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Where was your Kodak made?

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n3eg

n3eg

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I was under the impression that all digital Kodaks were made in Japan until the naming rights were sold. I checked my collection, and all of them were made in China - except the Z990, which was made in Vietnam! This means the new JK Imaging Kodaks are more like the old ones than I thought.

Other than the Z990, and the P880 which was made in Japan or Korea (that's all I could find) were all digital Kodaks made in China?

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
 
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n3eg said:
I was under the impression that all digital Kodaks were made in Japan until the naming rights were sold. I checked my collection, and all of them were made in China - except the Z990, which was made in Vietnam! This means the new JK Imaging Kodaks are more like the old ones than I thought.

Other than the Z990, and the P880 which was made in Japan or Korea (that's all I could find) were all digital Kodaks made in China?

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
Click to expand...
"Older" Kodak's like the DC280, DC290, DC3400 and DC4800 are designed AND manufactured in Japan. "Later" Kodak's f.i. the DX series were also designed in Japan but manufactured in China (and S.Korea a.o. P880). These digital camera's all came from the design stable of Chinon in Chino, Japan.

In the middle of 2006 things changed (approx. Z885?). Kodak outsourced the design and production to the Singapore based firm Flextronics. From then on all developement and production took place in China, later also Vietnam (a.o. Z990). Kodak certainly wasn't/isn't the only firm that went down that road........ Picture quality (colours) may vary a bit, due to changes in policy regarding the JPEG-engine. In conjuction with that, the name "Kodak Color Science Chip" disappeared from the market. Flextronics Kodak's changed slightly in colour output over time, compared to the Chinon one's.

Maybe the JK Imaging Kodak's are back on the old track again in this respect and it also looks like that regarding the colours/white balance :-)

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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Blackbear said:
"Older" Kodak's like the DC280, DC290, DC3400 and DC4800 are designed AND manufactured in Japan. "Later" Kodak's f.i. the DX series were also designed in Japan but manufactured in China (and S.Korea a.o. P880). These digital camera's all came from the design stable of Chinon in Chino, Japan.

In the middle of 2006 things changed (approx. Z885?). Kodak outsourced the design and production to the Singapore based firm Flextronics. From then on all developement and production took place in China, later also Vietnam (a.o. Z990). Kodak certainly wasn't/isn't the only firm that went down that road........ Picture quality (colours) may vary a bit, due to changes in policy regarding the JPEG-engine. In conjuction with that, the name "Kodak Color Science Chip" disappeared from the market. Flextronics Kodak's changed slightly in colour output over time, compared to the Chinon one's.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the very informative response. I'll be checking the label again on my C875. Everything I have is a DX or C series and later, so it all says China.
Blackbear said:
Maybe the JK Imaging Kodak's are back on the old track again in this respect and it also looks like that regarding the colours/white balance :-)
Click to expand...
After having to disable "Keep Warm" on my Olympus when I first got it, I'll be checking the S1 for the same thing and then testing WB. Most of my tests will be side by side with the Oly. It's rumored that the sensors are the same, so any differences would be the processor.

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
 
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Except Z990 (MI Vietnam) and P880 (MI Korea), all the rest of my Kodaks are MIC (MI China).

I think only the DX6440, DX7590 had the Kodak Colors Science sticker.

--
chiue -
Nikon D5000 / Kodak Z990 P880 DX7590 Z915 DX6440 V803 M420 C190 C875 ZX3
 
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chiue said:
Except Z990 (MI Vietnam) and P880 (MI Korea), all the rest of my Kodaks are MIC (MI China).

I think only the DX6440, DX7590 had the Kodak Colors Science sticker.

--
chiue -
Nikon D5000 / Kodak Z990 P880 DX7590 Z915 DX6440 V803 M420 C190 C875 ZX3
Click to expand...
Hi Chiue, there were a lot more Kodak Color Science camera's. They began with "Kodak Color Science inside" and later they added the "Chip" (marketing gimmick as it's a software thing).

The first one with the "Science" I could find right away was the kodak easyshare cx4230 from 2002.

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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n3eg said:
Blackbear said:
"Older" Kodak's like the DC280, DC290, DC3400 and DC4800 are designed AND manufactured in Japan. "Later" Kodak's f.i. the DX series were also designed in Japan but manufactured in China (and S.Korea a.o. P880). These digital camera's all came from the design stable of Chinon in Chino, Japan.

