Photo Club

Kodak has introduced the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography. With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the KAF-50100 sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. The new Kodak KAF-50100 sensor is the first to utilise the new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers. In an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot). The KAF-50100 is first being used in the new Hasselblad H3DII-50 camera.

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak Achieves New Breakthrough in Imaging Technology

World’s First 50 Megapixel CCD Sensor Sets New Standard for Professional Photographers

London, UK, July 8 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography.

At 50 million pixels, or megapixels, the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot).

What’s more, the KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor features a newly designed pixel that is smaller in size than the pixel used in current products for this professional market. This new pixel also reduces “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, lowers power consumption for improved battery life, and improves colour fidelity without compromising on the benefits to be enjoyed from larger pixel sizes.

“Professional photographers need to capture ever-increasing image detail with higher camera performance, and that drives us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market,” said Michael Miller, manager of Kodak’s CCD Image Sensor Business, part of the company’s Image Sensor Solutions group.  “Kodak image sensors have been known as the professional imaging standard for years, and today’s announcement reaffirms our dedication to provide industry-leading image sensors that give professional photographers a real competitive advantage.”

The new Kodak sensor is the first to utilise the company’s new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers.  Based on a newly designed 6.0 micron pixel, the platform provides increased data throughput for faster frame rate, a reduced “click to capture” time for improved camera response, lower power consumption for improved battery life, and improved colour fidelity, while still retaining key performance parameters available from the larger, 6.8 micron pixel used in current products.  With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the 50 million pixel sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. 
The KAF-50100 is the latest addition to Kodak’s family of full-frame CCD image sensors for the professional photography market.  Engineering grade devices of the KAF-50100 are currently available, with volume production planned for Q4, 2008.

For additional information regarding this technology, please contact Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company at (585) 722-4385 or by email at .  For more information on Kodak’s entire portfolio of image sensors, please visit http://www.kodak.com/go/imagers.

About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, PluggedIn.kodak.com, and GrowYourBiz.kodak.com

Kodak at drupa 2008 : Kodak is making its mark at the world’s largest show for the graphic communications market. Drupa 2008 opens this week in Dusseldorf, Germany, and with 26 new product and service introductions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group is presenting a full suite of integrated, tailored solutions to help customers in all segments of the graphic market capitalize on the power of print to drive profitable growth. Through the theme “Print is Powerful,” Kodak will spotlight at drupa the unmatched versatility and effectiveness of print in reaching audiences and achieving results through media campaigns. Kodak’s exhibit is organized around solutions by commercial, packaging, publishing and data printing segments.

Kodak print solutions
In addition to the company’s highly anticipated inkjet technologies, Kodak will display its comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including electrophotographic, flexographic, and lithographic options for offset-class output, prepress products that optimize productivity and quality, Kodak Unified Workflow Solutions to enable the highest levels of production and enterprise efficiencies, and business development services that expand customers’ revenue potential. The company’s solutions also will appear in partner booths across two-thirds of the show’s presentation halls, illustrating the breadth of Kodak’s impact in the industry.

Drupa 2008
“Drupa is an important event for the printing industry, and offers the perfect stage to powerfully present the breadth of Kodak’s solutions and illustrate our commitment to working with our customers to grow their businesses,” said Phil Faraci, President and Chief Operating Officer, Eastman Kodak Company. “Kodak offers the broadest array of solutions, and effectively addresses the needs of today’s blended conventional and digital production environments, while maximizing opportunities in both established and developing markets across the globe.”

Kodak today announced three new EASYSHARE digital cameras along with an HDTV-capable EASYSHARE Dock. The V1253 and V1233 share 12 megapixel sensors and 3x SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lenses with the V1253 getting a larger 3.1" screen versus the V1233′s 2.5". Both shoot 720p video and 16:9 stills and feature face-detection and digital image-stabilization. The Z812 IS meanwhile has optical image-stabilization to go with its 8 megapixels and 12x zoom range. Kodaks new HDTV Dock explains itself really. The cameras will be available from September 2007 with the dock following a month later in October.

