The megapixel wars continue as Kodak has just announced the KAF-50100 Image Sensor, a 50Mpixel (8176x6132 pixels) CCD sensor for large-format digital cameras. The sensor array measures 48x36mm (that's 1728 mm2). To keep on-chip speeds down, Kodak doubled the number of read channels on the sensor from the previous generation’s two to four. The net effect of this move is to double the number of output amplifiers and to halve the amplifiers’ bandwidth. The new sensor has four amplifiers running at 18 MHz as opposed to the previous generation’s two amplifiers running at 24 MHz. There’s less noise with this approach.
Another clever design trick is to add what Kodak is calling “pulse flushing,” which uses the anti-blooming drain in each receptor cell to drain the charge from all cells simultaneously just prior to exposure. In previous generations, the cells were drained by reading them out sequentially. Pulse flushing reduces the reset time on the sensor array from milliseconds to microseconds for faster “click to capture.”
In addition, Kodak has shifted the red microfilters 15nm towards blue to improve color accuracy. This change allows the sensor to get a better read on colors falling between the red and blue filters including yellow and orange. (Kodak’s familiar old yellow film boxes will be rendered more accurately, assuming you still have some around.)
Specs are here.
Sony has announced new Cyber-shot® DSC-T500 model enhancing it with high-definition movie recording capability. Users get to shot up to 10-megapixel stills and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second (3x higher resolution than standard-definition movies). The model also uses AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and stereo audio - known for its high compression rate producing high-quality video as well as small file sizes that are easy to download, upload and share. T500 is extensible with a Memory Stick® media card (media sold separately), which now has capacities up to 16 GB. Detailed specs are as following; wide (16:9), 3.5-inch touch panel LCD screen, Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens with a wide field of view (33 – 165 mm, 35 mm equivalency), Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and high sensitivity settings up to ISO3200. Sony DSC-T500 will ship in elegant black with a brushed metal finish in late September for about $400. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 29 at www.sonystyle.com.
The latest Olympus FE series cameras continue to impress for their user-friendliness, attractive pricing, and great image results. Like all Olympus cameras, they pack superior optical performance into compact dimensions. Boasting up to 5x optical zoom, these FE cameras allow users to get up close and personal with their subjects.
The high-grade optics matched with 8 Megapixels ensure premium image quality and precise picture details. In addition to internal memory, photos can be stored to xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. Find the newest Olympus FE cameras at a store near you this September for an approximate value of £119.99 for the FE-20, £129.99 for the FE-360, and £179.99 for the FE-370. Each model is also available in a choice of colours
The Olympus FE-20 unites strength and simplicity. The power of its 3x optical zoom and 8 Megapixels is always at your fingertips with this sleek and compact camera measuring just 21.5mm in depth. But don’t let its looks and features fool you – the FE-20 is fun and easy to use. Face Detection Technology makes it simple to capture your friends and family with optimal focus and exposure settings. And with Digital Image Stabilisation, ISO values of up to 1000 help prevent blur, so you can always be sure that your pictures will come out crisp and clear.
This stylish, powerful camera comes in silver or black, and its large 6.4cm/2.5” LCD makes framing and reviewing your shots a cinch. All of the latest FE series cameras follow a “one button, one function” design principle. Also on board are a help function and a multilingual menu for easy navigation and operation. The included Olympus Master Software also makes for easy photo handling on the computer. Internal memory is just one option for storing photos. Results can also be saved to xD-Picture Card or – thanks to the bundled attachment – on microSD Card too.
The newest additions to Olympus’ FE series – the FE-370, FE-360 and FE-20 – will hit the shelves in September 2008.
TOP TO BOTTOM, © Zhu Hao
Zhu Hao’s images of the city are focused on the objects that we often walk pass unnoticed. As an acute and sensitive photographer, Zhu Hao is immersed in the so-called “intoxication evoked by the object being shot” (Jean Baudillard). With the help of photography, he has gone deeper and deeper into the heart of reality’s fascination.
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 98 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 1 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 0.022 sec (1/45)
Aperture: f/29
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
