Kodak DCS Pro 14n: 14 Million Reasons To Go Digital by Larry Loh Specs @ A Glance ISO Settings: 80 to 800 (depending on resolution) 13.89 million total pixels (4560 x 3048 CMOS Sensor) 3-, 6-, and 14-megapixel variable resolution File size: 41 MB full-resolution TIFF file Kodak Extended Range Imaging Technology (ERI) for image storage and protection Bit depth: 36-bit color (12 bits per color) original capture Nikon F-mount (compatible with Nikon lenses and accessories) Full-frame, 35 mm-size CMOS sensor (no focal length multiplier) First Impressions… It's understandably with some excitement and eagerness that I awaited the arrival of the Kodak DCS Pro 14n (hence after known as the DCS-14n) review unit from the local office. After all, this is the first full-frame Nikon F-mount contender to Canon's EOS 1Ds, with an even bigger pixelcount at close to 14 million pixels (compared to the 1Ds' 11 million). Anticipation has been building up among Nikon enthusiasts for some time now, ever since its announcement in September 2002. After all, portrait and event shooters have been lamenting the lack of a full-frame sensor since the first Nikon digital SLR was launched. And at the recommended retail price (RRP) of US$5000 (approx. SG$8000), the DCS-14n is a serious price contender, being at least US$3000 lower than the pricetag of the Canon EOS 1Ds. When the package arrived, my first reaction was a mixed one. In all honesty, the form factor of the14n reminded me of Gimli the Dwarf from the Lord of the Ring movie epic - short, muscular and not very graceful. It was bulging with packed electronics and looked as different as it could be from the Nikon F80 body on which the DCS-14n is based. The base of the body was much broader and sports an integrated vertical shutter release (a feature sadly lacking on the Nikon D100 or Fuji S2 Pro), as well as the standard DTTL-enabled hotshoe and pop-up flash. I subjected it to my usual "gut feel" test - handling the weight and grip in my hands, trying out the various control buttons and switches (which follows the familiar interface of the F80) and generally testing it for how comfortable it feels initially. The re-designed magnesium body definitely feels greatly more durable and robust than the more "plasticky" feel of the D100 and S2 Pro. The weight is reassuring and makes for solid handling and grip. The vertical grip is slightly on the broad side (making vertical shooting slightly awkward) and would suit larger hands better, while the normal grip is more inclined to standard hand sizes. The design of the DCS-14n is a definite step towards a softer, more rounded body, departing from the traditional form factor of the SLR camera. No Stranger To Pro Digital Cameras Kodak is certainly no stranger to the world of professional digital camera bodies. It was over a decade ago in 1991 that Kodak released the DCS 100, arguably the first pro-rated digital camera based on the Nikon F3 camera body. The DCS 100 was followed by the DCS 200, which was based on the Nikon 8008 body. With the release of the DCS-14n, Kodak evidently aims to make new waves in the professional digital arena. The image technology, full-frame 35mm CMOS sensor, price range and pixelcount makes for a very compelling package, especially for stock photo agencies, design houses, publishing companies and the like. With that, let's take a good long look at the Kodak DCS Pro 14n Onwards to the Review Proper!