Incoming: Fujifilm turns it all the way up to F11

Heavens to Betsy! Camera maker in releasing-update-of-successful-model shocker! Fujifilm has decided that the FinePix F10 Zoom, an unquestionably able compact digicam, just isn't enough 6-megapixel goodness for the world, so it has gone and made the FinePix F11 Zoom. What with this and the Tory leadership contest, we're going to have to up our Ritalin dosage.

So what's new? Not the chassis -- it has exactly the same dimensions as the F10 and the weight is still 155g without the battery and memory card. The 6.3-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, F/2.8-5.0 lens, 0.3-6.5m flash range and 64mm (2.5-inch) LCD display are all the same as the F10's, too. It's still PictBridge compatible, takes xD Picture cards and has USB and composite outputs.

Which leaves, er [rummaging sounds], ah yes, new aperture and shutter priority modes for more creative control, and an improved resolution on the display -- up to 153,000 pixels from 115,000. Welcome additions, to be sure, but nothing to trouble the cardiologist. Hopefully, Fujifilm has merely chosen not to break what didn't need fixing, and the F11 will live up to its predecessor's high standards of battery life and usability. It's out next month, so find out in a full review soon. -NH