The FinePix XP170 is an up-to-date version of the FinePix XP20 that is really becoming an evolving process and this time it comes quick since the FinePix XP100 and FinePix XP150 showed up just last January. The newest addition is a welcome one, more so by your friends and family since sharing photos with Android and iPhone users is as simple as the download of the FUJIFILM Photo Receiver.
[image:blog_post:12813] The FinePix XP170 has a dedicated function for this, so it's something you'll have to try when you are pushing this camera to its fullest extent. Able to go as far as you are is the hallmark of the FinePix XP line, so the XP170 lets you go big despite dust, dive into water as deep as 32 feet, ride the slopes at negative 14 degrees Fahrenheit and survive a six-foot drop.
To really round out the ruggedness we look for operability in such conditions, there is one-touch recording and an anti reflection 2.7-inch LCD to provide good visibility outdoors and underwater. Important video considerations with the XP170are the 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 14MP, H.264 format, max. resolution at 1920×1080, mini HDMI out, and no audio or internal memory to speak of, but there is an SD card slot. Toss in 240fps shooting and all you need is footage worth watching in slow motion. The 5x optical zoom is appropriate for the size of the camera and if the CMOS-shift stabilization works as advertised, even your fully zoomed shots will look focused.
[image:blog_post:12814]The small touches of a double lock battery compartment and water resistant lens should seal the deal for use in multiple environments you'll be comfortable that your battery is not at risk, and water can be easily shaken off the lens. I always appreciate an external battery charger and the XP170 includes one. Curiously, only blue and orange are available as colors for the XP170 which should be available for $280. The fine folks at Fujifilm make it possible to have fun in the freedom that comes with a rugged camera. (Looking for the press release?)
