FujiFilm FinePix F20 Preview

Fuji released information on a new F20 digicam today. In many ways it resembles the FinePix F30, but it "only" goes up to ISO 1600 in auto and manual modes (ISO 2000 when in Picture Stabilization and "Natural Light" program mode), whereas the F30 can reach ISO 3200. Note that on both the F20 and F30 "Picture Stabilization" does not refer to any type of optical stabilization of the image, It's simply a mode which adjusts the ISO to a level where image blur due to camera shake shouldn't be a factor (assuming there's enough light that that is achieved by ISO 2000 for the F20 and ISO 3200 for the F30).

The other major differences seem to be that the F20 uses a 2.5-inch, 153,000 pixel LCD screen whereas the F30 uses a 2.5", 230,000 pixel screen (neither camera has an optical viewfinder) and the F20 has a maximum exposure time of 4s, whereas the F30 has a maximum exposure time of 15s (though note that these maximum exposure times are not available in all exposure modes)

The F20 is also very slightly smaller (92.7 x 56.7 x 27.8mm vs. 93.5 x 56.7 x 26.2mm) and slightly lighter (150g vs. 155g) than the F30 and uses a smaller battery (good for around 300 shots vs. 580 for the F30). It should be available sometime in August at a price around $230

Fujifilm Press Release:

Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix F20, an affordable and slimline 6.3 megapixel camera that reflects the company’s commitment to producing a wide range of high-end, high sensitivity digital cameras that work in low light. The FinePix F20 refines the body shape of the acclaimed FinePix F30. However its convenient, pocketable dimensions do not prevent it from featuring the same powerful sixth generation Super CCD HR sensor and Real Photo Processor II technology as its bigger brother.

Fujifilm’s Real Photo Technology cameras are among the only digital compacts to deliver ISO sensitivity of 1600 and above at full resolution. This ensures crisp, clear images that are as close as any digital camera gets to reproducing a scene just as the human eye sees it, even in low light, without the use of flash. The FinePix F20’s sensitivity of ISO 100-2000 makes it five times more effective at capturing detailed, natural looking images in low light than a conventional compact with ISO 400. It’s a feature that users are coming to expect from high-specification cameras.

The camera also features Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system. This helps avoid the messy background blur of ‘slow-sync’ flash as well as the starkness of conventional flash. Instead, the camera automatically sets the power output of the flash to produce balanced images that combine natural foreground illumination with optimum background exposure. It spells the end for bleached-out people and blacked-out backgrounds, and brings greater depth and clarity to twilight hour photography.

In addition, the FinePix F20’s innovative ‘Natural Light & Flash’ Dual Shot mode takes two shots in quick succession, one with flash and one without, before displaying them side by side for instant comparison. It’s like a photographic safety net and means the user can be confident of getting a great image for every unexpected, spontaneous moment.

With a 300-shot battery life, 14 scene positions including beach, snow and fireworks, the FinePix F20 is a versatile and dynamic companion that guarantees the user great pictures wherever they take it.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said, “This new camera reflects Fujifilm’s photographic strategy by broadening our range of high-sensitivity digital cameras. Digital photography has moved on from megapixels, and today sensitivity is the key area of advancement. Our cameras are at the vanguard of this movement and the FinePix F20 joins a growing family of models specifically designed to produce pictures just as your eyes see them.”

FinePix F20 features at a glance:

ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution for low-noise photography in all light situations
On Picture Stabilization and Natural Light Mode or ISO 1600 on Auto and Manual Mode
Sixth generation Super CCD HR VI sensor delivering 6.3 million effective pixels
Real Photo Processor II reduces noise and delivers enhanced color reproduction
Anti-blur button to set high shutter speed and reduce the risk of blurry images
Intelligent Flash achieves the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones
‘Natural Light & Flash’ Dual Shot mode
Quick response times 0.01 second shutter lag and 1.4 second start-up
3x optical zoom
Long-life battery (up to 300 shots)
TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Accessories

A range of dedicated optional accessories is available for the FinePix F20, including premium leather case, WP-FXF30 Underwater Housing and Underwater Strobe Kit. For users who want to travel with their camera, a Fujifilm World Travel Adaptor, for charging abroad, and spare Lithium-ion battery, NP-70, are also available.

The camera comes with software CDs, FinePix Viewer and ImageMixer VCD2 LE for FinePix. Also included are Lithium-ion battery NP-70, AC Power Adaptor AC-5VC, Hand Strap, and USB and A/V cables.

Availability & pricing

The Fujifilm F20 is expected be available in August, at a suggested list price of $229.95 according to Adorama

Fujiflm FinePix F20 Specifications

Sensor	1/1.7" CCD, 6.3 million effective pixels
Image sizes	2848 x 2136, 3024 x 2016 (3:2), 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
Movie clips	640 x 480 @ 30fps, 320 x 240 @ 30fps, both with Monoaural sound
File formats	JPEG (Exif 2.2), Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG)
Lens	8-24/2.8-5 [36 - 108 mm 35mm equiv]
Digital zoom	up to 6.2x
Focus	AF with Macro
AF mode	Single, Continuous
AF area	Center, Multi-zone
AF assist light	Yes
Focus distance	Normal: 60cm - Infinity Macro: 5 cm (wide) / 30 cm (tele)
Metering modes	Multi 256-zone, Average, Spot
ISO sensitivity	Auto.,ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (auto and manual modes) ISO 2000 (Picture Stabilization and Natural Light modes)
Shuttter speed	4 sec - 1/2000 sec
Aperture	f2.8 to f8
Shooting modes	Normal: Auto, Anti-blur, Scene Position, Macro, Movie, Burst/Continuous Scene: Natural Light, Natural Light & with flash, Position: Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower Close-up, Text
Exposure modes	Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority
White balance	Auto (with scene recognition) Fine Shade Fluorescent light (Daylight) Fluorescent light (Warm white) Fluorescent light (Cool white) Incandescent light Custom
Self timer	2 or 10 sec
Continuous shooting	2.2 fps, max 3 images (Top-3 or Final-3); 0.7 fps, unlimited
Image parameters	Standard, Chrome (vivid), B&W
Flash	Built-in, fixed coverage angle Range (Auto ISO): 6.5 m (w), 3.5 m (t) Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, On, Off, Slow Sync, Slow + Red-eye
Optical Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	2.5-inch, 153,000 pixels, Anti-glare/low reflection
Connectivity	USB 2.0 high speed, Video out
Video output	NTSC and PAL
Printer Compatibility	PictBridge
Memory	10 MB internal memory, xD-Picture Card
Power	NP-70 Li-ion battery, AC adapter AC-5VC included
Dimensions	94 x 57 x 27 mm (3.7 x 2.2 x 1.1 in)
Weight (without battery)	150 g (5.3 oz)