The time & glory of compact cameras have gone with the wind. Smartphones have killed them. All but one specific category — rugged compact cameras…

On Valentine’s Day, Fujifilm announced one more beautiful camera from their “rugged” line. Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is the fifth iteration, after FinePix XP130, FinePix XP120, FinePix XP90 and FinePix XP80. What’s new?

Spec sheet is not too different, but the improvement are welcome comparing to the previous model XP130. We have new BSI-CMOS sensor with the maximum ISO of 12800, slightly better grip, better autofocus with Fujifilm's ‘Eye Detection’ and ‘smile shutter modes’… It is also a bit toughed than its predecessor, since it can go 5 m deeper under water:

WATERPROOF 25m / to 82ft
FREEZEPROOF -10°C / to 14°F
SHOCKPROOF 1.8m / from up to 5.9ft
DUSTPROOF
KIDPROOF (just kidding, nobody can make one)

^{Improved autofocus with Fujifilm's ‘Eye Detection’ and ‘Smile Shutter’ modes}

New camera has improved connectivity with your smartphone, tablet or FUJIFILM Instax SHARE printer, and it is also possible to control camera over your smartphone and to wirelessly share images from the camera to your device.

The lens is already proven Fujinon 5x optical zoom, 5-25mm f3.9-4.9, or better said, equivalent to 28-140mm on a 35mm f3.9-4.9 format. And you got no less than 17 of Fuji’s 'Advanced Filters' including its Rich & Fine and Monochrome (NIR) presets.

If we would nitpicking (or pixel-splitting), than key takeaway would be inability to shoot RAW files. And maybe only 240 shots with its Li-ion battery NP-45S fully charged.

Price? FujiFilm FinePix XP140 will available in five colors: yellow or sky-blue in the U.S and available in sky blue, lime, yellow, white and dark silver in Canada. It is anticipated to be released in March with the price tag of USD $229.95 and CAD $239.99. Very reasonable. Now you don’t have any excuse not to go out and shoot in the rain 😉