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Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n


Review posted 03/20/04


Click to take a QuickTime VR tour of the Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n
Click to take a QuickTime VR tour of the Pro SLR/n


The 2004 Kodak DCS Professional SLR/n is nearly identical to its predecessor, the Pro 14n on the outside, but on the inside is a totally new 24-by-36mm full-frame image sensor. This large-area CMOS sensor incorporates advanced High Performance-Low Noise (HPLN) technology, incorporating a unique new pixel design and an optimized device manufacturing process that enables increased sensitivity and reduced noise levels that result in broader ISO performance.

When combined with the new "Expert-Level" noise reduction tools in the latest release of KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Photo Desk software, the camera delivers the highest resolution of any digital SLR with an ISO range that meets the needs of a wide variety of professional photographers. The new sensor also incorporates an enhanced optical transmission system that further increases image quality - particularly with tungsten light sources - and is supported by new digital and analogue electronics. Consistent with the recent generation of DCS Professional cameras from Kodak, photographers can select the appropriate image size - full 14MP, 6MP, and 3MP - that suits the shooting environment.

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Photographers will have the benefit of a fully calibrated ISO range of 6-50 and 160-800, while those that utilize DCS raw files can also access a non-calibrated ISO range that extends from 1000 to 1600. Aside from a broad ISO range, the camera's feature set includes long-exposure capabilities, enabling exposures up to 60 seconds at lower ISO settings, a full resolution raw image burst depth of ~19 frames with the camera's generous 512 MB RAM buffer and a hardware "sleep mode" that helps to conserve battery life when the camera is not in use.

The Pro SLR/n captures images at about 1.7 frames per second. Images can be saved as DCR raw files, normal JPEG files or ERI JPEG files. The ERI-JPEG files serve as another form of picture protection for photographers, especially in situations where re-shooting is inconvenient. They provide two stops of exposure latitude and extended color space within a JPEG workflow - a benefit no competitor offers.


Pro SLR/n Features:

  • Full-frame 36 x 24mm, 13.89-million pixel CMOS imager
  • Kodak RAW and ERI-JPEG images up to 4500 x 3000 pixels
  • Selectable image resolutions: 13.5MP, 6MP, 3.4MP
  • Simultaneous capture of RAW and JPEG files
  • 36-bit color depth (12 bits per color)
  • Nikon-F mount lens compatibility
  • ISO 6 to 50 (Longer Exposure Mode), ISO 160 to 800 calibrated
  • Selectable aspect cropping: 3:2, 4:5 or 2:2
  • 5-Area AF with tracking and closest subject priority
  • TTL exposure metering: 3D-Color Matrix, Center-weighted and 4mm Spot
  • 1.7fps Burst with a depth of ~19 frames at full resolution
  • Builtin flash with Red-eye mode, Guide No. 12
  • Flash hot shoe for Nikon Speedlights and PC sync port
  • Vertical portrait release and orientation sensor
  • Shutter speeds: 2 sec. to 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb
  • 2.0" color LCD for image analysis and user menus
  • Durable but lightweight metal body with familiar SLR functionality
  • Lithium rechargeable battery with charger/AC adapter
  • Composite video out, NTSC or PAL format
  • IEEE 1394 FireWire interface provides up to 12MB/sec transfer rate
  • Voice annotation provides audio notebook to document specific shots.
  • CompactFlash Type 2 and SD/MMC card slots for storage flexibility.
  • Downloadable firmware upgrades and host software
  • Intervalometer to enable time-lapse image capture for remote applications.


The Kodak DCS Professional SLR/n will be available from authorized Kodak Pro dealers for a retail price of $4,995.00. Kodak Pro is also offering an upgrade for existing Pro 14n owners that turns their cameras into SLR/n models for $1,495.00.



Physical Views



Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n





Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak Pro SLR/n and Canon EOS 10D




Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

Kodak Pro SLR/n and Nikon D100





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DCS Pro SLR/n Specifications
Camera type: Interchangeable lens digital SLR
Lens mount: Nikon-F
Focal Multiplier: None (Full-frame)
Imager: 36 mm x 24 mm, 36-bit, RGB CMOS
13.89 million Total pixels (4560 x 3048)
13.5 million Effective pixels
RAW Resolution: 4500 x 3000 (13.5 MP)
3000 x 2000 (6 MP)
2250 x 1500 (3.4 MP)
ERI-JPEG Resolution: 4500 x 3000 (13.5 MP)
3000 x 2000 (6 MP)
2250 x 1500 (3.4 MP)
1125 x 750 (0.8 MP)
Bit depth: 36-bit color (12 bits per color) original capture
Aspect ratio: Selectable crop: 3:2, 4:5 or 2:2
Image type: Kodak proprietary DCR raw format
Kodak ERI-JPEG user-selectable compression level
ISO equivalents: Calibrated 6 to 50 (Longer Exposure Mode)
Calibrated 160 to 800 (Normal Exposure Mode, 1/3 stop increments)
Uncalibrated 1000-1600 (DCS RAW files only)
Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speeds: 2 secs to 1/4000 (in 1/3 stop increments) plus Bulb
Recording modes: Programmed AE w/Shift
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Full Manual
Continuous recording: 1.7 frames per second
Burst Depth:
(512MB buffer)		 13.5 MP Raw - 18 frames
13.5 MP Raw + 13.5 MP JPEG - 5 frames
13.5 MP JPEG - 13 frames
6.0 MP Raw - 20 frames
3.4 MP Raw - 20 frames
Color LCD: 2.0" TFT active matrix, 130,000-dot
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism
Magnification: 0.75X (50mm lens @ infinity)
Diopter adjustment: +0.8 to -1.8 DP
Eyepoint: 17 mm
Coverage: Approx. 92% horizontal and vertical
Viewfinder information: Focus indication, Focus Area, Metering System, AE Lock indicator, Shutter speed, aperture, Exposure mode, Electronic Analog Exposure display/Exposure Compensation display, Exposure Compensation/Flash Exposure Compensation value, Flash Exposure Compensation indicator, Exposure Compensation indicator, Flash Ready indicator, Focus brackets/Spot Metering area, Reference Circle for Center-Weighted metering, On-demand grid lines
Focusing screen: NIKON Clear Matte Screen 2 with focus brackets and on-demand grid lines
Top LCD information: Shutter speed/Exposure Compensation value, Flash Exposure Compensation indicator, Exposure Compensation indicator, Flexible Program indicator, Flash Sync mode, Auto Exposure Bracketing, Focus Area, Battery power, Custom Setting, Aperture, Bracketing Bar graph
Back LCD information: Capture information (interactive): White Balance, ISO, CF and SD Cards, JPEG quality, Raw and JPEG resolution, Crop aspect ratio, Microspect ratio Review information (read only): Current image number, current folder number, Crop aspect ratio, White Balance, Resolution, ISO. Tool tips
Accessory shoe: NIKON Speedlight accessory shoe, standard ISO-type compatible, D-TTL compatible with supporting Speedlights (SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-50DX)
Reflex mirror: Automatic, instant return type
Focusing system: Dynamic (5 area) autofocus, single or continuous AF
AF area mode: Single Area AF, Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF with Closest Subject Priority
Autofocus area: Five selectable focus areas with AF Focus Tracking
Autofocus mode: Single Servo AF with Focus-priority and Continuous Servo AF with Release-priority
AF detection range: Approx. EV -1 to EV +19 at ISO 100 with f/1.4
Auto-focus Assist: Integrated white light
AF lock:Possible once stationary subject is in focus in Single Servo AF; in Continuous Servo AF, focus can be locked with AE-L/AF-L button
Metering System: TTL full aperture exposure metering, three Metering systems available
Metering Modes: 3D Matrix
Center-Weighted (12 mm diameter)
Spot (4 mm diameter, approx. 1% of frame)
Metering range: EV0 to EV21 (ISO 100 with f/1.4)
EV compensation: -3 to +3EV in 1/2EV steps
AE Bracketing: 2 or 3 exposures, 1/2 EV steps
White balance: Automatic, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Flash, Custom, Kelvin
Flash mount: Hot shoe with Nikon-specific contacts, PC sync connector
Built-in Speedlight: Guide number 12 (at ISO 100,m) flash coverage 28mm or longer lens. ISO range 80-800
Flash sync: up to 1/125 sec.
Flash modes: Front-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync
Flash Exposure Compensation: +3 to -3 in 1/2 EV steps
Self-timer: 10 sec. default (2, 5, 10, 20 by Custom Setting)
Voice annotation: Microphone on back
Special features: Intervalometer (time lapse) mode
Orientation sensor
Vertical (portrait) shutter release
Custom Settings: Mirror Prerelease
Bracket Order
Grid Lines
Focus Area Light
Focus Area Wrap
Focus Area Lock
Soft Press AE-L
Single Servo AF
Continuous Servo AF
AE/AF Lock
Command Dial
Meter Off Time
Self Timer Time
Top LCD Light
AF Assist illuminator
Image Storage: 2 card slots:
    1 x CompactFlash Type II
    1 x SD/MMC Card
Data I/O: IEEE 1394 FireWire @ 12MB/sec
Remote Control: Mechanical remote release or Nikon compatible remote releases
Video Out: NTSC or PAL, selectable
Serial Port: Low-speed (300-57,600) serial port for GPS connection
Power source: Kodak Lithium 7.4v Pro SLR/n Battery pack
Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n Charger / AC Adapter (supplied)
Size: 5.16 in. tall, 6.22 in. wide, 3.5 in. deep
131 mm x 158 mm x 89 mm
Weight: 2 lbs. (907 g) without lens, memory card and battery
Lens compatibility: Use a CPU lens (except IX-NIKKOR) with your camera. D-type AF lenses provide access to all available functions.

If you use a non-CPU lens, F-- appears in place of the aperture indication in the Top Status LCD and viewfinder. You must set or confirm aperture using the lens aperture ring.

In addition:

  • You must use Manual Exposure mode. (The shutter will not release in other exposure modes
  • The exposure meter cannot be used.
  • Aperture cannot be set using the Sub-Command dial.
Host software: Kodak Professional DCS Photo Desk, Kodak Professional DCS Camera Manager, Kodak Professional Extended Range Imaging File Format Module
Warranty: One year or 30,000 shutter activations, whichever comes first.

(Specifications as provided by the manufacturer)





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