Fujifilm is pleased to announce the launch of the FinePix Z5fd; the first in
its range of 'Z' series cameras to feature hardware-based Face Detection
technology. Available in three colors, wine red, chocolate brown, and silver,
the FinePix Z5fd becomes the flagship in Fujifilm's ultra-slim, style-compact
line-up. With 3x optical zoom, 6.3-megapixel resolution, ISO 1600, Intelligent
Flash, and new blog mode, plus Fujifilm's unique Super CCD HR and RP Processor
II, the camera's diminutive size and chic outer shell seem at odds with the
amount of technology at its heart.
The FinePix Z5fd is small enough that it will fit easily into a pocket or the
most minimalist of clutch bags. It features the traditional 'Z' series sliding
lens cover, with a 'Z5' motif that lights up in operation, 2.5-inch scratch
resistant LCD screen, and non-extending Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens so that it
will emerge unscathed from even the most cluttered of spaces.
Face Detection
Fujifilm was the first manufacturer to develop hardware-based Face Detection
technology for its compact digital cameras. The FinePix Z5fd joins the FinePix
S6500fd and F31fd in Fujifilm's current 'fd' line-up. Face Detection captures up
to ten faces in a frame and optimizes focus and exposure to take the best
possible people-picture. Incorporating the technology on its Real Photo
Processor II has enabled Fujifilm to develop a range that can detect faces and
optimize settings in an industry-leading 0.05 seconds.
When Face Detection is turned on and the camera is pointed at people,
target-like squares demonstrate that it has 'locked-on' to faces. The square
will then follow those faces around in real-time until they move out of the
frame or the picture is taken. In playback mode, pressing the Face Detection
button will cause the camera to auto-zoom to each face in turn for easy close-up
review.
Face Detection is perfect for those times, such as nights out with friends,
when tweaking manual settings to get the same result may not be the user's first
priority. It can cope with back-lit scenes, settings where there's a more
obvious focus point between people's faces or when the subject is off center.
Real Photo Technology
Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology (RPT) is the combination of lens, CCD and
processor that helps the camera produce images of impressive quality, no matter
where you take it. Fujifilm's sixth generation Super CCD HR is a unique
hexagonal shape, with a larger surface area than traditional sensors, enabling
it to capture more light from the Fujinon lens. The Real Photo Processor II
enables impressive operation speed and features an enhanced dual-noise reduction
system that maximizes the effectiveness of the camera's high ISO capability.
A camera for any occasion
In addition to its portability, the FinePix Z5fd features a host of unique
Fujifilm technologies that make it the perfect take-anywhere camera. ISO 1600
light-sensitivity at full resolution enables it to take photos in low light
without flash and with less noise than competing models might produce at a lower
ISO. Flash-free images are much more faithful to the original scene, with skin
tones looking more natural and no loss of background detail. In addition,
because the sensor's unique shape enables it to capture light more quickly, it
is possible to use higher shutter speeds without image blurring.
For better results with flash photography, Fujifilm's Intelligent Flash
system analyzes the scene and automatically controls flash power output. The
result is balanced exposure where the scene is sufficiently illuminated without
washing out the foreground in the picture or losing background detail.
Natural Light and Flash mode goes one step further, taking two photos in
quick succession, one with flash and one without. Both images are then displayed
on the camera's screen for easy review.
With 14 special scene modes, including Fireworks and Beach and Snow, the
FinePix Z5fd offers a one-touch setting for any situation. Continuous shooting
keeps the camera shooting for as long as the shutter button is pressed down.
Once released, the camera retains either the first or last three images for
excellent natural shots.
The FinePix Z5fd records movies at 30 frames per second (fps) with sound.
Movie recording time is limited only by the size of the xD-Picture Card used in
the camera.
Blog mode--for the My Space generation
The FinePix Z5fd features Fujifilm's new blog mode. In this mode the camera
adjusts image settings for posting online. With the increasing popularity of
blogging, Internet messaging, and sites such as MySpace.com, Fujifilm expects
blog mode to be a well-used feature on the FinePix Z5fd.