In the middle of 2006 things changed (approx. Z885?). Kodak outsourced the design and production to the Singapore based firm Flextronics. From then on all developement and production took place in China, later also Vietnam (a.o. Z990). Kodak certainly wasn't/isn't the only firm that went down that road........ Picture quality (colours) may vary a bit, due to changes in policy regarding the JPEG-engine. In conjuction with that, the name "Kodak Color Science Chip" disappeared from the market. Flextronics Kodak's changed slightly in colour output over time, compared to the Chinon one's.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the very informative response. I'll be checking the label again on my C875. Everything I have is a DX or C series and later, so it all says China.
n3eg said:
Maybe the JK Imaging Kodak's are back on the old track again in this respect and it also looks like that regarding the colours/white balance :-)
Click to expand...
After having to disable "Keep Warm" on my Olympus when I first got it, I'll be checking the S1 for the same thing and then testing WB. Most of my tests will be side by side with the Oly. It's rumored that the sensors are the same, so any differences would be the processor.

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
Click to expand...
The C875 is "Made in China" (without "Developed in Japan") although I think it could be (IMHO) a last developement by Chinon, being already developed by them (see differences C875 - Z885, different sensor and different optics, Z885 probably developed/made by Flextronics).

IMHO it's more the JPEG-engine (with White Balance) that's responsible for the colours (image quality) than the sensor. Noise wise it (sometimes) could be the sensor. The optics used are obviously important as well.

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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The S-1 and AZ522 are made in China. The Z990 was made in Vietnam, but not sure where it's Schneider Kreuznach lens was manufactured since a German company. Here for interesting read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Kreuznach

My Z915 (Retina lens) and C195 are both made in China.

Regarding the S-1's sensor..I got 2 references from people that said it's likely a Sony sensor, possibly a Toshiba. But until I can confirm, it's their word.

Interesting read on the Nikon D5200 having a Toshiba sensor: http://nikonrumors.com/2013/01/08/s...side-the-nikon-d5200-is-made-by-toshiba.aspx/
 
Sactojim said:
The S-1 and AZ522 are made in China. The Z990 was made in Vietnam, but not sure where it's Schneider Kreuznach lens was manufactured since a German company. Here for interesting read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Kreuznach

My Z915 (Retina lens) and C195 are both made in China.

Regarding the S-1's sensor..I got 2 references from people that said it's likely a Sony sensor, possibly a Toshiba. But until I can confirm, it's their word.

Interesting read on the Nikon D5200 having a Toshiba sensor: http://nikonrumors.com/2013/01/08/s...side-the-nikon-d5200-is-made-by-toshiba.aspx/
Click to expand...
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.

AFA the sensors is concerned, they used to use mainly Sony and Samsung sensors as far as I know. Never their own Kodak sensors, maybe with one exeption (Kodak's words) the BSI CMOS of the Z990. But someone knowledgeable on a forum (forgot if it was on KTF) said it had similarities with a Sony sensor with likewise specs. If they are not willing to tell us the truth, we'll never know for sure.......

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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Last edited:
Blackbear said:
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.
Click to expand...
When I google Asian Optics LTD all I see is Asia Optical, the current manufacturer of the JK Kodak lenses. Are they the same?

The AO 12-45mm lens coming with my S1 is going to get an intensive comparison to the M.Zuiko 14-42 I have now. From the internet test shots, it might be closer than I expect. Hopefully the sun comes out once here in Washington State so I can test for flare...
 
n3eg said:
Blackbear said:
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.
Click to expand...
When I google Asian Optics LTD all I see is Asia Optical, the current manufacturer of the JK Kodak lenses. Are they the same?

The AO 12-45mm lens coming with my S1 is going to get an intensive comparison to the M.Zuiko 14-42 I have now. From the internet test shots, it might be closer than I expect. Hopefully the sun comes out once here in Washington State so I can test for flare...

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
Click to expand...
Mea Culpa: I should have written the companies name correct. You are right, it's Asia Optical. I remembered the name wrong. Sorry for that.

They have proven to produce quality lenses, with and without license!

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
Last edited:
Blackbear said:
Sactojim said:
The S-1 and AZ522 are made in China. The Z990 was made in Vietnam, but not sure where it's Schneider Kreuznach lens was manufactured since a German company. Here for interesting read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Kreuznach

My Z915 (Retina lens) and C195 are both made in China.

Regarding the S-1's sensor..I got 2 references from people that said it's likely a Sony sensor, possibly a Toshiba. But until I can confirm, it's their word.

