The interview below was carried out with Jay Kelbley from Kodak.
| Q. |
Does Kodak see the future of sensors in their professional
range being CMOS? |
| A. |
Yes. Kodak has spent a long time developing their own
CMOS sensor technology, this new sensor has a much simplified design
with just three transistors per photosite, this helps improve the
fill factor. |
|
|
| Q. |
Does the Kodak CMOS sensor use microlenses? |
| A. |
No, we have avoided the use of microlenses because of
potentional problems of fall-off with full frame sensors. |
|
|
| Q. |
Does the Kodak CMOS sensor have an anti-alias filter? |
| A. |
No, the sensor's much higher resolution reduces the
need for an anti-alias filter because the high frequency of detail
required to cause moire will seldom occur. Additionally we have some
moire reduction built into DCS Photo Desk and the camera Firmware.
Not having an anti-alias filter also delivers sharper images. |
|
|
| Q. |
What advantages does the use of CMOS deliver in the
DSC-14n? |
| A. |
Much better power consumption, easier to manufacture
and thus lower cost. |
|
|
| Q. |
Will Kodak be licensing their CMOS sensor to any other
manufacturer? |
| A. |
Kodak has more patents on CMOS sensor technology than
any other company, we are already licensing several elements of such
technology to other manufacturers. The sensor in the DCS-14n is made
by a third party company for Kodak. |
|
|
| Q. |
Are there any side-effects related to the use of full
frame sensors in digital SLR's? |
| A. |
Not in our case, we're not using microlenses and so
won't experience any fall-off isssues. 35 mm lenses are designed to
deliver an image onto a 36 x 24 mm negative. |
|
|
| Q. |
The camera body appears to be based on the F100 / F80
is this correct? |
| A. |
The camera is based on components from several Nikon
bodies. The metering system, viewfinder and shutter are the same as
the F80. The 10-pin connector and PC Sync terminal are the same used
on the F100 / F5. The body is made from the same magnesium-alloy as
the DSC 760. |
|
|
| Q. |
Are Nikon making the entire body mould for the camera? |
| A. |
No, Nikon supply the top of the camera, the mount ring,
10-pin connector, PC Sync connector and 4-position switch. The case
and remaining display and controls are made by Kodak. |
|
|
| Q. |
What's the significance of the ERI-JPEG technology? |
| A. |
ERI-JPEG (Extended Range Imaging JPEG) is a new file
format we introduced at PMA this year, it functions in the same way
as a normal JPEG file but is a little larger in size. The extra size
is occupied by compressed data capable of recovering the JPEG image
to a RAW equivalent. The JPEG can be viewed / used in normal photo
applications, however when opened using a Kodak plug-in Module (Photoshop)
this module can recover the full 12-bits of image data and can provide
a +/- 2 stops of exposure compensation, white balance adjustment and
other RAW format-like features. |
| Q. |
What is the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera
and how does it differ from the DCS 760? |
| A. |
The DCS Pro 14n is the latest in six generations of
single-lens-reflex KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Cameras and full digital
workflow systems. The DCS Pro 14n is dramatically different from the
KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS 760 Digital Camera. The Pro 14n is a feature-rich
digital SLR with a new electronics architecture, new camera body,
and a full-size CMOS image sensor. |
|
|
| Q. |
What is the difference between the CMOS sensor and the
DCS 760 sensor? |
| A. |
The DCS 760 uses a traditional CCD image sensor with
6-millionpixel resolution. The DCS Pro 14n uses the newest professional
CMOS sensor technology available and has 13.9 million total pixels.
CMOS and CCD imagesensor technologies are distinctly different. CCD
image sensors are (electron) charge-coupled devices that require very
sophisticated and power-hungry electronics to operate, and due to
the amount of support electronics, take up more space and power inside
the camera. CMOS image sensors incorporate light-sensing technology
that allows for charge conversion right inside the pixel, therefore
dramatically reducing support electronics and power consumption. The
small size of the DCS Pro 14n, even though it incorporates a full
35 mm area sensor, was achieved through the use of CMOS sensor technology. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Does the DCS Pro 14n have a NIKON Camera body? |
| A. |
Nikon has custom-manufactured the camera body components
for Kodak Professional. While the DCS Pro 14n does share features
and components with some of Nikon’s own cameras, this particular
body is custommanufactured for Kodak. Kodak enhanced the body with
additional professional features, such as a vertical “smart”
shutter release, magnesium alloy encasements, and a 10-pin remote
release terminal compatible with most Nikon accessories. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can NIKON Lenses be used with the DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
Yes. The DCS Pro 14n uses the NIKON F Mount and supports
the full line of current NIKON Lenses. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What other features does the DCS Pro 14n offer? |
| A. |
In addition to the new image sensor, the DCS Pro 14n
has a wide range of professional features that ensure superior image
quality and performance.
- High resolution – 13.9 million total pixels, producing an image
size of 4536 x 3024 pixels.
- Full-size 35 mm frame sensor (24 mm by 36 mm image area).
- Selectable, variable-resolution raw files.
- Selectable ISOs in 1/3-stop increments.
- Basic- and advanced-mode operations.
