Fujifilm X-Trans sensor

X-Trans filter array
Bayer filter array

The Fujifilm X-Trans is a CMOS sensor developed by Fujifilm and used in its Fujifilm X-series cameras. Unlike most CMOS sensors featuring a conventional Bayer filter array, X-Trans sensors have a unique 6 by 6 pattern of photosites. Fujifilm claims that this layout can minimise moiré effects, and increase resolution by eliminating the need for a low-pass filter.[1]

Details

Typical Bayer sensor arrays have RGB photosites in a repeated 2 by 2 pattern. When it overlaps with a regular pattern that is being captured, a new interference pattern can occur that does not exist in real life. In contrast, X-Trans sensors have a more randomised pattern of RGB photosites than conventional Bayer array sensors,[2] reducing the likelihood of interference and removing a need for a low-pass filter that lowers image resolution.

Conventional Bayer sensors can also produce false colour as they do not have R and B photosites in some horizontal and vertical lines, X-Trans sensors on the other hand have an improved colour reproduction due to all horizontal and vertical lines containing at least one R, G and B pixels.[3]

Fuji claims that APS-C sized X-Trans sensors, while being physically smaller, have a greater perceived resolution than the number of pixels on the sensor and are said to be on par with some full frame sensors.[3]

X-Trans sensors are said to be manufactured for Fujifilm by Sony Corporation.[4]

Drawbacks

Software support

A drawback for users is the lack of support for X-Trans sensors in third party raw processing software. DxO OpticsPro does not support raw files from Fujifilm cameras with X-Trans sensors because their proprietary demosaicing and image enhancement algorithms are designed for the Bayer matrix.[5]

Image artifacts

Under certain conditions, cameras equipped with X-Trans II and III sensors can exhibit purple flare/grid artifacts in backlit photos.[6] This occurs due to the particular arrangement of the phase detection and masking layers on the sensor. The appearance of the effect can vary with the demosaicing algorithms in use.

Future development

In an interview with DPreview during the CP+ 2017 show in Yokohama, Japan Fujifilm confirmed that an X-Trans sensor array is to be used for its next generation of APS-C sized sensors,[7] whilst larger medium format sensors will continue using a conventional Bayer array because of the increased processing requirements of X-Trans filter arrangement.

List of X-Trans sensors

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Sensor Model Number of effective pixels Total number of pixels Sensor size First announcement date Utilizing cameras
X-Trans[8] 16.3 MP 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) 9 January 2012[3] Fujifilm X-Pro1

Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm X-M1

Fujifilm X10

X-Trans II[9] 16.3 MP 16.7 MP 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) 7 January 2013[10] Fujifilm X100S

Fujifilm X-E2

Fujifilm X-T1

Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X-T10

Fujifilm X-E2s

Fujifilm X70

12 MP[11] 14.5 MP[12] 2/3-inch 7 January 2013[11] Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm XQ1

Fujifilm X30

Fujifilm XQ2

X-Trans III[13] 24.3 MP 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) 14 January 2016[14] Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X-T20

References

  1. ↑ "Fujifilm X-Trans sensor technology". Fujifilm. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  2. ↑ "Fujifilm X-Pro1 | Features - APS-C 16M "X-Trans CMOS" | Fujifilm USA". www.fujifilmusa.com. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  3. 1 2 3 "Fujifilm introduces the revolutionary x-pro1 interchangeable lens digital camera system | Press Center | Fujifilm USA". www.fujifilmusa.com. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  4. ↑ Alik Griffin. "Fuji X-T1 vs Sony A7r - A Pixel-To-Pixel Showdown | Alik Griffin". alikgriffin.com. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  5. ↑ "Why DxO OpticsPro doesn't support Fuji cameras with X-Trans sensors ?". Customer Support. Retrieved 2017-02-26.
  6. ↑ "Why and How Fuji Cameras Produce a Strange Purple Flare/Grid Artifact". PetaPixel. 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2017-02-26.
  7. ↑ "CP+ 2017 - Fujifilm Interview: 'We hope that the GFX will change how people view medium format'". dpreview.com. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
  8. ↑ "Fujifilm X-Pro1 - Specifications | Fujifilm USA". www.fujifilmusa.com. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  9. ↑ "Fujifilm X-T1". Fujifilm Global. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  10. ↑ "Fujifilm X100S: Fujifilm launches a high-speed successor to the X100 with the world's fastest AF of 0.08 seconds". Fujifilm Global. Retrieved 2017-01-13.
  11. 1 2 "Fujifilm X20: Reconnecting style with substance, bringing the essence of photography back to life". Fujifilm Global. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  12. ↑ "Specifications XQ1 | Fujifilm United Kingdom". Fujifilm. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  13. ↑ "Taking performance to new heights,the Fujifilm X-Pro2 offers the world's only Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and features a brand new 24MP X-Trans III sensor.". Fujifilm Global. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
  14. ↑ "Fujifilm announces new flagship X-Pro2 mirrorless camera | Press Center | Fujifilm USA". www.fujifilmusa.com. Retrieved 2017-01-13.
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