Kodak Rolls Out 50MP Image Sensor, Hasselblad Puts It to Work

Eastman Kodak has released its first 50MP image sensor, the KAF-50100, shattering the megapixel count of its previous KAF-39000 model. The KAF-50100 produces 150MB image files, and provides resolution capable of distingishing an object the size of a laptop computer within a 1.5 mile field of view, such as an aerial photo. The sensor is the same physical size (48mm x 36mm) as its previous 39 megapixel model. This is twice the size of the 24mm x 36mm sensor used by full-frame DSLR cameras based on 35mm designs, such as Canon's EOS 5D, and achieves its higher MP count by using Kodak's new TRUESENSE 6.0 micron full frame CCD Technology platform. The image sensor has an 8176 x 6132 pixel array.

Don't expect to see this image sensor in an affordable DSLR, though. It's way too big - and too expensive ($1000 or more, according to industry sources interviewed by Tom's Hardware). But don't worry, an image sensor with a resolution this high is already going to work - and with a respected name in professional photography: Hasselblad.

Hasselblad Puts the KAF-50100 to Work

Swedish camera maker Hasselblad ("The system, not to be confused with a camera") is the first to adopt the new image sensor for its new H3DII-50 medium format DSLR, marking the latest milestone in a long history of cooperation between the companies. Hasselblad's partnership with Eastman Kodak goes back to young Victor Hasselblad's friendship with Kodak founder George Eastman, and the use of Kodak lenses in the company's first camera for commercial sales, the 1600F. Countless millions of rolls of yellow-boxed Kodak 120 and 220 film were used by the 1600F and its film-camera successors, including the classic 500C. More recently, Hasselblad used Kodak's 39MP image sensor in its H3DII-39.

Hasselblads have a long history as durable cameras used by studio and in-the-field professional photographers, so while you'll never see cameras incorporating the KAF-50100 or other medium format image sensors at your local big-box electronics store, your local portrait studio, advertising photographer, or aerial photography specialist might be using them.

See the Hasselblad website for more information about the H series' film and digital cameras, lenses, and accessories.

Images courtesy Hasselblad.