Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix A700, the most advanced model in Fujifilm's A-Series of entry-level digital cameras.

Featuring a 7.3 MegaPixel Super CCD sensor, a sizable 2.4" LCD and 3x optical zoom, the FinePix A700 is ideal for first-time digital camera buyers and consumers looking for a competitively priced upgrade to their first digital camera.

The highlight feature of the FinePix A700 is its 7.3 MegaPixel Super CCD sensor. Originally, Fujifilm placed its Super CCD sensor in digital cameras aimed at advanced amateur and professional photographers. This year, however, a breakthrough was made and Super CCD made its maiden, A-Series appearance in the FinePix A400 and FinePix A500 digital cameras. Those cameras carried four and five MegaPixel Super CCD sensors, respectively, and were followed later by the six MegaPixel FinePix A600.

While seven MegaPixels is more than enough resolving power for a standard, 4x6-inch picture, the extra resolution generated by the Super CCD sensor opens the door to user creativity as digital photos can be converted to poster size prints or cropped without a loss in eye-catching quality.

As an added bonus, Fujifilm's Super CCD technology is also responsible for the FinePix A700's low noise performance across its ISO 100-400 sensitivity range. Less noise in photos leads to sharper, crisper pictures.

The FinePix A700 will be in stores early October and will sell at a price of $199.