Fujifilm

Opening nieuwe hypermoderne productielijn voor offsetplaten bij Fujifilm Tilburg

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:31:00 +0100

Fujifilm opende vandaag de derde productielijn (PS-10) voor offsetplaten in zijn fabriek in Tilburg. De openingsceremonie die vandaag in de fabriek plaatsvond, werd bijgewoond door Zijne Koninklijke Hoogheid de Prins van Oranje, Prins Willem-Alexander. Hij werd vergezeld door de heer S. Komori, president en CEO van FUJIFILM Corporation in Tokyo. De openingsceremonie stond volledig in het teken van duurzaamheid en innovatie. Om het duurzame karakter van de nieuwe PS-10-productielijn te benadrukken, hebben Zijne Koninklijke Hoogheid Prins Willem-Alexander en de heer Komori ter opening van de fabriek letterlijk groene voetafdrukken in klei gemaakt. Fujifilm Tilburg heeft in de bouw van een nieuwe productielijn voor offsetplaten geïnvesteerd om aan de toenemende vraag in Europa, Afrika en het Midden-Oosten naar chemievrije platen en offsetplaten waarvoor minder chemicaliën worden gebruikt te voldoen en om zijn koolstofvoetafdruk van de productie en levering van platen te verminderen. Aangezien de nieuwe PS-10-lijn alle platen van Fujiflilm kan produceren, met inbegrip van de meest geavanceerde drukplaat van Fujifilm tot nu toe, de onlangs uitgebrachte Brillia HD PRO-T3, wordt de koolstofvoetafdruk van het vervoer van deze producten vanaf verder gelegen gebieden verminderd. Behalve andere aanzienlijke duurzame investeringen heeft Fujifilm als onderdeel van de bouw van de PS-10-lijn eveneens een gebalanceerde Co-generative Thermal Oxidiser (CTO) geïnstalleerd. De CTO verbrandt afvalgassen en wordt gebruikt om op efficiënte wijze elektriciteit, stoom en koud en warm water te genereren. Alle energie die door de CTO wordt opgewerkt, wordt gebruikt om de nieuwe plaatproductielijn PS-10 van stroom te voorzien. Hierdoor kunnen de CO2-emissies met nog eens 5500 ton per jaar worden verminderd. Tijdens de openingsceremonie heeft de heer Komori het belang van de fabriek in Tilburg voor Fujifilm onderstreept. Deze fabriek is de eerste en tevens de grootste productievestiging buiten Japan. Minister Verhagen van Economische Zaken, Landbouw en Innovatie prees Fujifilm vanwege zijn bijdrage aan het oplossen van maatschappelijke problemen als belangrijke speler in het bovenste segment van de economische sector. De Commissaris van de Koningin in Noord-Brabant, de heer Van de Donk, en de burgemeester van Tilburg, de heer Noordanus, waren ook bij de opening aanwezig. De lengte van de lijn is 330 meter, de gemiddelde breedte is 35 meter en de maximale hoogte is 22 meter. In de lijn is 850 ton staal verwerkt en 5500 m3 beton.

Over FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V.

FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V. in Tilburg is een van de grootste productievestigingen van Fujifilm buiten Japan. Het bedrijf is opgericht in 1982 en er werken ongeveer 900 mensen op 63 Hectare. Fujifilm Tilburg produceert naast offsetplaten ook fotopapier en beschikt over een eigen Research and Development team. Fujifilm Tilburg maakt offsetplaten voor de grafische industrie sinds 1991. Drukkerijen gebruiken deze platen om bijvoorbeeld kranten, tijdschriften en verpakkingsmaterialen te drukken (offset drukken).

Over FUJIFILM Corporation

FUJIFILM Corporation is één van de grote exploitatieondernemingen van FUJIFILM Holdings. Sinds de oprichting in 1934 heeft het bedrijf een schat aan geavanceerde technologieën opgebouwd op het vlak van fotobeeldvorming. In lijn met haar inspanningen om een belangrijke speler voor de gezondheidszorg te worden, past Fujifilm deze technologieën nu toe in de preventie, diagnose en behandeling van ziekten op het gebied van Medische en Levenswetenschappen. Fujifilm maakt eveneens groei door in het segment uiterst functionele materialen, waaronder materialen voor vlakke beeldschermen, alsook in de segmenten grafische systemen en optische instrumenten.

