The new generation Super CCD EXR chip retains all of these advantages, but also adds on-sensor phase detection autofocus pixels, allowing the same speedy focusing technique that's prevelant in the world of digital SLRs, rather than the typically slower contrast detection autofocus that's been used in compact digital cameras to date.

When phase detection AF is in use, the FinePix F300EXR is said to offer the ability to lock focus in just 0.158 seconds (manufacturer spec), which if accurate is respectable even by DSLR standards, and extremely fast for a compact camera, where autofocus shutter lag is often in the region of half a second or more (although the best current contrast detection cameras can manage sub-quarter second times).

The Fuji F300EXR can still fall back to using contrast detection autofocus in certain situations such as low-light shooting, where the reduced speed is worthwhile for increased accuracy, and this decision is made automatically depending on the subject.

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