A glimpse of the future?

These comments from my (anonymous) reporter:

This product will be a low-end/entry type product. As for the display, this first generation type has some problems in my opinion. First, the refresh rate is very slow (similar to, but only slightly better than the display quality you see on the Kodak DC260 display when the display is activated in the capture mode). An engineer explained that they had to compromise the quality of the display during capture mode in order to produce a better final captured picture. He says that once the picture is taken, the visual quality of the display improves to show the final result (like it does on the DC260). Another problem is that the display is very dim and has poor viewing angles (like a normal non-high point optical viewfinder).

I also saw a prototype of a Fuji digital camera (according to Kopin) that will incorporate a Kopin display. This is supposed to be a high-end product. But the problems with the display quality outlined above still exist on this prototype.

And this information on the SV 1301 RDK from their information sheet: (Note that these specifications refer to the VGA version however the spec sheet does say "solutions ranging from VGA to 2 Megapixel camera") So it's hard to get excited about the hardware / software specifciations, however if they've got a 2 megapixel CMOS kit (the 2 megapixel CCD they talk about on their website is not CMOS it's the IBM35CCD2PIX1).

Sound Vision offers two world class Rapid Development Kits, the SV/IBM 1300 and SV/HP 1301. These kits provide all of the tools needed to quickly deploy a finished product. An OEM can easily add housing and perform various levels of customization without extensive cost or training. Together, the SV1300 and SV1301 provide solutions ranging from VGA to a 2 Megapixel camera.

SV/HP 1301 VGA RDK

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders: Hewlett Packard and Kopin Corporation, the SV/HP 1301 breaks through the traditional power and cost barriers in digital imaging desIgns. Designed for power and cost, this Innovative Rapid Development Kit will enable OEMs, searching for imaging solutions, to begin production In record time. This unique combination of lowcost, low power imaging components integrated into complete production ready design will open up new markets closed by the limitations of technology in the past.

The Sound'VisionSVIHP 73?01 VGA Rapid Development Kit (RDK) is the lowest cost, lowest power VGA imaging engine design for low eost Digital Still Cameras and integrated imaging products and network appliances including PDAs, cellular phones and wireless multimedia devices, This OEM design blazes new trails with its totally new firmware, software, optical design, GUI, low power Kopin CyberDisplay, LISS support and fully supported manufacturing procedures designed to provide a complete imaging core with a minimum of engineering investment

Features

Industrial Design concepts (apologies for the poor quality, they're from a fax)

Specifications

Hardware

Software