Over Fujifilm Graphic Systems

FUJIFILM Graphic Systems is een stabiele en duurzame partner gericht op het leveren van hoogwaardige, technisch geavanceerde printoplossingen die drukkers helpen concurrerende voordelen te ontwikkelen en hun bedrijf te laten groeien. Dankzij de financiële stabiliteit van het bedrijf en de ongekende investeringen in R&D kunnen er eigen technieken worden ontwikkeld voor superieur printen. Hiertoe behoren ook voordruk- en drukkerijoplossingen voor offset, grootformaat en digitale prints naast workflowsoftware voor printbeheer. Fujifilm is toegewijd aan het minimaliseren van de impact van onze producten en activiteiten op het milieu en werkt proactief aan het behoud van het milieu. Fujifilm wil drukkers bekend maken met de beste praktijken voor het milieu. Bezoek voor meer informatie www.fujifilm.co.uk/gs

Fujifilm introduces skincare products to the European market

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0100

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH announces today that it will launch the Astalift skincare range into Europe from February 2012. Since its introduction in Japan four years ago the Astalift series has earned high user acclaim in this country among women eager to maintain youthful skin. As part of its effort to expand the healthcare business, Fujifilm has initiated worldwide introduction of skincare products, in which the company applies proprietary technologies. After introduction of these products in China in 2010, the European market introduction is planned to start in 2012.

Fujifilm's Astalift series is a comprehensive anti-aging skincare brand, developed by using cutting edge core technologies accumulated over many years of research and development of photosensitive materials. These distinctive technologies include the findings of its own collagen research, anti-oxidization technology and nano-technology. Containing the skin-replenishing collagen and astaxanthin, an increasingly-popular skin conditioning agent approximately 1,000 times more powerful than the coenzyme Q10^*1, the products have received overwhelming support from women who seek to maintain the beauty of natural youthful skin since the launch in 2007 in Japan.

The European cosmetics market has shown considerable growth for a number of years. Within the skincare category, demand for anti-aging, brightening and other functional products continues to increase. Awareness on anti-aging skincare is spreading among younger generations as well as among those who suffer from stress-induced and other skin problems. The introduction of the Astalift product line into Europe is designed to respond to the needs of the European customers with age-related skin issues.

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, based in Duesseldorf, and responsible for the operations in Europe, will introduce the cosmetics products. A new Business Domain called European Beauty & Health Division has been established for this purpose in order to coordinate all operations in Europe from sales and marketing point of view. Andrzej Brylak has been appointed Director of European Beauty & Health Division and will be responsible for this new business on Pan-European level. In order to prepare for the market introduction and the following business operation, marketing teams in the respective countries have been established. They will work in close cooperation with the European Marketing team based in Duesseldorf. The sales of Astalift skincare products will start in February, 2012 in France, with UK, Germany, and Spain to follow throughout the same year.

“Even though we are entering a market which is new to us, we have good reason to believe in solid growth and enduring success. It is good to know that we have the technological resources at our own command, that we can draw on experience in consumer product marketing, and that we can provide the strength of a global corporation with its worldwide network and shared services” says Junji Okada, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Europe GmbH. “Entering the skincare market is a great chance for us to expand our business in Europe.”

About FUJIFILM Corporation

FUJIFILM Corporation is one of the major operating companies of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. Since its founding in 1934, the company has built up a wealth of advanced technologies in the field of photo imaging, and in line with its efforts to become a comprehensive healthcare company, Fujifilm is now applying these technologies to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the Medical and Life Science fields. Fujifilm is also expanding growth in the highly functional materials business, including flat panel display materials, and in the graphic systems and optical devices businesses.

About Fujifilm in Europe

Nowadays Fujifilm entities operate in over 50 group companies in Europe and employ more than 5,000 people engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service support. Throughout Europe they serve a range of industries including medical, chemical, graphic arts, electronic materials, optics, recording media, motion picture, and photographic technologies. FUJIFILM Europe GmbH (Duesseldorf, Germany) acts as Strategic Headquarters for the region and supports its group companies in Europe by formulating marketing and corporate strategies.
^*1according to Fujifilm data

For more information please contact:

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH
Corporate Communications Dpt.
Phone: +49 211 5089 214
Mail: news@fujifilm.eu

Fujifilm Tilburg kondigt voltooiing van het windturbineproject aan

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0100

Fujifilm Europe is verheugd te mede te delen dat de installatie van vijf windturbines, bij de productie- en R&D-vestiging in Tilburg is voltooid en dat alle turbines volledig operationeel zijn. Het windpark werd in samenwerking met ENECO ontwikkeld.

De vijf Vestas V90 windturbines kunnen elk tot maximaal twee megawatt stroom leveren. Samen wekken ze ongeveer 20% van het totale energieverbruik van de 63 hectare tellende vestiging in Tilburg op. Deze ontwikkeling maakt deel uit van de ambitieuze doelstelling van FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V. om een CO₂ neutrale vestiging te worden. Met de windturbines alleen al kan Fujifilm Tilburg de CO₂-uitstoot naar verwachting met 12.000 ton per jaar verminderen.

