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FinePix_F31fd_1A few days ago we posted about FaceTracker technology from FotoNation. FujiFilm must have enjoyed that post, because it's just announced the F31fd: a camera that promises to read your face and take the best possible picture.

Called a "Face Detection System," the technology analyzes your mug by using algorithms and triangulation to optimize focus and exposure.  And (something like what happens in an aerial dogfight) you know the system is working when it shows a green rectangle around your face; smaller white squares can find up to nine other people in the picture. A movement-tracking feature keeps the camera locked on people until they move out of the frame. According to FujiFilm, the technology will work regardless of the person's position and will not be confused by eyeglasses or other facial obstructions. The company also claims its technology will work better than the competition's, because the Face Detection System is built directly into the camera's processor.

The F31fd also boasts light sensitivities up to 3,200 ISO at full resolution, i-Flash technology, and picture stabilization. The higher the light sensitivity, the faster the shutter speed and the smaller the chance you're looking at a blurry photo. In case the 3,200 ISO doesn't cut it, Picture Stabilization mode will choose the correct light-sensitivity setting and best shutter speed to produce the best possible pictures.

Finally, FujiFilm's i-Flash technology may be a simple concept, but in terms of functionality, it can really be helpful. The system sets the flash-illumination power to achieve the best possible foreground and background balance. i-Flash analyzes the picture and immediately goes for the most natural tone and look, so your pictures won't look washed out or too dark. Just when you've gotten used to looking at Casper in all your pictures.

The F31fd offers a whole lot of punch for a nicely affordable price of $399, and should be available in December (but definitely before Christmas).--Don Reisinger

Via Akihabara News

 

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Posted by: phoenix
October 28, 2006 3:19 AM

I wonder what the odds are we'll see this cross the ocean and wind up in stores stateside.

I have to say, the face detection technology could make portrait taking so so much easier. Personally, the last time I went to the zoo, I kept wanting to take pictures of the birds in the aviary, but kept getting awful shots because the birds are separated from the people in some areas by grid wire, or long thin strands of wire from the cieling to the base of their habitat, and my camera kept wanting to focus on the wire and not the birds behind it. I imagine technology like that could be used to force the camera to focus on the bird-all I could do is aim the camera far away and then bring it back-then snap the pic before the camera realized I fooled it into being farsighted.


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