Super CCD explained

Super CCD is a proprietary charge-coupled device image sensor design that was developed by Fujifilm starting in 1999[1] and marketed with its digital cameras, starting with the FinePix 4700 and S1 Pro. Super CCD cameras were sold until 2010. The Super CCD uses octagonal, rather than rectangular, pixels. This allows a higher horizontal and vertical resolution (at the expense of diagonal resolution) to be achieved compared to a traditional sensor of an equivalent pixel count.

Evolution

1/2.5"! 1/1.7" !! colspan=2
1/1.6"2/3"APS-C (1.1")
1Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 2400×1800 (4 MP) 3040×2016 (6 MP)
Native resolution2.4 MP3.07 MP
Cameras4500,[2] 4700Z,[3] 4800Z,[4] 4900Z,[5] 40i,[6] 50i,[7] DS-270HD[8] S1 Pro[9]
2Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 2832×2128 (6 MP) rowspan=3
Native resolution3.3 MP
Cameras6800Z, 6900Z[10]
3Interpolated resolution2304×1728 (4 MP) 2832×2128 (6 MP) 4256×2848 (12 MP)
Native resolution2.1 MP3.1 MP6.17 MP
CamerasF401,[11] F402[12] F601,[13] M603,[14] S602[15] [16] S2 Pro[17]
4 (HR)Interpolated resolution2816×2120 (6 MP) 4048×3040 (12 MP) rowspan=3
Native resolution3.14 MP6.3 MP
CamerasA310,[18] F410,[19] F420,[20] S5000[21] E550,[22] F610,[23] F810,[24] S7000[25]
4 (SR)Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 2832×2128 (6 MP) 4256×2848 (12 MP)
Native resolution2×3.14 MP2×6.17 MP
CamerasF700,[26] F710,[27] S20[28] S3 Pro,[29] S3 Pro UV/IR[30]
5 (HR)Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 2302×1728 (4 MP) 2736×1824 (5 MP)2848×2136 (6 MP) 3072×2304 (7 MP) 3488×2616 (9 MP)rowspan=3
Native resolution4.1 MP 5.1 MP6.3 MP 7.3 MP 9 MP
CamerasA400[31] A500, S5200/5600,[32] V10,[33] Z1,[34] Z2,[35] Z3[36] A600,[37] F10,[38] F11[39] A700[40] A900, A920,[41] E900,[42] IS-1,[43] S9000/S9500,[44] S9100/S9600[45]
6 (HR)Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 2848×2136 (6 MP)2848×2136 (6 MP) 3296×2472 (8 MP)rowspan=3
Native resolution6.3 MP6.3 MP 8.3 MP
CamerasA610,[46] Z5fd[47] F20,[48] F30,[49] F31fd,[50] S6500fd[51] A800, A820,[52] F40fd[53]
6 (SR II)Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 rowspan=3 4256×2848 (12 MP)
Native resolution2×6.17 MP
CamerasS5 Pro,[54] IS Pro[55]
7Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 rowspan=3 4000×3000 (12 MP)rowspan=3
Native resolution12 MP
CamerasF50fd,[56]
8Interpolated resolutionrowspan=3 rowspan=3 4000×3000 (12 MP)3840×2880 (11 MP)rowspan=3
Native resolution12 MP11.1 MP
CamerasF60fd,[57] F100fd[58] S100FS[59]
The first generation of SuperCCD sensors was released with the FinePix 4700 Zoom and S1 Pro DSLR, announced in January 2000.[60]

On January 21, 2003 Fujifilm announced the fourth generation of SuperCCD sensors, in two variations: SuperCCD HR and SuperCCD SR.[61] [62] HR stands for "high resolution" and SR stands for "super dynamic range". The SR sensor has two photodiodes per photosite, one much larger than the other. Appropriately processing information from both can yield larger black to white range of brightness (dynamic range). Fujifilm announced a Super CCD back for its GX680 system that December, with 20.68 million sensors yielding an effective resolution of 41.36 MP.[63]

The 4th Generation Super CCD HR has sensors placed at 45 degrees to the horizontal. In order to convert the images into the normal horizontal/vertical pixel orientation, it interpolates one pixel between each pair of sensors, thereby producing 12 recorded megapixels from 6 effective megapixels. By contrast, Fujifilm says that 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensors are also at 45 degrees but do not interpolate. However, it omits to explain how the sensors turn the image into horizontal/vertical pixels without interpolating.

On July 29, 2005 Fujifilm announced cameras with "5th Generation Super CCD HR sensors", the FinePix S5200 (S5600) and FinePix S9000 (S9500). The FinePix F10 and F11 were released later in 2005.

