Fujifilm's New S2800HD Bridge, Plus JX280 and Z80 Compacts

Fujifilm has announced three upcoming new cameras, with additions to its J, Z and S ranges. The JX280, Z80 and S2800HD are all very close to their predecessors. They're so similar, in fact, that their release this autumn (UK pricing TBC) will more than likely go unnoticed.

Fujifilm FinePix JX280 Find the best price

Fuji FinePix JX280

The JX280 holds no real surprises. It has a typical J-series camera body for seamless integration into Fuji's mid-range series. It has a 5x zoom lens (28-140 mm) with a mediocre speed (f/3.6 in wide-angle, or f/5.9 in telephoto). The JX280 has a 14-Megapixel CCD sensor and films in 720p HD.

We're having trouble spotting any real difference between this new model and the JX250, released back in February. According to the press release there are two differences, both related to image tagging. First of all, you can now add tags to photos and then search for snaps by tag or scene type. Second, a Photobook Assist function helps you organise the photos in your camera into a digital photo book. These functions are also found in the following two models.

Fujifilm FinePix Z80 MARCHANDS €     Amazon.co.uk  4.36  Amazon.co.uk  4.43  Mypix.com  7.99  Amazon mark...  27.98  Pixmania  59.00  Pc world  73.99  Compare prices

Fuji FinePix Z80

Whereas the Z70 had 12 Megapixels, the updated Z80 has 14, in line with the current market trend. The design is identical to the older model, although the Z80 is available in a couple of new colours, with an eye-catching hot pink and a more subdued plum purple.

The Z80 has a 36-180 mm lens with a mediocre speed (f/4-4.8), a macro mode at—wait for it—9 cm, a 2.7-inch screen with 230,000 pixels and, its main innovation, a 720p HD video mode. Note that Fuji has decided to split the buttons on the rear of the camera into two columns—one either side of the screen—just like on the Z70. This design is particularly reminiscent of the W1, Fuji's stereoscopic camera. One other (very) small new feature is that the Z80 has a digital image stabiliser.

We reckon this ultra-compact should be available at a reasonably low price. That and its eye-catching colours are likely to be its main selling points.

Fujifilm FinePix S2800 HD Find the best price

Fuji FinePix S2800HD

The S2800 HD is very similar to the S2500 HD. It has the same 28-504 mm lens and camera body, including a 3-inch screen with 230,000 pixels. It also has the same 720p HD video mode with mono sound.

The only thing that's changed here is the sensor. Whereas the S2500 HD had 12 Megapixels, the new S2800 HD will have 14. This won't really have any impact on the camera's performance, other than a slightly longer photo-to-photo turnaround time.

This camera is also likely to be priced towards the budget end of the market.


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