Kodak next-generation CMOS sensor in entry-level digicam

New sensor offers 2X to 4X improvement in light sensitivity thanks to a new colour filter.
In a surprise move, image company Kodak has decided to use its new revolutionary CMOS image sensor in an entry-level 5MP/3X-optical zoom digital camera.
Originally announced on June 14, the new KAC-05011 CMOS sensor adds new panchromatic or “all colour” pixels to the traditional red, green and blue pixels to allow the sensor to establish more accurate light levels for all three primary colours.
But while the new image sensor was originally described as “groundbreaking” in its initial press release, the company has decided to be its first customer but use the sensor in a low-cost budget entry-level digicam, the EASYSHARE C513.
Kodak’s rationale is that the C513 shows off exactly what the image sensor was designed to do – make a decent photographer out of anyone who can basically hold a camera.
Kodak hopes to also sell a truckload of these cameras, pricing it at a very competitive $US79.95.
Image size is 2592x1944-pixels and images are captured in JPEG format. In addition to the CMOS sensor, the C513 incorporate digital image stabilisation with shutter speed range of between ½ and 1/1400th second.

While the camera can also capture video, the specifications are below par for typical cameras these days with VGA (640x480-pixel) capture only at 15fps (frames per second) and QVGA (320x240-pixels) at 24fps. The C513 comes with 16MB of on-board flash storage but supports SecureDigital (SD) flash memory cards.
Taking advantage of the increase in high-definition widescreen televisions, the C513 in addition to capturing 5MP images, can also capture 1920x1080-pixel stills suitable for use on HD LCD televisions.
Power for the C513 is provided by two low-cost AA-size batteries. Alkalines are provided in the kit although we recommend you consider NiMH cells for added firepower and vesting lower running costs.
“The C513 provides consumers true value through easy-to-use and intuitive technology at an affordable price, thanks to the efficiencies that Kodak’s CMOS technology has brought to camera design,” said John Blake, General Manager, KODAK Digital Capture and Devices. “Traditionally, CMOS has allowed for lower cost camera design but was not able to provide top image quality. Kodak has changed that dynamic with the introduction of a digital camera at a remarkably affordable price without compromising image quality or camera function.”
The C513 comes with software for both Windows and Mac OS computers but requires at least Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.3 or newer operating systems.
The camera retails for $US79.95 and will be available in August 2007.