Digital Camera Information

It’s interesting to see how Fujifilm words the transfer of its operation to China. They say:

“Fujifilm Reinforces the Foundation of its Digital Camera Business Promoting cost competitiveness and increasing the pace of product development by optimizing its manufacturing and R&D business bases”

Really - what they are saying is that it’s cheaper to produce digital cameras in China.

Here’s the full blurb:

“FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO Shigetaka Komori, hereafter “FUJIFILM”) has been leading the digital camera industry by supplying worldwide the FinePix series of digital cameras featuring unique advanced technologies such as “high-sensitivity and high-image quality” and the world first “Face Detection Technology.” Toward further business expansion in the future, FUJIFILM has decided to concentrate its manufacturing and R&D bases, as more detailed below. The change is to create a solid business structure optimized for the digital camera market amidst intensifying competition

There will be further acceleration in the development of digital cameras with distinctive features, combining FUJIFILM’s proprietary Super CCD technology, superior image processing technology, and the advanced lens technology of the Group company, Fujinon Corporation. This will demonstrate our commitment to contributing to further nurturing the “Culture of Photography.”

Source

Here is a very interesting review on the speed comparisons between the Nikon D200 and the Fujifilm S5 Pro by RaduGrozescu.com.

He writes: “Most Fuji S5 pro owners will use it in a wide DR setting, so they will have to live with 1.6 fps which is about what one can “pump” the shutter release in Single advance mode. This is enough for most applications which do not require “motor drive” speeds.

But if one is after speed for a particular assignment the Fuji S5 can be set to 100% DR and with a SanDisk Extreme III the figures become:

Jpegs, Image Display OFF:
Camera: fps, Buffer, Time (seconds)
Nikon D200: 5, 25,2.0
Fuji S5 Pro: 3, 19, 2.3,

Jpegs, Image Display ON:
Camera: fps, Buffer, Time (seconds)
Nikon D200: 5, 25, 2.3
Fuji S5 pro: 3, 16, 2.9

RAW, Image Display OFF:
Camera: fps, Buffer, Time (seconds)
Nikon D200 standard: 5, 21, 3.0
Nikon D200 compressed: 5, 21, 2.2
Fuji S5 pro: 3, 21, 2.8

RAW, Image Display ON:
Camera: fps, Buffer, Time (seconds)
Nikon D200 standard: 5, 21, 3.4
Nikon D200 compressed: 5, 21, 2.8
Fuji S5 pro: 3, 19, 3.2

As indicated by the results, you can easily notice that apart from the fps difference which is 5:3 in Nikon’s favor, the buffer size and flush times are quite similar, with the Fuji even having better flush times in RAW compared to the Nikon in uncompressed RAW.

So the Fuji S5 pro is not such a slow camera, after all.

Full review

Fujitsu Limited has announced the release of its new LSI image-processing chip MB91680A-T, for use with cutting edge Foveon X3 image sensors and 3CCD technology, as a new addition to Fujitsu’s Milbeautâ„¢ line of advanced image processing LSI chips for digital cameras, which includes the flagship model MB91680. The new chip enables sharp, high-quality images to be processed in cameras in real time with low energy efficient power consumption.

Fujitsu’s Milbeaut line of advanced image processing LSI chips combines functions necessary for image processing in digital cameras, such as image compression and noise reduction all in a single chip. The product line is widely implemented in digital cameras and mobile phones.

In addition to being compatible with conventional single layer Bayer pattern(1) image sensors, the MB91680A-T model is also compatible with the cutting-edge Foveon X3 CMOS sensor developed by US-based Foveon Inc. and 3CCD technology found in high performance digital video cameras. This enables sharp, high-quality image processing in digital single-lens reflex cameras and other high image quality digital cameras in real-time and with low power consumption. These features, combined with the functions found in previous models, deliver the highest performance standards in the industry.

