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FujiFilm's FinePix S2 Pro digital camera. Courtesy of FujiFilm, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Fuji announces FinePix S2 Pro!
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 00:02 EST)

Replacement for existing S1 Pro model doubles resolution, amongst numerous other updates...

In the first of three digital camera announcements tonight, Fuji has officially announced its FinePix S2 Pro digital camera. Based on Nikon's N80 film camera (the S1 Pro was N60-based), the S2 Pro features a new third-generation 6.49 megapixel SuperCCD imager with almost double the previous model's resolution. As with all of Fuji's SuperCCD cameras, the maximum file size is interpolated roughly 2:1 from the sensor resolution, with a maximum resolution of 4256 x 2848 pixels. This is due to the SuperCCD's octagonal sensor layout - each cell on the imager doesn't map directly to the locations of a pixel in the final image - and should give somewhat higher resolution than a standard 6.49 megapixel imager (although not to the extent that the 12.1 megapixel file size would suggest).

Numerous other differences to the S1 Pro abound - perhaps one of the most significant being the inclusion of a CCD-RAW file mode (a first for a SuperCCD camera). SuperCCD RAW files from the S2 Pro look to have a file size of approximately 12.5MB - significantly smaller than the 36MB TIFF files the camera outputs at its interpolated resolution. The TIFF files do have to store a lot more data though (all of the necessary interpolation on the RAW files is done on the host PC) and so we presume that the RAW files are uncompressed.

Another particularly important update is the inclusion of not just USB 1.1 connectivity, but the much faster IEEE 1394 FireWire connectivity as well. This should be particularly welcome given the huge 36MB maximum TIFF file size. The camera also supports a wide range of Nikkor lenses on its Nikon F mount. Every AF Nikkor lens, along with most manual AI or AI-S lenses, can be used. D-Type AF Nikkor lenses support 3D Matrix Metering; non-CPU lenses function in manual exposure mode only.

The S2 Pro's N80-sourced body is slightly narrower and deeper than the S1 Pro, but weight should be roughly the same. The focal length multiplier of 1.53 is also pretty much identical to the previous model. The LCD is a slightly smaller 1.8" 117,600 pixel unit than the S1 Pro's 127,000 pixel 2.0" unit, but the fastest shutter speed goes from 1/2000 to 1/4000 second, and the minimum ISO rating has been extended from 320 down to 100 (the maximum remains 1600).

Other changes include the addition of spot metering, more choices of self-timer (2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds), a slightly faster burst-mode rating of 2 frames per second (vs. 1.7 on the S1 Pro) and compatibility with IBM's Microdrive. The exposure compensation range of 3.0EV remains the same, but the step size of 1/3EV on the S1 Pro has been changed to 1/2EV for the S2 Pro.

The FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro will ship in the second half of this year. Pricing has not yet been announced, but full specifications for the camera are in our database, and highlights follow:

Specification Highlights - full specifications here
FujiFilm FinePix S2 Pro
FujiFilm's FinePix S2 Pro digital camera. Courtesy of FujiFilm, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Model Number: S2
Camera Format: SLR
Price: Unknown
Date Available: Second half of 2002
Image Capture
Image Sensor: 6.49 megapixel
Image Resolution: 4256x2848, 3024x2016, 2304x1536, 1440x960
Lens
Lens mount: Nikon F
Display
Optical Viewfinder: Yes (Fixed eye-level pentaprism)
LCD Viewfinder: Yes (1.8 inch, 117,600 pixels)
Exposure
ISO Settings: 100, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White Balance Settings: Auto, Fine, Shade, Incandescent, 2 x Custom, 3 x Fluorescent
Manual White Balance: Yes
Shutter Speeds: 30 - 1/4000 second + bulb
Exp Adj Range: +/- 3.0EV in 1/2EV steps
Metering Modes: 3D Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot
Exposure Modes: Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
Self Timer: 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
Flash
Internal Flash: Yes
Flash Modes: Unknown
Flash Range Description: 12 meters @ ISO100 w/ 28mm lens
Ext Flash: Yes (ISO hot shoe)
Image Storage
Flash Memory: CompactFlash Type 1, CompactFlash Type 2, SmartMedia, IBM Microdrive
Memory Included: Unknown
File Formats: TIFF-RGB, CCD-RAW, JPEG
More Information
Weight: 760 g; 26.6 oz
Weight With Batteries? No
Size: 142 x 132 x 79mm; 5.6 x 5.2 x 3.1in
Notes & Features: Will ship in the second half of 2002. Based on Nikon's N80/F80 film camera body. Image sensor is a 6.49 megapixel (6.17 megapixel effective) SuperCCD with an area of 23.0 x 15.5mm, which results in a focal length multiplier of 1.53. (Multiply lens focal lengths by this figure to arrive at the 'effective' focal length that will result). Has diopter adjustment on optical viewfinder ((-1.8m-1 to +0.8m-1). Accepts interchangeable lenses using a Nikon F mount. Every AF Nikkor lens, along with most manual AI or AI-S lenses, can be used. D-Type AF Nikkor lenses support 3D Matrix Metering, other AF Nikkor lenses do not. Non-CPU lenses function in manual exposure mode only; exposure meter cannot be used. Compatible with 3.3V SmartMedia from 4 to 128MB, CompactFlash Type-I or Type-II including IBM Microdrive. Has bulb setting for exposures longer than 30 seconds. Voice annotation feature allows 30-second audio clips to be attached to each image. CCD-RAW file size is approx. 12.5MB, TIFF file size at max. (interpolated) resolution is approx. 36MB. In playback mode, has single-frame, 4-up or 9-up display, playback zoom, histogram and standard chart display. AC adapter AC-5VHS available.
 

