Fujifilm announces new super-zoom bridge cameras

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Posted on 3 Feb 2010 at 15:10

Fujifilm has introduced several new super-zoom cameras in its FinePix S and HS series', with the new flagship HS10 including a 30x optical zoom lens.

The HS10 is another one of Fujifilm's bridge cameras aimed at serious photographers wanting the versatility and performance of an SLR system without the bulk and expense.

Its highlight is, without a doubt, the 30x optical zoom lens which covers 24-720mm F2.8-F5.6 (35mm equivalent) and uses Fuji's triple image stabilisation technology (sensor shift IS, high ISO IS and Digital IS). The lens also forgoes electronic zoom in favour of a mechanical system more akin to an SLR lens - you simply rotate the barrel of the lens to zoom.

The HS10 uses a 1/2.3in BSI-CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 10.3 megapixels at the highest setting, which uses a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera also supports both 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios as well, although they do result in a resolution drop. The camera also supports video and can record 1080p and 720p streams at 30fps with stereo sound and there's also a 1000 fps ultra-slow-motion mode too.

When it comes to performance, the HS10 boasts burst rates of up to 10fps (for up to 7 frames) and includes a new motion-tracking auto-focus system. Fuji also boasts a 200 per cent increase in sensitivity on the CMOS sensor, resulting in an ISO range from 100 to 6400.

There's also a bunch of new advanced modes designed to make taking photos a more pleasurable experience. These include Motion Remover Mode, which removes moving objects from a scene by combining five frames into one; Multi-Motion Capture Mode, which captures the same five frames and does the opposite; Pro Light Mode, which combines high and low ISO exposures to reduce blur caused by camera shake; and Motion Panorama Mode, which captures a panoramic view in a single sweeping movement by capturing a series of shots in rapid succession.

On the rear of the camera, there's a 3in tilting LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder - an eye sensor detects when you're looking through the EVF and automatically switches between the two. The firm hasn't announced pricing or availability for the HS10, but we expect to find out more in the near future. For now, you can check out a full list of specifications on Fujifilm's website.

In addition to the HS10, Fujifilm has introduced three new lightweight super-zoom bridge cameras in its popular FinePix S series. All three cameras use a 12 megapixel image stabilised sensor, 15x (S1600) and 18x (S1800 and S2500HD) optical zoom lenses starting at 28mm, a 3in LCD and an electronic viewfinder.

The S1600's lens extends to 420mm, while both the S1800 and S2500HD extend to 504mm. All of the cameras support aperture ranges of F3.1-6.4 at the wide end and F5.6-F11 in the telephoto range, using an ND filter to control the aperture in what is presumably a mirror-based lens. Image stabilisation is handled using Fujifilm's CCD-shift technology as well as supporting high ISOs up to ISO 6400.

All three models also support video capture at up to 720p at 30fps and the S2500HD includes a mini HDMI connector for directly connecting the camera to your TV.

Again, Fujifilm hasn't announced pricing or availability of the three new S-series models, but you can read more about the cameras here.

Author: Tim Smalley