Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. has revved up its line of FinePix digital cameras with three new Super CCD models — the FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom and FinePix S2 Pro. All are Mac compatible and the high-end model has a FireWire interface.
Fujifilm’s third generation, 3.11 million-effective pixel Super CCD image sensor systems can serve up images boasting 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels, ultra-high ISO sensitivities, high-quality VGA movie recording and improved picture color, according to Darin Pepple, brand manager, Consumer Digital Products, Consumer Markets Division.
The company’s new, proprietary image processing method, “Pixel Data Coupling Technology,” along with a new noise reduction technology have been combined with the new Super CCD sensor system to enable the FinePix F601 Zoom and FinePix S602 Zoom to deliver ISO sensitivities all the way up 1600 in 1280 x 960 (one megapixel) mode with a minimal increase in CCD “noise.” This new system also allows for a unique vertical and horizontal “Pixel-Mixing Technology” that enables VGA-sized digital video and frame rates faster than those typically associated with digital still cameras, resulting in smoother, higher-quality movie recording, Pepple said.
Fujifilm’s new FinePix S2 Pro has a new professional-level Super CCD sensor system, which at 6 million effective pixels is capable of producing images of up to 4256 x 2848 (12.1 million) recorded pixel. The camera also features a CCD Raw mode, which delivers the image before it has been processed by the camera’s internal algorithmic settings, giving pro photographers the chance to experiment.
The US$599 FinePix F601 Zoom, due in April, is targeted to the serious hobbyist. It can deliver 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels for 8 x 10-inch prints. Plus, the camera’s Super EBC Fujinon 3x optical zoom (with up to 4.4x digital zoom) enables it to take detailed close-ups.
The FinePix F601 Zoom can capture AVI digital video with sound at full VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240) resolutions at 15 frames per second. It also can record up to 33 minutes of audio on a 16MB SmartMedia card and up to nine hours using a 128MB card.
Like its predecessor, the FinePix 6800 Zoom, the FinePix F601 Zoom lets you attach 30-second voice notes to each image. Its shutter speeds range from three to 1/2000 of a second with adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high sensitivity one-megapixel (1280 x 960) mode at ISO 800/1600 that features Fujifilm’s noise reduction technology. The FinePix F601 Zoomoffers continuous shooting at the one megapixel (maximum 1.8 frames/sec up to 40 images at 1280 x 960) and six megapixel (maximum five frames/sec up to four images) modes.
The FinePix S602 Zoom, due in June, is aimed at “serious photo enthusiasts” (pricing has yet to be announced). It also features Fujifilm’s third generation Super CCD sensor with 3.1 million effective pixels, delivering images up to 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels. In addition, the camera packs a 6x optical zoom lens, SLR-type body design and fully manual photographic controls.
The FinePix S602 Zoom’s passive auto-focus sensor, combined with TTL CCD contrast auto-focus, is designed to allow photographers to capture better images in a variety of lighting situations, including low light. Pepple said the camera will be the only one in its price range to offer a dual-storage media option that includes SmartMedia and IBM’s Microdrive, which can be inserted into the camera’s CompactFlash (Card Type II) slot. Users can store up to 145 pictures with 2832 x 2128 pixels (Fine compression) or 15 minutes of VGA, 30 frames-per-second digital video.
The FinePix S602 Zoom offers VGA-level digital video recording at a rate of 30 frames per second. It also features a voice-annotation function that allows the attachment of 30-second voice notes to each photo. The camera’s shutter speeds range from three to 1/2000 of a second in auto mode and 15 to 1/1000 of a second in manual mode. It offers adjustable ISO sensitivity of 160/200/400, including a high sensitivity one-megapixel modeat ISO 800/1600 that reduces noise.
Due in the last half of the year (and still not priced) the FinePix S2 Pro is designed for pro photographers. Its Super CCD sensor system with 6 million effective pixels lets users produce 4256 x 2848 (12.1 million) recorded pixels. The FinePix S2 Pro also features a CCD Raw mode, which delivers the image before it has been processed by the camera’s internal algorithmic settings. Again, this is to let photos experiment with their work.
It also offers a dual storage option and image voice annotation. Also of note: the FinePix S2 Pro includes both a FireWire and USB interface. It has adjustable ISO equivalents of 100/160/200/400/800/1600.