Press release (EU):

Kodak Looks Beyond The Click Kodak expands the post capture experience with new suite of HD products – three new KODAK EASYSHARE High Definition Digital Cameras and KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock

BERLIN, GERMANY August 30 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today unveiled a raft of new products aimed at giving consumers even more opportunities to see their pictures differently and do more with them. With this new range, Kodak is delivering an easy solution for consumers to capture and display High Definition (HD) pictures on vibrant, wide-screen HDTVs making the viewing and sharing of images in the home more seamless and enjoyable than ever before.

Harnessing the latest digital technology, Kodak has developed three new digital cameras with HD still and video capabilities, the KODAK EASYSHARE V1233, V1253 and Z812 IS models and the intuitive KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV dock which will enable consumers to display HD images on an HD television.

Demand for display
The phenomenal growth of photo sharing services, such as Kodak Gallery, social networking sites and instant messenger applications has created a massive appetite for displaying photography. Combined with this, the emergence of trends such as citizen photography has prompted consumers to look for other avenues to display their pictures and videos. With the introduction of HD to its digital capture and display devices, Kodak is enabling people to display personal photos and videos with incredible image clarity and sharpness anywhere in the home – whether on HDTVs or digital picture frames.

“At Kodak, we see that consumers are embracing the photography experience, capturing, sharing and displaying, like never before. From printing to personalizing gifts to sharing pictures and videos online, consumers are increasingly inventive with their images and the growth of digital media has fed a sense of pride in our photography – we want to show it off,” said John O’Grady, Kodak’s Managing Director, Consumer Businesses, European, African & Middle Eastern Region. “The products announced today represent an important step in helping progress how images can be taken, viewed and shared, and Kodak is dedicated to supporting innovation that will continue to bring intelligent, easy-to-use HD solutions to the market.”

KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 and V1233 Zoom Digital Cameras

The KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 and V1233 zoom digital cameras allow consumers to capture HD still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and video (720p at 30fps), while offering a sleek design and simple-to-use controls. Equipped with 12MP resolution, a 3X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH optical zoom lens and KODAK PERFECT TOUCH technology, these cameras provide exceptional image quality for every shot.

Both the V1253 and V1233 models boast Face Detection Technology, which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings for outstanding portrait shots, and Digital Image Stabilization to reduce blur caused by camera shake or subject movement. Images can be instantly viewed in 16:9 aspect ratio on the large 3.1-inch LCD screen of V1253 and the 2.5-inch LCD screen on the V1233.

KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Zoom Digital Camera

The high-zoom KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Camera has an impressive feature set and intuitive controls, perfect for the aspiring photographer who wants an easy-to-use camera that delivers great pictures with every shot. With 8MP resolution and an incredible SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH 12x optical zoom lens, the Z812 IS captures HD still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and video (720p at 30fps), as well as the ability to extract still images from videos. The camera’s click-to-capture (.23), auto-focus accuracy, Optical Image Stabilization and High ISO settings (up to 3200) allow consumers to capture brighter, clearer shots in low-light or fast-action situations.

The Z812 IS also features Face Detection Technology, and its Smart Scene Mode will automatically adjust the camera’s settings depending on the type of scene it detects. For consumers who wish to have more control over the composition of their shots, aperture and shutter speed can be manually selected and the electronic viewfinder can be activated instead of the 2.5-inch LCD screen. The KODAK EASYSHARE Z812 IS Camera features KODAK PERFECT TOUCH technology so every image can look its best.

KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock

The KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock connects to your HDTV to process pictures from KODAK HD-enabled digital cameras, SD memory cards or USB drives to deliver an outstanding visual experience to share with family and friends. The launch of the HDTV Dock, not only makes viewing images in HD possible, but also makes it easy.

Using the remote control feature on the HDTV Dock enables consumers to manage their digital pictures while relaxing on the living room sofa. The HDTV Dock makes it effortless to enjoy a full HD-quality slideshow, edit individual images, transfer images to a USB drive, or even print images to a connected printer. Along with being backward compatible with many KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras, the HDTV Dock automatically charges the rechargeable battery so the camera is ready whenever needed.

Pricing and Availability

The KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 (€299), V1233 (€249), and Z812 IS Cameras (€299) will be available from September 2007. The KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock will be available from October 2007 for €99.