Thread: Kodak's DCS 620 digital camera

Kodak new Pro digital camera.

New version of Kodak's DCS 620 digital camera, the Kodak DCS 620x. Based on the same Nikon F5 body as its older sibling, the DCS 620x is targeted at photographers shooting fast action or in low-light conditions, including sports/action, medical and scientific imaging, government, military and law enforcement. It features a new 2 mega pixel indium tin oxide CCD, CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) color filter array pattern, low-noise electronics, and software noise reduction feature, and offers features ISO settings ranging from 400 to 6400 with a significant improvement in image quality.



The improvement comes thanks to lower dye absorption and increased color signal, with resulting improvements in signal to noise ratio. A document which we're providing for download from Kodak's Advanced Development Manager, Stephen A. Noble, explains the theory behind the benefits of the CMY color filter array in greater detail.

Two points in the specifications of the new camera are worth elaborating on somewhat... Whilst the DCS 620x has a maximum ISO of 6400, Kodak does note that it is only calibrated up to ISO 4000. The reasoning behind this is apparently that whilst the camera is only capable of the extremely high ISO 6400 setting with the possibility of reduced image and color quality, early users felt that in low light situations the trade-off of quality for speed was still very much worthwhile. The camera also doesn't offer ISO settings below 400; the reasoning being that it is targeted at photographers requiring high speed or low-light performance where ISO 400 is realistically an absolute minimum.
Here's a list of specifications for the DCS 620x highlighted by Kodak in their press release:



TECHNICAL SPACE:-
*2-megapixel (1736 x 1160) 13um, ITO, CCD sensor.
*Flexible ISO of 400 – 6400 (calibrated from ISO 400-4000).
*Serial port for GPS receivers and direct cellular telephone connectivity.
*Burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, and a sustained burst depth of 12 images.
*Patented on-board histogram lets photographers verify exposure accuracy on the spot.
*Cast magnesium alloy body ensures high durability, while its light weight makes it ideal for field use.
*Calibrated color response and the TTL auto color balance option ensure that the camera adjusts image color to match the light source.
*36-bit color (12 bits per channel) for capturing color and detail in shadows and highlights.
*Interval meter to enable automated capture over timed intervals for remote applications.
*Open Application Programmer Interface (API) lets third-party developers write their own custom software applications.
*Color liquid crystal display (LCD) provides instant review of images.
*IEEE 1394 interface provides fast and reliable transfer of images.
*Voice annotation provides audio notebook to document specific shots.
*Dual PC card storage interface offers storage flexibility.
*Delivers 6MB finished files in 24 bit RGB.
*Onboard JPEG compression with three levels of resolution.
*Removable batteries for easy transport and recharge.
*New NiMH batteries for extended battery life.
*Improved version 5.9.1 Adobe PhotoShop Plug in / TWAIN acquire software tools.