Fujifilm Unveils New E-Series Digital Camera Line

JULY 28, 2004 -- Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a pioneer in digital imaging technology, today announced the addition of a new line of unusually versatile cameras to its award-winning line of consumer digital products. Perfect for use in families with multiple photographers, for consumers who are interested in growing their photography skills, and for photo hobbyists looking for a powerful feature set in a compact body, the new FinePix E500, E510 and E550 models combine the best of point-and-shoot ease with Fujifilms trusted image quality.

Were thrilled to present the new E-series, a line that allows consumers to adapt the camera to their individual photography interests and skill levels, said Susan Schaffer, Director, Consumer Products, Photo Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. The cameras ergonomic, travel-friendly designs and large 2-inch LCD screens make taking and sharing pictures easier than ever. In addition, unique zoom capabilities are easily combined with telephoto and wide-angle lens adapters to offer consumers unparalleled performance in this class of best-value consumer digital cameras. Fujifilms commitment to consumers, and to brilliant image quality, is proven through the strength of this new line.

The FinePix E500, E510 and E550 join the companys popular A-, F- and S-series consumer digital cameras, making a total of 14 products available to consumers over a wide range of form factors, feature sets and price points.

FinePix E500 and E510: Solid Performers
The FinePix E500 offers 4.1 megapixels of shooting power, while the FinePix E510 offers 5.2 megapixels. Both cameras offer a distinctive Fujinon 3.2x wide-angle (28mm-91mm equivalent) optical zoom, which can be enhanced with optional 1.94x telephoto or 0.76x wide-angle lens adapters.

The cameras capture images in fully automatic (point-and-shoot) modes, as well as offering manual, programmed AE, aperture or shutter priority AE, macro, super-macro and four scene position modes (portrait, landscape, sports, night scene) to photographers who want extra control. In addition, QVGA movies can be taken at a rate of 10 frames/second, with sound.

A large, 2.0-inch LCD screen makes viewing and sharing captured images easier, while the ergonomic design and non-slip grip provide sure and steady handling.

FinePix E550: Flagship Model
The FinePix E550 offers 6.3 effective megapixels and can capture up to 4048 x3040 recorded pixels (12.3 million) using Fujifilms proprietary Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensor system. To help power this unusual imaging sensor, Fujifilm offers a new, highly effective image processor, which provides two key benefits: incredible speed and drastically reduced noise levels. As a result, the camera is able to capture images with a frame-to-frame time of 1.0 second, and a shutter lag of 0.05 seconds faster than some professional digital SLRs. Image quality is greatly enhanced, both through the increased color saturation provided by Super CCD, as well as through superior image sharpness and clarity, provided by noise cancellation.

The FinePix E550 offers a 4x optical zoom. Optional 1.94x and 0.76x wide-angle lens adapters may also be used with this model. The camera offers a variety of shooting modes ranging from automatic, manual, programmed AE, aperture or shutter priority AE, macro, to four pre-programmed scene positions (portrait, landscape, sports, night scene). In addition, a continuous shooting mode may be selected, capturing top and final 4 frames at a rate of 3 frames/second, as well as long-period burst mode, at a maximum of 1.6 frames/second, recording up to 40 frames (at 2 megapixel mode only). The FinePix E550 captures movie clips at 30 frames/second at full VGA with sound, with no time limitations.

The FinePix E550 also offers a large, 2.0-inch LCD screen, non-slip grip and ergonomic weighting of the camera body.

Adaptability
The FinePix E-series cameras are compact and travel-friendly, with a non-slip grip for natural hand positioning combined with a perfectly balanced weight, helping to reduce potential shake on the part of the photographer. The FinePix E500 and E510 weigh just 6.2 ounces (excluding batteries and storage media), and measure 4.0(W) x 2.4(H) x 1.3(D) inches. The FinePix E550 weighs just 7.1 ounces (excluding batteries and storage media) and measures 4.1(W) x 2.5(H) x 1.4(D).

Fujifilms existing optional PictureCradle can be used with the FinePix E500, E510 and E550 for rapid recharging, as well as for fast image downloading. Optional telephoto and wide-angle lenses increase shooting power and range of picture-taking opportunities.

Two AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries power the cameras; consumers can expect best possible battery life with rechargeable batteries, while alkaline batteries provide operational flexibility. The cameras use Fujifilms xD-Picture Card storage media, capturing up to 515 4.1 megapixel (normal) images, 409 5.2-megapixel (normal) images or 211 12 megapixel (normal) images on a 512MB card.

Availability
The FinePix E500, E510 and E550 will be available in August 2004. The FinePix E500 will sell for approximately $299.99, while the FinePix E510 will sell for approximately $349.99. The FinePix E550 will sell for approximately $499.99. All cameras will ship with a 16MB xD-Picture Card, 2 AA alkaline batteries (FinePix E500, E510), 2 AA NiMH batteries with recharger (FinePix E550), FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, USB cable, A/V cable, hand strap and a PictureCradle adapter. Optional accessories, such as the telephoto and wide-angle lenses, may be found at www.fujifilmmall.com, or located through a retailer at www.fujifilm.com/digitalcameras.

SOURCE Fujifilm