Post-PMA 2003: Just before PMA our friends at DC Resource noted a small paragraph in Fujifilm USA's PMA preview article about a new 20.8 megapixel medium format back. Since then Fujifilm has published a more detailed press release and high resolution images of the back. On the 2nd March Fujifilm announced a new 20.8 megapixel SuperCCD medium format back which has a very large 37 x 52 mm sensor. The new back is designed to be used with medium-format professional camera systems such as the Fujifilm GX 680. The SuperCCD chip produces a 41.4 million pixel image (5408 x 7648). The back has a 1.8" LCD monitor, sensitivity options of ISO 100, 200 and 400 and stores images in either JPEG or CCD-RAW formats. No pricing or availability has been announced.

Press Release:

FUJIFILM SHOWCASES NEW 20.8-MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL CAMERA BACK FOR MEDIUM-FORMAT PROFESSIONAL CAMERA SYSTEMS

Groundbreaking New Super CCD Will Deliver Ultra High-Quality Image Resolution To Professional Photographers

PMA 2003, LAS VEGAS, March 2, 2003 – Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., today previewed its new prototype of a 20.8-megapixel Digital Camera Back. Designed for use with medium-format professional camera systems, such as Fujifilm's renowned GX 680 medium format unit, the new digital back will enable industry professionals to produce ultra-high-quality images.

Leveraging Fujifilm's new Super CCD technology, the new digital back will produce sensational images with broad dynamic range, boasting a resolution of 5,408 x 7,648 (41.4 million) recorded pixels and a chip size of 37 x 52mm. Users will be able to make larger print sizes, have unlimited cropping flexibility and produce output with few, if any, color artifacts. In addition, the digital back will feature One-Shot Instant Color Capture, allowing for the creation of exceptionally clear, superior-quality images at the rate of one image per every 1.5 seconds – for up to seven shots.

"The new digital back represents the future of photography for many imaging professionals," said Steve Herstatt, Director of Marketing, Professional Products, Commercial Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc.

"With the preview of this state-of-the-art product, Fujifilm is showcasing its dedication to providing customers and industry professionals with a tool that delivers both the latest advancements in digital technology, such as Fujifilm's Super CCD, as well as the comfort and familiarity of film. Fujifilm's new digital back is the perfect image capture solution to link between traditional and digital photography," added Steve Herstatt.

Fujifilm's digital back will be fully compatible with both standard studio lighting and daylight, and will feature an ISO range of 100, 200 and 400. It will boast an 1.8-inch TFT LCD display, similar to the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro, and will incorporate Fujifilm's newly developed Digital Signal Processing technology to enable high-speed processing of large recorded image files in CCD- RAW and JPEG formats.

The new digital back will be on display at Fujifilm PMA 2003 Booth E6. Pricing and specific availability will be announced at a later date.