Fuji updates entry level and top end ranges (A/J series and HS10)

Fujifilm FinePix JX200 MARCHANDS €     Amazon.fr m...  629.90  Pixmania ce...  784.90  Rue du comm...  1099.90  Amazon.fr  1449.90  Fnac  1499.90  Fnac.com  1499.90  Compare prices Fujifilm FinePix HS10 MARCHANDS €     Amazon.fr m...  629.90  Pixmania ce...  784.90  Rue du comm...  1099.90  Amazon.fr  1449.90  Fnac  1499.90  Fnac.com  1499.90  Compare prices

Fujifilm has brought out two series of updates for its cameras. The first concerns the entry level, namely the A and J series; the second improves the Fuji flagship model, the HS10.

The update of the numerous A/Js only concerns the 12 Mpx models: AV100, AV110, AV130, JX200 and many clones with nicer casings or 3x zoom, some of which are not imported to the UK.

On the program, the correction of a rather annoying bug for those who've had to deal with it: printing of unrequested pages when using a PictBridge printer.

HS10 revisited

The HS10 update goes further, with no fewer than four improvements:

• correction of distortion with pin-cushion type in bracketing exposure;
• elimination of an occasional problem with sometimes unclear details in images;
• improving sharpness of Jpegs saved in Raw+Jpeg mode;
• improving handling of colour gradation in dynamic range increase features.

Updates available at the Fujifilm Finepix HS10/HS11 firmware download page: select Digital Camera Firmware and then your device in the list of products. You'll then have the choice between firmware for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and upwards, Windows XP, Windows Vista and 7.

According to the update procedure, you have to plug your camera into the computer and then launch the downloaded software to transfer the new firmware onto the camera's memory card. Next you have to turn the camera on, making sure the battery is fully charged, by holding the Disp button down.

For users of other operating systems, you can also download a file that contains the new micro-software: after validating the license agreement, all you need to do is follow the "FPUPDATE.DAT" link beside the photo of the camera. Next a memory card reader allows you to copy this file onto a formatted SD and you can then follow the rest of the procedure.

Simple and it works in all versions of Windows, Mac and Linux and will reassure those who don't want to launch a program they've downloaded onto their computer: we would like to see this alternative procedure made available more often and not just by Fujifilm.

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