Its replacement is the new FinePix S9600, a nine million pixel resolution capture compact camera, with a 10.7x zoom lens (equivalent to 28-300mm in a 35mm camera). The lens can be focused using the camera's manual zoom ring and the lens' capabilities can be increased with an optional wide conversion lens. Fujifilm adds that the FinePix S9600 can autofocus up to 40% faster than its predecessor.

The S9600 is also claimed to operate far better in low light conditions, delivering a light sensitivity range of ISO80-1600. Central to this is the camera's Intelligent Flash System, which assures 'that images captured in low light have not only a blur-free well-exposed background but also natural-looking foreground illumination', claims Fujifilm. In addition, the camera offers increased image sharpness and has a two inch tilting LCD screen, which shows 230,000 pixels.

Fujifilm adds that the S9600 has a 0.01s shutter lag and 0.8s start-up.

The S9600 is compatible with both xD Picture cards and CompactFlash cards.

It is available now for £450. Visit www.fujifilm.co.uk for more information.

FinePix S9600