Additionally, the validated TRUEâ„¢ (2) image processing system LSI chip jointly developed with Sigma Corporation is used for interconnect to the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. The MB91680A-T chip was developed in co-operation with Fujitsu VLSI Limited and Fujitsu Micro Solutions Limited.

Sample Pricing and Availability

Sales Targets

Product Features
1. Compatible with cutting-edge image sensors
Compared to conventional single-layer Bayer pattern image sensors, Foveon X3 sensors have unique color and readout characteristics that pose different challenges for camera system developers. The newly released Fujitsu processor enables seamless connection to the Foveon sensor through the use of sophisticated image processing functions, including various noise reduction methods and new multi-axis color transformation(3) technology embedded into the circuitry.

The result is low noise and high color reproductivity, enabling high-resolution images that take full advantage of the Foveon X3 sensor’s features.

2. Utilizes state-of-the-art algorithm that enables beautiful, detailed images
Utilizes the latest image processing algorithm for high performance digital cameras:

Enables beautiful, detailed, high resolution images
Controls reflected noise(4) and color noise that occur when CCDs and other imaging devices reach maximum resolution

Equipped with a color conversion function: able to convert colors into other desired colors

3. Faster speed made possible with cutting-edge FR80 CPU core
Fujitsu’s FR series high-performance 32 bit RISC microcontrollers are embedded in Fujitsu’s Milbeaut series. The MB91680A-T model employs the FR80, enabling it to execute internal data transfers at approximately four times the efficiency of earlier models, as well as high-speed data transfer of large volumes of data.

Foveon X3 Sensor
Unlike conventional Bayer pattern image sensors, which detect red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light through mosaic patterned filters and detect one color per pixel location, the Foveon X3 sensor (see Figure 1) detects all three colors at each pixel location, avoiding the discoloration that occurs with Bayer filters. Furthermore, it is an ideal sensor in that it eliminates the need for a low-pass filter(5), resulting in a clearer image.

Source

Here is an interesting comparison of the high ISO between the Fujifilm S5Pro and the Nikon D80. The pictures were from a Korean website called SLRClub.com. Considering the noise on the Nikon D80 rated very well in many reviews says a lot about the Fujifilm S5Pro.

At ISO 3200, the Fujifilm is very good.

Source: SLR Club - English translated version

According to the latest report by BCN which is market research firm constantly monitoring POS data from 2,680 stores operated by 23 contracted major retailing companies. Nikon has the number 1 market share in Japan.

Nikon has claimed 47% of the DSLR market in Japan during December 2006. The increased market share was attributed to strong sales of the popular Nikon D80 and the price competitive Nikon D40.

Canon came in with a market share of 35 percent. Pentax and Sony followed with a market share of 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

Canon has always been the constant leader in the Japanese DSLR market, for example with a market share of 45 percent in July and 48 percent in September last year, followed by Nikon (37 percent in July and 33 percent in September) and Pentax (10 percent in July and 8 percent in September).

In terms of by-model share, however, Canon’s Digital Kiss X (digital Rebel XTi) kept the top spot for 13 weeks consecutively with a 27.3 percent market share in December, followed by Nikon’s D80 (16.3 percent), D40 (15.5 percent) and D200 (9.1 percent), reports JPEA International PEN News Weekly.

Many industry watchers were skeptical when Nikon announced the D40, saying it would be difficult for Nikon to sell as it hoped in the market where DSLRs featuring 10-megapixel or more pixel counts are the mainstream. Contrary to the popular belief, however, the Nikon D40 apparently made a good start in the Japanese market, reports PEN News Weekly.

In addition, the release of the Canon 30D which in reality was just a facelift by keeping the same 8 mega pixel sensor did not really push Canon higher.

Source

Think Camera has conducted a preview of a pre-production Fuji film S5 Pro DSLR. In the preview all tests were conducted using jpegs only as the pre-production did not come with the software used to read RAW files. The new S5 Pro is based on the Nikon D200 body with a Fuji chip and Fuji firmware built inside.

