PCPhoto

Short Report: Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

This full-frame 14-megapixel camera pushes the envelope

By Ibarionex R. Perello

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SR: Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

The Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n is designed to meet the demands of many pro shooters. A 14-megapixel CCD, improved noise reduction, larger image buffer and powerful image software for an efficient workflow make it a formidable challenger for the top digital SLR position.

A successor to the DCS Pro 14n, Kodak’s latest full-frame SLR builds on the solid foundation of the previous model while addressing some of the limits of the original camera, specifically camera noise. This has been reduced significantly, providing much cleaner images in its normal range of ISO 160 to 800. However, for optimal quality, we recommend setting the camera for no higher than 400.

Accepting Nikon F-mount lenses, the camera’s 24x36mm full-frame sensor matches that of a standard 35mm frame and does away with the lens magnification factor experienced with other digital SLR systems. This is a big advantage when using wide-angle lenses.

Kodak has increased the buffer memory, allowing for a burst rate of up to 19 frames at 1.7 fps in its RAW mode. While not fast enough for pro sports photography, it’s nevertheless a welcome improvement for many other photographers.

Although the camera and the included Desk Photo software make it easy to work within a RAW workflow, its special ERI JPEG file format allows for much of the flexibility of RAW with a smaller file size. Extended Range Imaging allows two-stop exposure correction when the image is opened through Kodak’s software or a Photoshop plug-in, allowing for the salvaging of images that were slightly overexposed. This is beneficial for photographers who like the insurance of a RAW workflow, but without the additional processing steps it requires.

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