Het bedrijf heeft op eigen terrein ook een waterzuiveringsinstallatie geïnstalleerd, bestaande uit twee grote waterzuiveringsunits. FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V. schat dat met deze en andere duurzaamheidsmaatregelen momenteel 13% van het geproduceerde afval hergebruikt, 68% recyclet en 18% regenereert. Daardoor wordt uiteindelijk nog geen 1% van het totale afval van de vestiging afgevoerd.

Daarnaast onderzoekt Fujifilm de mogelijkheid om een deel van het afvalwater dat de vestiging voor hergebruik regenereert binnen het productieproces zelf te zuiveren. Evenals de mogelijkheid om, samen met drie nabijgelegen bedrijven, een complete waterzuiveringsinstallatie voor het zuiveren van afvalwater bij de vestiging te laten bouwen. Verder loopt er een haalbaarheidsonderzoek naar het gebruik van biogas in het productieproces in plaats van aardgas. De resultaten van dit onderzoek zijn naar verwachting eind 2011 beschikbaar.

Ryuta Masui, senior vicepresident van FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, zegt hierover: "Fujifilm heeft zich altijd ingezet voor het milieu. Wij zijn van mening zijn dat wij de verantwoordelijkheid hebben om onze invloed op de planeet zoveel mogelijk te beperken. Wij zijn er trots op dat wij straks met de vijf windmolens die nu in productie zijn 20% van het energieverbruik van onze productievestiging in Tilburg door middel van windenergie kunnen opwekken."

"Niet alleen de wijze waarop wij onze producten produceren, is belangrijk, ook de producten zelf zijn dat. Ons doel is om op deze vestiging chemievrije platen te produceren en offsetplaten waarvoor minder chemicaliën worden gebruikt. Verder zijn er nog andere interessante producten in het stadium van ontwikkeling voor duurzame toepassingen in andere delen van ons bedrijf hier in Tilburg,” aldus Ryuta Masui.

Het bedrijf is bovendien verheugd om te kunnen meedelen dat de langverwachte derde ultramoderne productlijn voor offsetplaten (PS-10) op het punt staat om in gebruik te worden genomen, zoals oorspronkelijk aangekondigd. De nieuwe PS-10-lijn is ontworpen om naast de meest geavanceerde drukplaat van Fujifilm tot nu toe, de onlangs uitgebrachte Brillia HD PRO-T3, offsetplaten te produceren waarvoor minder chemicaliën worden gebruikt. Zodra deze investeringen voltooid zijn, is de productievestiging voor offsetplaten van Fujifilm in Tilburg niet alleen een van de grootste offsetfabrieken ter wereld, maar ook een van de duurzaamste.

Opening nieuwe productielijn bij FUJIFILM Tilburg

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:26:00 +0100

Op donderdag 8 december opent FUJIFILM Tilburg de derde productielijn voor offsetplaten in aanwezigheid van Prins Willem-Alexander. De Prins doet dit samen met de heer S. Komori, President en CEO van FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo. Tijdens zijn bezoek krijgt de Prins van Oranje uitleg over de nieuwe productielijn.

The green factory
De opening van de nieuwe productielijn maakt dat in Tilburg in potentie de grootste offsetplaten fabriek ter wereld staat. Op de werkvloer wordt de productielijn om verschillende redenen ‘The green factory’ genoemd. Zo gaan er milieuvriendelijke offsetplaten geproduceerd worden (voor deze platen zijn bij het ontwikkelen bij de drukkerij minder chemicaliën nodig). En de nieuwe productielijn heeft een CTO (Co-generative Thermal Oxidizer). Dit is een soort naverbrander die wordt gevoed met aardgas en afvalgassen uit de fabriek. De opgewekte energie wordt volledig teruggebracht in het productieproces.

Bij de openingsbijeenkomst wordt gesproken door de minister van Economische Zaken, Landbouw en Innovatie, de heer drs. M.J.M. Verhagen en de ambassadeur van Japan in Nederland, de heer T. Koezuka. Ook Commissaris van de Koningin Van de Donk en de Tilburgse burgemeester Noordanus, zijn aanwezig bij de opening.

PS10 in nummers
De lengte van de lijn is 330 meter, de gemiddelde breedte is 35 meter en de maximale hoogte is 22 meter. In de lijn is 850 ton staal verwerkt en 5500 m3 beton.

Algemeen
FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V. in Tilburg is een van de grootste productievestigingen van Fujifilm buiten Japan. Het bedrijf is opgericht in 1982 en er werken ongeveer 900 mensen op 63 Hectare. Fujifilm Tilburg produceert naast offsetplaten ook fotopapier en beschikt over een eigen Research and Development team. Fujifilm Tilburg maakt offsetplaten voor de grafische industrie sinds 1991. Drukkerijen gebruiken deze platen om bijvoorbeeld kranten, tijdschriften en verpakkingsmaterialen te drukken (offset drukken).

