Over the recent couple of days, we've been literally invaded by a lot of mobile phone-related news, so it's interesting to take a break from time to time and see some other products being launched. And this time, we're talking about a new digital camera from FujiFilm, the FinePix S1500, which delivers a very good zoom level and other interesting features, while maintaining a very compact form factor.

Hence, the new FinePix S1500 sports a 10-megapixel image sensor, combined with a Fujinon 12x optical zoom lens with 35mm equivalent distance of 33-396mm. Additionally, the device packs a 2.7-inch LCD display, which can be used for easily reviewing the photos taken of for controlling the device's various functions. Speaking of which, it's also interesting to note the fact that the digital camera provides full manual photographic control, with manual adjustment options for various camera settings, including resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed and more.

The device makes very good use of the Fujinon lens via the Instant Zoom function, which makes it easy to frame and compose shots with moving subjects at high zoom settings. A selectable frame on the LCD screen lets you bracket and track the subject in standard wide view. When the shutter is released, Instant Zoom boosts the zoom ratio and captures only the enlarged area as a full-sized image, keeping the subject in the frame.

Another interesting feature provided by the new FinePix S1500 is Face Detection with Automatic Red Eye Removal, which operates by identifying and prioritizing faces in a framed scene, and then adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background. After a shot is captured, each detected face is instantly checked for red eye. If it is found, it is corrected automatically, saving the time-consuming process of fixing it later.

Beside being able to capture still shots (even high-speed shots of up to 15 frames at 7.5 fps at 2MP and six frames at 3.3 fps at 5MP), the camera can also record movies at VGA quality and 30 frames per second with sound. Moreover, it's powering options are very versatile, since the device operates on four AA batteries (either Alkaline or Lithium).

The new FinePix S1500 will arrive in stores at some point in March with a suggested retail price of $249.

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