Digital Camera Information

Eastman Kodak Company has introduced a new advance development in Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor technology that significantly improves performance for applied imaging applications. Their new Interline Transfer CCD technology platform will be the basis for a full portfolio of image sensor products targeted to markets such as industrial and scientific imaging - starting with the newly announced KODAK KAI-01050 Image Sensor.

This eighth generation of Interline Transfer CCD technology developed by Kodak, this new platform reduces pixel size by almost 50%, doubles the maximum frame rate available from the image sensor, and provides a significant increase in image quality compared to the previous technology generation. With these advancements, customers working in applied markets will have access to new levels of performance, improving the capabilities and performance of their imaging systems.

“Exceptional imaging performance is vital to the success of applied imaging applications,” said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solution group. “This new technology platform was developed specifically to address this need by improving key sensor parameters such as pixel size, frame rate, and image quality. As camera manufacturers develop products with our new KAI-01050 image sensor, and later with other image sensors developed using this new technology, they will be able to offer a new generation of cameras that provide improved throughput, performance, and quality for their customers.”

Kodak has a rich history of supplying image sensors for use in applied imaging markets. With a broad portfolio of interline transfer CCDs ranging from VGA to 16 megapixels in resolution, Kodak is a leading supplier of image sensors used today in applied applications such as the automated inspection and assembly of electronics components, traffic monitoring, and medical and scientific imaging. As these applications have evolved, the ongoing requirement for improved throughput and imaging performance has driven the development of this new sensor technology to address these needs.

Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD platform was developed using a “clean sheet” approach, leveraging best practices in Kodak sensor design to optimize the imaging performance available from these new devices. To facilitate the design process for camera manufacturers, Kodak will also use a common package layout with shared electrical specifications where possible for image sensors commercialized using this new technology, allowing manufacturers to develop a single camera design that can easily support multiple sensors.

The KODAK KAI-01050 Image Sensor is the first product to be commercialized using Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD technology. With a 1024 x 1024 array of 5.5 micron pixels, the sensor provides a readout speed of up to 120 frame-per-second in a 1/2-inch optical format. Engineering grade devices of the KAI-01050 are currently available, with volume production planned for early 2008.

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Now here is some interesting piece of news from www.smh.com.au which claims that Kodak has developed sensors that can take photos in low light. To me this seems like they are increasing the ISO to about 2 -4 times the normal level, but what about noise. These are no mention of the noise or the image quality that comes out from these sensors and it will be interesting if this is just a marketing hype or a true breakthrough.

Unlike Fujifilm which has already proven their sensors can handle low light situations with the Fujifilm FinePix F series such as the award winning F30, Kodak yet to prove their claims.

Here are some of the comments:

“Eastman Kodak said it has developed a color-filter technology that at least doubles the sensitivity to light of the image sensor in every digital camera, enabling shutterbugs to take better pictures in poor light”.
“We’re talking about a two-to-four-times improvement in (light) sensitivity.”

“It’s often the simplest concepts that can have the most profound impact,” said Chute of IDC, a market research firm near Boston. “This could be revolutionary in terms of just changing that very simple filter on top of the sensor and basically allowing companies to use it in all different kinds of cameras.”

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Here are some interesting facts for 2006 for digital cameras. According to Reuters, Canon has topped the market share in global digital camera shipments in 2006, however South Korea’s Samsung Electronics jumped up the ranks to 5th place from 9th a year ago. Nikon is ranked 6th in the world.

Tokyo-based Canon shipped 19.7 million digital cameras in 2006 which accounted for 18.7 percent of the overall market. Canon’s shipments jumped 23.3 percent from 2005.

In total, the Industry wide digital camera shipments in 2006 rose 14.5 percent to 106 million units from a year earlier. This was driven by the strong popularity of Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras. DSLR shipments grew 39 percent to 5 million units last year.

Sony Corp was No. 2 in the market with a 15.8 percent share, up from 15.2 percent in 2005. This was helped with the introduction into the DSLR market with the Alpha A100.

Eastman Kodak which is the only U.S. Company among the top five digital camera makers, ranked third with 10 percent, a drop from its 14.2 percent share a year earlier. This could be due to their exit of the DSLR market a few years ago.

Olympus Corporation came in fourth with a market share of 8.6 percent, down 9.8 percent in 2005.

