Fujifilm has introduced a third model into its X-series of cameras. The Fujifilm X-S1 is a bridge camera that features a Fujinon 26x optical zoom lens and the same EXR sensor technology as the brand's X10 compact.

The fixed lens itself offers a range of 24-624mm (35mm equivalent), and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It is coupled with Fujifilm’s proprietary Intelligent Digital Zoom, that claims to double the focal range without a drop in picture quality. That means that it is possible to zoom up to a boasted 1,248mm.

It is made up of 17 glass elements, including four aspherical elements and two ED lenses, and metal cams. And the lens' aperture is made up of nine blades, which Fujfilm states, offers "excellent bokeh effect photography".

The sensor is of a 12-megapixel EXR CMOS variety, while the EXR processor, promises a minimal shutter lag of just 0.01sec, with a high speed continuous shooting capability bolted on for good measure.

The X-S1 is also capable of 1080p video capture, at 30 frames per second and with stereo sound.

Around the back, the camera sports a 3-inch LCD screen, with 460,000 pixel resolution, while the electronic viewfinder is 0.47-inch with 1.44 million pixels.

A full range of shooting functions is on offer (program/aperture-priority/shutter-priority/manual), and it is capable of shooting in RAW format.

There's also optical image stabilisation on board, along with a 360-degree Motion Panorama mode. Its Lithium battery provides up to 500 shots per charge.

The Fujifilm X-S1 will be out in the UK from February 2012 for £699.

Would you consider a bridge camera over a full DSLR? Let us know in the comments below...