February 22, 2007 – Fujifilm launched two new point-and-shoot A-series cameras today, the FinePix A900 and the A820. Both new cameras tote increased optical zoom. The Fuji A900 has a higher resolution count at 9 megapixels and will retail for $199.95. The 8.3-megapixel A820 is priced at $179.95. Both cameras will be available in May.
“Designed specifically for the first-time digital camera buyer and consumers seeking an affordable, easy-to-operate upgrade to their current digital camera, Fujifilm’s FinePix A820 and A900 are loaded with features usually reserved for more advanced models,” according to a company release today.
The unveiling of these two new cameras follows hot on the heels of last month’s announcement of the A800. Unlike the A800, the new Fuji cameras have a new 4x Fujinon optical zoom lens, that is up from 3x optical zoom on the previous model. The new FinePix A820 shares the A800 megapixel count of 8.3 megapixels, but the A900 touts a higher 9-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor, making it the highest resolution camera in Fuji’s A-series entry-level line. Both new cameras come equipped with a 2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel LCD screen.
The Fuji A900 and A820 sport a sensitivity range of up to 800 ISO at full resolution which is a borrowed feature from the previous model. Users can activate the ISO setting through the Picture Stabilization mode, located on the mode dial that boosts sensitivity and shutter speed to prevent blur, according to the release.
The FinePix cameras include a recently added Graphic User Interface that displays icon and text based menus to help the beginner user. The A900 and A820 feature IrSimple Technology that allows users to wirelessly transmit their photos from the cameras to IrSimple-enabled devices, such as other cameras, PDAs, and photo kiosks.
The A900 and A820 are capable of 16 scene modes, including an underwater setting to be used in conjunction with an optional Fuji WP-FXA800 housing case. Users can also record Motion JPEG video at QVGA (320 x 240 resolution) at 30fps.
Both cameras accept Fuji-specific xD cards as well as SD memory cards because of a recent addition of a xD-SD Media Compatible Slot that allows users to choose their media. Both point-and-shoots accept two AA batteries.
Fuji FinePix A900 Key Features:
9-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor
4x optical zoom
Graphic User Interface
IrSimple technology
xD-SD Compatible Slot
Fuji FinePix A820 Key Features:
8.3-megapixel Super CCD HR sensor
4x optical zoom
Graphic User Interface
IrSimple technology
xD-SD Compatible Slot
