Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Pentax is likely to show at Photokina 2006 shortly, if ever, it's previously announced 645 MF camera with a Kodak KAF-18000CE 18MP image sensor. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0503/05031603kodakkaf18000.asp
"Pixel pitch is 9 x 9 µm, no other specs are currently available but if we assume a 4:3 aspect ratio we can guess the total pixel size to be something like 4992 x 3744 which would make the active sensor area approximately 45 x 34 mm (a 1.3x FOV crop for a 645 medium format camera)."
From the Pentax Press Release"
"The new KAF-18000CE image sensor leverages Kodak’s 9-micron pixel design and color technology for exceptional image quality, sensitivity, dynamic range, and color fidelity. With 18.6 million total pixels, the sensor provides an output resolution of 18 megapixels to capture images with exceptional clarity and detail. New to the KAF-18000CE is a dual-output architecture that enables faster sensor read-out times, allowing camera designers to achieve increased frame rates in their final camera designs. With this unique combination of image quality and speed, the KAF-18000CE provides manufacturers an affordable image sensor that is ideal for landscape, fashion, or wedding photography"
It will use the standard interchangeable smc Pentax 645-series lenses. We don't know however, when Pentax will put on stores shelves or the price!
It is planned that this body will eventually be fitted with a 30MP sensor.
We hope that this camera will really take on and help provide good choices for MF photography. The fact that the camera is in one integrated unit, dedicated so from the start, is likey to mean lower costs and a better camera. Still, we need to know more specifics.
Frame rate, buffer capacity, live view, control by computer, screen and of course, image quality.
Picking 18 MP should allow Pentax to deliver a fast high quality image with great dynamic range, but we'll have to see.
The rumors had been for a 22 MP chip, but 18MM will be fine if the 9 micron pixels are harnessed well and the price is below $10,000 - $12,000.
We'll update as news is available. Feel free to comment and add news. Rumors, state as such of course.
Asher
"Pixel pitch is 9 x 9 µm, no other specs are currently available but if we assume a 4:3 aspect ratio we can guess the total pixel size to be something like 4992 x 3744 which would make the active sensor area approximately 45 x 34 mm (a 1.3x FOV crop for a 645 medium format camera)."
From the Pentax Press Release"
"The new KAF-18000CE image sensor leverages Kodak’s 9-micron pixel design and color technology for exceptional image quality, sensitivity, dynamic range, and color fidelity. With 18.6 million total pixels, the sensor provides an output resolution of 18 megapixels to capture images with exceptional clarity and detail. New to the KAF-18000CE is a dual-output architecture that enables faster sensor read-out times, allowing camera designers to achieve increased frame rates in their final camera designs. With this unique combination of image quality and speed, the KAF-18000CE provides manufacturers an affordable image sensor that is ideal for landscape, fashion, or wedding photography"
It will use the standard interchangeable smc Pentax 645-series lenses. We don't know however, when Pentax will put on stores shelves or the price!
It is planned that this body will eventually be fitted with a 30MP sensor.
We hope that this camera will really take on and help provide good choices for MF photography. The fact that the camera is in one integrated unit, dedicated so from the start, is likey to mean lower costs and a better camera. Still, we need to know more specifics.
Frame rate, buffer capacity, live view, control by computer, screen and of course, image quality.
Picking 18 MP should allow Pentax to deliver a fast high quality image with great dynamic range, but we'll have to see.
The rumors had been for a 22 MP chip, but 18MM will be fine if the 9 micron pixels are harnessed well and the price is below $10,000 - $12,000.
We'll update as news is available. Feel free to comment and add news. Rumors, state as such of course.
Asher
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