In 2006, digital cameras came second to flat-screen TVs for the first time, as the latest HDTVs capture the imagination of consumers wanting to view HD content and connect them to Blu-ray and HD DVD players, and of course the PS3 and Xbox 360.

But no camera manufacturer is slowing down in introducing new models packed with ever more features at attractive price points, and we’re likely to see a raft of announcements at CES from many major players.

But in this article we’re going to have a look at what Fuji have planned. To start with, they have a 6 megapixel Fuji Finepix A610 at US $129, an 8 megapixel A800 version at US $179 and a 8 megapixel F40fd, selling for US $299.

Fujifilm has updated its entry-level digital cameras and brought face-recognition technology to a midrange model.

All three models will feature a dual SD/xD card slot, allowing users to use existing SD or xD cards with the cameras, and adding to the camera’s saleability in stores, especially considering the massive popularity and affordable pricing of the SD format, although we don’t know yet whether the cameras are also compatible with the larger capacity SDHC format.

The US $299 F40fd also offers face detection technology able to cope with up to 10 faces, and automatically set focus and exposure levels correctly. This will be great for crowd photos of friends and family and will ensure it’s even easier to see than ever who wasn’t looking at the camera, or who was crossing their eyes or pulling a funny face. The F40fd also has optical image stabilization, to prevent blurry pictures, and uses Fuji’s CCD-HR chip and RP processor to take better photos in low-light, enabling the camera to works at an ISO rating of 2000, which is higher than the normal maximum of ISO 1600 for many cameras, although the A610 and A800 only handle the much lower ISO 400 spec.

Additionally, the F40fd has picture stabilization, which promises to prevent blurry pictures even if the photographer moves or is shooting a moving target while taking the picture. It contains the latest version of Fuji's CCD-HR chip and RP processor, allowing for better resolution of pictures in low-light environments.

Other standard features abound, including a 3x zoom lens and 2.5-inch display, although competing (but like more expensive models) from other manufacturers have started offering 3-inch screens and bigger zooms earlier in 2006.

Another Fuji camera to burst onto the scene will be the US $900 IS-1, a 9 megapixel camera that works in infrared light, in addition to regular light capability.

These cameras don’t sound like they’ll blast onto the scene and capture the public’s imagination, but they are important steps for Fuji to keep a strong foothold in the lower-end affordable camera race, while releasing mid and high-range cameras with unique features to keep competitors on their toes!
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