Fujifilm?s new 9MP bridge camera aims to challenge entry-level SLRs.
Described at ?a model that marks the point where compact digital cameras and digital SLRs meet?, the FinePix S9500 is one of two new cameras from Fuji to incorporate a 9MP CCD, incorporating Fujifilm?s fifth-generation Super CCD sensor.
Controlled by a twist barrel, the Fujinon lens offers a versatile focal length of 28-300mm (35mm equivalent.) Fujifilm promises a fast start-up time of 0.8-seconds and 0.01 second shutter lag, while the tilting 1.8in LCD screen enables shooting at unusual angles. A class-leading sensitivity range of ISO 80-1600 helps the S9500 to produce sharp images in low-lighting conditions.
The S9500 includes a full range of exposure modes including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority and program. Enthusiast photographers can take advantage of the hotshoe, PC sync terminal and RAW shooting mode. Other features include a real-time histogram, Highlight warning and 30fps movie mode with manual zoom.
Adrian Clarke from Fujifilm comments: ??as DSLRs are specialist cameras, they inevitably offer less flexibility when it comes to everyday photography. We?ve introduced the FinePix S9500 Zoom to add a credible alternative for consumers considering an entry-level DSLR.?
A price has yet to be announced for the FinePix S9500 Zoom, which will be available in August. For more details head to www.fujifilm.co.uk or call 0207 586 1477.

Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom specifications

Effective pixels: 9.0 million effective pixels
CCD sensor: 1/1.6 inch Super CCD HR, Number of total pixels: 9.24 million
Number of recorded pixels: Still image: 3,488 x 2,616 (9.12 million) / 3,696 x 2,464 (3:2 format) / 2,592 x 1,944 / 2,048 x 1,536 / 1,600 x 1,200 / 640 x 480 pixels, Movie: 640 x 480 / 320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames per second with monaural sound. Direct storage to media.
Storage media: xD-Picture Card? , CompactFlash?,Microdrive?
File format: Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2) CCD-RAW
Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG) (Design Rule for Camera File System compliant / DPOF compatible)
Lens: Fujinon 10.7x optical zoom lens, F2.8 – F4.9
Focal length: F=6.2mm ? 66.7mm (equivalent to 28-300mm on a 35mm camera)
Focus: Auto focus, continuous AF, manual focus, AF system: TTL contrast-type, AF frame selection: AF (centre), AF (multi), AF (area)
AF assist illuminator
Focal range: Normal: Wide-angle: approx 50cm to infinity (in high-speed shooting mode; approx 2m to infinity) Telephoto: approx 2m to infinity (in high-speed shooting mode; approx 4m to infinity) Macro: Wide-angle: approx 10cm to 3m, Telephoto: approx 90cm to 3m, Super Macro:
Approx 1 cm to 1m (wide-angle only)
Shutter speed: 30 sec. to 1/4,000 sec. depending on shooting mode
Aperture (wide-angle): F2.8 ? F11 (1/3 EV steps) Manual/Auto selectable
Sensitivity: Auto / equivalent to ISO 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600
Exposure control: Program AE (Auto, P, Anti-Blur, Natural Light, Night, Portrait, Landscape), shutter priority AE, aperture priority AE, manual exposure
Exposure compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3 EV-step increments (P, S, A)
Light metering: TTL 256-zone metering Multi, Spot, Average
White balance: Automatic scene recognition/Preset (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Fluorescent (Cool White), Incandescent/Custom white balance (2 types))
LCD monitor: 1.8?, aspect ratio 4:3, approx. 118,000 pixel low temperature polysilicon TFT. Approx. 100% coverage
Viewfinder: 0.44?, 235,000 pixels, LCD viewfinder. Approx. 100% coverage.
Flash: Auto flash, Effective range: Wide angle approx. 30cm ? 5.6m
Telephoto approx. 60cm ? 3m, Flash Mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro., Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro. Self-timer Approx 2 / 10 sec.
Video output: NTSC / PAL selectable
Digital input/output: USB 2.0 High Speed
Flash synchronising terminal: Hotshoe or synchronising terminal
Power source options: 4 x AA-size Alkaline batteries, 4 x AA-size NiMH batteries (not included, sold separately) AC Power Adapter AC-5VX (not included, sold separately)
Dimensions: 128.0 (W) x 93 (H) x 129.0 (D) mm (excluding accessories or attachments)
Weight: Approx. 645g (excluding batteries and media)

Camera functions
Photography functions: High-speed shooting, best framing, post shot assist window, frame no. memory
Digital zoom: Approx. 2x (10.7x optical zoom lens used together; max zoom scale 21.4x)
Colour modes: B&W / Chrome / Standard
Playback: Trimming, image rotate, automatic playback, multi-frame playback, sorting by date, voice memo
PictBridge: Compatible

Accessories included
* 16MB xD-Picture Card?
* 4 x AA-type Alkaline batteries
* Shoulder strap
* USB cable
* A/V cable
* Lens cap
* Lens cap holder
* Lens hood
* Owner’s manual
* CD-ROM containing: USB driver, FinePix Viewer, ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix, RAW file converter LE