Camera Reviews / Fujifilm Cameras i Preview

7.30 Megapixels	3.00x zoom	1/1.6 inch size sensor

The Fujifilm FinePix A700 is based around a new seven megapixel SuperCCD HR imager, with a maximum resolution of 3,072 x 2,304 pixels. Fuji's SuperCCD HR sensors use an octagonal array of photodiodes that increases image resolution in the horizontal and vertical planes - where the maximum detail in pictures should be found. Coupled to a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 36 - 108mm, the sensor offers ISO sensitivity from 100 to 400 equivalent. Where most of the A-series lineup offers optical viewfinders, the Fujifilm A700 (like its A600 sibling) eschews one in favor of a larger 2.4" LCD display.

Other features of note on the Fuji A700 include xD-Picture Card and 12MB of built-in storage, power from two AA batteries, an AVI movie mode with audio, and a product bundle including Fuji's FinePixViewer software. The only other noteable changes from the previous model are a slight weight reduction to 4.9 ounces (body only), and a slight change to the flash range specification (the minimum flash range being increased at wide angle and in macro mode, while the maximum flash range also increases a little at wide angle). The Fuji FinePix A700 is priced at $199, $50 less than the A600 listed for in the Spring of 2006. It is slated to reach stores from early October 2006.