Fujifilm Announce 10MP FinePix Z200fd with Innovative ‘Intimacy Detecting’ Couple Timer [Blog, Facebook & eBay Modes Also on Offer]

Fujifilm have announced the latest model in their Finepix range of digital cameras in the form of the FinePix Z200fd ultra-slim point and shoot compact digital camera which, apart from coming with face detection technology, also sports an innovative Couple Timer, which automatically release the shutter button as the two faces come closer together, as well as a group timer, which will hold back on taking a picture should a subject escape the frame.

Measuring just 19.8mm in thickness, Fujifilm’s new FinePix Z200fd offers a 10 megapixel Fujinon 5x (33-165mm equivalent) optical zoom lens with dual image stabilisation combining CCD-shift and high ISO to counter camera shake, ISO sensitivities up to 1600, a 2.7” LCD and 54MB of integrated storage capacity which can be supplemented with SD, SDHC, and xD memory cards.

What really serves to distinguish this otherwise somewhat moderated specified compact, however, is undoubtedly the inclusion of the aforementioned as rather intriguing Group and Couple Timers which Fujifilm’s press release details as follows:

The FinePix Z200fd features two brand new self-timer modes: Couple Timer and Group Timer. Working in combination with Face Detection technology, the self-timer automatically sets off after the camera has detected faces in a frame. The camera won’t take the photo if one of the faces is out the frame, so there’s no need to worry about someone being missed out of the shot.

Cheek-to-cheek: The Couple Timer mode cleverly detects two faces in a frame and will automatically release the shutter button as the two faces come closer together. The Couple Timer mode has three settings so users can set the timer to detect faces at various distances, whether they are standing side by side, or cheek-to-cheek.

The more the merrier: Group shots have never been so easy. The FinePix Z200fd’s Group Timer mode can detect up to four faces in a frame and automatically sets the timer to take that precious shot. Using the Face Detection button, the user can select the number of faces in the frame, from one to four, and the camera will only take the shot once all the specified number of faces are in the frame.

Another interesting inclusion is a function referred to as a Blog Mode which not only acts to resize captured imagery specifically for inclusion in blogs and for use with social networking sites such as Facebook and auction sites such as eBay but which can combine four separate frames into a single image, all the required wizardry occurring in camera. Additionally the FinePix Z200fd also comes with IrSimple technology facilitating the easier transfer of files between the camera and other IrSimple compatible devices.

Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd Features:

• Ultra slim (19.8mm thick) styling with two-tone all metal body
• 5x optical zoom lens (33-165mm equivalent)
• Dual Image Stabilisation
• Face Detection Technology and automatic intelligent red-eye removal
• 52MB internal memory plus xD-Picture card, SD and SDHC compatibility
• ISO 100-1600 sensitivity at full resolution
• Wide view 2.7-inch high resolution screen
• Playback features including Face Zoom and Micro Thumbnail (100 shot) view
• IR Communication (IR simpleTM)
• Blog mode and Auction mode
• VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
• New modes including Folder Select (categorise your photos using handy preset folders) and Illustration Mode.
• PictBridgeTM compatible for direct printing without a PC

Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd, which comes in pink, silver, black, and a somewhat retro looking combination of black and red, is expected to launch in the UK in August though will be available in Japan from next month. No official word concerning wider release dates of (specifically) UK pricing, however, it is known that the Japanese model is to retail for the equivalent of $380 / £191.

Fujifilm [via press release]