Kodak CCD Image Sensor Powers First Olympus Digital-SLR Camera for Emerging Four Thirds System Standard

Rochester, NY, June 24, 2003 – Eastman Kodak Company today announced that Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. of Japan has selected an enhanced version of the Kodak KAF-5101CE charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor for its new Olympus E-1 Digital Single Lens Reflex (D-SLR) camera system, the first digital camera designed for the emerging Four Thirds System standard.

The enhanced KAF-5101CE was designed and developed in conjunction with Olympus to match the exact optical characteristics of the E-1 camera. By closely coupling the KAF-5101CE CCD image sensor with its new interchangeable lens family and digital image processing system, Olympus has developed a camera system offering professional-grade image capture, fast photographic speed, and broad user versatility.

The Kodak KAF-5101CE sensor is an enhanced 5.1 million pixel full-frame color CCD sensor that provides high-resolution digital images ideal for the professional and advanced amateur markets. Specific benefits of the new KAF-5101CE image sensor include:

    Image Quality – leverages Kodak's advanced Full-Frame CCD technology to provide ultra-wide dynamic range for rendering fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas and excellent color fidelity for sharp images with brilliant colors;

    Speed – 4/3-type image sensor enables camera designs with extremely low shutter lag, fast shutter speeds and rapid read-out for high image burst rates;

    Size – designed to match the new Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses resulting in a new class of camera lenses that are more compact and half the size and weight of the equivalent focal length lenses for traditional 35 mm cameras for improved portability;

    Photo-sensitivity – matching the 4/3-type imager and lenses enables wide-angle photography and improved sensitivity (effective ISO) for image capture in dimly lit photographic conditions.

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-5101CE 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.