Product spotlight: Fujifilm FinePix X100

The technology and specs hardly matter when the main question on everyone's mind is, "Why should I spend 5,000 of my shiny coins on a digital camera rather than an SLR?" Well, I don't know. Fujifilm, on the other hand, does. The company positions its new FinePix X100 as "a technologically revolutionary camera with a classic finish aimed at professional photographers and [enthusiasts]".

In that case, those afore-mentioned photo lovers should be delighted that the camera sports a 12.3MP resolution and a larger Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) sized sensor, found in common SLRs. The Hybrid Viewfinder allows you to create works of art with either the optical viewfinder or the 1.44m-dot electronic viewfinder. The camera's EXR processor can also expand the ISO range to an impressive 100-12,800 at full resolution. It also features a 20MB internal memory while accommodating SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Fuji's Fujinon Single Focal Length lens has a 23mm focal length constituing six groups and eight lenses.

To answer the question, you should spend Dh5,000 on this tool if you are upgrading your point-and-shoot, if you can't understand the workings of an SLR, if you have 5,000 shiny coins lying around, and lastly, if you are or aspire to be a professional photographer or enthusiast.

What's in the box? The camera and lens cap, owner's manual, CD and USB, shoulder strap and metal strap clip, and charger and battery.