Here’s what they write about the ISO of the S5 Pro:

“This is where we started. The Fuji film S5 Pro has built in noise reduction like all recent DSLRs. Shooting jpegs you can never be entirely sure that you’ve turned this off completely. Again this is an area I didn’t want to test scientifically only to find that all the results changed at production time. Some add hoc testing puts the Fuji film S5 Pro way ahead of the Nikon D2X for apparent noise. I didn’t shoot it directly against a Nikon D200 but as a very rough figure I would estimate that the noise is about 1 stop better than the Nikon D200 - a Fuji film S5 Pro picture at 3200 looks as good as or better than a Nikon D200 at 1600. Whether the S5 Pro is in the same league as the Canon 5D (our current favourite for low light) remains to be seen.

I didn’t get the chance to print files in the short time I had the S5 Pro but I think I would be happy squeezing a 10 x 8 out of a 3200 ISO file without any software noise reduction. There’s no other camera that takes Nikon lenses that I can currently say that of. The colours are certainly better at high ISO than a Nikon D200 - as noise increases colours tend to look a bit “mushy”. Check out the pictures at the top - that’s what you’re gaining with a Fuji chip.”

For the complete preview click here

Fujifilm has announced another addition to their popular F series digital compact camera with the 8 mega pixel Fujifilm Finepix F40fd. The main difference between the Fujifilm F40fd and the F31d is the higher resolution of 8 mega pixel versus 6 mega pixel in the F31, lower ISO of 2000 against a top of 3200, larger viewing angle on the LCD screen of up to 25′ and the use of the popular SD memory cards in addition to the current xD. Refer to the comparison chart between the F41fd, F31fd, F30 and the F20 for more detail.

Although the increase in mega pixel is expected, I believe it is the incorporation of a dual use SD/xD memory slot that will add value to this camera. The SD memory card is very popular and Fujifilm finally has a way to grab more customers.

Here are the specifications:

Specifications
• Effective pixels - 8.3 million
• CCD - 1/1.6″ Super CCD HR
• Number of recorded pixels - 3,296 x 2,472
• 3,054 x 2,336 (3:2)
• 2,304 x 1,728
• 1,600 x 1,200
• 640 x 480
• File format - JPEG (Exif)
• Storage media - Internal memory (approx. 25MB)
• xD-Picture Card™ (16MB - 2GB) /
• SD memory card (512MB, 1GB, 2GB)
• Lens - 36 -108 mm
• Sensitivity - AUTO/Equivalent to ISO 100/200/400/800/1600
• (standard output sensitivity)/
• (up to ISO2000 on Picture stabilization/
• Natural Light mode)
• LCD - 2.5″ TFT 230,000 pixels
• Movie Recording - 640×480 / 320×240 pixels
• 30 frames / sec.
• with monaural sound
• Voice memo - Yes
• Video output - NTSC & PAL
• Digital interface - USB 2.0(High-speed)
• Power source - NP-70 Lithium-ion battery
• AC Power Adapter
• Dimensions (W x H x D) - 95.7 x 59.0 x 23.3 mm
• Weight - (approximately excluding battery and memory card) 155 g

Below is a comparison between the F40fd, F31fd, F30 and the F20

The much awaited Fujifilm S5 Pro has been confirmed for sale towards the end of January 2007 (Japan only) with a tentative release date scheduled in the USA towards February 2007. Here’s an English translation of the Fujifilm Japanese site.

There have been a few DSLR announcements in the past few months such as the Nikon D80, the Pentax K10D and even the Olympus E-400. All of these DSLR have one common theme; a sensor with higher megapixels.

