Fujifilm's slide-cover style compact of 2010 — 12MP CCD, internal 5x 36-180mm zoom, 720p video, SD storage.
The FinePix Z70 was launched at PMA in early 2010 as part of Fujifilm's style-oriented Z-series, shipping from February 2010 at around 150 dollars. Like other Z-series models it used a flat, metal-bodied design with a sliding front cover that both protects the lens and switches the camera on. It was also sold in some markets as the FinePix Z71, and came in silver, red, blue and other finishes.
It carries a 12-megapixel CCD sensor and a 5x optical zoom covering 36-180mm equivalent that stays inside the body — nothing telescopes out. Framing is on a 2.7-inch LCD, sensitivity reaches ISO 1600 at full resolution, and it records 720p HD video at 30fps with use of the optical zoom during recording. Tracking autofocus and Scene Recognition Auto handle operation, with storage on SD/SDHC cards.
The internal zoom and slide-open cover make the Z70 a genuinely pocketable street and travel snapshot camera with no lens barrel to snag or jam. It suits buyers wanting a stylish CCD compact with more reach than the usual 3x designs. Weaknesses are the lack of optical stabilisation, which matters at the 180mm end, and fully automatic control.
The sliding lens cover is the first thing to test on a used Z70: it should glide positively and wake the camera every time, as worn covers and switches are the model's characteristic fault. Confirm the lithium-ion battery charges and a charger is included; replacements are cheap. SD/SDHC storage keeps it practical, and because the lens is internal, examples that have been pocketed for years often still function well — but check the front cover and screen for scratches.