Fujifilm is making a big claim for the 10 megapixel FinePix S1000fd - that it is the world's smallest digital camera with a 12x optical zoom.

This lens, which is the camera's key feature, delivers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 33mm-396mm.

The new launch is claimed to be ideal for advanced amateurs with shooting tools including Face Detection Technology with automatic red-eye removal, ISO levels of up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 3200 at 3 Megapixel resolution, and a new Panoramic Shooting Mode.

The Panorama Shooting Mode captures and combines a maximum of three consecutive shots at 3 Megapixel resolution, which are saved to the memory card as a panoramic picture, explains Fujifilm.

The face detection tool uses an algorithm to "optimise" focus, white balance and exposure for up to six faces in a single frame; and movement tracking keeps the camera locked on to its subjects until they move out of the picture.

Fujifilm’s new FinePix S1000fd also offers a Picture Stabilisation Mode which reduces blur caused by hand-shake or subject movement; manual controls; and a High Speed Shooting mode, which delivers 7.5fps at 2MP for 15 shots; 3.3fps at 5MP for 6 shots; and 1.4fps at 10MP for 3 shots.

Movie capture is VGA quality at 30fps with sound, Fujifilm adds, and the camera also offers 14 Pre-programmed scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower and Text.

The FinePix S1000fd will be available in March but we don't have a price as yet.

>> Link - Fujifilm