I already posted this yesterday on PhotoRumors, but I think it will be of interest for the Leica crowd: few days ago Kodak announced a new 29MP full frame CCD sensor. Here are some of the characteristics of the new sensor (model name KAI-29050):
This new sensor could be of potential interest for Leica and their next M model (M10?) or for a potential mirrorless R solution.
Full press release after the break:
ROCHESTER, N.Y., November 2, 2010 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has set a new benchmark for high-resolution image capture with announcement of the KODAK KAI-29050 Image Sensor, the highest resolution CCD image sensor based on Interline Transfer technology.
With 29 million pixels, the KODAK KAI-29050 Image Sensor provides the critical level of detail required in demanding applied imaging applications such as industrial inspection, aerial photography, and security. Based on Interline Transfer CCD technology, the device combines exceptional image quality with a true electronic (or “global“) shutter – allowing high-quality image capture without the need for a mechanical shutter.
The KAI-29050 is the latest product to be based on the KODAK TRUESENSE 5.5-Micron Interline Transfer CCD Platform, an advanced technology that provides significant advances in pixel size, frame rate, and image quality. The entire family of products – ranging in resolution from 1 to 29 megapixels, and in 17 different resolution and color combinations – can be supported from a single set of electronics, simplifying camera design for manufacturers and shortening time-to-market for new camera products. The KAI-29050, as well as Kodak’s entire portfolio of Image Sensor products, will be on display at the Vision 2010 Trade Show, which opens Nov. 9 in Stuttgart, Germany.
“Camera manufacturers have responded very favorably to the ‘plug-and-play’ design of our 5.5-micron pixel product family, and have encouraged us to continue extending this platform to additional formats to allow them to serve an even broader set of customers,“ said Chris McNiffe, general manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions group. “Our new 29-megapixel image sensor nearly quadruples the resolution available in this product family, and brings the wide-ranging features of this platform to applications that require the highest level of image detail. With a portfolio that spans from 1 to 29 million pixels, customers now have great flexibility in selecting the best image sensor for their application without the need to sacrifice image quality or performance.“
The 29-megapixel KODAK KAI-29050 Image Sensor sets a new benchmark for high-resolution, low noise image capture for applied imaging markets. Designed in a 35mm optical format and supporting frame rates of up to four images per second, the new device shares the progressive-scan readout, broad dynamic range and excellent smear rejection available from other members of the KODAK TRUESENSE 5.5-Micron Interline Transfer CCD product family. Like other members of the 5.5-micron pixel portfolio, the image sensor is housed in a Pin Grid Array (PGA) package that shares pin-out and electrical definitions with the entire family of products, including the use of one package pin that can be used to identify the specific sensor being used. Lower resolution members of the portfolio, including the 1-megapixel KODAK KAI-01050 and 2-megapixel KODAK KAI-02050 Image Sensors, are also now available in a common Ceramic Leadless Chip Carrier (CLCC) package that enables development of more compact camera designs without sacrificing imaging performance.
This high degree of portfolio integration – based on the use of a common, high-performance pixel as well a shared package design – allows manufacturers to develop a single set of “plug-and-play“ camera electronics that can be used with all members of the image sensor family, simplifying camera development and shortening time to market for a full suite of cameras.
The KAI-29050 joins two other products – the 720p format KODAK KAI-01150 Image Sensor and the 1080p format KODAK KAI-02150 Image Sensor – as the first devices to use the KODAK TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern. This advanced technology provides a 2x to 4x increase in light sensitivity compared to a standard Bayer color sensor by adding panchromatic (or “clear“) pixels to the standard red, green, and blue elements that form the image sensor array. By offering full color image capture with the light sensitivity normally associated with a monochrome camera, this technology provides a critical performance advantage for light starved applications that require access to color detail. All three devices are also available in standard Bayer color and monochrome configurations.
The KODAK KAI-29050 Image Sensor is sampling today in limited quantities, with production scheduled for mid-2011. The KODAK KAI-01050 and KAI-02050 Image Sensors are available today in PGA packages, with CLCC packages scheduled to be available Q1, 2011. Engineering Grade devices of the KODAK KAI-01150 Image Sensor are available today in both PGA and CLCC packages, with Standard Grade devices scheduled to be available Q1, 2011. The KODAK KAI-02150 Image Sensor is available today in both PGA and CLCC packages.
