Fujifilm introduces FinePix HS10 with 30x optical zoom

Serious photographers wanting the versatility and performance of an SLR system without the bulk or expense now have the perfect solution in the shape of the new Fujifilm FinePix HS10. The latest addition to Fujifilm’s award-winning range of big zoom ‘bridge’ cameras offers an unprecedented feature set that combines a powerful 24-720mm (30x) zoom lens with sophisticated photographic controls, advanced functionality and SLR-like handling in a single compact, affordable unit.

Utilising cutting-edge Back Side Illumination CMOS capture married to class-leading Fujinon optical design, the FinePix HS10’s unique mix of advanced technologies brings several new features designed to make achieving professional-looking pictures easier than ever to the FinePix range, whilst maintaining Fujifilm’s legendary image quality and low-light shooting performance.

Key features at a glance:

• High Resolution super wide Fujinon 30x optical zoom (24-720mm) with manual (mechanical) zoom
• True wide-angle and extreme telephoto capture in a single compact unit
• Triple image stabilisation (sensor shift IS, high ISO IS, Digital IS)
• 10 MP BSI CMOS sensor with advanced shooting modes and high image quality
• 3.0” High Resolution tilting LCD
• Electronic Viewfinder with eye-sensor for automatic switching
• High speed 10 fps continuous shooting at full resolution and new motion-tracking auto focus
• Full HD (1080p) movie capture with stereo sound
• Super High Speed movie capture at 1000 fps
• Motion Panorama mode for ‘one shot’ sweeping panoramas
• Advanced capture modes including unique Motion Remover mode that removes tourists and other moving objects from your photographs
• Direct Shooting Command buttons and Command dial put advanced photographic features at your fingertips
• RAW and JPEG capture modes

A lens so good you’ll be glad you can’t change it

With a range that would require at least two bulky ‘super zoom’ lenses on an SLR, the FinePix HS10’s built-in 30x wide-tele zoom lens is its crowning glory, encompassing virtually every photographic requirement in a single compact unit. Furthermore, because the lens and body on the FinePix HS10 are built as a closed unit, it eliminates the possibility of dust on the lens and Sensor - a serious problem when removing lenses on a digital SLR.

The twist-barrel manual zoom control enables the photographer to make precision adjustments, and zooming is faster and more accurate than with the powered zooms traditionally used in this class of camera.

The class-leading 30x optical zoom covers a uniquely versatile 24-720mm (equivalent on a 35mm camera) range from true wide-angle to ultra telephoto. From sweeping landscapes, interiors and large group shots to distant sports or wildlife action, the FinePix HS10 really is ready for every photographic challenge thrown at it. And it’s not just the huge zoom that’ll take your breath away: the Fujinon name ensures optical quality across the entire range that you’ll see from the first picture you take. Fujinon lenses are acclaimed by photographers, broadcasters (as the world’s leading manufacturer of television camera lenses) and industrial users across the globe - and even further afield: Fujinon lenses have been used in an orbital satellite to capture high-resolution photos of the surface of the moon.

Triple Image Stabilisation combines a mechanically stabilised CMOS sensor with high ISO sensitivities and advanced digital stabilisation for total anti-blur protection. Together these technologies reduce the blurring effect of both handshake and subject movement to provide sharp, clean and clear results even at the longest zoom settings or in the most challenging lighting conditions.

High Speed, High Definition

Whether you’re shooting stills or movie clips, the FinePix HS10’s cutting-edge sensor and processing technologies open up a range of high speed capture modes and unique shooting possibilities.

When you’re shooting sports action or wildlife - or simply trying to keep up with fast-moving children - the 10 frames-per-second high speed with mechanical shutter continuous shooting and new tracking auto focus feature will ensure you never miss that vital moment. And since the FinePix HS10 can perform its remarkable feat of shooting 10 fps even at the maximum 10 megapixel setting, when you do get the perfect shot you don’t need to worry about having enough resolution for even a large-sized print.

T he FinePix HS10’s unique Best Frame Capture Mode means you don’t need the reactions of a pro sports photographer to get professional results either; in this mode the camera continuously records images from the moment you focus, then saves up to 7 shots before or after you press the shutter release. Capturing action with the FinePix HS10 is so easy it feels like cheating.