Naast het verduurzamen van de huidige producten, streeft Fujifilm een 100% CO2-neutrale bedrijfsvoering na. De vijf windmolens op eigen terrein dragen daar al voor 20% in bij. Tot slot zijn de nieuwe producten die hier ontwikkeld worden, gericht op duurzame markten. Zo ontwikkelt Fujifilm op het moment membranen die het opwekken van ‘blue energy’ mogelijk maken: energie winnen uit de stroming tussen zout en zoet water.

Fujifilm lanceert de nieuwe Acuity Advance en de Acuity Advance X2 UV Inkjet printers

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Europa kondigt vandaag de introductie van de nieuwste Acuity HD2565 series van groot formaat UV-inkjet printers aan, die noemenswaardige functionele verbeteringen en waardetoevoeging voor de eindgebruiker met zich meebrengt. Deze nieuwe editie van de Acuity Advance en de Acuity Advance X2 zitten in dezelfde categorie als de Acuity Advance HS HD 3545 en de Advance HS HD3545 X2 flatbed machines uit Fujifilm’s assortiment.

Een nieuwe “Express” modus wordt geïntroduceerd die een printsnelheid tot wel 35 m² p/u haalt op billboard printkwaliteit. Deze modus is ontworpen om de bestaande POP productiesnelheid van 22.2 m² p/u en hoge kwaliteitsmodus van 15.2 m² p/u aan te vullen. Daarbij is er ook een nieuwe High Definition printmodus die een minimale tekst grootte van 2pt kan afdrukken en zeer geschikt is voor applicaties voor hoge detailkwaliteit.

Andere belangrijke nieuwe mogelijkheden van deze nieuwe serie zijn een efficiëntere UV-droogsysteem, een verbeterde vacuümtafel die de omgang met dunne media vergemakkelijkt. De nieuwe vacuümtafel maakt printen op alle typen media mogelijk, waaronder anders gevormde of oneffen oppervlakten.

Zoals bij alle Acuity modellen heeft de nieuwe serie een optionele rol-media kit voor het printen op flexibele media. Deze optie is makkelijk te gebruiken en ongelooflijk veelzijdig: de drukker kan harde materialen voorbereiden op de flatbed, terwijl de printer rollenmedia aan het printen is.

De nieuwe Acuity Advance X2 bevat alle verbeteringen van de nieuwe Acuity Advance, maar met een twee keer zo groot printoppervlak. Dit maakt printen mogelijk op harde substraten met een oppervlak tot 3.05m x 2.5m met een maximale dikte van 48mm. Dit biedt de eindgebruiker nóg meer flexibiliteit.

De prestaties van de Acuity Advance is geoptimaliseerd door het gebruik van Fujifilm’s unieke Uvijet inkten. Uvijet’s Micro-V dispersietechniek levert constant een goede hechting, levendige kleuren en duurzaamheid in iedere print.

“De introductie van deze nieuwste serie Acuity flatbed printers demonstreert onze toewijding om ons productaanbod continu te verbeteren,” aldus Tudor Morgan, wide format marketing manager van Fujifilm. “De Acuity printers zijn erg populair, mede door hun betrouwbaarheid en levensduur, alsook de evoluerende functies, wat ze tot de ideale keuze maakt voor commerciële, zeef- en digitale drukkers. Deze nieuwste serie zal voor de eerste keer te zien zijn op onze stand (Hal 4, stand B10) tijdens de FESPA Digital in mei, dus we nodigen hierbij drukkers uit om zelf de verbeteringen te komen bekijken.”

Fujifilm sets new plate production standards with enhanced ‘ZAC’ processors

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Fujifilm today raises the bar to set new standards in chemistry consumption and maintenance with its multi—award winning*¹ FLH-Z ‘ZAC’ range of processors. Compared to typical processors and finishing units, the FLH-Z ‘ZAC’ processors, part of Fujifilm’s low-chemistry family of solutions, now offer printers unrivalled savings by giving them the ability to develop around 8,000m² of plates with just one replenisher bath.

This improvement means that printers can now achieve the industry’s lowest chemistry consumption figures with a ‘ZAC’ system. For example, for a printer using around 10,000 m² of plates over a 1-3 month period, chemistry consumption can be reduced to around 216 Litres, a reduction of up to 80% (depending upon existing system used).

The FLH-Z ‘ZAC’ processors have undergone extensive trials, both in-house and with Fujifilm customers, and have successfully demonstrated their ability to process a high volume of plates before cleaning is required. This means that for many printers, it becomes necessary to clean the processor only once every three months, compared to a typical cleaning regime of once every two weeks.

“Fujifilm is continually looking for ways to help its customers to save money and lower their environmental impact, while still maintaining or raising their print quality,” says Sean Lane, product manager for offset solutions at Fujifilm. “The ‘ZAC’ processor helps them to do just that. Due to the fact that the chemistry used is a non-silicate based recipe, a ‘ZAC’ processor can process high volumes of plates without developer sludge and filter blockage occurring. For example, printers that use 32,000m² of plates per year can easily save over 40 hours of cleaning time during this period.”