It’s interesting that the much awaited Fujifilm S5 Pro with a Nikon D200 cloned body has decided to go against this trend and stick with the same size 6 megapixel sensor as the previous model. Although the S3 Pro (6 megapixel) was a great camera with it’s extended Dynamic Range, it’s price was much higher than the competition and this is where the Fujifilm strategy went wrong. For those who do not know what dynamic range is, it is as follows according to Dpreview, “Dynamic range of a sensor is defined by the largest possible signal divided by the smallest possible signal it can generate. The largest possible signal is directly proportional to the full well capacity of the pixel. The lowest signal is the noise level when the sensor is not exposed to any light, also called the noise floor.” Click here for more information.

The great thing about the new Fujifilm S5 Pro is that it has even greater creative control over the dynamic range and you can now choose from up to six preset ranges between 100% and 400%. In addition, three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total) to give an improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Although the “development” of the S5 pro has been announced with the release date in 2007!, it’s interesting the price has not and I hope the pricing will be much better this time round. Let’s wait and see.

Fujifilm has finally announced the development release of the much awaited S5 Pro. The only problem is that you cannot get one until next year which is why the press release says it’s an announcement of the development of the Fujifilm S5 Pro.

Here’s what they say in the press release:

Confirming the company’s commitment to professional photographers, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. today announces the development of the much anticipated FinePix S5 Pro digital SLR camera. The new FinePix S5 Pro is further affirmation of Fujifilm’s goal to achieve professional D-SLR image quality consistent with Fujifilm’s professional film heritage.

The FinePix S5 Pro carries a number of attributes that made its predecessor, the FinePix S3 Pro, so popular with wedding, portrait and studio photographers. One of them is increased dynamic range from the Super CCD SR double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels). The new FinePix S5 Pro continues this tradition of expanded dynamic range and goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm’s new RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro for even more outstanding, film-like results. Moreover, the FinePix S5 Pro will house the two technologies in a fully digital and durable metal alloy body frame. This opens the door for Fujifilm’s digital imaging technologies to expand into other applications such as outdoor and high endurance commercial photography.

Highlight features of the FinePix S5 Pro include:
Image Processing and Quality
- Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the RP Processor Pro, allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The re-designed new Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized
low-pass filter will reduce the noise and minimize moiré. The newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction so photographers can snap pictures light sensitivities as high as ISO 3200 with less noise. Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 2/3

Increased Color and Dynamic Range Control
- Photographers can choose from six preset ranges for greater creative control over the FinePix S5 Pro’s expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400%.
- Three new variations of the original film simulation mode have been added (five modes in total) for improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Face Detection Technology for post image verification
- At the push of a button, the FinePix S5 Pro’s Face Detection Technology detects up to ten faces in a scene immediately after each image is captured. Photographers can zoom in and confirm facial detail, whether eyes are open or closed, focus and exposure on the FinePix S5 Pro’s LCD monitor.

Other camera functions and features
- Nikon F-mount compatibility with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics
- RAW+JPEG (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode
- MAC and PC supported tethered shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and optional Hyper Utility software
- Robust, lightweight magnesium-alloy body
- Durable shutter unit stands up to approximately 100,000 releases
- Adoption of high-precision i-TTL flash control
- 11-point AF sensor for consistent, fast and precise focusing. This is an improvement from the FinePix S3 Pro’s 5-point AF sensor.
- Supports 1/3, ½, and 1 stop lens aperture control
- Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec., maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
- Remark function enables addition of comments to an image file by connecting a special bar code reader to the camera body.
- 3 levels of custom Function Locking with password protection Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 3/3
- 2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels with 100% frame coverage featuring color or monochromatic 30 seconds, live view function to check the focusing
- Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Compact Flash â„¢ (CF) Card (Type I /II) and Microdrive â„¢ compatible

Optional Accessories
- LAN Adapter for wireless, high-speed image transfer.
- New Hyper Utility Software for precise editing control of images taken in CCD-RAW 14-bit format. Software also enables PC control of the FinePix S5 Pro.
- Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- AC Power Adapter