The long-awaited Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR camera is due for release in Australia in mid January at an RRP of $3,895.

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December, 22 2004: The long-awaited Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR camera is due for release in Australia in mid January at an RRP of $3,895.

Featuring a 4th Generation Super CCD SR II sensor with 12.34 million effective photosites, comprising 6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels, the new camera can record images with 12.1 million pixels. Fujifilm claims its dual pixel Super CCD SR II imager produces an expanded dynamic range that dramatically broadens tonal capability and provides enhanced image quality and operational speed.

Images can be recorded in two file formats: CCD-RAW and JPEG and the camera has dual card slots for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash/Microdrive media. Power is provided by four AA size Ni-MH batteries. The FinePix S3 Pro also has a bright 2-inch 235,000 pixel LCD monitor with approximately 100% frame coverage, plus a second LCD data display for information on settings. For optimum data transfer speed, the camera offers both high speed IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces.

The new camera provides a full suite of controls including an accurate, high-speed five-point Dynamic Area AF system, 3D Matrix Metering, four shooting modes (single frame, continuous, preview and multiple exposure) and four exposure modes (Auto-Multi program, Shutter Priority Auto, Aperture Priority-Priority Auto, Manual). Nine white balance settings are provided: auto, fine, shade, incandescent light, two custom settings and three for fluorescent light. The camera also supports three dynamic range settings: Auto, Wide (230%, 400%) and Standard (100%).

New features include a Film Simulation Mode with two settings: Film Simulation F1 Mode which is specially optimised for studio portrait photography, yielding smooth tonality and natural looking skin tones, and Film Simulation F2 Mode which is ideal for nature photography and produces enhanced blues and greens and high contrast. Two shutter release buttons ensure comfortable shooting in both landscape and portrait orientations. The FinePix S3 Pro also supports D-TTL full-aperture exposure metering with compatible Nikon DX type Speed lights. It is compatible with Nikon F-Mount lenses. For details, go to www.fujifilm.com.au.