New Image-Processing LSI Chip for High-Resolution Digital Cameras

Fujitsu Limited has announced the release of its new LSI image-processing chip MB91680A-T, for use with cutting edge Foveon X3 image sensors and 3CCD technology, as a new addition to Fujitsu's Milbeaut™ line of advanced image processing LSI chips for digital cameras, which includes the flagship model MB91680. The new chip enables sharp, high-quality images to be processed in cameras in real time with low energy efficient power consumption.

Fujitsu's Milbeaut line of advanced image processing LSI chips combines functions necessary for image processing in digital cameras, such as image compression and noise reduction all in a single chip. The product line is widely implemented in digital cameras and mobile phones.

In addition to being compatible with conventional single layer Bayer pattern(1) image sensors, the MB91680A-T model is also compatible with the cutting-edge Foveon X3 CMOS sensor developed by US-based Foveon Inc. and 3CCD technology found in high performance digital video cameras. This enables sharp, high-quality image processing in digital single-lens reflex cameras and other high image quality digital cameras in real-time and with low power consumption. These features, combined with the functions found in previous models, deliver the highest performance standards in the industry.

Additionally, the validated TRUE™ (2) image processing system LSI chip jointly developed with Sigma Corporation is used for interconnect to the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. The MB91680A-T chip was developed in co-operation with Fujitsu VLSI Limited and Fujitsu Micro Solutions Limited.

Sample Pricing and Availability

Product : MB91680A-T

Sample price : 4,000 yen

Availability : From March 9, 2007

Sales Targets

300,000 chips/month

Product Features
1. Compatible with cutting-edge image sensors
Compared to conventional single-layer Bayer pattern image sensors, Foveon X3 sensors have unique color and readout characteristics that pose different challenges for camera system developers. The newly released Fujitsu processor enables seamless connection to the Foveon sensor through the use of sophisticated image processing functions, including various noise reduction methods and new multi-axis color transformation(3) technology embedded into the circuitry.

The result is low noise and high color reproductivity, enabling high-resolution images that take full advantage of the Foveon X3 sensor's features.

2. Utilizes state-of-the-art algorithm that enables beautiful, detailed images
Utilizes the latest image processing algorithm for high performance digital cameras:

Enables beautiful, detailed, high resolution images
Controls reflected noise(4) and color noise that occur when CCDs and other imaging devices reach maximum resolution

Equipped with a color conversion function: able to convert colors into other desired colors

3. Faster speed made possible with cutting-edge FR80 CPU core
Fujitsu's FR series high-performance 32 bit RISC microcontrollers are embedded in Fujitsu's Milbeaut series. The MB91680A-T model employs the FR80, enabling it to execute internal data transfers at approximately four times the efficiency of earlier models, as well as high-speed data transfer of large volumes of data.

Foveon X3 Sensor
Unlike conventional Bayer pattern image sensors, which detect red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light through mosaic patterned filters and detect one color per pixel location, the Foveon X3 sensor (see Figure 1) detects all three colors at each pixel location, avoiding the discoloration that occurs with Bayer filters. Furthermore, it is an ideal sensor in that it eliminates the need for a low-pass filter(5), resulting in a clearer image.



Source

Effectiveness of self-cleaning sensors

Pixinfo.com has a very good review on the effectiveness of different sensor cleaning system in digital SLR cameras. They devised a test method that compares each of the different dust removal systems to remove dust from the sensor under standard conditions . The four manufacturers were Canon (400D / Rebel Xti), Pentax (K10D), Olympus (E-300) and Sony (A100).

The results are startling and conclude with:

Olympus: good

Canon: poor (we are disappointed)

Pentax and Sony: useless (we are very disappointed)

If you are looking for a camera, have the dust removal as an expectation only at the end of your list. If sensor cleaning / dust removal is a must, the choices are limited to Olympus and Panasonic cameras.

We guess that theoretically it is possible to get better results with Canon cameras when the CMOS sensor is not charged, but Canon must find a way to discharge the sensor first (if this is really the problem). If the system is so unreliable, the EOS-ICS is not much more than a good marketing name.

In case of Sony, Pentax and Samsung cameras, the dust removal function should be considered as almost non-existent.

The final conclusion: keep your air blower handy, it is still your best tool against dust.

Full Review

Nikon Increases Production at the Thailand Manufacturing Plant

It looks like Nikon is really pumping out DSLR cameras from their Thailand manufacturing plant. Judging by the 70% increase in labor from 9000 to 15000 at the end of February 2007, the company is expanding its workforce to meet world-wide demand.

The Thailand factory builds Nikon's amateur and semi-professional digital SLR cameras such as the Nikon D80, D40 and the new D40x. Its total monthly production output amounts to approximately 100,000 D80 cameras, 80,000 D40 cameras, 90,000 D40x cameras as well as 230,000 lenses.

Although Canon remains as the number DSLR camera manufacturer in the world with the highest market share, Nikon is slowly chipping away.

Nikon DSLR cameras are widely acknowledged as being of superior quality and reliability. By constantly building on these technologies, Nikon is in a strong position to maintain and expand on its current position. By 2008 Nikon aim to grab over 40% of the DSLR market.

Canon much anticipated 40D should be out later this year and this should help Canon maintain its number 1 ranking.

Canon growth strategy

In its corporate strategy program, Canon is about to enter Phase III of its Global plan to achieve net sales of 5.5 Trillion yen with over 550 Billion yen in profit by 2010. It also plans to be the top 100 Global Company.

