[Steve]

Fujifilm is pleased to announce the launch of a new A series camera - the FinePix A820, featuring Fujifilm's acclaimed Super CCD HR sensor and RP Processor. The new camera joins the existing FinePix A800 and A610 in offering high-end technology to every-day users who want point-and-shoot simplicity, at an affordable price point, but are not prepared to compromise on image quality. In a first for A Series cameras, The FinePix A820 features an impressive Fujinon 4x optical zoom lens, offering users even more scope for creative photography. It offers ISO800 sensitivity at full resolution of 8.3Mp.

The new addition extends Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology (RPT) family, where Super CCD HR sensor and Real Photo (RP) Processor combine with a Fujinon lens to deliver images of unrivalled quality; with colours and tones looking natural and closer than ever before to the original scene. Added to this, the FinePix A820 offers handy features such as selectable scene modes and movie recording with sound, for versatility and ease of use.

An intuitive, icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) and simple button layout make it easy for users to navigate through menus and switch between shooting modes and scene positions. The camera also features a handy mode dial, for fast access to the most popular scene positions and for simple selection between camera, playback or movie recording modes.

The 14 selectable scene modes simplify shooting even further. With options including Beach, Snow, Sports and even Baby, for natural reproduction of skin tones, among the scene position modes available, users can be creative with their picture taking, regardless of the situation or their experience behind the lens.

A large 2.5" LCD screen with anti glare properties is big enough for all the family to gather around, and for even the youngest children of the family to compose images easily.

This competitively priced camera also boasts QVGA movie capture at 30 frames per second. Users can shoot mini-movies and playback through their TV at a later date, providing an interesting alternative to taking still images.

The FinePix A820 features 10Mb of internal memory, which is a great fallback storage option for enthusiastic photographers, who can continue to shoot and save pictures even when the removable media card is full. What's more, the camera's low power consumption (operating on two standard AA batteries) means users will never miss out on capturing the action.

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Photo Products, said: "Fujifilm continues to lead the way in the entry-level digital camera market, confirming our commitment to developing high performance cameras that anyone can use. Our A-series cameras combine ease of use and affordability - without compromising on image quality."

FinePix A820 features at a glance:

• 8.3Mp
• High-performance Super CCD HR sensor and RP Processor
• 4x optical zoom covering 39-156mm range (35mm equiv.)
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor
• Selectable sensitivity up to ISO800
• 10Mb internal memory permits shooting without a media card
• Power source 2x AA-size alkaline (included)/2x AA-size Ni-MH (optional) and AC Power Adapter AC-3V (optional)
• QVGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with monaural sound (AVI format)
• 14 selectable scene positions

Price and availibility
The FinePix A820 will be available from June 2007, priced at £149 SRP inc. VAT