Kodak has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD (charge coupled device) 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 1-½ 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 color 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 to 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 utilize 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 color fidelity, while still retaining key performance parameters available from the larger, 6.8 micron pixel used in current products. With an 8176(H) x 6132(V) photoactive 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. Each pixel contains anti-blooming protection by means of a lateral overflow drain (LOD) thereby preventing image corruption during high light level conditions. A Pulse Flush Gate (PFG) is available to remove charge from every pixel. A Fast Dump Gate (FDG) is available to selectively remove a line of charge during readout. Each pixel is selectively covered with red, green or blue pigmented filters for color separation. The sensor is housed in a 52 pin, PGA package with 100 mil pin spacing.
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.