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Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c and SLR/n digital cameras. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Kodak: 14mpix Canon-mount digital SLR
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(Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 04:01 EST)

Eastman Kodak Co. has today announced a new digital SLR that's a variant of its existing 14 megapixel SLR/n model, but with a Canon EOS-compatible lens mount.

Readers may have had their curiosity aroused in the past by Kodak's use of the 'n' nomenclature on its previous 14n and SLR/n models, and now the reason becomes clear - the 'n' standing for Nikon, and the new SLR/c indicating the Canon mount. This marks a significant step for Kodak, returning to its history of offering digital cameras based on both Nikon and Canon bodies. Note that the camera body itself isn't sourced from Canon however. Kodak's relationship with Canon apparently allows them to build EOS-compatible digital cameras. Considering the striking resemblance of the control layout to Sigma's SD9 and SD10 digital SLRs, it seems they're sourcing the EOS-compatible camera bodies from Sigma - no parts on the camera are manufactured by Canon. We're told that all the EOS lenses our Kodak contacts have tried with the camera have worked, including tilt-shift lenses.

The image sensor used is identical to the previous model, but the Kodak SLR/c is somewhat smaller than the SLR/n, and other changes from its Nikon-mount sibling include a 1/180 second flash sync speed (instead of 1/125 on the SLR/n), a new autofocusing system which we're currently awaiting further details on, and a new Kodak-proprietary remote release port. The Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c should have the same price point as the Nikon variant, about $4995 list, and the camera should be available in May 2004.

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
13.89 million total pixel image sensor with new high-performance pixel design
Full 35mm frame CMOS sensor (24mm x 36mm)
Selectable Image Size
4500 x 3000 (13.5 million recorded pixels)
3000 x 2000 (6.1 million recorded pixels)
2250 x 1500 (3.4 million recorded pixels)
1125 x 750 (0.8 million pixels)
Total Selectable ISO Range (from 6 to 1600)
Calibrated ISO from 6 to 800 (DCS RAW, JPEG, ERI JPEG files)
Non-calibrated ISO from 1000 to 1600 (DCS RAW files only)
ISO Stops
Normal exposure mode ISO between 160 and 1600 in 1/3-stop increments
"Longer" exposure mode ISO between 6 and 50 in full stop increments
Resolution
100% (~13.5 million recorded pixels)
67% (~6.1 million recorded pixels)
50% (~3.4 million recorded pixels)
Burst Rate 1.7 frames/second
Burst Depth ~19 images (full-resolution DCR mode)
Large, bright color LCD panel for image analysis
LCD user interface
Shutter speed up to 1/6000 sec.; in "longer exposure mode" (6 to 50 ISO) up to 30 sec.
Flash sync 1/180 sec. up to 1/6000 sec. in FP mode with dedicated flash units
Magnesium-alloy enhanced camera body and SLR functionality
CANON EF lens compatible
ETTL-enabled hotshoe
PC connector for external flash sync
7-pin remote trigger port
Vertical shutter release
Orientation sensor (detects camera orientation +/- 90 degrees from horizontal, rotated about optical axis)
Custom Li-ion battery
~400 shots per battery charge (with proper battery conditioning, see Batteries White Paper on website)
12-bit dynamic range
Composite-video out - NTSC or PAL
Single channel audio
Minimum Macintosh Systems Requirements
Mac OS 10.3.2 or higher
Macintosh or compatible with PowerPC G3 processor (G4 recommended)
256MB RAM (512MB recommended)
200MB free disk space
Free IEEE 1394 port for tethered camera operation
Minimum Windows System Requirements
Windows 2000 or Windows XP OS
Windows/Intel PC with 266MHz Pentium II processort
256MB RAM (512MB recommended)
200MB free disk space)
IEEE 1394 OHCI compatible adapter with a free port for tethered camera operation
1024 pixel by 768 pixel display
ISO Settings
Calibrated ISO Range (DCS RAW, JPEG, and ERI JPEG files): 6 to 50 in "Longer" Exposure Mode, 160 to 800 in Normal Exposure Mode
Non-Calibrated (DCS RAW files only): 1000 to 1600 in Normal Exposure Mode
13.89 MP CMOS Sensor (4560 x 3048)
13.89 million total pixels (4560 x 3048)
13.5 million recorded pixels (4500 x 3000)
File Size ~41MB full-resolution TIFF file; ~15MB full-res. compressed DCR file
Bit Depth 36-bit color (12 bits per color) original capture
Removable, rechargeable Li-ion battery
1:1 focal length (no magnification)
Slots for COMPACTFLASH or MultiMedia Cards
Size 5.375" H x 5.875" W x 3" D (136.5mm H x 149.2mm W x 76.2mm D)
Weight 1.97 lb. (895g) without battery and memory card
More Photos
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
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Original Source Press Release:

Kodak Offers More Choices for Pro Photographers by Introducing New 14MP Digital SLR Camera with CANON EOS Mount Compatibility

Highest Resolution, Broadest ISO Performance in a Digital SLR

HANNOVER, Germany, March 18 —Providing professional photographers with a choice of lens mounts on its new digital SLR cameras, Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro SLR/c – a digital camera compatible with the popular CANON EOS lens mount. It offers the same superior resolution, broad ISO performance and extended burst depth found in the acclaimed KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro SLR/n digital camera built on a NIKON F-mount and introduced in February, 2004.

The DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera contains a high-performance imaging system and full size 35mm size CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, boasts 14 million pixels with a total available ISO range of 6 to 1600 and offers variable resolution raw files. The camera delivers the highest resolution of any digital SLR with an ISO range that meets the needs of a wide variety of professional photographers, including wedding, portrait, event, commercial and advanced amateur photographers. Aside from the EOS lens mount, the DCS SLR/c camera also includes an infrared (IR) remote for shutter release, a flash sync of 1/180 th of a second with a Focal Plane (FP) flash mode up to 1/6000 th of a second when using an EX – series Speedlite, and an overall shutter speed range from 1/6000 th to 30 seconds. Each of these features is unique to the SLR/c model.

