camera range will be available in September 2008, and should be a definite contender for what to get mum this Christmas.
More information: Fujifilm
