SEEING THE UNSEEN: HOW THE NEW FINEPIX S3 PRO UVIR D-SLR FROM FUJIFILM WILL HELP LAW ENFORCERS, MEDI
Valhalla, NY, August 9, 2006 - With the recent announcement of the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, Fujifilm has unveiled the world's first production D-SLR camera capable of taking photographs in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. But what does this mean and how does a digital camera that can take pictures at either end of the light spectrum help to empower photographers in technical fields such as law-enforcement, medical research, art history, science and fine art photography?
Ultraviolet & Infrared Light
The human eye is a remarkable imaging device to be sure, but it can’t see everything. Its sensitivity range is limited to wavelengths that normally start at 400 nanometers (violet) at the short end of the visible spectrum and extend to 700 nanometers (deep red) at the long end. This is also the realm of standard digital and film photography where, with certain exceptions, what you see is what you get. But there are times when ordinary visible-light pictures do not reveal everything a criminal investigator, scientist, or medical researcher needs to see. This is where ultraviolet and infrared imaging comes into play.
Scientists define wavelengths shorter than 400 nanometers as ultraviolet (UV), and wavelengths longer than 700 nanometers as infrared (IR). Technically, neither UV nor IR is "light" because humans can’t see it. However, photographs taken at UV and IR wavelengths can capture and reveal information that is otherwise undetectable by the human eye – literally "colors" we can’t see but that cameras, sensitive to IR and UV wavelengths, are able to record and make visible. It is the visual equivalent of the dog whistle we humans cannot hear.
This uncanny ability to reveal the unseen is why technical professionals in fields ranging from law enforcement, to military surveillance, to medical research, to art history, to biology have long used UV and IR photography to discover crucial observational facts that would ordinarily elude the keenest human eye.
Difficulties with UV and IR Photography
Until recently, both UV and IR photography were film based and entailed the use of heavy filtration and long exposure times. In the case of infrared, special, difficult-to-handle films were required along with heavy filtration that extended exposure times and often made focusing difficult.
Digital UV and IR photography had its own set of problems. Since the CCD and CMOS imager sensors of digital cameras incorporate strong UV and IR filters to achieve good color accuracy with standard visible-light subjects, a normal D-SLR is not very sensitive in the UV and IR ranges and is therefore inconvenient to use in these applications. That’s why many technical specialists, who needed UV and IR imaging in their work, modified their existing D-SLRs by removing the UV and IR filters, an expensive procedure undertaken by small private companies. Even if properly done, this bit of modification work voided the camera's warranty.
The solution: An advanced UV and IR D-SLR
In response to the genuine need expressed by many top professionals in the law enforcement and scientific communities, Fujifilm developed the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, the world's first and only factory-made D-SLR designed specifically for UV and IR photography. It has many of the same features that made the standard FinePix S3 Pro a stand-out -- like the Super CCD SR II sensor for expanded dynamic range and a Live View CCD that allows for real-time subject focus for up to 30 seconds -- with some modifications.
The IR and UV filters were removed from the standard model and, after exhaustive field and lab testing, replaced with a specially formulated glass protective filter. The FinePix S3 Pro's menu system was also reconfigured to be more user friendly for UV and IR shooters – for example, the Live Preview shooting now mode comes up on the very first screen.
While the primary markets for Fujifilm's innovative FinePix S3 Pro UVIR are undoubtedly the law enforcement and technical-scientific communities, there are also legions of fine arts, portrait, and wedding photographers who will be attracted to this unique camera. Following in the footsteps of such legendary greats as Minor White and Ansel Adams who brought IR imaging into the art world with their stunning American landscapes, they have long used IR as a way of creating unique and beautiful images that set them apart from others in their fields. Many of today's top portrait and wedding photographers have made IR photography an essential part of the services they offer to their clients.
Now, at last, they have a camera worthy of their highest aspirations.
About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital medical systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked number 18 for U.S. patents granted during 2005, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2006, had global revenues of more than $22.8 billion.
In the United States, Fujifilm is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Film and Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.
For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilmusa.com.
