Pre-PMA 2002: Fujifilm has today announced a camera which will no doub turn quite a few heads. The S2 Pro has a 6.17 megapixel SuperCCD III which produces a huge 12 megapixel image (yes, twelve). The new camera also addresses two of the major issues with the S1 Pro; it is based on the Nikon F80/N80 body which means it's more robust, this also means it can now shoot with AF-D, AF-G and AF-S Nikkor lenses. Other new features include CCD-Raw files and ISO 100 support.

Todays Fujifilm announcements: FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom, FinePix S2 Pro

Fujifilm UK press release:

The FinePix S2 Pro: an exceptional combination of high-resolution images and cutting-edge features for the professional photographer

New professional digital SLR sets new standards for price and performance; 3rd Generation Super CCD with 6.17 million effective pixels delivers a massive 12 million pixel image

Fujifilm today announced the FinePix S2 Pro digital camera, the widely anticipated successor to the acclaimed FinePix S1 Pro. The new digital SLR builds upon its predecessor's reputation for outstanding picture colour and detail while giving professional photographers even greater control over the taking, editing, storing and transferring of high-resolution images, both in the studio and on location.

The FinePix S2 Pro boasts the 3rd generation of Fujifilm's newly-developed Super CCD sensor. The sensor, which has 6.17 million effective pixels is capable of producing 12.1 million (4256 x 2848) recorded pixels for pictures with stunning colour and detail that are designed to please even the most demanding professional 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 professional photographers to experiment with their photographs as they see fit.

New features at a glance

• New 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor and advanced LSI algorithm (6.17 million effective pixels) producing an astounding 12 million recorded pixels (4256 x 2848)
• Compatible with all AF-D type, AF-G type and AF-S type Nikkor lenses
• New, hard-wearing body design
• High ISO values (100-1600)
• 36 MB uncompressed file, 72 MB CCD-Raw file (16 bit TIFF-RGB)
• High speed shooting at up to 2 frames per second
• Dynamic AF, Dynamic AF with closest-subject-priority, Single Area AF and Focus Tracking
• Dual IEEE1394 FireWire and USB interface for image transfer and computer-controlled shooting
• Dual media slots for SmartMedia and Compactflash type II (IBM Microdrive compatible)
• Cross-ranged, five area Autofocus System
• 3D Matrix*, Centre-Weighted and Spot Metering
• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill Flash
• Flexible Program mode
• 18 Custom settings
• Flash Synch socket (X-type)
• Audio recording with voice caption mode

* With D-type lenses

The FinePix S2 Pro features a host of cutting edge camera functions and has a Nikon F mount that is fully compatible with all Nikkor AF-D lenses, including the latest AF-S type professional optics. Inside the changes are equally fundamental, with a third generation Super CCD sensor with 6.17 million effective pixels providing an class-leading 12 million pixel output - easily enough for photo quality printing at sizes well above A3.

3rd Generation Super CCD and advanced LSI for stunning image quality

At the heart of the FinePix S2 Pro Zoom lies the 3rd Generation Super CCD sensor. Already renowned for its class-leading colour reproduction, high sensitivity and low noise, the latest incarnation of Fujifilm's unique technology offers significant improvements in sensitivity (up to 1600 ISO) and even lower levels of noise.

The higher sensitivity of the new Super CCD system brings with it several significant benefits, especially in challenging lighting situations. Users can now choose to shoot hand-held photographs without flash in situations that would be impossible with other digital cameras, even by candlelight. Professional photographers using the FinePix S2 Pro will find the added versatility of noise-free shooting at such high ISO sensitivities invaluable. Fujifilm has managed to overcome the most serious problem associated with higher sensitivity - that increasing sensitivity generally amplifies unwanted noise in the image. The 3rd generation Super CCD system resolves this problem through the use of Fujifilm's new Noise Reduction Technology, which utilises a new LSI to process both the luminescence and chroma information from captured images before removing the noise element.

As a result, the 3rd generation Super CCD system offers high sensitivity shooting while maintaining outstanding picture quality. Fujifilm has also newly developed a Pixel Data Coupling Technology that is applied by the new LSI to realise the higher sensitivities. From light location work to high-speed sports and action photography the ability to shoot at up to 1600 ISO without the worry of noise causing significant degradation to the image will have profound benefits for all professionals.
In addition, a new auto white balance algorithm guarantees perfect colour by incorporating focus distance information into the calculation, whilst a new digital signal processing system improves sharpness without any increasing noise.

The 3rd generation Super CCD is not just a new CCD, but reflects a comprehensive improvement in overall image quality through consideration of the complete system, including the CCD and the new LSI featuring an advanced image-processing algorithm.
Super CCD's proven ability to capture a wide dynamic range with rich, accurate colours in any shooting situation together with the technological improvements in its latest incarnation mean the FinePix S2 Pro is a uniquely powerful solution for the working photographer demanding the ultimate in quality and versatility.

The camera has a shutter speed of 30 to 1/4000 second and continuous shooting of approximately 2 frames per second for up to seven frames. Its adjustable ISO equivalents of 100/160/200/400/800/1600 allow for picture taking under a wide range of challenging lighting conditions. For further flexibility, the S2 Pro has a variety of high-end photographic 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 control. 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-RGB, 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 monitor with 100% frame coverage.

In addition, the FinePix S2 Pro offers the advantage of a dual-storage media option: SmartMedia™ and CompactFlash™ Type II. The CompactFlash slot is compatible with IBM's 1GB Microdrive™. 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 PC via IEEE 1394 (FireWire) or USB 1.1 interface.

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.

Despite the high specification and resolution the FinePix S2 Pro still offers superb value for money. High end features such as FireWire (IEEE1394) connectivity, IBM Microdrive compatibility, CCD-RAW and TIFF modes mean the FinePix S2 Pro offers similar levels of specification to competitive models costing thousands of pounds more. Add to this the stunning high resolution, low noise and class-leading colour reproduction produced by the Super CCD sensor and you have a very compelling professional camera.

"The FinePix S2 Pro represents an exciting opportunity for professional and enthusiast photographers wanting a high specification, high-resolution digital SLR that won't break the bank," comments Michelle da Gama, Fujifilm's UK Digital Imaging Marketing Manager. "Fujifilm has once again managed to set the pace for high end digital cameras with a product that redefines the price/performance equation and offers truly outstanding output quality."

Availability and Pricing

The FinePix S2 Pro is expected to be available from July with an estimated body price of under £3,000 including VAT.

Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro specifications

Todays Fujifilm announcements: FinePix F601 Zoom, FinePix S602 Zoom, FinePix S2 Pro