The big winner in 2006 was Samsung, who displaced Nikon and became the fifth-largest seller of digital cameras in the world. Samsung has expanded its market share to 7.8 percent in 2006 which is a huge jump from the 3.8 percent it had a year earlier.

Nikon Corporation, the world’s second-biggest maker of professional cameras (DSLR) after Canon, ranked No. 6 in the overall digital camera market with a 7.6 percent market share in 2006.

Digital SLR Market
Canon also dominated the booming DSLR market, securing a 46.7 percent share in 2006, with its shipments rising 30.7 percent from a year earlier. But its share was trimmed from the 49.5 percent it had in 2006 amid increased competition from rivals.

Nikon cemented the No. 2 position in DSLRs with a 33 percent market share. Its shipments jumped 35.9 percent with the introduction of successful models such as the Nikon D50, D70s, D80 and the D200.

Sony, which purchased the DSLR unit of Konica Minolta Holdings, shipped 326,240 DSLRs in 2006, accounting for 6.2 percent of the market. A great result after being in the market for under a year.

Eastman Kodak Company continues its leadership position in image sensor technology with the release of the KODAK KAI-16000 Image Sensor, offering the highest resolution interline transfer CCD image sensor.

The only problem for DSLR manufacturers is that the sensor is only available for commercial and industrial markets. It builds on Kodaks robust CCD technology, which already includes the highest resolution sensors for the digital photography marketplace, the KAI-16000 is a 35mm optical format (full frame) 16 megapixel CCD targeted at the industrial, scientific, aerial, and security markets. The sensor allows camera manufacturers to improve system throughput by utilizing a wider field of view while also enhancing image quality.

The KODAK KAI-16000 image sensor is designed for manufacturers of cameras serving the machine vision, aerial imaging, and security industries. KAI-16000 allows these companies to build advanced imaging systems that capture a wider field of view without sacrificing image quality. This wider field of view improves overall system throughput allowing automated optical inspection systems to increase the number of parts inspected per hour. For aerial or security applications, the sensor?s high resolution helps ensure that images achieve unsurpassed image quality. Other key features in the KAI-16000 include electronic shutter, progressive scan readout, two 30MHz high-speed outputs allowing for 3 frames per second and a combination of low noise and high sensitivity for excellent dynamic range.

“For industrial, scientific, aerial and security applications, there are two main requirements - image quality and speed - that can impact a companys bottom line”, said Terry Guy, Market Segment Manager, Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company. “The new KODAK KAI-16000 meets both these requirements. Its the highest resolution interline transfer CCD for these markets and offers performance advantages required by our customers. This demonstrates our ability to understand our customers? needs and deliver products that provide them with a competitive edge.”

The KAI-16000 is the latest sensor in Kodaks Interline Transfer family to leverage the same timing and control circuitry already used by other KODAK sensors. As a result, Kodaks customers can integrate this sensor easily into new camera designs ensuring short product development cycles.

The KAI-16000 extends Kodaks position as a leading supplier of high performance image sensors and includes the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in image sensors, Kodak develops, manufactures, and markets both CCD and CMOS sensor technology for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging to digital cameras and machine vision products.

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Did you know that DSLR camera have an expected shutter-life on their camera? This is the number of times the shutter is activated (actuations) before the mechanism fails. Although it is not an absolute figure, it does exit.

You see, on a good days shooting, a normal film SLR camera could use up 10 rolls of film (200 - 300 shots) compared to thousands on a DSLR camera where multiple shots are standard. With this type of increased usage there is a limit before failure sets in and in reality it’s probably a good time to sell your camera. A good indication is when the shutter gets stuck.

So what is the expected shutter-life. Well from what I’ve been reading it ranges from 50,000 actuations for an amateur DSLR to 225,000 for the high models.

Here is a comment by Chuck Westfall, Director of Media and Customer Relationship Camera Division - Canon U.S.A., Inc:

“EOS-1N Service Life: Canon Factory Service has established a repair policy for the EOS-1N, EOS-3 and EOS-1V 35mm SLRs that basically considers these cameras Beyond Economical Repair when the number of shutter actuations exceeds a certain limit. In the case of the EOS-1N, that limit is 140,000 actuations. For the EOS-3 and EOS-1V, it’s 225,000 actuations. Incidentally, the advertised shutter life expectancy for the EOS-1N was 100,000 actuations, not 150,000. The advertised shutter life expectancy for EOS-3 and EOS-1V is 150,000 actuations. “

Considering the high number of shots taken by a DSLR camera these days, the rated shutter-life is not that long.

