Fujifilm Introduces the 256MB xD-Picture Card for Digital Photographers; New, Higher Capacity Assists in Design of Compact, Versatile Digital Cameras

Business Wire, Feb 4, 2003

Business/High Tech Editors

ELMSFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2003

Fuji Photo Film Co. U.S.A., Inc., a leader in innovative imaging and information products and services, today introduces the 256MB xD-Picture Card(TM), a high-capacity flash memory format for digital cameras. The new 256MB card began shipping to consumer electronics, photography and other retailers in January.

At a capacity of 256MB, and under optimum conditions, the xD-Picture Card can store up to 444 digital images, captured at 3 megapixels and recorded at normal resolution (average file size of 590KB). Currently the smallest storage format of its kind on the market, the xD-Picture Card is comparable in size to a penny, measuring just 0.79" x 0.98" x 0.07" and weighing less than one-tenth of an ounce. The xD-Picture Card, developed by Fujifilm and Olympus and announced last July, is expected to meet the capacity demand for greater storage, with an eventual storage limit of 8GB in a single card.

"The small size and high-capacity of the xD-Picture Card allows manufacturers to develop smaller, lighter digital cameras to meet consumer demand," said Frank Bulzomi, senior marketing manager, Magnetic Markets Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "Now, digital photographers and other customers who are looking to supplement images with digital video will have added flexibility with the availability of the 256 MB xD-Picture card. Customers can store a greater quantity of images, and at higher resolutions."

The xD-Picture Card also minimizes power consumption to save battery life and provides fast read/write capabilities for smoother digital camera operation. Capacities of 64MB and higher read at a rate of 5MB/sec and write at a speed of 3MB/sec. PCMCIA and CompactFlash adapters are also currently available at local retailers or at www.fujifilmmall.com, allowing the use of xD-Picture card in a variety of cameras and other devices from multiple manufacturers.

xD-Picture Card Features

-- Storage Capacity -- Fujifilm xD-Picture Cards are currently available at 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB and with today's announcement, 256 MB capacities.

-- Extremely Compact -- Comparable in size to a penny (0.79" x 0.98" x .07") and weighing a less than one-tenth of an ounce, the xD-Picture Card is the smallest storage media format on the market.

-- Read/Write Speeds -- A 16 or 32 MB card can record data at 1.3 MB/sec. 64 MB or higher cards can record data at 3 MB/sec and offer read speeds of 5 MB/sec.

-- Power Consumption -- The xD Picture-Card was designed to consume minimal power. Users benefit from the convenience and savings of longer battery life on a single charge.

-- Compatibility -- PCMCIA and CF Card Adapters are currently available, allowing use of xD-Picture Card in a variety of cameras and other devices.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: SPECIFICATIONS AND HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST OR CAN BE ACCESSED VIA THE FUJIFILM USA PRESS CENTER AT WWW.FUJIFILM.COM.)

About Fujifilm

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is the U.S. marketing subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. of Tokyo (FUJIY), a leading global manufacturer in three business segments, including Imaging Solutions, Information Solutions and Document Solutions. Recognized for its technological innovation and high quality, Fujifilm offers a complete portfolio of imaging, information and document products, services and e-solutions to retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers.

The complete Fujifilm product portfolio in the U.S.A. includes: professional and consumer film and cameras; digital imaging products, including cameras and printers for commercial and consumer use; digital minilabs and kiosks; photographic paper and photofinishing supplies; professional motion picture film; high-capacity floppy disks, CDs and DVDs, tape cartridges and other data storage media; videotape and audiocassettes; professional and consumer optical discs; microfilm and other micrographic products; and graphic arts film, conventional and digital printing plates, analog and digital color proofing systems, drum and flatbed scanners, imagesetters and computer-to-plate systems. Fujicolor Processing, Inc., a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., provides wholesale photofinishing through a network of laboratories across the country. Fujifilm e-Systems is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., that develops workflow solutions to support the company's photofinishing labs and consumer photographic businesses, including online imaging services such as Fujifilm.net.

For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800/800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilm.com. For answers to frequently asked FinePix digital camera questions and software download, consumers can access Fujifilm's technical support Web site at www.fujifilmsupport.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.