“Once again, Kodak combines the best of medium-format image quality with the convenience and flexibility of 35mm photography in its digital SLR cameras. The introduction of our DCS Pro SLR/c further meets the needs of our customers by giving them a choice of lens mounts,” said Jay Kelbley, Worldwide and US&C Product Manager, Professional Digital Capture. “By pairing a CANON EOS compatible lens mount with highest performance sensor available in a digital SLR today, we are now providing stunning image detail and broad ISO range to customers who use CANON lenses.”

Image Quality and Key Features
As with the DCS Pro SLR/n, the DCS SLR/c camera leverages the same 4536 x 3024 pixel (effective), 12-bit CMOS imager that covers the full 24mm-by-36mm image area of 35mm film. With a full-size sensor, photographers regain the benefits of true wide-angle lenses and can use their CANON EF-lenses the same way they used them with 35mm film. This new sensor incorporates advanced High Performance-Low Noise (HPLN) technology, incorporating a unique pixel design and an optimized device manufacturing process that enables increased sensitivity and reduced noise levels that result in broader ISO performance.

The DCS SLR/c camera's sensor incorporates an enhanced optical transmission system that further increases image quality – particularly with tungsten light sources. Consistent with the recent generation of DCS Professional cameras from Kodak, photographers can select the appropriate image size that suits their particular shooting environment and workflow. Full resolution 14MP, 6MP, and 3MP sizes are available for both RAW and JPEG files and thumbnail 0.8MP size for JPEG files only.

As with the DCS Pro SLR/n, photographers using the SLR/c will have the benefit of a fully calibrated ISO range of 6 to 800, while those that utilize DCS raw files can also access a non-calibrated ISO range that extends from 1000 to 1600. In addition to this broad ISO range, the feature set for the SLR/c camera includes long-exposure capabilities, enabling exposures up to 30 seconds at settings down to 6 ISO, a full resolution raw image burst depth of ~19 frames from the cameras integrated 512 MB RAM buffer and a hardware “sleep mode” that conserves battery life when the camera is not in use.

The camera captures images at about 1.7 frames per second. Images can be saved as DCR raw files, normal JPEG files or ERI -JPEG files. The ERI-JPEG files serve as another form of picture protection for photographers, especially in situations where re-shooting is inconvenient. They provide two stops of exposure latitude and extended color space within a JPEG workflow – a benefit no competitor offers. Images are stored via COMPACTFLASH and/or MMC/SD memory cards. Images can be written to each card type simultaneously in any combination of the three available formats. In addition, FIREWIRE connectivity - at a transfer rate of up to 12 MB per second – adds speed to the photographers' workflow.

Designed with a new, custom magnesium body, the DCS Pro SLR/c camera includes a vertical trigger that works in conjunction with the camera's auto orientation sensor. The sensor detects the camera's orientation +/- 90 degrees from the horizontal position. This enables automatic rotation of the image as it moves to a computer for manipulation, saving photographers time and improving workflow – hallmarks of Kodak's efforts to make digital easier for customers.

Simplifying Digital, Free Firmware Upgrades
The DCS Pro SLR/c camera includes features for both new and more advanced digital shooters. The camera operates in two user modes: basic and advanced. It defaults to the basic setting and offers a very intuitive, simple interface. In the advanced mode, the user can access and adjust a host of capture, resolution, storage and other settings.

Many key features of the DCS Pro SLR/c camera are based on KODAK PROFESSIONAL firmware and are not hard-wired within the camera, so they can be enhanced and easily upgraded with free firmware downloads from Kodak. Free firmware upgrades essentially give photographers a “new” camera, whereas most other manufacturers require the purchase of an entirely new camera system to receive the latest enhancements.

Kodak leverages the CANON Evaluative - Through The Lens (E-TTL) flash metering system in the DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera. Photographers can expect near-perfect flash exposures with the camera, an improvement over many existing professional digital cameras.

The DCS Pro SLR/c has a camera interface localized in nine languages and comes complete with the latest versions of the following software:

  • KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Photo Desk – including Expert level noise processing tools
  • KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Camera Manager
  • KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS File Format Module
  • KODAK PROFESSIONAL Extended Range Imaging Technology File Format Module

Availability of the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro SLR/c digital camera begins in May, 2004 through authorized dealers of KODAK PROFESSIONAL digital imaging solutions.

About Eastman Kodak Company and infoimaging
Kodak is the leader in helping people take, share, print and view images – for memories, for information, for entertainment. The company is a major participant in infoimaging, a $385 billion industry composed of devices (digital cameras and flat-panel displays), infrastructure (online networks and delivery systems for images) and services & media (software, film and paper enabling people to access, analyze and print images). With sales of $13.3 billion in 2003, the company comprises several businesses: Health, supplying the healthcare industry with traditional and digital image capture and output products and services; Commercial Printing, offering on-demand color printing and networking publishing systems; Commercial Imaging, offering image capture, output and storage products and services to businesses and government; Display & Components, which designs and manufactures state-of-the-art organic light-emitting diode displays as well as other specialty materials, and delivers optics and imaging sensors to original equipment manufacturers; and Digital & Film Imaging Systems, providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services.

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(Kodak and Kodak Professional are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. Eastman Kodak Company is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash trademark.)

Editor's Note: For information about Kodak's professional products, customers may call 1-800-235-6325, or visit www.kodak.com/go/professional .

2004

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