New Cameras Announced at CeBIT

: Kodak, Konica Minolta and Olympus released details of new digital cameras at the CeBIT international Trade Show in Hannover, which opened on 18 March.
Kodak showcased the new Kodak professional DCS Pro SLR/c which features a full 35mm frame sized 14 megapixel CMOS sensor that produces image files with 4536 x 3024 pixels and 12-bit colour depth. Unlike recent previous Kodak DSLRs, the new model has a Canon lens mount and features an enhanced optical transmission system that further increases image quality – particularly with tungsten light sources. . The SLR/c supports an ISO range of 6 to 1600 and can deliver variable resolution RAW files.

It also has a shutter speed range from 30 to 1/6000 seconds and features flash sync of 1/180 second with a Focal Plane (FP) flash mode up to 1/6000 of a second when using an EX-series Speedlite. An infrared remote shutter release trigger is also provided. Dual card slots are provided for CF and/or MMC/SD cards and images can be written to each card type simultaneously in any combination of the three available formats. FireWire connectivity – adds speed to the photographers’ workflow. The new camera is expected to begin shipping in May, 2004. Details can be found at www.kodak.com/go/professional.
Konica Minolta’s G600 is a 6-megapixel upgrade from the G500 and features a 1/1.76-inch 6.40-megapixel CCD sensor and GT Hexanon lens plus new A*IPS image processing system. A new Signal Processing Engine enables a 1.3-second start-up time and significantly reduces the interval between shots. The compact camera body has dual card slots for Memory Sticks and SD cards and the menu system includes functions that allow users to fine-tune colours and create special effects. Details can be found at www.konicaminolta.com.

Olympus announced two cameras for worldwide distribution at CeBIT, the entry-level 3.2 million pixel C-160 and the 6-megapixel C-60 Zoom. The former weighs only 154 grams and features automatic exposure, focusing and ISO systems, white balance and an integrated flash. Portrait, Self Portrait, Night Scene and Landscape shooting modes are provided.

The C-60 Zoom has a fast (f2.8) 3x zoom lens with focal length equivalent to 38-110mm on a35mm camera and a stylish, full metal body. Features include TruePic TURBO image processing, a ‘Sunshine’ LCD monitor, shooting mode settings for P, A, S and M plus Six scene programs (Portrait, Self-Portrait, Night Scene, Sports, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait). Both the new cameras record video clips with sound and both support PictBridge direct printing.

For more information, go to www.olympus.com.