In addition, both Brillia HD LH-PJE and HD LH-PLE ‘lo-chem’ plates processed in a ‘ZAC’ processor incorporate an Enhanced Development Layer (EDL) enhancing the solubility of the non-image areas during development, further aiding bath life, giving wider developing latitude and resulting in much cleaner working. As the chemistry contains no alcohol or solvents, this further enhances the working environment.

Finally, because of the way the ‘ZAC’ processor intelligently controls replenisher delivery, the system is more stable making it much easier to achieve high quality, irrespective of changes to environmental conditions. This is particularly important for demanding FM screening applications.

The FLH-Z ‘ZAC’ processor incorporates unique Fujifilm software to intelligently control the amount of replenisher used in the plate-making process, typically reducing chemistry usage by 75%. Maintaining the ideal developer activity allows bath life to be greatly extended beyond the norm for these systems – partly achieved due to the composition of the processing chemistry.

“With an ever expanding ‘low-chemistry’ family of plate solutions and the ‘ZAC’ processor range, we are demonstrating to customers just how seriously Fujifilm considers the environment when developing its products,” says Sean. “And, with the ‘ZAC’ processor now giving them the ability to develop around 8,000m² of plates with one replenisher bath, we continue to offer printers the opportunity to make huge savings in chemistry, time and money.”

*1 In the 2010 InterTech™ Technology Awards organised by the Printing Industries of America, Fujifilm’s ZAC technology won an award for its control over plate processing resulting in more consistent plates and less money spent on chemicals, as well as reduced chemical waste. Also, at the fifth-annual Environmental Awards gala hosted by PrintAction magazine in Canada, Fujifilm was presented with a gold awards for the Most Environmentally Progressive Process for the company’s thermal Brillia LH-PJ plate and FLH-Z processor. In addition, a staggering 6 of 9 gold awards handed out in the printing categories went to Fujifilm customers who use the company’s lo-chem Brillia LH-PJ plate and FLH-Z processor.

New Tilburg production line for offset plates will be operational early 2012

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0200

Tilburg, 30 September 2010 – Due to recovery of the market and the demand for environmentally friendly plates, FUJIFILM Corporation, Tokyo, has decided to complete the construction of a new line for offset plates at its European plate manufacturing plant in Tilburg, the Netherlands. When this new line is operational, Tilburg will be the largest Fujifilm offset plates production facility in the world. Here, all current and new types of offset plates for the European market will be produced. The building of the new production line for offset plates began in 2008, but the installation of the machines was put on hold in 2009 because of the economic crisis. The new line is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2012. A total investment of approximately 100 million Euro is involved.

Growth markets
Looking towards the future, this investment will allow FUJIFILM not only to meet the growing demand for CTP plates in Europe, but will also significantly contribute to reducing environmental impacts by expanding the local production of environmentally friendly plate products. Furthermore, FUJIFILM will also be able to expand its supply to the high growth markets in regions such as the Middle East as well as to Europe in order to further increase its market share in the CTP plates market.

Fujifilm in Tilburg
FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V., is one of the largest production establishments of FUJIFILM products outside of Japan and produces offset plates and colour photo paper. The Tilburg R&D department develops products for existing and new markets, such as high quality membranes for gas and water purification.
FUJIFILM Europe B.V., part of the European headquarters, is also established in Tilburg. Among other things, it is responsible for the sales and distribution of FUJIFILM products for the European market, the Middle East and Africa. Approximately 900 employees work at the FUJIFILM premises.

###

More information:
Thomas Heesters
FUJIFILM Tilburg
+31 (0)13 579 1624
thomas_heesters@fujifilm.eu