The FinePix HS10 also features a full HD movie mode (1080p/30fps) with stereo sound, and the camera’s mini HDMI output allows you to easily display ultra clear high definition photographs and movies on high definition televisions. A new Super High Speed Movie function allows you to freeze action and capture breathtaking movies at up to 1000 frames per second for amazing slow-motion movies that reveal the hidden world of events that normally occur in the blink of an eye.

Advanced modes, limitless expression

The FinePix HS10 boasts several unique features and modes designed to expand shooting possibilities and to take the work out of creating genuinely eye-catching images.

• Motion Remover Mode - Remove moving subjects from your shots. This mode captures 5 images of a scene in quick succession; the five images are then analysed and combined in-camera to produce a single image where anything moving in the scene has magically disappeared. Never before has capturing postcard-quality shots of tourist traps – without the tourists – been so easy.
• Multi-Motion Capture Mode - Previously only possible with highly specialised equipment (and more than a dash of time, skill and luck), this mode captures up to 5 images of a moving subject in rapid succession and combines them into a single composite image containing multiple sharply-captured views of the subject motion.
• ‘Pro Low Light’ mode - Combines high and low ISO exposures of the scene being photographed to reduce blur caused by camera shake without significantly increasing image noise. The FinePix HS10 also sports the remarkable ‘Pro Low Light’ mode, first seen on the FinePix S200EXR, which combines several exposures into a single image for ultra-low noise output in low light.
• Motion Panorama Mode - Captures an ultra-wide panoramic view in a single sweeping shot. As you swing the camera (left/right or up/down) the FinePix HS10 captures a series of shots in rapid succession. The shots are then stitched in-camera to produce a seamless panorama.

Setting new standards for low light performance

Thanks to Fujifilm’s award-winning sensor and processing technologies FinePix cameras have become market leaders in low-light performance, setting the standard for high sensitivity, low noise results in the most challenging shooting conditions. The FinePix HS10’s back side illumination CMOS sensor continues this tradition with an innovative new design that significantly increases the light gathering ability of every pixel, resulting in a 200% increase in sensitivity over a conventional CMOS sensor. Combined with Fujifilm’s image processing expertise the new sensor produces stunning richly detailed low noise images, even when shooting in very low light.

The improved sensitivity isn’t just for taking noise-free photographs at night: it also allows the use of high shutter speeds in daylight required when shooting at telephoto end of the FinePix HS10’s 30x zoom, or when attempting to capture fast-moving subjects. Photographers no longer need to worry about blurred pictures with such a long telephoto as they can rely on the FinePix HS10 to produce clear, sharp output even at higher ISO settings.

A true photographer’s camera

As well as a range of advanced automatic functions – including Fujifilm’s acclaimed SR Auto mode - and scene modes designed to produce perfect ‘point and shoot’ results, the FinePix HS10 sports a full complement of sophisticated of manual and semi-automatic shooting modes and photographic controls. The extensive external controls give the more advanced photographer direct access to virtually every control they will need for uninterrupted shooting, and the body includes dedicated buttons for key functions such as ISO, white balance, focus and metering.

The large command dial, manual focus ring, twist and zoom lens barrel, bright, clear electronic viewfinder, high quality tilting LCD screen and deep hand grip ensure the FinePix HS10 handles at least as well as a digital SLR, despite its compact dimensions. AA batteries provide excellent performance (up to 700（TBD） shots per charge when using NiMh cells) combined with the convenience of a universally available format when shooting for extended periods away from mains power.

Other features

In common with all enthusiast-level FinePix models the FinePix HS10 features a range of advanced Fujifilm technologies for picture-perfect results, including ultra-fast Face Detection, Intelligent Flash, automatic red-eye removal and up to 400% expanded dynamic range.

Last but not least, the HS10 sports, for the first time, a clever sensor to the side of the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). When the user approaches the EVF, the sensor switches the picture to the EVF, and when the eye is withdrawn, the image is automatically switched to the LCD. This novel feature makes the photographer’s life so much easier and increases the speed at which instant shots can be taken.