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FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital Camera – Specifications*
| Type of Camera | Interchangeable-lens SLR-type digital camera |
| Number of Effective Pixels** | 12.34 million (S-pixel: 6.17million, R-pixel: 6.17million) pixels |
| CCD Sensor | 23.0x15.5mm Super CCD SR II
Number of total pixels: 12.9 million (S-pixel: 6.45 million, R-pixel: 6.45 million) pixels |
| Number of Recorded Pixels | Still image: 4,256×2,848 (12.1million)/3,024×2,016/2,304×1,536/1,440×960 pixels |
| Storage media | Slot No.1: xD-Picture Card™ (16MB – 2GB)
Slot No.2: CF/Microdrive™
(Compatibility is listed on Fujifilm website: http://home.fujifilm.com/products/digital/) |
| File formats | JPEG-DCF compatible (Exif Ver 2.21***)
(Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
CCD-RAW (14bit) |
| Storage Media
(4256 x 2848 pixels) |
| Mode | 512MB | | RAW-WIDE | Approx. 20 | | RAW-STD | Approx. 39 | | JPEG (FINE) | Approx. 107 | | JPEG (NORMAL) | Approx. 214 | | | | | |
The number of images will vary slightly depending on the type of subject. |
| Lens mount | Nikon F mount (with AF coupling, AF contacts) |
| Usable lenses | D/G type AF Nikkor lenses: All functions possible
AF Nikkor other than D/G type: All function except 3D Matrix
Metering possible
Non-CPU: Usable in Manual exposure mode
(exposure meter will not be accurate w/S3 Pro IRUV) |
| Lens servo | Single Servo AF (S), Continuous Servo AF, Manual focus (M)
Focus tracking automatically activated in subject’s status in Single Servo AF (S) or Continuous Servo AF © |
| Picture angle | Approx.1.5× focal length in 35mm format equivalent |
| Auto focus | TTL phase detection (Auto AF may not perform well with S3 PRO IRUV)
Detection range: EV -1 to EV 19
(ISO 100 equivalent at normal temperature) (Manual focus is recomended under IR applications) (see live preview function) |
| Focus area | One of five focus areas can be selected |
| AF Area mode | Single Area AF
Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available) |
| Focus lock | Focus is locked by pressing AE/AF Lock button or lightly pressing shutter release button in Single Servo AF |
| Shutter | Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter speed | 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec. Bulb, X-contact, Max.1/180 sec. |
| Sensitivity | Equivalent to ISO 200/400/800/1600 (Although ISO setting below 200 is possible, it ’s not recommended ) |
| Exposure metering system | TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
Three metering systems selectable (limitations with lens used) - 3D–10 Matrix Metering: EV 0–21
- Center-Weighted metering: EV 0–21
- Spot Metering: EV 3–2
|
| Exposure compensation | ±3 EV range, in 1/2 steps |
| Exposure modes | P: Auto-Multi Program (Flexible program possible),
S: Shutter-priority Auto,
A: Aperture-priority Auto,
M: Manual |
| White balance | Automatic (WB is not applicable under IR conditions)
Manual: Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, Custom1, Custom2 |
| Viewfinder | To focus the camera use Live Preview LCD function if dark UV and IR lens filters are in place.
Fixed-eyelevel pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment
(-2.0-1 to +1.0m-1)
Frame coverage: Approx.93% vertical, Aprox.95% horizontal |
| Eye point | 24 mm |
| Focusing screen | Clear Matte Screen II with focus brackets and On-demand Grid Lines able to display |
| Viewfinder information | Focus indications, Metering system, AE lock, Shutter speed, Aperture, Exposure mode, Electronic analog exposure display/exposure compensation display, Frame counter/exposure compensation value, Ready-light, Multiple exposure, Focus area, Flash exposure compensation, Five sets of focus brackets (area) /Spot metering area, Center-Weighted metering, On-Demand Grid Lines able to display |
| LCD panel (top panel) display | Shutter speed/Exposure compensation value, Aperture, Exposure compensation, Flash exposure compensation, Auto exposure bracketing, Bracketing bar graphs, flexible program, Flash sync mode, AF area mode Focus area, Battery power |
| LCD monitor | 2.0-inch low temperature polysilicon TFT (approx. 235,000 pixels, wide-type LCD, approx. 100% frame coverage) |
| Built-in flash | Guide No.12 (ISO 100, m), flash coverage: 20mm or longer lens |
| Flash sync, mode | Front-curtain sync (normal sync), Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync |
| Ready light | Lights up when flash fully charged with built in flash
Blinks for 3 sec. for full output warning |
| Accessory shoe | Standard ISO-type with hot-shoe contact (Safety lock provided) |
| Remote Release | Electronic shutter release |
| Self-timer | Electronically controlled: timer duration: 20sec./10sec./5sec./2sec. |
| Video output | NTSC/PAL selectable |
| Digital interface | USB 2.0 (High-speed) for data storage, IEEE1394 for data storage & shooting |
| Sync contact | X-contact only: flash synchronization up to 1/180 sec. |
| Power source | 4 AA type Ni-MH batteries (sharing power with camera body), AC Power Adapter AV-5VX (Optional) |
| Dimensions | 147.8 (W)×135.3 (H)×78.5 (D) mm/5.8 (W)×5.3 (H) x 3.1 (D) in. |
| Weight | Approx.815g/28.7oz. (excluding battery & lens) |
| Shooting modes | Single frame shooting
Continuous shooting
D-range: STD mode: Max.2.5 frames/sec.
RAW: Up to max. 7 frames, JPEG: Up to max. 12 frames
D-range: WIDE mode: RAW, Max.1.4 frames/sec. Up to 3 frames
JPEG, Max.1 frame/sec. Up to 6 frames
Preview mode/Multiple exposure |
|
| Power source | Color ---------- HIGH/ STD/ ORG/ B&W
Film simulation -------- FILM SIMULATION F1/ F2
Color space ----------- sRGB/ Adobe-RGB
Contrast ------------- HARD/ STD/ ORG
Sharpness ------------ HARD/ STD/ ORG
D-range ------------ WIDE: AUTO / WIDE 1/ WIDE 2
STD |
|
| Playback functions | Single frame/ Thumbnails in 9 segments
Playback zoom/ Histogram indication/ Standard chart |
|
| Accessories included | - 4 AA type Ni-MH batteries, Battery Charger for Ni-MH batteries,
- Shoulder Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover,
- Cable Holder, USB cable (with Filter), IEEE 1394 cable, Video cable
- CD-ROM: USB driver, FinePixViewer, ImageMixer VCD2 for FinePix, RAW File Converter LE
|
| Disclaimer | S3 Pro UVIR ’s Auto Focusing and Auto Exposure may not function properly due to the wide range of lighting conditions between UV & IR.
Manual Exposure Compensation and Focus is required. |
|
* Specifications subject to change without notice.
** Number of effective pixels: The number of pixels on the image sensor which receive input light through the optical lens, and which are effectively reflected in the final output data of the still image.
*** Exif 2.21 is a newly revised digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing.
