The company’s new KODAK KAF-8300CE image sensor has been selected by Olympus Corporation of Japan for use in the new Olympus EVOLT E-300 (E-300 in Japan and Europe) camera system, the second digital camera designed by Olympus for the growing Four Thirds System standard (see today’s related news from Olympus, “Introducing the Olympus E-300 digital SLR”). The KAF-8300CE image sensor allows Olympus to manufacture an affordable, standardized camera for the advanced amateur and professional photography markets.

The KODAK KAF-8300CE sensor is an enhanced 8.3 million pixel (megapixel) CCD sensor that uses a new 5.4 micron pixel design to provide high-resolution digital images ideal for advanced amateur and professional photography. Specific benefits of the KAF-8300CE image sensor include:

Resolution: Utilizing a new 5.4 micron pixel design, this 8.3 million pixel sensor provides the highest resolution available for Four Thirds System cameras.

Image Quality: Leveraging Kodak’s advanced Full-Frame CCD technology, the KAF-8300CE offers ultra-wide dynamic range and low system noise to capture fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas of an image, as well as excellent color fidelity for sharp images with brilliant colors.

Photosensitivity: Designed to match the optical characteristics of the EVOLT E-300 camera and Four Thirds System lenses, the KAF-8300CE provides high sensitivity (effective ISO) for image capture under low-light conditions with both standard as well as wide-angle lenses. Jointly announced by Olympus and Kodak, the Four Thirds System standard represents a breakthrough in digital camera design. Digital from the ground up, the Four Thirds System frees camera makers from the burden of providing compatibility with the traditional camera and lens formats used in film-based imaging, allowing them to optimize all the elements of digital camera design to achieve excellent quality and high functionality in a more compact camera system. Relative to traditional 35-mm format digital cameras, Four Thirds System cameras are fully optimized for digital image capture, allowing cameras such as the EVOLT E-300 to deliver high performance and outstanding image quality. The EVOLT E-300 camera from Olympus builds on the success of their original Four Thirds System digital SLR camera, the E-1.

“Response to the Olympus E-1 camera has been very positive,” said Mr. Hiroshi Komiya, Group President of Imaging System Group, Olympus Corporation. “Through our continued relationship with Kodak, we are very pleased to expand our Four Thirds product offerings to include the new EVOLT E-300 camera. Kodak’s commitment to the Four Thirds standard and their ability to deliver high quality digital image sensors has allowed us to design and build camera systems with the image quality, resolution and performance that customers have come to expect from Olympus.”

Kodak and Olympus are members of the Universal Digital Interchangeable Lens System Forum, an industry forum that promotes the acceptance of the Four Thirds System by camera manufacturers. The delivery of the KODAK KAF-8300CE image sensor demonstrates Kodak’s continued commitment to the Forum as well as to working with customers to deliver image sensors that address specific market needs and design standards.

“Kodak is proud to continue working with Olympus to make Four Thirds System digital cameras available for both professional and advanced amateur photographers,” said Chris McNiffe, general manager, Kodak Image Sensor Solutions. “Our ever-evolving product set demonstrates Kodak’s continued commitment to advance the digital imaging market, providing value not only to Kodak as a company but to our customers as well.”

The new image sensor is the latest addition to Kodak’s extensive line of image sensors, delivering the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in imaging sensors, Kodak develops, manufactures, and markets solid-state charged-coupled device (CCD) image sensors for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging applications to digital cameras and machine vision products.

The KODAK KAI-8300CE image sensor is currently available. For specific ordering information and lead times, please contact Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company at (585) 722-4385 or by email at http://www.kodak.com/go/imagers.