Fujifilm launch FinePix S3500, a four megapixel successor to popular FinePix S300...

Retaining the desirable features of its predecessor, the acclaimed FinePix S3000 Zoom, the introduction of the four megapixel sensor FinePix S3500 Zoom means images can be reproduced to a larger size than before. The addition of PictBridge compatibility also allows for printing without the need for a PC or Mac.

While the enhanced pixel count means users can capture the minute detail of your composition, the powerful six times optical zoom lens (equivalent to 39 - 234mm on a 35mm camera) allows photographers to home in on the action.

Furthermore, this versatile camera offers intuitive handling for manoeuvres such as switching from LCD display to electronic viewfinder, or taking advantage of the six flash modes - allowing optimum results to be achieved in any conditions. No matter what your level of expertise, the contemporary ergonomic exterior and metal-look housing of this SLR-style camera conjure up an unmistakably professional look, with results to match.

Indeed, further noticeable improvements are the faster shot-to-shot and shutter lag times, so the chances of missing a great photograph are very remote.

A frugal consumer of 4 x AA alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, the FinePix S3500 Zoom is a travel companion that goes the distance.

FinePix S3500 Zoom features at a glance

• Compact, silver SLR-style body for easy, steady handling
• 6x optical zoom lens equivalent to 39-234mm on a 35mm camera
• 4.0 million effective pixel conventional CCD sensor
• PictBridge compatible for printing without a computer
• Movie capture at 10 frames per second
• Six manual white balance settings
• Six flash settings
• Viewfinder/LCD brightness control
• Auto, manual and four scene shooting modes
• xD-Picture Card providing large storage capacity, low power consumption and fast write speed (cards up to 512MB available currently)
• Powered by 4 x AA batteries

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Consumer Products, commented, "Whilst adhering to a proven principle, the FinePix S3500 Zoom goes one step further, maintaining an inviting look and feel, and introducing more performance to enhance results. The added refinements keep this camera up-to-date and uphold its good-all-round nature, while offering exceptional value for money."

Specifications

Number of effective pixels	4.0 million pixels
CCD sensor	1/2.7" conventional CCD
Number of total pixels:	Still image: 2272x1704 (3.87 million) 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480 pixels Movie: 320x480 / 160x120 pixels (10 frames per second, without sound)
File formats	Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2) Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG) (Design Rule for Camera File System Compliant / DPOF compatible)
Storage media	xD-Picture Card (16MB to 512MB capacities currently available)
Lens	Fujinon 6x optical zoom lens, f/2.8 - f/3.0
Lens focal length	Equivalent to 39 - 234mm on a 35mm camera
Focus	Autofocus
Focus distance	Normal: 80cm to infinity, Macro: 10cm - 80cm
Shutter speed	Auto/SP: 1/4 sec to 1/1500 sec SP (night scene mode only): 2 sec to 1/250 sec Manual (aperture priority): 1/2 sec to 1/1500 sec
Aperture	Automatically selected: f/2.8 / f/4.8 / f/8.2 (wide angle), f/3.0 / f/5.2 / f/8.7 (telephoto)
Exposure control	64-zone TTL metering, Programmed AE
Sensitivity	Equivalent to ISO 100 (automatically set between ISO 64 - 250 depending on shooting mode and subject)
White balance	Automatic, Manual (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light)
Flash	Auto flash using flash control sensor Flash modes: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro Effective range: Wide angle 0.3m - 3.5m, Telephoto 0.8m - 3.5m
Electronic viewfinder	0.33-inch low temperature polysilicon TFT (approx 110,000 pixels) Approx 86% coverage
LCD monitor	1.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT (approx 62,000 pixels) Approx 85% coverage
Self-timer	Approx 10 sec.
Video out	NTSC/PAL selectable
Digital interface	USB
Printing	PictBridge compatible
Power source	4 x AA Alkaline batteries (included) 4 x AA Ni-MH batteries (optional) AC power adaptor AC-5VH (optional)
Dimensions	99.7 (W) x 77.3 (H) x 69.3 mm (D)
Weight	285g (excluding batteries and media)
Camera functions
Digital zoom (shooting)	3.4x (640 x 480 pixels) 1.7x (1,280 x 960 pixels) 1.4x (1,600 x 1,200 pixels)
Digital zoom (playback)	4x (640 x 480 pixels) 8x (1,280 x 960 pixels) 10x (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) 14x (2,272 x 1,704 pixels)
Shooting modes	Auto, Manual, Scene Position (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Scene)
Movie recording	320 x 240 pixels: 10 frames/sec up to 60 sec 160 x 120 pixels: 10 frames/sec up to 240 sec AVI (Motion JPEG) without sound
Playback	Single frame (with max. 14.2 x playback zoom), 9 Multi-frame
Automatic playback	Available
Viewfinder/LCD brightness control	Yes
Start-up time	Less than 2.3 sec
Accessories included	16MB xD-Picture Card 4 x AA type alkaline batteries Shoulder strap USB cable Video cable Adaptor ring Lens cap Owner's manual CD-ROM - USB driver - FinePix Viewer 4.2 ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix
Optional accessories	xD-Picture Card: 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB capacities currently available PC Card Adaptor (DPC-AD) CompactFlash Card Adaptor (DPC-CF)