Fuji Blends EXR and CMOS Technology

2011.01.05

Undoubtedly the biggest news today is Fuji's new EXR BSI CMOS sensor which attempts to bring the best image quality and speed together. For a long time, Fuji had a noticeable lead in image quality thanks to its SuperCCD EXR sensors which work in 3 modes to give high-resolution, low-noise or extended dynamic range.

At one point, several manufacturers started using BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensors to attempt to close the gap. It did not work for catching with Fuji's awesome quality but it it bring new high-speed capabilties to fixed-lens cameras. Things like 1080p HD video, 1000 FPS high-speed video, 60 FPS continuous drive and sweeping panoramas suddenly became possible.

Fuji experimented with their own BSI-CMOS sensor when the launched the Finepix HS10 one year ago. It turned out to be capable camera but did not match the previous ultra-zoom flagship, the S200 EXR when it came to image quality.

Today's announcement may be able to merge the benefits of both high-quality imaging and high-speed photography. The new 16 megapixels sensor uses a CMOS process with BSI construction to improve its light gathering capability and the EXR tri-mode design. This time Fuji claims an extra stop of dynamic-range, so 1600% more than non-EXR sensors.

The Fuji Finepix HS20 EXR which showcases the new senor has a 30X ultra-wide angle mechanical optical-zoom lens equivalent to 24-720mm, like the HS10 before it. It can record full 1080p HDTV video at 30 FPS along with 320 FPS high-speed video at lower unspecified resolution. It features full manual controls with exposures up to 30s, full-resolution ISO to 3200, a fly-by-wire manual-focus, a multitude of direct controls and RAW mode, a first among EXR digital cameras. How it delivers remains to be seen. This one is scheduled to be available at the end of March for $499 USD.

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