As of today, July 22, Fuji's successful F series is getting another member, the FinePix F70EXR. Offering several enhancements over its predecessor, the FinePix F60, the F70EXR really takes the concept of super-zoom to a new level, going down with size, that is. Combine sleek design with the most advanced technology available for compact cameras and you still can't see the picture. Sporting a pretty sculpted metal chassis with a double coated lacquer finish and a 10x zoom crammed into a 22.7mm thick body really makes competing long-zoom digital cameras look bulky.

"The FinePix F70EXR, which has been designed specifically for taking demanding shots in challenging conditions, requires a sophisticated sensor and control algorithms to ensure every shot looks the very best," said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. "By adding our EXR technology to the FinePix F70EXR, users will achieve outstanding images in virtually any lighting condition, and have the advantages of a 10x zoom that fits in your shirt pocket."

The major improvements over its brother were made in the more important part of the camera, the sensor. Featuring a Super CCD added with Fuji's award winning EXR technology, this little camera will give you the best levels of detail when switched to its HR (high resolution) mode. Never again end-up with overexposed highlight in a picture, due to the DR (wide dynamic range) mode. That mode you only find on the higher-end Fuji FinePix S5 Pro, and it has implemented even the film simulation modes found in the S5 with Velvia, Provia, Astia, Black & White and, of course, sepia for nostalgia.

Instead of using high ISO and CCD shift stabilization, the outstanding Pro Low-light Mode employs a burst of four high sensitivity images using Pixel Fusion Technology, which are combined to obtain one low noise image.

Another dSLR-like feature is the possibility of taking shots with bokeh, uncommonly for a compact camera due to its sensor size. Pro Focus mode combines a two- or three-image burst to obtain a crisp shot of the subject against a blurred background and foreground.

This beauty, I admit, is one compact that I'd buy for myself. If it had offered HD video recording, it might have jumped way over the $279.95 price tag set for August 2009.


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