Press
Release: 5 February 2004 - PMA:
This year will see the eagerly-anticipated launch of the FinePix
S3 Pro –successor to Fujifilm’s critically-acclaimed
FinePix S2 Pro digital SLR. Set to confirm Fujifilm’s
status as one of the top three digital camera makers, this
model has been conceived as the camera of choice for photographers
who wish to achieve image quality worthy of Fujifilm’s
professional film heritage.
This camera
will be a breed apart from all other DSLRs because of its
sensor and processor technology, without doubt the most important
components within any digital camera. The FinePix S3 Pro's
4th Generation Super CCD SR sensor will use 6.17 million S-pixels
and 6.17 million R-pixels (12.3 million effective photodiodes)
to deliver 12 million recorded pixels.
The picture
quality from this 23 x 15.5mm sensor will show noticeable
image improvements to that of single-pixel cameras. The SR
sensor's unique double photodiode design will produce images
with a dynamic range four times greater than that of a sensor
working on single-pixel technology. This dramatically broadens
tonal capability, and guarantees exceptional rendition from
bright highlights to deep shadows. It gives greater sensitivity,
improved signal-to-noise ratio and consistently natural colour
reproduction.
The camera
is designed around the long-established Nikon F-mount, and
will have two shutter release buttons to ensure comfortable
shooting in both landscape and portrait orientations. A further
improvement on the S2 Pro is that power is provided by four
AA batteries.
The FinePix
S3 Pro's Intelligent Flash with D-TTL full-aperture exposure
metering will enable photographers to achieve outstanding
results with compatible Nikon DX-series Speedlights. Appearing
for the first time in a Fujifilm digital camera, this will
allow a new level of creative lighting options for FinePix
S3 Pro users. What's more, the PC sync connection will allow
strobes or other external flash systems to be connected for
ultimate studio connectivity.
The camera
will accept both xD-Picture Card™ and Microdrive™
media, for more flexible storage. It incorporates a newly-developed,
bright two-inch 235,000 pixel LCD monitor (with approximately
100% frame coverage) alongside a second LCD data display for
information on settings. And for improved data transfer speeds,
the camera is set to offer both high-speed IEEE1394 and USB
2.0 interfaces.
Feedback
from customers on the design and functionality of the FinePix
S2 Pro was an integral part of Fujifilm's design process for
its successor. As a result of this input, and the success
of the FinePix S2 Pro, Fujifilm has retained the camera's
solid, one-piece body made from durable polycarbonate, as
a basis for the FinePix S3 Pro.
Adrian Clarke,
Director of Consumer Products, Fujifilm UK, said, "For
many years, the world’s top photographers have chosen
to load their cameras with Fuji film, to produce the very
best images from their cameras. Once they see the images produced
by the S3 Pro’s Super CCD SR, we are confident that Fujifilm
will be their choice for years to come.
“Rather
than follow the trend of removing features from the digital
SLR, our mission has been to improve on a top-class product.
Almost all the development effort is being focused on where
it matters most – the imaging sensor and processing.
This announcement reconfirms Fujifilm as one of the three
leading developers of digital SLR cameras."
Pricing
and availability
Pricing
and availability of the FinePix S3 Pro will be announced soon.
