Super CCD

Key takeaways

Super CCD belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Super CCD to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Super CCD from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Super CCD is a proprietary charge-coupled device image sensor design that was developed by Fujifilm starting in 1999 and marketed with its digital cameras, starting with the FinePix 4700 and S1 Pro. Super CCD cameras were sold until 2010. The Super CCD uses octagonal, rather than rectangular, pixels. This allows a higher horizontal and vertical resolution (at the expense of diagonal resolution) to be achieved compared to a traditional sensor of an equivalent pixel count.

Evolution

The first generation of SuperCCD sensors was released with the FinePix 4700 Zoom and S1 Pro DSLR, announced in January 2000. On January 21, 2003 Fujifilm announced the fourth generation of SuperCCD sensors, in two variations: SuperCCD HR and SuperCCD SR. HR stands for "high resolution" and SR stands for "super dynamic range". The SR sensor has two photodiodes per photosite, one much larger than the other. Appropriately processing information from both can yield larger black to white range of brightness (dynamic range). Fujifilm announced a Super CCD back for its GX680 system that December, with 20.68 million sensors yielding an effective resolution of 41.36 MP.

The 4th Generation Super CCD HR has sensors placed at 45 degrees to the horizontal. In order to convert the images into the normal horizontal/vertical pixel orientation, it interpolates one pixel between each pair of sensors, thereby producing 12 recorded megapixels from 6 effective megapixels. By contrast, Fujifilm says that 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensors are also at 45 degrees but do not interpolate. However, it omits to explain how the sensors turn the image into horizontal/vertical pixels without interpolating. On July 29, 2005 Fujifilm announced cameras with "5th Generation Super CCD HR sensors", the FinePix S5200 (S5600) and FinePix S9000 (S9500). The FinePix F10 and F11 were released later in 2005. In 2006 Fuji introduced the 6th generation of the Super CCD sensor (size 1/1.7", 6.3 million effective pixels, except for the F40fd which has size 1/1.6", 8.3 million effective pixels). This sensor allows for acceptable image quality even at ISO 800. It is built into the FinePix S6500fd (2006) bridge camera and the FinePix F-series F30, F20 (2006), F31fd and F40fd (2007) compact cameras, all of which are widely accredited for their class leading low-light capabilities. In late 2007 the 7th generation was introduced (size 1/1.6", 12 million effective pixels). Included in Fuijfilm FinePix F50fd (2007). This sensor, although sharp, has significantly decreased ISO performance compared to earlier generations, dropping in quality to average level. When compared to the 6th generation sensor, the individual pixel area on the 7th generation sensor is approximately 1.7× lower, considerably reducing the amount of light reaching each pixel. In mid-2008 the 8th generation was introduced (same size 1/1.6", 12 million effective pixels), included in Fujifilm FinePix F100fd (2008). This sensor improves slightly on the previously lost ISO performance, but does still not seem to compare with the 6th generation sensors.

In September 2008 Fujifilm announced a new type of Super CCD sensor, the Super CCD EXR. This sensor aims at combining the advantages of the HR and SR sensor types in a single chip. It uses a new color filter array layout that allows for binning (combining) of pixels of the same color. This sensor is used in the F200EXR, F70EXR and F80EXR point-and-shoot cameras and the S200EXR bridge camera. Both the F200EXR and the S200EXR use the same 12 Megapixel 1/1.6" size sensor while the F70EXR and F80EXR use a 10 Megapixel and 12 Megapixel 1/2" sensor respectively. In 2010, Fujifilm released its final cameras with the Super CCD sensor, the F300EXR and the Z800EXR. Both use the same 1/2" 12 Megapixel SuperCCD EXR sensor with hybrid autofocus system. The camera uses the conventional contrast detection AF and also Phase detection AF by means of dedicated pixels to calculate focus. According to Fujifilm, this system was as fast or faster than a DSLR. In 2011, Fujifilm switched to backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensors with conventional square photosite Bayer color pattern array as well as Fujifilm's EXR color filter array that used square photosites that were rotated 45 degrees. This marked the end of the SuperCCD production.

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Super CCD

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Super CCD claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Super CCD before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Super CCD ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Super CCD

In research: Super CCD appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Super CCD in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Super CCD is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Fujifilm digital cameras, Image sensors, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Super CCD outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

How to study Super CCD in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Super CCD means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Super CCD out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Super CCD in simple terms?

Super CCD is a proprietary charge-coupled device image sensor design that was developed by Fujifilm starting in 1999 and marketed with its digital cameras, starting with the FinePix 4700 and S1 Pro. Super CCD cameras were sold until 2010.

Why does Super CCD matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Super CCD?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Super CCD.