Unlike regular CCDs which use square photodiodes and sensor arrangements, Fujifilm's new Super CCD has octagonal-shaped photodiodes which are placed at an angle of 45 degrees. This should offer an increase in sensitivity and dynamic range. Furthermore Fuji claim that signal-to-noise ratio is considerably improved so that images captured on Fuji's Super CCd will offer sparkling clarity and richer colors.
The new sensor arrangement and shape offers an improvement in space efficiency since it allows sensors to be packed at maximum density. This allows photodiodes to be used which are 50% larger than conventional ones so higher image resolutions can be achieved.
Fuji claim Super CCDs with 1.3 million sensors will yield images with picture quality of a conventional 2-million pixels sensor. Some independent camera tests however show that picture quality has improved but still does not quite match regular 2-million pixel quality.
Since human vision recognizes information better in horizontal and vertical directions, the fact that Fuji's photodiodes are angled at 45 degrees - as opposed to conventional photodiodes, which are placed at 90-degree angles â would increase their ability to capture more resolution in both horizontal and vertical directions. Because of this, images taken on Fuji's Super CCD are supposedly more pleasing to the human eye.