Fuji Launches 9 New Ultra-Zooms

2013.01.07

Today at CES 2013, Fuji took the wraps of 12 new cameras, including 9 ultra-zooms. Fuji has always released a refresher of its entire consumer lineup every January, so they are giving a break to reporters by releasing only 12 updates!

The 9 ultra-zoom cover optical zoom ranges from 12X to 50X, matching the Canon Powershot SX50 IS reviewed here in terms of reach. Here are the new models in alphabetical order:

• Fuji Finepix HS35 EXR - Minor upgrade to the HS30 EXR with improved image quality and speed. Retains full manual-controls, the hot-shoe, high-resolution EVF, tilting 3" LCD and a fantastic mechanical zoom lens.

• Fuji Finepix HS50 EXR - 42X Optical zoom, equivalent to 24-1000mm in a similar but slightly simplified body compared to the HS35 EXR. Built around a new EXR CMOS II sensor with built-in phase-detect autofocus and promises to lock focus extremely quickly. Just like the other HS-series, uses a mechanical zoom for smooth and infinitely precise framing.

• Fuji Finepix S8200 - Simple ultra-zoom with full-manual controls and an electronically-controlled 40X optical zoom lens.

• Fuji Finepix S8300 - Same as the S8200 but with 42X optical zoom. Not available in all markets.
• Fuji Finepix S8400 - Same as the S8300 but with 44X optical zoom. Not available in all markets.
• Fuji Finepix S8500 - Same as the S8400 but with 46X optical zoom. Not available in all markets.
• Fuji Finepix SL1000 - Mid-range ultra-zoom with full-manual controls and a hot shoe for external lighting. Features a class-leading 50X optical zoom, equivalent to 24-1200mm.

• Fuji Finepix T500 - Compact point-and-shoot with a 12X ultra-wide-angle optical zoom and a 2.7" LCD.
• Fuji Finepix T550 - Same as the T500 but with a 3" LCD instead.

These new Fuji digital cameras are expected to be available in March 2013. For flagship HS50 EXR carries a suggested retail price of $549 USD. Both the HS35 EXR and SL1000 will retain around $399 USD. The S8200 has a suggested retain price of $299 with $10 extra for each additional 2X zoom of its siblings. The T550 is announced at $159 USD with the T500 priced a few dollars below it.

• Digital Camera
• CES