Kodak announces 39 megapixel image sensor

[Xithras]

http://www.tgdaily.com/2005/10/21/kodak_39mpixel/index.html

When the prices come down from their current $20,000 mark, I may finally have to scrap my film cameras. I can't justify ditching my film cameras for D-SLR's with equal resolution, but 39 megapixel is so far beyond 35mm it isn't even funny. Actually, the resolution on this thing would be better than all medium format cameras, and would completly consign both 35mm and medium format to the history books. Aside from the few pro's who still shoot large format film (which is estimated to be about the equivalent of 100-150 megapixels), film is now officially dead.

[F.Gordon]

1. "starting at $20,000"

???????????

That's pretty incredible... but I think it'd be cheaper to hire a world famous photographer....

I don't think film will ever die. Well... not before I do. But it sure seems like the technology is moving incredibly fast.

[BamaGirl]

2. "film is now officially dead"

Gawd, let's hope not! I just got my medium format camera dammit! I doubt I'll ever make enough money to justify a $20,000 camera lol.

[Xithras]

3. Medium format with good film is about 25 megapixels resolution

I didn't mean that film is dead today, but this announcement certainly shows that the end is indeed near. These cameras may carry a $20,000 price tag today, but how long will it take for mass production to bring those prices down? 5 years? What is a reasonable price point for a camera that takes images 50% sharper than modern medium format cameras?

More interestingly, what's this going to do to the rest of the digital camera market? I shoot 35mm film because a decent SLR loaded with a quality film like Velvia 50 or Reala 100 can get the equivalent of 10-12 megapixels out of the camera. I can't justify spending a thousand dollars on 10 megapixel digital SLR that will merely "match" the quality of my current film camera.

But with this technology hitting the market and invariably driving the cost of lower resolution cameras down, the whole situation changes. Would I spend $300-$400 on a 10-12 megapixel digital SLR? In a heartbeat. When these new monster cameras come down to a reasonable price range, my trusty Mamiya will also begin collecting dust on a shelf.

Film isn't dead quite yet, but its days are numbered and the countdown has begun. The length of its life at this point really depends on how hurried the manufacturers are to get this new tech to a reasonable prosumer price point.

[BamaGirl]

4. I don't see the price coming down like that any time soon, not in 5 years.

I'd love to have a $300-$400 Fuji S3 lol. But you're right. There's no way I'm not spending two grand for it. My 35mm's will do just as well, and now I have the Bronica too.

I can't see giving up film though. I'm just starting to get somewhere as it is, and don't even want to think about switching over to digital. Plus there's the ritual and feel of film. My dad wants us to switch. I'm dragging my feet. I just don't want to go digital, no matter how good or affordable it might get. :shrug:

Speaking of film, have you shot Fuji NHG? I need something that can handle olive skin tones and not get wacky on me, and I have some of this but haven't used it yet. I need to go look at B & H and see what I can get in 120.

[Xithras]

5. No, I don't usually use 120 for portraits.

I actually don't use my Mamiya all that often...I just drag it out for the occasional vacation or road trip where I want to do some high quality landscape photography. I keep a few rolls of Reala in the freezer for those trips, and haven't ever used anything but Reala in the camera. Yes, it is slightly funky with the skin tones :)

I usually shoot portraits in 35mm and use Fuji NPC for that, so I'm afraid that I can't offer much advice on the NHG. I can tell you that it has a good reputation and that many wedding photographers like it, but that's all second hand info.

[BamaGirl]

6. I like 35mm for portraits but

My dad is a wedding photographer and he wants me to do more of the portraits, which he does in medium format. (Normally I'm the photojournalist side of the operation ;)) Anyway, usually we use Kodak Portra NC for weddings. We haven't used this Fuji before and apparently I get to be the guinea pig. :P

Landscape photography is not my strong suit. I'll have to give Reala a try with this camera.