FUJIFILM has announced the launch of the FinePix F800EXR, a compact digital camera equipped with a Fujinon 20x optical zoom lens (25-500mm), and a 16 megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated) EXR-CMOS sensor.

The FinePix F800EXR offers the ability to transfer high quality images directly to smartphones and tablets, enabling users to post photos to Facebook and other social networking sites quickly. In addition, the FinePix F800EXR features a new Advanced Filter that lets users get even more creative with their photography.

With its advanced Fujinon 20x optical zoom lens, 25-500mm equivalent,the FinePix F800EXR is a long-zoom digital camera that can capture clearly defined images even at a 40x zoom range. It combines its 20x optical zoom with Intelligent Digital Zoom, offering optimum image processing to counteract the image degradation that traditionally occurred when digital zooms were employed.

The F800EXR’s 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR technology. Its intelligent EXR AUTO function automatically selects the optimum shooting mode from 103 patterns, dependent on the demands of the scene being shot, guaranteeing beautifully captured scenes with the highest image quality possible.

The FinePix F800EXR has additional enhancements over its predecessor, the F770EXR, making it even better to use. The FinePix F800EXR has been optimised for a speedy start-up time – turn the power ON and you will be ready to shoot in just 1.5 seconds. In addition, shot-to-shot time is just 0.8 seconds. The AF speed is as little as 0.16 sec (at the shortest focal distance), helping users lock onto their subjects in a flash.

Wireless Image Transfer facilitates sending photos from the F800EXR to smartphones and tablets quickly and simply. Once users have download a dedicated “FUJIFILM Photo Receiver app” (free of charge), to their smartphones and tablets, they can easily transfer the photos from the camera to the phone or tablet without going through the trouble of entering passwords. Up to 30 images can be sent in a single transmission, and users can share their photos online on Facebook and other social networking sites anytime, anywhere, without having to worry about accessing Wi-Fi hotspots.

Additionally, by downloading a “FUJIFILM Camera App“ (free of charge), the F800EXR is able to record the user’s current location data by sending the tablet/smartphone’s location data (latitude and longitude) and displaying it on the LCD monitor of the camera. Users can also send that image to their smartphones and tablets to display the location it was shot at on general map applications. With a database of approximately 1 million landmarks worldwide, users can enjoy various functions, such as Landmark Navigator which acts as a Tour Guide, displaying the distance from where you are to nearby landmarks (in the direction the camera is faced), and Photo Navigation which displays the distance from the photographer’s present location to the place where a tagged photo was taken.

A new Advanced Filter feature on the FinePix F800EXR offers users six new artistic effects. These all allow you to capture your photo and view the effect the special filter gives on the LCD screen.

· POP COLOUR: Emphasises contrast and colour saturation

· HIGH-KEY: Emphasises brightness and reduces contrast to lighten tonal reproduction

· TOY CAMERA: Creates shaded borders around the edges of a photo for a retro effect

· MINIATURE: Blurs the top and bottom of a photo to create a miniature model effect or diorama

· DYNAMIC TONE: Creates a graphic effect with dynamically-modulated tonal reproduction

· PARTIAL COLOUR: Selects one colour and takes the rest of the shot in black and white. Colours can be selected from red, yellow, green, blue, orange and purple for dramatic effect!

High-definition and ergonomic design

With optimum usability in mind, the FinePix F800EXR black and red models have a rubber coating which gives the camera a premium quality feel. The white model has a smooth pearlescent finish. And the non-slip grip and tilted shutter button offer better handling and additional stability when using the full 20x zoom.

The FinePix F800EXR will be available in the UK in three colours (Black, Red and White).

Fujifilm FinePix F800EXR key features list:

· High quality Fujinon 20x optical zoom covering 25-500mm with intelligent digital zoom boosting the range to approx.40x.

· 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor

· 3.0-inch LCD with 460,000 dots and Monitor Sunlight Mode

· Wireless Image Transfer

· Advanced Filter (for artistic finishes)

· Full HD movies (1920×1080 pixels) with a Automatic Scene Selection

· RAW file capture

· 360˚ Motion Panorama

· Film Simulation modes

· Multiple Exposure modes

No specifics yet on price, but watch this space. It is expected to launch next month.