Source: FujiFilm

Original Source Press Release:

FUJIFILM'S FINEPIX S2 PRO DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES, FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE TO THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

New 6.17 Million Effective Pixel Super CCD Sensor System Produces 4256 x 2848 (12.1 million) Recorded Pixel File; Dual Storage/PC Transfer Options Enable
Increased Workflow in Studio and on the Road


ELMSFORD, NY, January 29, 2002 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced the FinePix S2 Pro Digital Camera, the widely anticipated successor to its acclaimed FinePix S1 Pro. The new SLR-type digital camera builds upon its predecessor's legacy for outstanding picture color and detail while empowering professional photographers with greater control over the editing, storing and transferring of high resolution images, both in the studio and on the road.

The FinePix S2 Pro boasts Fujifilm's next generation Super CCD sensor system for professional photography. With 6.17 million effective pixels, this general-purpose camera is capable of producing an image file with 4,256 x 2,848 (12.1 million) recorded pixels for pictures with stunning color and detail that are sure to please even the most discerning photographer. 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, thereby liberating professionals to experiment with their photographs as they see fit.

In addition, the FinePix S2 Pro offers the advantage of a choice of a dual-storage media option: SmartMedia? and IBM's Microdrive?, which when inserted into the camera's CompactFlash? (Card Type II) slot, can allow photographers shooting on location to take a large number of high-resolution photos without having to worry about running out of storage space. It also incorporates a fast dual PC interface, allowing for increased workflow with the speedy transfer of very large image files from the camera to a Macintosh? or PC via IEEE 1394 (FireWire) or USB 1.1 interface.

"The FinePix S2 Pro's picture taking, storage and transfer capabilities make it ideal for professionals shooting both in the studio and off-site," said Jennifer Davalos, Marketing Manager, Professional Digital Products, Commercial Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "We think photographers - whether they're capturing a wedding party or that once-in-a-lifetime breaking news event - will be most impressed by its wide choice of manual features and its ability to deliver super high-quality images. "

The FinePix S2 Pro's design offers the pleasing handling characteristics that photographers expect from an SLR camera. It has a Nikon F mount and accepts every AF Nikkor and most manual AI or AI-S Nikkor lenses. In addition, the camera has a shutter speed of 30 to 1/4000 second and continuous shooting of approximately 2 frames/second up to a total of seven frames. Its wide range of ISO equivalents of 100/160/200/400/800/1600 allow for picture taking under a variety of challenging lighting conditions.

For further flexibility, the S2 Pro has a variety of controls, including four shooting modes (single frame, continuous, preview and multiple exposure), four exposure modes (multi programmed AE, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE and manual exposure) and five variable program modes (portrait, landscape, close-up, sport and night scene). In addition, there are nine modes for white balance (auto, fine, shade, incandescent light, two custom settings and three for fluorescent light).

The FinePix S2 Pro can record images at four resolutions (4,256 x 2,848, 3,024 x 2,016, 2,304 x 1,536 and 1,440 x 960 pixels) and in three file formats (TIFF-RBG, CCD-Raw and JPEG). There are two compression modes (fine and normal) within the JPEG file format, and captured images can be viewed on the camera's 1.8-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT display.

A special voice annotation feature allows the attachment of 30-second voice notes to each photo, which enables the busy photographer to track and describe a large portfolio of images.

TheFinePix S2 Pro has dimensions of 5.6" (W) x 5.2" (H) x 3.1" (D) and weighs 26.8 ounces, without batteries. It will be available for purchase in the second half of 2002.

Digital Camera Developing
As it has done so successfully for its extensive line of film cameras, Fujifilm offers a choice of services and products for digital camera developing - the printing of digital pictures. Fujifilm's award-winning Pictrography printers and Frontier Digital Lab Systems offer the ease, cost effectiveness and quality that professional photographers have come to expect from Fujifilm's print services.

About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is the U.S. marketing subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. of Tokyo (FUJIY), a leading global manufacturer of imaging and information products. Recognized for its technological innovation and high quality, Fujifilm offers a complete portfolio of imaging and information products, services and e-solutions to retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers.

The complete Fujifilm product portfolio includes: professional and consumer film and cameras; digital imaging products, including cameras and printers for commercial and consumer use; digital minilabs and kiosks; photographic paper and photofinishing supplies; professional motion picture film; high-capacity floppy disks, CDs and DVDs, tape cartridges and other data storage media; videotape and audiocassettes; professional and consumer optical discs; microfilm and other micrographic products; and graphic arts film, conventional and digital printing plates, analog and digital color proofing systems, drum and flatbed scanners, imagesetters and computer-to-plate systems. Fujicolor Processing, Inc., a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., provides wholesale photofinishing through a network of laboratories across the country.

For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilm.com. For answers to frequently asked questions and software download, consumers can access Fujifilm's technical support Web site at www.fujifilmsupport.com.

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