The FinePix Z1's sleek and strong all-metal body is sure to draw attention. Available in two colors -- a deep, sophisticated black and a stunning brushed silver -- the FinePix Z1 is as trim as they come in the world of digicams, measuring a mere 18.6 millimeters thick - thinner than a deck of cards. This slenderness, which is possible thanks to a non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens, allows the camera to stow easily in a pocket or small handbag for quick access when those special moments with friends occur. Nighttime is the Right Time for Taking Pictures with the FinePix Z1
Taking pictures when out dancing or at dinner does present challenges to a digital camera, as many of these picture-worthy moments occur in very low light. Low light calls for higher, more light-sensitive ISO settings, which can lead to "noisy", grainy pictures or blurriness when a camera's shutter stays open in order to bring in more light. The FinePix Z1 is up to the low light challenge thanks to a new Fuji technology called Real Photo Technology, this breakthrough links the camera's 5th generation Super CCD HR sensor with a new, advanced RP Processor. The results are pictures taken at ISO settings as high as 800 (in full resolution) with reduced noise and extra sharpness. This higher sensitivity also enables higher shutter speeds, which helps minimizes blur.
Another benefit to the Real Photo Technology is speed of operation. The Fujifilm FinePix Z1, with its smooth and curvy bodylines, looks fast and it performs to type, going from off to on in an incredibly fast 0.6 second. Shutter lag, the time it takes for the camera to fire after depressing the shutter button, has been reduced to an almost negligible 1/100th of a second. The camera also has a high-speed shooting mode that automates the capture of moving subjects by speeding up the exposure and focusing processes, ensuring that even the most unexpected moments can be captured in famous Fujifilm color.
The FinePix Z1 has a sizable LCD (2.5 inches), great for sharing just-taken pictures with friends or family. LCDs were designed chiefly for the review of photos, but they have increasingly become the primary scene-framing tool of many consumers -- even though many lament over their performance in low-light situations. To combat this and improve low-light performance, the LCD of the FinePix Z1 has a gain-up function that improves the brightness and quality of the image in the LCD. With this feature FinePix Z1 picture-takers can preserve the mood of any scene, such as keeping the lights off when the birthday boy or girl blows out the candles.
Fujifilm also improved the toughness of the FinePix Z1's LCD by giving it a reinforced glass coating that is 35 times more resistant to scratches than previous models. This is a feature consumers have asked for in cameras without optical viewfinders, keeping it free from damage as the camera is repeatedly pulled from pockets and handbags.
Regarding the issue of LCD-only scene capture on the FinePix Z1, Fujifilm conducted extensive consumer research concerning LCDs and found out that with a palm-sized camera, consumers feel comfortable framing their pictures solely with a LCD as long as the monitor is large, durable and performs well in low light. The advanced LCD of the FinePix Z1 has it all and should be an attractive feature on an already attractive camera.
Key features of the FinePix Z1:
- Effective 5.1 MegaPixel
- 5th-Generation Super CCD HR
- Non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom
- Large and bright 2.5" LCD with scratch-resistant coating
- Super-sleek flat design
- Real Photo Technology for low noise at ISOs as high as 800; fast shutter speeds prevent blur in low or natural light scenes
- 0.6-second boot-up time; shutter lag down to 1/100th second after AE/AF locked
- High-Speed Shooting mode provides quicker auto exposure and focus lock for even faster operation
Specifications:
Number of Effective Pixels | 5.1 Million Pixels |
CCD Sensor | New Super CCD HR |
Number of Recorded Pixels | 5.04 million 2592 x 1944 in standard 4:3 format |
Image Processing Type | Fuifilm RP Processor |
File formats | JPEG, WAV, Motion JPEG |
Lens | 10 elements in 8 groups with prism ( 2 asphericals) |
Lens Focal Length (Rated) / (35mm Equiv.) | Equivalent to 36-109mm on a 35mm camera |
Aperture Range | F3.5 - F4.2 |
Optical zoom | 3.0x Refractive Optical Compact Non Extending Zoom |
Digital zoom | 5.7x |
Lens Adapters Available | None |
Focus - Auto / Manual / Macro | Auto Focus (Contrast Type) |
Focusing Range | |
Normal | Approx. 60 cm - 8 |
Macro - Closeup | 8cm (W) / 45cm (T) - 80 cm |
Super Macro - Closeup | None |
Focusing Operation | Center point AF and shutter button pre-focus selection ability |
Viewfinder | 2.5" TFT, reinforced scratch-resistant glass LCD Monitor Only; 115,000 pixels; 100& coverage |
Light Metering (Photometry) | 64- zone TTL metering |
Color Control Modes | Standard, Chrome (Vivid), B&W |
Sensitivity | AUTO/ equivalent to ISO 64/100/200/400/800 |
Shutter Release Control | Press half way to set focus, all the way to release the shutter. |
White Balance | Automatic, Manual (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light |
Flash | Auto Flash (CCD) - Flash mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro - Effective range: 0.3~3.0m (W), 0.6~2.3m (T) |
LCD Low Light Viewability Gain-up Brightness Mode | Yes |
Auto Rotation Playback Mode | Metadata rotation mode available from FinePix Viewer Software |
Camera Terminals | Combination USB 1.1 & USB 2.0 High-Speed, 5 volt power-input socket, Video-out (NTSC/PAL), Cradle connection terminal |
Printing interface | PictBridge, DPOF, and EXIF Print 2.2 Compatible |
Power source | - NP-40 Li-ion rechargeable battery - NP-40 Charger/Cradle (included) - Fujifilm AC-5V AC adapter (included) |
Dimensions | 90 x 55 x 18.6mm / 3.5 x 2.2 x .7 inches |
Pictures / Battery Charge (CIPA Standard) | Approx. 200 pictures per NP-40 Charge |
Weight | Approx. 130g / 4.6 oz |
Start-up Speed | Approx. 0.6 Sec. |
Shutter Lag Time | Approx 0.01 Sec. (after AE/AF locked) |
Shooting modes | Auto, Preprogrammed Scene Position (SP), Macro, Movie |
Preprogrammed Scene Modes (SP) | Sports, Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Natural Light |
Frame to Frame Intervals | Without Flash Frame to Frame Speeds 1.1 Sec. |
Movie recording | 640 x 480 pixels continuous, 30 fps, AVI (Motion JPEG) with sound |
Audio Recording Mode | 30 Sec Audio Voice Memo |
Video Out | NTSC and PAL Switchable |
Playback | Single frame (With max. 4.05 x playback zoom in standard 4:3 format), 9 multi frame |
Cradle Technology | Picture Cradle included with camera |
Memory Type | xD Picture Card |
Other Features | Voice Memo (30 sec.), Color Mode, Self-timer: approx 10 sec/2 sec. delay, 7 Language menu interface. Tripod Socket in Cradle only |