Fujifilm IS-1
Infrared camera for special markets (by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
Valhalla, NY, January 4, 2007 - Fujifilm continues to lead in the area of alternative light photography with today's announcement of the IS-1 digital camera, Fujifilm's latest model for capturing images in the infrared light spectrum. The IS-1 was developed for use in the law enforcement, medical/dental and science fields and is a follow-up model to the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR D-SLR.
Like the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, the IS-1 will help law enforcement officers solve crimes by capturing evidence not easily seen by the human eye. It can be used in both the visible and infrared light spectrums, making the evidence-gathering process more efficient and accurate.
For example, the IS-1 has a continuous live preview feature, an advantage during infrared photography for focusing and composing when using dark lens filters. It also has an articulating LCD, which simplifies the processes of previewing, capturing and reviewing photos - especially when the camera is in a laboratory environment. Its 10.7x, 28-300mm optical zoom system is built-in, minimizing dust, making operation a snap for forensic photographers.
Through the use of an infrared cut or "hot mirror" filter on the lens, the IS-1 can capture a visible light image very close in quality to that of a standard digital camera, adding flexibility and cost-effectiveness to the overall package.
"The FinePix S3 Pro UVIR has been well-received in the forensic and scientific markets, and we anticipate an even better reception for the IS-1 digital camera in these same channels," remarked Darin Pepple, Marketing Manager, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.
"Law enforcement and scientific departments often contend with very restrictive budgets so a product that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations, without draining too much of their resources, is quite appealing."
The IS-1 digital camera features a nine MegaPixel Fujifilm Super CCD sensor and ISO 80-1600 (in case of capturing a visible light image) capabilities. The camera's high sensitivity range, made possible by Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology, enables IS-1 users to capture images using visible and infrared light (approximately 400nm -900 nm). Users can apply lens filtration to isolate specific wavelengths to achieve a desired effect. In addition, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization technology uses the heightened sensitivity of the IS-1 and high-speed shutter settings to reduce blur caused by camera shake and subject movement. This easy-to-access feature is selectable on the mode dial and allows the IS-1 to choose the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed automatically for the highest quality digital pictures.
HS-V2 Software: The inclusion of Fujifilm's Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3 enables IS-1 photographers to explore the full potential of the camera's RAW file format. This program also provides law enforcement investigators with side-by-side image comparisons along with metadata analysis, a useful tool when examining images of blood stains, documents or other forms of evidence.
Priced at $899, the IS-1 will be available at select authorized dealers in the United States in February 2007. For a dealer list, interested parties should visit www.fujifilmusa.com. Infrared and infrared cut filters are optional.
About Fujifilm
Fujifilm brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries including medical, life sciences, consumer electronic, chemical, graphic arts, information systems, photography and office products based on its vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company provides products and services that contribute to the advancement of culture, science, technology and industry, as well as to improved health and environmental protection. It is the global leader in digital minilabs; Computed Radiography systems; ink dyes, pigments and UV inks for inkjet printers and materials used in the production of flat panel displays. It was ranked number 18 for U.S. patents granted in 2005, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2006, had global revenues of $22.8 billion.
FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., Valhalla, NY, is a U.S. marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, providing digital and analog photographic Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media and Motion Picture Film products and services to consumers, professionals and businesses.
For more information on FUJIFILM U.S.A. products, customers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the FUJIFILM U.S.A. Web site at www.fujifilmusa.com.
We like:
- Superb 9.0 megapixel Super CCD HR makes for excellent image quality
- Excellent 28-300 mm provides wide angle to big zoom
- Uses standard AA batteries
- Awesome macro performance
- Very quick
- VGA video with sound and full zoom
- LCD rotates 135 degrees for above and below shots
- Fixed lens system eliminates SLR "dust problem"
- Supports RAW format and comes with RAW utility
Not so much:
- 10.7X optical zoom no longer seems that much
- Flash should pop up automatically when needed
- Scattered controls and buttons require learning curve
- 2-inch LCD still small and electronic viewfinder a bit grainy
- Digital, but no optical image stabilization
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IS-1
Status
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Added 1/2007 (available 2/2007)
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Camera Type
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dSLR-style
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Size
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5.0 x 5.1 x 3.7
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Weight (oz.)
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23 (without battery and card)
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Effective Pixels
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9.0 mp |
CCD Type
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1/1.6
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Max pixel size
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3488 x 2616
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File formats
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JPEG, CCD-RAW, AVI (Motion JPEG), WAV
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Compression
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fine, normal
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Movie recording (best)
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til full at 30fps with mono audio
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Max movie pixels
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640 x 480 with zoom
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Voice recording
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yes (up to 30 seconds)
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Lens
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Fujinon
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Focal length
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6.2-66.7mm (28-300mm)
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Zoom (optical/digital)
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10.7X/2X
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Aperture
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f/2.8 - f/11
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Focus modes
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Normal, Macro, Super Macro
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Focus minimum/macro
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0.4 inches, 1.3 feet
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Shutter speed
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1/4000 to 30 sec
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Sensitivity (ISO)
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auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600
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Autofocus system
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Auto focus (Area, Multi, Center)/Manual focus/Continuous AF)
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Metering
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256-zone TTL metering-Multi/Spot/Average
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White-balance modes
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Auto, Manual: Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, 2 Custom
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Shooting modes
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Normal, Continuous, High Speed Shooting, M/A/S/P/anti-shake, scenes
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Exposure compensation
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+/-2EV in 1/3 steps
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Viewfinder Type
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Electronic 0.44-inch 235k with diopter adjustment
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LCD size
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2.0" LCD (235k)
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LCD construction
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135 degree vertical rotation
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Flash type
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manual pop-up
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Flash range
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up to 18 feet
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Flash modes
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Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro
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Camera internal memory
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none
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Storage Medium
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xD-Picture Card and CF Card
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I/O
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A/V, mini-USB, DC
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Battery type
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4 AA (charger optional), AC/DC adapter optional
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CIPA Battery life (LCD/off)
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120 with alkalines, 230 with NiMH
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List Price
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US$899
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Contact
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www.fujifilmusa.com
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Technology Information
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Inside the CCD
Digital Camera Primer
PictBridge, PIM, Exif, DPOF
Recent advances
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