So for sellers, the best time to sell your DSLR camera is between 50,000 - 150,000 actuations with the higher range applying to the higher spec cameras. On the other hand when you consider the advances in new technology with new models appearing every 18 months it may not be an issue if you decide to update your camera regularly.

For buyers best to buy a second hand DSLR with under 50,000 actuations.

Dpreview has a in-depth review of the Kodak Easyshare 6 megapixels Z650. Since it is the replacement of the the Kodak Z740 and being lower in specification to the P850, the rating is just an above average.

Here is the conclusion of their review.

“When Kodak launched it’s first ‘SLR-like’ super zoom, the DX6490, back in 2003 it was entering a much less crowded marketplace, and one where it held an ace up its sleeve; a highly competitive price point (and, to be fair, a comprehensive feature list). Since then Kodak has released (I almost said ‘churned out’) a string of variations on the same theme in subsequent generations of first the DX, then the Z series of cameras, increasing resolution and fine-tuning performance, but not really changing much. The Z series was concieved as a pared-down version of the DX series (now making way for the P series - you keeping up?), with a reduced feature set and an even keener price point - a big zoom camera for the ‘point and shoot’ crowd.

Taken on its own the Z650 is a perfectly good camera, one capable of perfectly good results, and one that offers perfectly good value for money. Unfortunately perfectly good just isn’t enough in a market this competitive, and the Z650 suffers by comparison to some of its competitors, and because in attempting to ‘dumb down’ the feature set of the DX line Kodak cut too many important features without offering much in exchange. I’m sure it will sell well (Kodak is no small player in this market), and I’m sure those who buy it will be perfectly happy, but I would certainly look at the alternatives before handing over my money for the Z650.”

Click here for the full review.

Click here for the pdf specification

Maya Raber, a director of engineering since 2002 at Kodak’s was dismissed when she voiced her objections against a cost saving project that may damage the file through compressions when uploading a file to their website.

She was in charge of developing software for Kodak’s popular Easy Share Gallery in Emeryville, however the company came up with a plan to save money that she believes was deceptive to the Kodak users. This process was made through a compression algorithm, used when uploading a photo onto the Kodak site for storage.

Her concerns were that in order to save money, the company planned to implement a cost-saving project where consumer photos will be compressed irreversibly by an average of 50 percent. When you want to use the photo in prints, or when you want to crop a small part of the photo, the results can look grainy.

Maya Raber says when she voiced her concerns to Kodak managers she was fired. Raber acknowledges Kodak has yet to implement much of its plan, but claims the company did begin compressing photos from users who chose the faster easy upload option on the Web site.

A New York-based spokesperson for Kodak issued this statement: “We can assure you that Ms. Raber’s accusations are completely false. We have not compressed images that are stored in the gallery without our customer’s knowledge. We feel that Kodak has acted in a manner that is consistent with our corporate policies and ethics, and we will vigorously defend ourselves against all claims to the contrary.”

Raber filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Alameda County.

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Kodak pulled out of the lucrative DSLR market last year with the last camera being the full frame 14 mega pixels Kodak DCS Pro. Although not a big player in this market, they are a major player in the compact market. In addition, they are also a major supplier of CCD sensors and are also moving into CMOS imaging sensors via technological tie-up with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer. Owning your own imaging sensor technology is a big issue to camera manufacturers as so clearly demonstrated by Canon’s success and also starkly shown with Konica-Minolta recent withdrawal from the photographic market.

Although Kodak’s consumer digital stills camera division is dong well in the home market, they are gradually reducing dependency on film products for survival. Their CEO even recently announced that ‘Kodak is now a thriving digital company’…

Having said all the above, Kodak currently lacks the ability to produce their own camera body platform for a DSLR revival, nor the lenses and other peripherals that is required to go with building a DSLR system.

Their previous DSLR business model of building DSLRs using camera platforms were supplied by two major camera manufacturers, Canon and Nikon. This is no longer valid as both manufacturers now have their own thriving and profitable DSLR businesses which makes it illogical for them to supply camera bodies to other manufacturers.