FUJIFILM announces development of Digital Camera FinePix X100

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:10:00 +0200

FUJIFILM Corporation is pleased to announce the new FinePix X100, featuring a high-grade digital compact featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder, due for commercial release in early 2011. The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. It is designed to appeal to the millions of DSLR users who need a slim back-up camera for high quality in-fill shots when the use of a bigger SLR system is either inconvenient or impractical. Or, of course, it can be used as a professional’s only top-end camera, if size and versatility are the primary considerations. The Fujifilm team has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. Using the experience of working with generations of photographers using famous emulsions like Velvia, Provia, Astia etc., Fujifilm engineers distilled this knowledge into months of careful study to create the perfect compact-sized professional camera. The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination, built from ground-up. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon, manufactured to perfectly match the APS-C custom sensor. Added to this is the newly-developed EXR Processor, which combines all the latest image processing technology built up over the years. Other cameras on the market look to fill the need for the ultimate ‘compact’ professional camera, but the Fujifilm development team believe that, having listened to the marketplace, the FinePix X100 offers a number of technical developments that will set this camera apart from other contenders. The main technologies employed in this camera are as follows: Hybrid Viewfinder (New Development) The Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras such as 35mm or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras. By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control. The new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a range of challenging shooting conditions. While digital compact cameras have become ever slimmer and more compact in recent years, composing and viewing shots on large, higher resolution LCD panels on the back of the camera has become the mainstream practice for today’s users. On the other hand, shooting with an optical viewfinder is the standard practice for conventional film cameras and the preferred method for large numbers of digital camera owners. Many prefer the finder to be as close as possible to the eye so the user can focus attention exclusively on photo composition to get a clear view of the subject without distraction. While traditionalists prefer the clear, sharp view of an ‘optical’ finder, modern electronic displays, giving data like shutter speed, aperture, white balance, exposure correction and sensitivity can aid the photographer tremendously. The new Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 aims to give the user the ‘best of both worlds.’ Further specifications for the Hybrid Viewfinder are as follows:

The reverse Galilean optical finder with a 0.5× magnification features all-glass elements made from high-refractive index glass and demonstrates low chromatic aberration and distortion.
In optical viewfinder mode, the brightness of both the “bright frame” and text data is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of scene area, ensuring that shooting information is always easily and clearly viewable.
Displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings.
In electronic viewfinder mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review. Available with one-touch switching ease, this capability enables the user to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field effects, white balance, and macro shots.

12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor

The FinePix X100 features a custom CMOS high-performance sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model.
Optimization of the angle-of-incidence in conjunction with the specially developed lens maximizes light gathering efficiency extending to the perimeter of the sensor for a sharper image with exceptional clarity.
When shooting HD movies, the combination of the large-sized sensor and the large aperture F2 lens, lets users shoot a soft out-of-focus touch (bokeh) — a capability not available in conventional compact cameras.
The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approx. 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*) and a high-performance image processor captures exceptionally high-quality images over the entire sensitivity range from low to high ISO settings.

*Comparison with other FinePix compact camera models.

The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor’s enhanced focusing system contributes to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter time lag enhance the pleasure of every shot.

23mm F2 Fujinon (Aspherical) Lens

The newly-developed lens offers a focal length of 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) and a widest aperture of F2. Made from molded glass, the lens contains 8 elements in 6 groups.
The adoption of the non-collapsible lens structure with minimized lens length not only contributes to the compact size but also eliminates telescoping of the lens when the power is on. It's ready to start shooting the moment you turn it on.
Exploiting the merits of fixed focal length lens, this lens delivers sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. In addition, the lens features not only the large F2 aperture value, but also an optical architecture that maintains a high degree of resolution even when closed by 1 to 2 stops.
The lens uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A large F2 aperture and high-quality optics let users take beautiful photos with a soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect.
The lens enables macro shooting as close as 10 cm.
Featuring a built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3), the lens can enhance depth-of-field even in bright shooting conditions by enabling the aperture to be kept wide open. Shutter speed can also be reduced to capture waterfalls, or any shot where intentional blur is required.

EXR Processor ^{Newly Developed}

When combined with the high-performance lens and high-sensitivity sensor, the newly developed EXR Processor achieves the highest definition, sensitivity and wide dynamic range image quality of any digital camera produced by Fujifilm.
Throughout development of the processor, Fujifilm has re-examined every aspect from response to the circuit structure, and achieved a significant leap in signal processing performance for a more responsive and faithful reproduction of the image.
The graphical interface (style and rendering of the LCD information) has been upgraded in the newly developed LSI to enhance the user experience and to improve the clarity of the information presented.

Design

Inspired by the beauty and form of classic cameras from the past, the FinePix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, traditional chassis which oozes class and prestige.
The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly operation.
The camera controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc, to allow maximum creative expression with minimum hassle. Custom modes can also be used for a one-touch change in settings.
The upper control deck/bottom surface has been cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting) to contribute to a high-precision camera body with high rigidity.
All dials on the upper control deck are fabricated from metal. Adoption of traditional ‘manual’ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power.
Premium quality is evident in every detail. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather accents and is a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.

Fujifilm has opened Photokina 2010 Microsite.