- 12 MB-a-second image transfer – about 3 to 4 times faster than
the current IEEE 1394 interface.
- A large, bright LCD panel for image analysis.
- D-TTL-enabled hotshoe and pop-up flash.
- A sensor that detects camera orientation +/- 90 degrees.
- “Picture Protection” including KODAK PROFESSIONAL Extended
Range Imaging Technology. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is variable resolution? |
| A. |
For the first time, you can select the resolution you
want for RAW files.
Resolution / ISO Range
100% (~13.6 MP) / 80 – 640
67% (~6.1 MP) / 80 – 800
50% (~3.4 MP) / 80 – 800 |
| |
|
| Q. |
How do you get variable resolution from RAW files? |
| A. |
Variable resolution for RAW files is a unique capability
offered in the DCS Pro 14n. To achieve “true” RAW status
for the lower resolution image files, the entire 13.9 MP resolution
is read off the sensor at 12 bits dynamic range. Then a proprietary
image-processing algorithm “interpolates and resamples”
the high resolution into a lower resolution while keeping the 12-bit
dynamic range. The resulting image is specially color encoded and
losslessly compressed to reduce the file size. This technique achieves
high quality and low artifacts, while reducing the native resolution.
The powerful DSP engine in the DCS Pro 14n performs all this processing
incamera, so you can benefit from more images per storage card for
assignments that do not require the highest resolution. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Does the DCS Pro 14n use an anti-aliasing filter? |
| A. |
No. The DCS Pro 14n does not have an anti-aliasing filter.
Consequently, the DCS Pro 14n yields images that are sharper than
most other digital SLR cameras. The resolution of the Pro 14n is so
high that aliasing artifacts are generally not an issue for most applications. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Who will benefit most from the DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
All professional photographers who require high-resolution
and highquality digital images, including portrait, social, wedding,
school, event, and commercial photographers, will benefit most. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is the function of the Basic Mode? |
| A. |
The Basic Mode makes digital photography easy for anyone
who wants to take it out of the box and shoot, without extensive training
or experience. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is “Picture Protection?” |
| A. |
Picture Protection is included in our entire line of
KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Digital Cameras. It offers a variety of workflow
features that include postshot exposure compensation, white balance
corrections, file recovery, dual card storage, and KODAK PROFESSIONAL
Extended Range Imaging Technology (ERI). ERI gives you image files
that work as standard JPEGs but include the dynamic range and color
gamut of raw, 12- bit, DCR camera files. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What’s included in the box with the DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
The DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera ships with hand strap,
neck strap, body cap, DC Power Module, a custom rechargeable Li-Ion
battery, and charger/AC Adapter, printed user guide (English), documentation
(localized in 8 languages) on CD, and localized software CDs for Photo
Desk and Camera Manager, warranty card, and service information. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Is there an IEEE 1394 cable available for use with the
camera? |
| A. |
Yes, and you can purchase it separately. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is the focal length magnification? |
| A. |
Since the DCS Pro14n has a full 35 mm film size sensor,
the focal length magnification is 1. This means that 35mm lenses operate
as they would with film and will show the same full image that the
lens was designed to image. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Does the DCS Pro 14n offer an external video output? |
| A. |
Yes, user selectable NTSC and PAL video formats are
supported by the video connection.In NTSC mode, the color LCD and
the video output are enabled simultaneously. In PAL mode, simultaneous
operation is not supported. |
| |
|
| Q. |
The DCS Pro 14n has a top end ISO of 800, but the DCS
760 only went to 400. How was this improvement accomplished? |
| A. |
The DCS Pro 14n camera is based on a significantly different
sensor and electronics architecture that makes use of more advanced
technology to enable this top-end ISO improvement. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Will a Software Development Kit (SDK) be available? |
| A. |
Yes, the SDK will be available at no charge on the Kodak
web site. The SDK for the DCS Pro 14n will incorporate significantly
improved functionality and, therefore, will differ from that of previous
DCS models. Developer support for the new SDK will also be provided
via the Kodak Website: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/developers/tools/07kproA.jhtml |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are there any plans to market an EOS-mount version of
the DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
Kodak currently is not publicly discussing any plans
to create a CANON EOS-mount version of the DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is Nikon’s role in the development of the
DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
Nikon designed and supplies the lens mount and photographic
body architecture for this camera. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Will Nikon also sell the 14n? |
| A. |
No, the DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera is exclusively a
Kodak Professional product. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What about camera warranty, service programs? |
| A. |
The DCS Pro 14n will have a oneyear warranty, with service
provided at Kodak Service Centers worldwide. Various extended warranty
programs are available through dealers of KODAK Products on a country-by-country
basis. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is the suggested price of the DCS Pro 14n? |
| A. |
In the U.S., the estimated street price for the DCS
Pro 14n is near $4,000. Please contact a local authorized dealer of
KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Digital Cameras for detailed pricing information. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Where and when will the DCS Pro 14n be available? |
| A. |
The DCS Pro 14n is planned to be available from authorized
dealers of KODAK PROFESSIONAL Products at year-end 2002. |
Digg
del.icio.us
Reddit
Google
