The first generation of SuperCCD sensors was released with the FinePix 4700 Zoom and S1 Pro
DSLR, announced in January 2000. On January 21, 2003 Fujifilm announced the fourth generation of SuperCCD sensors, in two variations:
SuperCCD HR and
SuperCCD SR. 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. . The top image was translated with
DCRaw, without scaling or pixel rotation. 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. 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. 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. 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==