In 2006 Fuji introduced the 6th generation of the Super CCD sensor (size 1/1.7", 6.3 million effective pixels, except for the F40fd which has size 1/1.6", 8.3 million effective pixels). This sensor allows for acceptable image quality even at ISO 800. It is built into the FinePix S6500fd (2006) bridge camera and the FinePix F-series F30, F20 (2006), F31fd and F40fd (2007) compact cameras, all of which are widely accredited for their class leading low-light capabilities.[64] [65]

In late 2007 the 7th generation was introduced (size 1/1.6", 12 million effective pixels). Included in Fuijfilm FinePix F50fd (2007). This sensor, although sharp, has significantly decreased ISO performance compared to earlier generations, dropping in quality to average level.[66] When compared to the 6th generation sensor, the individual pixel area on the 7th generation sensor is approximately 1.7× lower, considerably reducing the amount of light reaching each pixel. In mid-2008 the 8th generation was introduced (same size 1/1.6", 12 million effective pixels), included in Fujifilm FinePix F100fd (2008). This sensor improves slightly on the previously lost ISO performance, but does still not seem to compare with the 6th generation sensors.

In September 2008 Fujifilm announced a new type of Super CCD sensor, the Super CCD EXR.[67] This sensor aims at combining the advantages of the HR and SR sensor types in a single chip. It uses a new color filter array layout that allows for binning (combining) of pixels of the same color. This sensor is used in the F200EXR, F70EXR and F80EXR point-and-shoot cameras and the S200EXR bridge camera. Both the F200EXR and the S200EXR use the same 12 Megapixel 1/1.6" size sensor while the F70EXR and F80EXR use a 10 Megapixel and 12 Megapixel 1/2" sensor respectively.

