Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd puts photographers in their photos

Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd puts photographers in their photos

Fujifilm announced the FinePix Z200fd today. The compact digital camera will have a 10 megapixel resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD screen. In addition to the traditional digital camera stats, the Finpix Z200fd also has added two features the “Couple Timer” and “Group Timer” modes that are designed with the intention of letting the photographer get in the shot.

The Couple Timer automatically shoots a picture when two faces get together. You can adjust the distance that’s required for the shot to be taken based on your relationship to the other subject, for instance you would probably be closer to your girlfriend than you would one of the other guys on the football team.

For shots of the whole football team the Finepix Z200fd has the Group Timer mode. Group Timer lets you specify the number of faces you plan on having in the shot, and won’t take the picture until everyone’s in.

Having been the photographer of many a group shot, I have to say that I’m a little hesitant to endorse the Finpix’s timer modes as something that’s going to be actually useful. While in theory the idea is a good one, just because someone’s face is in the shot doesn’t mean that they’re ready to take a picture. I can also picture a ton of situations where the camera doesn’t realize everyone’s there, or you’re not quite close enough to grandma to trigger the timer.

The FinePix Z200fd is expected to become available in September in silver, black, pink and red for $299.95. This is going to be a great one to check out once it’s released to the public just to see how the timer option works. The $300 price tag makes it a little more expensive than its competitor’s comparable digital cameras this season, it’ll be interesting to see if it’s worth it.