Digital Imaging Reporter’s weekly Flashback Friday articles feature colorful, retro point-and-shoot digital cameras from the early 2000s. These svelte cameras have a fashion-forward aesthetic and optimal portability. Moreover, they promise a “different imaging experience” from today’s cameras. The retro cameras continue their renaissance among photographers of all ages. This week’s featured P&S is the Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd, which was announced in early 2008.
Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd
Billed as the “perfect social camera,” the 10-megapixel FinePix Z200fd sports an ultra-slim, metal body that’s only .78 inch thick. Plus, it has a unique diagonally sliding lens cover with a “Z” logo that illuminates when the camera is switched on. Its slim design also means it can fit into a handbag or jean pocket. Yet, the compact P&S houses a Fujinon 5x optical zoom, 33–165mm-equivalent lens along with Face Detection technology, intelligent red-eye removal and dual image stabilization. And it also records VGA movies at 30 fps with sound.
In addition, it has two self-timer modes: couple timer and group timer. Working with face detection, the couple timer mode cleverly detects two faces in a frame and will automatically release the shutter button as the two faces come closer together. Additionally, this mode has three settings so you can set the timer to detect faces at various distances, whether they are standing side by side or cheek to cheek. What’s more, group timer mode detects up to four faces in a frame and automatically sets the timer to take the shot.
Further, dual image stabilization combines CCD-shift and ISO 1600 to combat the problem of camera shake and blurry images. There’s also Fujifilm’s intelligent flash system, which sets the power output to achieve natural foreground illumination with balanced background exposure for more natural looking photos.
The FinePix Z200fd also features a blog mode, which resizes images for upload to social networking sites. In addition, auction mode combines up to four photos in one frame—ideal for eBay or Etsy!
The FinePix Z200fd launched in a black-and-red combination as well as pink, silver and black versions. Original SRP $299.95.
