CeBIT 2001: Kodak Professional have today announced the Kodak DCS 760, based on the Nikon F5 body this professional SLR features a 6 million pixel CCD (3032 x 2008), can shoot 1.5 fps for up to 24 frames and has variable ISO 80 to 400. The DCS 760 looks to be serious competition to Nikon's recently announced D1X, prices are yet to be announced.

Phil's 2 cents: This camera looks to me like a 660x, the sensor is exactly the same size (1.3x focal length multiplier) as the 660 but Kodak have managed to squeeze an extra few stops of sensitivity out of it..

There are lots of other enhancements, obviously there's more buffer memory, and now there's a video out mode (for previewing shot images), there's also a "loupe" focus check feature, a new LCD and (apparently) improved IEEE 1394 transfer speeds. Those observant amongst you will also have noticed that the much touted external white balance detector is gone.

One thing that's unclear is the exact number of images which can be buffered, the official specs say 3 to 24 images.

Just received this information (from a Kodak employee): 760 is using an RGB Bayer pattern, not a CMY pattern... The increased, top end ISO is primarily the result of new analogue electronics..There is a 128MB of internal buffer memory.. The burst buffer depth will vary scene to scene, due to compression. But the 24 image number we are quoting, is to the archive format and not to .jpg. The file format is the new .dcr format that is also being generated by the DCS ProBack.. The camera also sports a 400mbs, IEEE 1394 controller that yields ~6x faster transfer rated over our previous cameras.. White balance is now handled TTL, with data from the image sensor.

Kodak DCS 760 specifications

Kodak DSC 760 PDF (converted to JPEG)

The original PDF was 2+ MB, saved as two JPEG's it's less than 400 KB, download a page at a time:

Official press release:

KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS 760 DIGITAL CAMERA SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR ROBUST PERFORMANCE, TRUE HIGH RESOLUTION & 'PRO' FUNCTIONALITY

CeBIT 2001, Hanover, 22-28 March 2001, Hall 1, Stand 6 D12

HANOVER, Germany, March 22 Kodak Professional today announced a ground-breaking new SLR digital camera with the resolution, robustness and functionality to meet virtually any professional imaging application - including weddings and portraits, magazine work, on-figure fashion, still life and architectural photography - in the studio or on location, all at a competitive price.

The Kodak Professional DCS 760 digital camera combines Kodak's true 6-megapixel ITO CCD image quality with the unequalled ruggedness and performance of Nikon's flagship F5 pro SLR camera body. Kodak then builds in a versatile, high-performance ISO range (80-400, pushable 2 stops), burst rate (1.5 frames/sec.) and burst depth (24 frames) - which are unmatched capabilities for an SLR camera offering 6-megapixel image resolution and larger image files.

The result is the functionality and familiarity of a top film-based pro SLR camera with all the speed, productivity and image quality of a top digital camera. The DCS 760 digital camera, on display beginning today at CeBIT in Hanover, will be available in May. Pricing information also will be available at that time, although the market should expect Kodak Professional to continue its current aggressive pricing strategy.

"We've demonstrated our new attitude with the Kodak Professional DCS Pro Back digital camera back and its European list price of 24100 Euros, as well as recent price reductions on some of our popular SLR models," said Uwe Keller, European Product Group Manager, Photographer Systems, Kodak Professional. "We think the marketplace will be pleasantly surprised with the price of the DCS 760 digital camera. It will be very competitive, and bring true 6-megapixel resolution within reach of a much broader segment of professional photographers."

The portable, easy-to-use DCS 760 digital camera features an innovative LCD display with exceptional brightness and contrast, a broader viewing angle, and access to unique functions via its new graphic user interface (GUI). Proprietary Kodak Professional DCS Photo Desk and Camera Manager software, Picture Protection functions to save and protect raw image data, and vastly improved IEEE 1394 connectivity that speeds image transmission join together to deliver impressive gains in post-shoot image management and workflow.

"A number of new SLR digital cameras have been introduced into the professional market over the last year or so. But they really don't match up to our DCS 760 for image quality, on- and after-the-job functionality, and value for the professional photographer," said Madhav Mehra, Worldwide Director, Digital Capture Product Development, Kodak Professional. "That's also true for our other recent models, like the DCS 620x and Pro Back, and the Better Light cameras we now market, which utilise proprietary Kodak ITO CCD sensor technology."

"Kodak Professional created the professional digital camera market 10 years ago, and we're still introducing world-class, increasingly affordable digital cameras especially for people who earn a living taking and making pictures," Mehra said. "Kodak is the professional's professional digital camera supplier. We're proving that again today with the DCS 760."

Power, Performance, Practicality

The DCS 760 digital camera is designed to meet the professional photographer's demands for image quality, ease of use, "mission critical" performance and reliability. In addition to features already mentioned, Kodak Professional's newest camera offers sought-after capabilities such as "video out" for image review on a remote monitor, and an optional Pro Photo RBG space for better images and prints. It also offers a built-in IR filter, optional anti-aliasing filter and long-lasting batteries.

The DCS 760 digital camera employs Kodak's highly regarded 6-million pixel Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensor, which is more transmissive than polysilicon sensors found in many other digital cameras. The ITO sensor increases the spectral response from the camera, allowing two and one half times more blue light to reach the CCD. This means improved colour accuracy - including better skin tones - and reduced image noise to deliver the high-quality resolution, sharpness and image structure needed for professional work.

The Kodak Professional DCS 760 digital camera will be available from authorised dealers of quality Kodak Professional digital cameras worldwide.