Fujifilm has announced two new Wi-Fi enabled cameras which will be added to its line-up: the FinePix XP200 and the S8400W. The XP200 is a new hard-as-nails all-weather offering which is waterproof to 15 m (50 ft) as well as being shockproof, dust-proof and freeze-proof, while the S8400W is a bridge camera which boasts an impressive 44x optical zoom.
Fujifilm FinePix XP200
One look at the FinePix XP200 and you know it's tougher than your typical scared-of-the-weather camera. Its rugged housing almost invites you to throw it at the ground … though that chunky grip is actually there to help you hold it if it's wet or you're wearing gloves. The camera is waterproof to a depth of 15 m (50 ft), it can survive drops from up to two meters (6.6 ft) and in addition to being dust-proof it can continue functioning in temperatures as low as -10ºC (14ºF).
Inside there's a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, and the ISO sensitivity covers 100-3200. ISO 6400 is also available, but only when shooting small and medium-sized JPEG images – the camera does not shoot RAW. Continuous shooting at a speed of 10 fps (frames per second) means you can capture your high-speed adventures, and it's nice to see a dedicated "Burst mode" button – even if it maxes out at nine frames. Ultra high speed shooting is available at 60 fps, but only at reduced resolutions.
The 5x optical zoom gives you the equivalent of a 28-140mm focal length in 35mm format, and there's a 10x Intelligent Digital Zoom, should you need it. On the rear is a 3.0-inch, 920K-dot LCD screen with anti-reflective coating to keep things visible in sunlight. In addition to a typical flash, the XP200 has a power LED light for shooting at night or underwater. The camera is capable of Full HD video (1080i 60 fps) and has a 360 fps option for slowing down shots of your extreme sports tricks, albeit at a greatly reduced resolution.
The FinePix XP200 also boasts wireless features for transferring photos and videos to smartphones, tablets and PCs. Once installed on your home PC, FUJIFILM PC AutoSave allows files from the XP200 to be wirelessly backed up via your router. There's also the option of wirelessly connecting the camera to your iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone or tablet using the free FUJIFILM Camera Application. This direct connection allows images to be viewed and selected on the smart device, and then up to 30 pictures to be transferred at a time.
Fujifilm FinePix S8400W
If you think the Fujifilm FinePix S8400W looks familiar, that's probably because it's based on the S8400 which was announced in January. Essentially it's the same camera but now with wireless capabilities. So you've still got a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and a powerful 44x f/2.9-6.5 zoom lens, which gives the equivalent to 24-1056mm on a 35mm format camera.
Other things that have stayed the same, but are worth noting, are the Optical Image Stabilization (which will come in handy with that zoom) and the Super Macro mode which lets you to get as close as one centimeter from your subject. Full resolution continuous shooting still comes in at 10fps and the slightly-dated-feeling 201K-dot electronic viewfinder and 460K-dot LCD are still present.
What has changed are your options for getting your images onto your computer or smart device. As with the FinePix XP200, S8400W users will be able to use FUJIFILM PC AutoSave to backup their photos and videos wirelessly to their PC, or the FUJIFILM Camera Application to copy files onto an iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone or tablet.
Both available in May, the Fujifilm FinePix XP200 is due to sell for US$300 while the FinePix S8400W will set you back $350.
Source: Fujifilm