Interesting read on the Nikon D5200 having a Toshiba sensor: http://nikonrumors.com/2013/01/08/s...side-the-nikon-d5200-is-made-by-toshiba.aspx/
Click to expand...
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.

AFA the sensors is concerned, they used to use mainly Sony and Samsung sensors as far as I know. Never their own Kodak sensors, maybe with one exeption (Kodak's words) the BSI CMOS of the Z990. But someone knowledgeable on a forum (forgot if it was on KTF) said it had similarities with a Sony sensor with likewise specs. If they are not willing to tell us the truth, we'll never know for sure.......
Click to expand...
With today's marketing and OEM and outsourcing, I think the brand is loosing it identity, except may be the top of the line products. I don't really think Leica, SK, Zeiss would developed and make lens for the P&S. As said above, it is more a licencing game.

There are only a handful of company make sensor. I don't think Kodak make small sensor for P&S. As Mart mentioned Z990's BSI CMOS is an unknown, although Kodak's site said Kodak's first BSI CMOS, I think it is more likely from Sony.
 
chiue said:
As Mart mentioned Z990's BSI CMOS is an unknown, although Kodak's site said Kodak's first BSI CMOS, I think it is more likely from Sony.

--
chiue -
Nikon D5000 / Kodak Z990 P880 DX7590 Z915 DX6440 V803 M420 C190 C875 ZX3
Click to expand...
I'm with you Chiue. Non the less it's a very good sensor. Kodak worthy!!!!!!

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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Blackbear said:
n3eg said:
Blackbear said:
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.
Click to expand...
When I google Asian Optics LTD all I see is Asia Optical, the current manufacturer of the JK Kodak lenses. Are they the same?

The AO 12-45mm lens coming with my S1 is going to get an intensive comparison to the M.Zuiko 14-42 I have now. From the internet test shots, it might be closer than I expect. Hopefully the sun comes out once here in Washington State so I can test for flare...
Click to expand...
Mea Culpa: I should have written the companies name correct. You are right, it's Asia Optical. I remembered the name wrong. Sorry for that.

They have proven to produce quality lenses, with and without license!
Click to expand...
 
n3eg said:
Blackbear said:
n3eg said:
Blackbear said:
A whole lot of optics, including the SK branded, were produced by Asian Optics Ltd in China. SK and Leica (Panasonic) brand under licence of their respective owner. Optics made in Europe would be to expensive. Apart from the wel known Asian Optics, there are without doubt a few other optical companies active in China. They can produce any kind of quality optical system.
Click to expand...
When I google Asian Optics LTD all I see is Asia Optical, the current manufacturer of the JK Kodak lenses. Are they the same?

The AO 12-45mm lens coming with my S1 is going to get an intensive comparison to the M.Zuiko 14-42 I have now. From the internet test shots, it might be closer than I expect. Hopefully the sun comes out once here in Washington State so I can test for flare...
Click to expand...
Mea Culpa: I should have written the companies name correct. You are right, it's Asia Optical. I remembered the name wrong. Sorry for that.

They have proven to produce quality lenses, with and without license!

--
Mart
Click to expand...
So for all we know, the lenses are made by the same company that made the S-K lenses for old Kodak, and the camera could be made by the same company in China that made bodies for old Kodak - and nothing could have changed at all!

The only hitch could be that JK also sold the GE line of cameras, and I don't know who made those bodies - along with the Sakar cheapies.

In any case, it shows that it's pretty much the same Kodak from recent years.

--
It ain't easy being me, but someone's gotta do it.
Click to expand...
Yes, your right! That's why f.i. superzooms (in the "lower" P&S market segment) often look very much alike. All made by a limited number of companies in China. Differences in "quality" like appearance, spec's, used optics, etc are subject to contract's with the "license owner" who's name will be on the camera. It's all about contract's!!

In 2009 Kodak launched the EasyShare Z980, Nikon the Coolpix P90 and Pentax the X70. If you look at the appearance, spec's, optics, etc., they are very, very close family.

Due to the Chinese industrial dominance in the electronics departement, developing and manufacturing a digital camera outside China is way to expensive. It's all about mass production and that's what the Chinese do best!!

Not a bad thing, if they keep manufacturing good "Kodak" digital camera's like the one's JK Imaging is marketing at the moment and being sold at a good pricetag :-)

--
Mart
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, does not go away.
Kodak DX7590, Z980, P880, C875, P850, M583, P712, V570, DC3400, DC290, DC4800, Z990 MAX, EasyShare One (4mp).
( Lumix TZ40 my wife)
 
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