Fujifilm has announced a raft of new FinePix digital compact cameras, including three cameras in a new consumer-oriented E-series. The other cameras announced were the compact F810 and two SLR-style cameras -- the S5500 and the S3500.

All six cameras are aimed at the serious end of the amateur market, offering a level of control beyond basic point-&-shoot. This includes full exposure control (manual, aperture-priority and shutter-priority) and white balance control.

The 4.1Mp FinePix E500 Zoom is the entry level model in the E-series range, and is complemented by the 5.2Mp FinePix E510 Zoom. Both cameras have a 3.2x zoom lens equivalent to 28-91mm in 35mm format, a 2-inch LCD screen, a low-sensitivity ISO 80 setting and 10fps movie capture.

The final camera in the new E-series is the 6.3Mp E550 with Super CCD HR technology, which Fuji claims permits high resolution sensors in more compact housings. Other advantages over the E500 and E510 are a 4x zoom equivalent to 32.5-130mm in 35mm format and 30fps VGA movie capture.

The 6.3Mp F810 is the latest camera in the small and sleek F-series. With the same CCD and lens as the E550, other than body shape and size the only notable difference between the two is the ability of the F810 to output RAW files.

The S3500 and the S5500 are both 4Mp, SLR-shaped compact digital cameras. The S3500 houses a 6x zoom, equivalent to 39-234mm in 35mm format. The camera also includes movie capture at 10fps.

The S5500 boasts a 10x zoom, equivalent to 27-370mm in 35mm format. It also offers a RAW file output, custom white balance control and an LCD with 100 per cent frame coverage. Video capture is at 30fps in VGA format.

No pricing details have been released for the six new models. Fujifilm claims that all the cameras will be available in August, except the S5500 which will be released in September.

From Digit