Although I’ll concede that building alternative DSLRs for popular lens-mounts such as Canon and Nikon still have some business validity, if one is not aiming high for sales volumes!

It was noted that photographic products writer Thom Hogan speculates that Kodak can still return to the DSLR market by a business venture with Sigma… I’ll agree that that is one possible scenario (perhaps the only possible scenario!), but Sigma would need to re-design their current and aging and slow DSLR cameras to compete with the latest Canon, Nikon and Olympus cameras. Sigma would also need to be prepared to flush their investment with Foveon down the toilet to partner Kodak… A very big if!

Kodak has just announced the release of two high resolution CCD image sensor for professional photography. The sensors is the KAF-39000 and KAF-31600 image sensor (see below) with 39 and 31.6 megapixels respectively. These sesnors will offer professional camera and camera back manufacturers resolution and image detail that was once unimaginable for digital cameras at this current moment. The KAF-3900 is larger than full frame and therefore allows photographers to experience a new level of image quality for portrait, wedding, landscape, fashion, studio, and commercial photography. Kodak have already been selected the sensors for use by Phase One A/S for use in their upcoming P45 and P30 digital camera backs.

The KAF-39000 sets a new standard for image resolution in professional photography with 39 million imaging pixels in a 36 mm x 48 mm imaging area, while the 31.6 million pixel KAF-31600 deploys this same high-performance pixel in a smaller, 33 mm x 44 mm imaging area. The heart of these imagers is a newly designed 6.8 micron CCD pixel that enables higher sensor resolutions while still retaining the performance required by professional photographers for sensitivity, dynamic range, and color fidelity. As a comparison of how large the Kodak sensors are, Canon’s full framed CMOS sensor is 35.8 x 23.9mm in size.

General manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions operations, Chris McNiffe stated that “Our new image sensors nearly double the resolution available for professional photography – helping bring images to life in a way never before possible,” he goes on further and says “Kodak offers the broadest image sensor portfolio with the highest resolutions for medium-format photography, providing camera and camera back manufacturers great flexibility to meet the varied demands and requirements of their users. These products are further examples of Kodak’s ability to leverage our legacy of innovation to provide products that uniquely meet our customers’ needs – whatever market they may serve.”

A pioneer in imaging science, Kodak develops and supplies both CCD and CMOS image sensors for applications ranging from medical and industrial imaging to digital cameras and mobile phones for consumer markets. Earlier this year, Kodak announced the first CMOS image sensors to arise from its manufacturing alliance with IBM (the KAC-5000 and KAC-3100 Image Sensors), and an agreement to license key CMOS Image Sensor manufacturing technology to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the world’s largest dedicated semiconductor foundry. When combined with the CCD announcements made today, Kodak is again demonstrating its ability to continue as a leading supplier of high-performance CCD image sensors while also providing innovative image sensors for mass-market consumer applications.

The image sensors join the other three KODAK image sensors targeted to the medium-format market.
1. the KAF-16802, which provides 16 million pixels in a square optical configuration;
2. the 22 million pixel KAF-22000, which set the previous high-resolution benchmark for this market; and
3. the KAF-18000, a new 18 million pixel image sensor that offers a unique combination of sensitivity, resolution, and frame rate.

These senors have been widely adopted by the leading manufacturers of cameras and camera backs for medium format photography, and is utilized extensively in products developed by Phase One and Victor Hasselblad AB.

CEO of Phase One, Henrik Håkonsson says “Phase One is pushing the cutting edge of digital imaging technology for professional photographers,” and “Kodak’s family of medium-format CCD sensors has allowed us to offer a portfolio of state-of-the-art solutions that provide the exceptional image quality and performance that customers have come to expect from Phase One.”

CEO of Hasselblad, Christian Poulsen says “Kodak continues to set the standard for high-quality digital image sensors,” and “Our customers paint pictures with light, requiring the ability to capture even the most delicate and subtle features of an image. The technologies and products provided by Kodak allow us to offer cameras to professional photographers that deliver on these high expectations.”

It will be interesting who else will use these sensors and whether other sensor manufacturers will follow suit and increase their sizes. With Canon already having a full framed sensor it will be interesting if Nikon will follow its lead.

Source: KODAK