Here is their step by step plan:

􀂄 Achieving the overwhelming No. 1 position worldwide in all current core businesses
􀂄 Expanding business operations through diversification
􀂄 Identifying new business domains and accumulating required technologies
􀂄 Establishing new production systems to sustain international competitiveness
􀂄 Nurturing truly autonomous and strong individuals promoting everlasting corporate reform

As for Digital cameras, they have developed key components in devices such as their CMOS sensors and imaging engines (DigiC III). In 2006, the Canon 400D/ Rebel XTi helped push their market share from 20% in 2005 to 22% in 2006.

New Nikon website to promote Vibation Reduction (VR) Lens

It seems the marketing department at Nikon has put enormous effort into its "Vibration Reduction" lenses by creating a new dedicated website. The website has some great videos that goes through a step by step process of the blurring problems associated with normal lenses, followed by the benefits of its new Vibration Reduction lenses such as clearer viewfinder, clearer pictures, the mechanism on how its technology and systems work and finally the range of lenses which has this VR incorporated into it.

The main point they left out is the high prices for buying these great lens. I guess that's why they needed a whole website to explain the benefits.

Click here for the website.

The Nikon D40X

It looks like Nikon is going after the market leader, Canon 400D / Rebel XTi with the surprise release of the new 10 mega pixels Nikon D40X. With a recommended retail price of $799 for the kit lens, it is $100 lower than the Canon 400D/ Rebel XTi. Normally it is Canon which has the lower price.

Here's what they write in the press release.

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D40X, a new digital SLR incorporating a 10.2-megapixel CCD. The D40X is scheduled to launch worldwide at March 29, 2007 and is a sister model to the D40, which has a 6.1-megapixel CCD.

While maintaining the compact size and portability of the D40 camera body, the D40X produces even more outstanding, detailed pictures thanks to its 10.2-megapixel CCD and cutting-edge digital technologies. Its resolution power makes it easy for users to print up very large sizes or crop aggressively without losing any fine details. The D40X is loaded with everything you need for truly amazing images: a 10.2-megapixel CCD, Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, an improved Image Processing Engine and superb Auto White Balance. Together with a world-famous Nikkor lens, these features combine to ensure perfect exposure, refined details and natural, vivid colors.

The D40X shares the D40’s ergonomic design and streamlined interface, which means the same intuitive operation that’s simple and fun – even for entry-level users. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the 2.5-inch large LCD monitor utilizes an easy-to-use menu system and a wide viewing angle so that everyone can navigate their settings and view their images with ease. There is also a handy built-in Help menu: simply press a button and useful information on key features is displayed on the LCD monitor.

The D40X is fast. Its near-instant power-up (0.18 second) and fast, reliable responses help photographers act on the moment, while the continuous shooting mode lets photographers easily capture up to 100 JPEG images of action as fast as 3 frames* per second. The camera’s razor-sharp auto focus ensures crisp images for a wide variety of photographic scenes.
*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.

Flash photography is simple with the D40X because the camera employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, which evaluates ideal flash exposure automatically and accurately, even in difficult lighting situations.

Eight Digital Vari-Program modes offer creative shooting options that are optimized for common shooting situations. Fun, fast and simple, they are as easy to use as rotating the mode dial. For further control over aperture and shutter speed, P/S/A/M modes are available.

Exclusive in-camera image editing features are available in the Retouch menu. One of the main features is Nikon’s exceptional D-lighting, which brings out details usually lost in underexposed areas of an image while retaining the proper exposure in brighter areas. Photographers can also correct red-eye easily, or use Monochrome effects to change an image to Black-and-white, Sepia tone or Cyanotype.

Some of the D40X’s major improvements include an even longer-lasting battery that allows up to 520 images* per charge (470 images* for the D40), faster continuous shooting at 3 frames per second (2.5 fps for the D40) and a wider ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600, plus HI 1 (200 to 1600 plus HI 1 for the D40).

* CIPA standards

While it inherits many advanced digital and optical technologies from professional models, the D40X and its sister model, the D40, are Nikon’s smallest, most compact digital SLR cameras. By offering everyone mobility, ease-of-use and incredible pictures with great resolution, the D40X welcomes everyone to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Major features

Intuitive, simple and trouble-free operation
The most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and ergonomics designed for everyone
A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with easy-to-view menus, large fonts and careful color schemes for easy preview and setting changes
Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 520 images* on a single charge (*CIPA standards)
Handy assist images that help photographers select the right camera settings
Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release

Superior image quality and resolution
10.2-effective-megapixel
Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images
High-precision digital image processing algorithms for natural-looking pictures with faithful color and tone reproduction
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
Variable Center-weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area
Auto White Balance for natural colors, plus six different manual white balance settings and user-defined preset white balance

Fast and precise responses
Quick 0.18 second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller) at 3 frames* per second
*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.
Advanced three-area AF system and refined algorithms for fast, efficient and precise auto focus
Versatile shutter speed control ranging from 30 to 1/4000 s., plus bulb

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
Eight Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for incredible scene-specific pictures. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
Manual controls over shutter and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
Automatic and manual control over ISO sensitivity from ISO 100 to 1600, as well as HI 1 (manual only)
Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data for the same image
Built-in Flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects
Selections include D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, and Cyanotype), Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, and Color balance), Small picture and Image overlay

Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System
Fully compatible (auto focus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, which are equipped with an auto focus motor (Also compatible with most of the world-famous F-mount Nikkor lenses when in manual focus mode)
Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speed light system for accurate exposures via i-TTL flash and versatile wireless operation
Nikon’s Picture Project software to share, organize and edit pictures with ease.
Capture NX software (available separately) for creative photo editing with NEF (RAW), JPEG and TIFF images. Thanks to U Point™ technology, by Nik Software Inc., radical and subtle image enhancements are as easy as a few clicks

For detailed specifications click here