In 2010, Fujifilm released its final cameras with the Super CCD sensor, the F300EXR and the Z800EXR. Both use the same 1/2" 12 Megapixel SuperCCD EXR sensor with hybrid autofocus system. The camera uses the conventional contrast detection AF and also Phase detection AF by means of dedicated pixels to calculate focus. According to Fujifilm, this system was as fast or faster than a DSLR. In 2011, Fujifilm switched to backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensors with conventional square photosite Bayer color pattern array as well as Fujifilm's EXR color filter array that used square photosites that were rotated 45 degrees. This marked the end of the SuperCCD production.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: New honeycomb "Super CCD" from FujiFilm . October 20, 1999 . . 2007-12-17.
  2. Fujifilm announced FinePix 4500 . September 19, 2000 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  3. Fuji announce FinePix 4700, 4.3 megapixels! . January 31, 2000 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  4. With a Body by F.A. Porsche, the FinePix 6800 Zoom and FinePix 4800 Zoom Feature a New Super CCD for Better Pictures, Plus PC-Cam and Voice Annotation Capabilities . February 1, 2001 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  5. Taking aim at the prosumer digital camera market, Fujifilm unveils the Finepix 4900 Zoom . August 1, 2000 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  6. Fujifilm Launches the Photo/Video/Music FinePix 40i Digital Camera . June 2, 2000 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  7. Fujifilm announces FinePix 50i . May 30, 2001 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  8. Fujifilm announce Big Job DS-270HD . December 18, 2001 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  9. Fuji announce S1 Pro digital camera . January 31, 2000 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  10. High-Performance Digital Camera with 6-Fold Optical Zoom and 3.3 Million Pixel Super CCD: Fujifilm FinePix 6900 Zoom . March 22, 2001 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  11. Your new favourite style icon: Fujifilm announces the FinePix F401 Zoom Digital Camera . May 30, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  12. Ultimate style! Fujifilm announces the FinePix F402 - probably the coolest digital camera in the world… . September 25, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  13. The FinePix F601 Zoom: the ultimate combination of style, performance and ease of use . January 30, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  14. Lights, camera, action! Fujifilm bridges the gap between digital stills and movies with the ultimate multimedia camera . September 25, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  15. The best just got better: Fujifilm announces FinePix S602 Zoom Digital Camera . January 31, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  16. FinePix S602 Pro Zoom - responding to the demands of the serious user . November 18, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  17. The FinePix S2 Pro: an exceptional combination of high-resolution images and cutting-edge features for the professional photographer . January 29, 2002 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  18. Fujifilm FinePix A310 Zoom : serious image enhancement (in more ways than one) . March 11, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  19. Fujifilm FinePix F410 Zoom: Design favourite gains a performance edge . February 19, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  20. FinePix F420 Zoom: tiny and shiny, but no lightweight . October 21, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  21. Fujifilm FinePix S5000 Zoom: up close just got closer . July 28, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  22. Fujifilm's new FinePix E550 Zoom: the perfect combination of form and function . July 28, 2004 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  23. Fujifilm's Fine Pix F610: The only way is upright . November 26, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  24. Fujifilm FinePix F810 Zoom: Super CCD performance hits new heights . July 28, 2004 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  25. FinePix S7000 Zoom: the beauty is in the detail . July 28, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  26. Fujifilm announces the first digital camera to feature Fourth Generation Super CCD SR technology . February 19, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  27. Fujifilm FinePix F710 Zoom: the connoisseur's compact . February 17, 2004 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  28. Fujifilm looks beyond the pixels with the FinePix S20 Pro . February 5, 2004 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  29. Development of new SLR almost complete . February 5, 2004 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  30. Fujifilm helps fight crime with new FinePix S3 Pro UVIR digital SLR . August 9, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  31. Fujifilm's straight 'A' cameras in a class of their own . January 4, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  32. Fujifilm FinePix S5200 Zoom: evolution of a bestseller . July 29, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  33. FinePix V10 Zoom: putting more fun into photography . January 4, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  34. Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom: a body for the catwalk with a spec for the studio . February 8, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  35. Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom: the sensitive supermodel that's naturally slim . October 10, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  36. FinePix Z3: Sociable, stylish and reliable – a ladies' favorite . May 30, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  37. The FinePix A600 Zoom: entry level moves up a level . February 14, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  38. FinePix F10 Zoom: Fujifilm's stamina camera . February 8, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  39. Fujifilm FinePix F11 Zoom: best-selling performance with added creativity . September 29, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  40. Fujifilm raises the bar in performance and value with the FinePix A700 . September 12, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  41. New A920 Model Wows with 9-MP, Super CCD, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.7" LCD . July 26, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  42. Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom: the power-packed compact . July 28, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  43. The IS-1 is Fujifilm's newest infrared digital camera . January 4, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  44. Fujifilm FinePix S9000 Zoom: DSLR approach, with a flexible attitude . July 29, 2005 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  45. Fujifilm FinePix S9600: improving an enthusiasts' favourite . August 24, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  46. FinePix A800 and A610 strengthen Fujifilm’s entry level A series . January 4, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  47. Fujifilm launches the ultra-compact FinePix Z5fd . November 9, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  48. Big brother's little brother: FinePix F20 joins award-winning high sensitivity camera range from Fujifilm . July 13, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  49. FinePix F30 Zoom: a low light landmark . February 14, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  50. Fujifilm launches the FinePix F31fd with the world's fastest Face Detection technology . September 25, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  51. Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd: it can't wait to see your face . July 13, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  52. Fujifilm brings advanced features to entry-level digital cameras; New A-Series Models Pack a Punch with 8 & 9-MP Super CCDs, 4x Optical Zoom and ISO 800 . February 22, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  53. Fujifilm introduces the new FinePix F40fd; the ultimate high-tech style compact . January 4, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  54. The Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro: an expert blend of image and handling . September 25, 2006 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  55. Fujifilm IS Pro Makes it Easier for Law Enforcement Agencies to Enter Into UV and IR Investigative Photography . July 13, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  56. Fujifilm announces 12 megapixel compact powerhouse: FinePix F50fd Ups Ante With Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology and ISO Levels Of Up To 6400 . July 26, 2007 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  57. The Best Just Got Better – Fujifilm announces the FinePix F60fd . August 12, 2008 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  58. Fujifilm unveils the ultimate 'F Series' digital camera . January 24, 2008 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  59. Fujifilm unveils its most advanced consumer digital camera to date: The FinePix S100FS . January 24, 2008 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  60. Fujifilm Announces First Consumer And Professional Digital Cameras With New Super CCD Image Sensor Technology . January 31, 2000 . Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. . 20 September 2024.
  61. Web site: Fujifilm announce SuperCCD SR . January 21, 2003 . . 2007-12-17.
  62. Web site: Fujifilm announce SuperCCD HR . January 21, 2003 . . 2007-12-17.
  63. Fujifilm DBP for GX680 medium format digital back specifications . December 19, 2003 . Fujifilm . 23 September 2024.
  64. Web site: Best Action Camera with Image Stabilization. Aug 2019 . . mdy-all .
  65. Web site: Fujifilm FinePix F40fd . June 2007 . . 2008-08-08.
  66. Web site: Fujifilm FinePix F50fd . December 2007 . . 2008-08-08.
  67. Web site: Fujifilm announces Super CCD EXR . September 22, 2008 . . 2008-09-22.