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0200

Here you will find all press releases on products and services:
http://www.fujifilm.com/photokina2010/

Fujifilm’s brand NEW 3D camera for Autumn 2010

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0200

Following on from the success of the FinePix REALl 3D W1 introduced in August 2009 as the world’s first 3D digital camera, today Fujifilm is proud to announce the arrival of the FinePix REAL 3D W3 confirming the company’s strong commitment to leading the way in 3D imaging in the photographic sector. The world's first 3D digital camera that can capture High Definition 3D movies(*1) Smaller, lighter, improved and now in superb HD, the FinePix W3 is fully compatible with ALL 3DTVs(*2) and is the perfect link-purchase for consumers wanting to generate their own 3D content and capture their special memories in 3D and later play them back on their huge 3D TV screen in all their glory. (*1) As digital camera equipped with 2 CCDs, according FUJIFILM research in August 2010 (*2) Sales volume of 3D TV has been estimated approx. 4 million units in 2010, and will be expanded into 10 million units in 2011, according to FUJIFILM research. NEW 3D Auto mode makes it so easy to shoot in 3D It’s not just James Cameron that can shoot 3D movies! Now everybody can create their own 3D images and shoot advanced, high-quality 3D HD movies. What’s more, with the W3’s stereo sound recording, you can record audio for your movies that gives them stunning immediacy and realism. Play it back on the back of the camera You don’t need to put on any special 3D glasses, you can view your pictures and movies on the camera’s generous 3.5” LCD monitor and see what you have shot immediately. Play it back on an 3D HD TV Just connect the camera to any 3DTV with an HDMI* cable, and watch your movies on the Big Screen in amazing 3D (you’ll need the special 3D glasses that come with your TV to see it). Connecting the camera to a 3D TV via an HDMI cable provides a simple and straightforward way to view 3D HD movies and high-resolution still images. Re-live your cherished memories in true-to-life 3D. * Requires a HDMI mini cable (Hi-speed type) How Fujifilm’s REAL 3D camera technology works With its combination of two lenses, two sensors and synchronized controls, Fujifilm’s REAL 3D technology can bring images to life. The 3D Processor within the camera has the ability to analyze the shooting data from the two lenses and sensors and combines these two images into one high resolution 3D image or movie, making it really simple for anyone to shoot in 3D. Twin camera lenses that imitate your eyes Our ability to see perspective and depth comes down to the fact that our left and right eyes view objects from slightly different angles. The combination of what each eye sees is known as "binocular parallax". To mimic this effect, the FinePix REAL 3D W3 is equipped with two Fujinon lenses that shoot realistic images just as the human eye sees them. In fact, whilst human eyes are generally around 64mm apart, the lenses in the FinePix REAL 3D W3 are roughly 20% further apart so as to maximize the impression of depth, while still producing natural-looking images. Both Fujinon lenses feature a 3x optical zoom, which allows you to capture beautiful 3D shots of distant subjects. And now with a lighter, more compact stainless steel frame than the FinePix W1, the W3 ensures that the optical axis is balanced ever so precisely. Two synchronized sensors for natural-looking 3D images With two sensors, or CCDs, each featuring an effective resolution of 10 megapixels, this camera captures stunningly realistic images down to the finest detail. The synchronized controls driving the two CCDs also coincide with the the left and right shutters so that all shooting information is captured at the exact same instant. This prevents any discrepancy between the two images and results in a totally natural 3D effect. Even during 3D movie shooting, the left and right images are synchronized in each frame and the FinePix REAL 3D W3 lets you shoot truly realistic 3D movies. The new RP (REAL Photo) Processor 3D HD Shooting information captured by the twin lenses and CCDs is instantly analyzed and merged to form 3D images by the new RP (REAL Photo) Processor 3D HD". This benefits the used by providing a 3D AUTO shooting mode that enables even first-timers to shoot great 3D images. Featuring a high-contrast 3D LCD to display your 3D images The back of the camera features a widescreen 3.5-inch 3D LCD monitor capable of displaying high-resolution images even in bright light. This allows users to playback their movies or photos and to view live 3D images during shooting without the need for special 3D glasses. ● Clear images with low “crosstalk” Enjoy natural, effective 3D images with reduced “crosstalk (image overlap)”. This ensures sharp and natural-looking 3D images. ● High-resolution 1.15-million dot LCD WVGA resolution and a wide viewing-angle on the LCD reproduces your images perfectly, down to the finest detail. ●Displays images 1.5x* brighter and reproduces colors 1.8 x* deeper, allowing you to enjoy clear, distinct and vivid images. *Compared to FinePix REAL 3D W1 ● New Lenticular Lens System This monitor features rows of tiny convex lenses that work together to generate a binocular parallax effect, producing a realistic 3D image. The monitor also features flicker and crosstalk suppression to enhance the experience. Wide range of shooting functions ● Comprehensive manual shooting functions The FinePix REAL 3D W3 features an "M" (Manual) mode in which you can select your own shutter speed and aperture settings, as well as an "A" (Aperture-priority) mode that allows you to control the depth of field and a "P" (Program) mode that automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture. These modes provide photographers