Kodak's New Sensor for Medium Format

For some time both Amateur and Professional 35mm photographers have been changing from conventional film to digital. However when a higher definition was required, the medium format user still used film. At Rochester, NY, October 20, 2005 Kodak announced the world's highest resolution sensors for medium format cameras the KAF-39000, 39 megapixels, and the smaller KAF-31600, 31.6 megapixels. Initially they will used in medium format backs.

As Kodak says the new sensors "offer professional camera and camera back manufacturers resolution and image detail that was once unimaginable for digital cameras, allowing photographers to experience a new level of image quality for portrait, wedding, landscape, fashion, studio and commercial photography. These new CCD image sensors have already been selected for use by Phase One A/S for use in their upcoming P45 and P30 digital camera backs."

“Our new image sensors nearly double the resolution available for professional photography – helping bring images to life in a way never before possible,” said Chris McNiffe, general manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions operations. “Kodak offers the broadest image sensor portfolio with the highest resolutions for medium-format photography, providing camera and camera back manufacturers great flexibility to meet the varied demands and requirements of their users. These products are further examples of Kodak’s ability to leverage our legacy of innovation to provide products that uniquely meet our customers’ needs – whatever market they may serve.”

So what will this mean for the future of film - time will tell.