Fujifilm has announced its first ‘Z’ series camera to feature Face Detection technology.

The FinePix Z5fd will feature 3x optical zoom, 6.3 Megapixels and ISO 1600, and become the flagship in Fujifilm’s ultra-slim, style-compact line-up alongside the FinePix Z3 and Z2. Incorperating hardware-based Face Detection technology, it will be available in three colours, Raspberry Red, Mocha Brown and Silver on its January release.

PRESS RELEASE

The first ‘Z’ series to feature Face Detection technology

Fujifilm today announces 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 colours, Raspberry Red, Mocha Brown and Silver, the FinePix Z5fd becomes the flagship in Fujifilm’s ultra-slim, style-compact line-up, alongside the FinePix Z3 and Z2. With 3x optical zoom, 6.3 Megapixels, 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 look at odds with the amount of technology at its heart.

The FinePix Z5fd is small enough to 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″ 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 optimises 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 optimise 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 centre.

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 maximises 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 analyses 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 & 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, 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 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.

FinePix Z5fd key features
New colours: Raspberry Red, Mocha Brown, Silver
6 Megapixel Super CCD HR
Real Photo Processor II
ISO 1600 at full resolution
26MB Internal memory
Intelligent Flash, Natural Light & Flash, Continuous shooting
New slim design with tripod mount
Illuminated product logo on sliding front cover
2.5″ TFT LCD with reinforced glass coating
Blog mode

The FinePix Z5fd will be available from January 2007. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.