Fujifilm Announces High-End, Budget Point-and-Shoots

Fujifilm mixed high and low today, announcing a $399 point-and-shoot and a $129 budget one. Like other cameras in the company’s F series, the FinePix F200EXR (right)  has the latest and greatest imaging technologies, which might one day trickle down into cheaper models. In addition to 12-megapixel resolution and 5X optical zoom, the camera has Fujifilm’s new Super EXR CCD sensor, which allows for improved color fidelity and dynamic range (the latter is crucial in drawing out shadow details in harshly backlit situations). The sensor has three shooting modes/usage situations: Fine Capture Mode (high resolution), which uses all twelve million pixels; Pixel Fusion Mode, which improves low-light performance by capturing two adjacent pixels together, creating a photodiode large enough to absorb a lot more light; and Dual Capture Mode, which improves dynamic range. Sound confusing? An EXR Auto mode can decide which settings are best. In addition, it has a 3-inch screen, HD output, Super Intelligent Flash, Portrait Enhancer Mode, dual IS, Dual Shot Mode, and High Speed Playback, and takes SD and xD cards. It’ll start shipping in February. Meanwhile, the $129 FinePix A150 (right) has 10-MP resolution, 3X optical zoom, and face detection for up to 6 faces. It takes SD cards and AA batteries. It’ll ship in February.