with the freedom to express their own ideas in 3D as well as 2D shots. ● 13 different scene positions You just select the mode that best suits your shot and the camera then automatically sets the shutter speed, exposure and white balance. It also fine tunes settings such as the sensitivity and whether the flash is used. Whether it’s a 2D shot or 3D shot, you can leave it to the camera to shoot the scene beautifully. ● Super Intelligent Flash This function automatically adjusts the flash brightness to match the scene being shot. In shots of people, for example, the flash provides brightly lit shots even in backlit situations or at night. For macro shots in dark locations such as dimly lit rooms, you can take naturally lit shots with no subject flaring or underexposed backgrounds. Advanced 3D Modes ● Individual Shutter 3D Shooting This mode allows you to shoot one image, then move the camera and shoot a second image, after which the camera merges and saves the 2 images as a single 3D image. This heightens the 3D effect for large or distant subjects such as mountains or high-rise buildings, while giving totally natural-looking enhanced 3D shots of small subjects such as flowers. Macro Photography
Allows naturally textured close-up 3D shots of flowers and other small objects. Landscape Photography
This mode enables you to take 3D shots of scenes with an enhanced impression of depth. ● Interval 3D shooting When you are shooting from a moving position (e.g.: when you’re in a train, plane or car), this feature captures scenes with an extra deep-3D effect by taking two successive shots from different viewpoints. An instance where this could be useful would be if you wanted to convey the sense of depth in a massive cloudscape from a plane or of distant scenery from a train window, and will expand the scope of 3D photography. Parallax Control (3D Tuning Function） In 3D AUTO mode, the camera automatically adjusts the “parallax” (the positioning of the two pictures on top of each other) to achieve a more readily visible and natural sense of depth. You can also manually adjust the parallax using the Parallax Control lever on the top of the camera*. By checking the image on the LCD monitor, you can quickly and easily enhance the 3D effect or correct any image misalignement in the before and after shots. * When the power management is set to “QUICK AF” or “POWER SAVE2”, manual control is enabled. Shooting beautiful 2D images is easy, too! This is not just a 3D camera; it can be used as a normal “2D” camera too. With its 10 megapixel resolution for superb high-resolution images, 3x optical zoom lens and large 3.5” LCD screen, plus advanced Face Detection technology this is a solid 2D camera. Button to switch your shooting mode 2D/3D On the back of the camera there is an easily accessible button which allows you to instantly switch between 2D and 3D shooting and playback at a single touch, keeping things nice and simple. Advanced 2D Modes The FinePix REAL 3D W3 comes with various Advanced 2D modes that allow users to benefit from the fact that the 3D camera is actually two cameras combined into one. These modes use the two lenses and sensors independently and just as if you were shooting with 2 separate digital cameras, you can choose different settings for each “image capture system” and take 2 different photos of the same scene at the same instant. ● Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting By selecting different settings for each lens, you can shoot a close-up shot and take a wide-angle photo of the same image at the exact same instant. ● 2-Colour Simultaneous Shooting Just select different setting for each image capture system and you can take two shots with different color tones with one press of the shutter button. You can select the vivid colors of the Chrome setting coupled with Black & White, or the Standard color setting with Black & White, to see the same shot in different color modes. ● 2-Sensitivity Simultaneous Shooting This allows you to choose different sensitivity settings and shoot the same image and high sensitivity and low sensitivity. You can take 2 shots with different levels of background blur, or shoot a dimly lit scene with blur reduction prioritized in one shot and image quality prioritized in the other. 3D movie and photo editing in “MyFinePix Studio”* The "MyFinePix Studio" viewer software which you’ll find in your camera box offers simple and straightforward editing for 3D movies and photos. You can use this software to cut and splice together segments of a 3D movie at any point. You can also use it to convert 3D photos (MPO) to JPEG format, or to re-merge JPEG images into an MPO image. * For Windows PC only. Latest version (ver2.0 or higher) required - automatic web updates supported FINEPIX REAL 3D V1 3D Viewer* The "FinePix REAL 3D V1" 3D viewer uses original FUJIFILM technology to display images with the same sense of depth that human eyes provide. Enjoy high-quality 3D images just as they appear to the naked eye. * Cannot be used to view 3D HD movies shot using the REAL 3D W3. FUJIFILM 3D Print System FUJIFILM has marshaled its extensive expertise in photo-print technology to bring together exquisite high-resolution color printing and lenticular sheets that generate the 3D effect. Capture those memorable moments as realistic 3D prints. Key features at a glance: ・    3D HD Movie (720p) and 3D still image capture
・    Instant 3D playback on build-in High Contrast, 3.5” 3D LCD (without the need for special 3D glasses)
・    Direct Connection via HDMI mini cable (high-speed type) to any branded 3D HDTV
・    1/2.3” 10 Megapixel CCD x2
・    Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens x2
・    RP(REAL Photo) Processore 3D HD
・    Compact and light-weight 230g body (excluding accessories, battery and memory card)
・    2D Special effects using Simultaneous Shooting functions