Kodak DCS Pro 14n: 14 Million Reasons To Go Digital Concluding Thoughts… Mixed Feelings... All in all, the DCS14n is indeed a mixed bag of fish. Given its obviously superior image quality and full-frame sensor size, this would be the dream camera for many photographers, both professionals and enthusiasts alike. As a matter-of-fact, many Nikon loyalists were looking to the DCS-14n to provide strong competition to Canon's EOS 1Ds, given their similar sensor dimensions and pixelcount of the files. However, the presence of image noise at even moderately high ISO settings, awkward vertical shutter release and slow startup time all alludes to the fact that the DCS-14n is not the ideal camera for most. But like Gimli the Dwarf from LOTR, the bulky, squat form factor of the camera hides a strength and durability that would surpass most cameras available now. It all made perfect sense after some discussion with Jed Wee about the intended uses of the DCS-14n. Imagine if you will, the DCS-14n being used in a studio, controlled environment, where high ISO settings are not necessary, time and care is taken to ensure that the picture is perfect and image quality is the most important factor of all. In that aspect, the 14n is a superb performer. I can envisage it as a replacement for medium format cameras and digital backs, capable of the high standards and meeting the expectations of professional organizations such as advertising agencies, stock photo houses, product and studio photographers and so on. When taken the time to get comfortable with the strengths and limitations of the DCS-14n, it can be a powerful photographic tool. Future firmware upgrades form Kodak should hopefully eradicate some of the more annoying quirks. I must emphasize this again - due to the lack of time with the DCS-14n, this review is a fairly superficial one, and certain aspects are not dealt with in-depth, or not covered at all (including topics such as flash performance, file writing times, all of which are sadly missing). I'm sure a lot of Kodak users would disagree with many of my views and comments, but I freely welcome feedback to my email at larry@larryloh.com. This is merely an effort to present one user's point of view about this new offering from Kodak, so take it with a pinch of salt and enjoy.