Although it has less features than the EOS 1Ds it is equally rugged
It is not equally rugged. The Canon is based upon the pro EOS 1 body, far more rugged and more environmentally sealed, whereas the Kodak is based upon the Nikon N80. Of course, it doesn't really matter for u/w shooters.
Regarding the above quote:
This is from Kodak:-
KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera
Questions and Answers
Will the DCS Pro 14n digital camera be available as originally anticipated?
Customer availability of the acclaimed Kodak Professional DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera, scheduled for mid-January, is being rescheduled to mid-February. Kodak Professional does have sample images taken with the DCS Pro 14n camera available for download. The rescheduling is necessary to make absolutely certain the 14n is built to the exact, demanding specifications of Kodak and its customers. "We regret the delay," said Madhav Mehra, General Manager, Digital Cameras, Kodak Professional. "But we believe this ground-breaking, innovative camera is well worth the wait. We're very pleased by the many orders we have received to date, and we're working to ensure our customers' absolute satisfaction."
Is there a problem?
The DCS Pro 14n digital camera is a complex piece of technology that is more a complete product invention than it is an incremental product improvement. It looks like we'll miss our original availability target by only a month or so, which is not a great deal of time, all things considered.
But if you weren't ready, why did you announce the DCS Pro 14n digital camera at Photokina?
Once again, it looks like we'll miss our announced availability date only by a month or so. It's also useful to remember that companies are continually trying to balance their development schedules and their marketing schedules. Photokina is a very important show and we believe it was important - both for Kodak and for the marketplace - to announce our new camera in that venue.
What is the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera and how does it differ from the DCS 760?
The DCS Pro 14n is the latest in six generations of single-lens-reflex KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Cameras and full digital workflow systems. The DCS Pro 14n is dramatically different from the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS 760 Digital Camera. The Pro 14n is a feature-rich digital SLR with a new electronics architecture, new camera body, and a full-size CMOS image sensor.
What is the difference between the CMOS sensor and the DCS 760 sensor?
The DCS 760 uses a traditional CCD image sensor with 6-million-pixel resolution. The DCS Pro 14n uses the newest professional CMOS sensor technology available and has 13.9 million total pixels. CMOS and CCD image-sensor technologies are distinctly different. CCD image sensors are (electron) charge-coupled devices that require very sophisticated and power-hungry electronics to operate, and due to the amount of support electronics, take up more space and power inside the camera. CMOS image sensors incorporate light-sensing technology that allows for charge conversion right inside the pixel, therefore dramatically reducing support electronics and power consumption. The small size of the DCS Pro 14n, even though it incorporates a full 35 mm area sensor, was achieved through the use of CMOS sensor technology.
Does the DCS Pro 14n have a NIKON Camera body?
Nikon has custom-manufactured the camera body components for Kodak Professional. While the DCS Pro 14n does share features and components with some of Nikon's own cameras, this particular body is custom-manufactured for Kodak. Kodak enhanced the body with additional professional features, such as a vertical "smart" shutter release, magnesium alloy encasements, and a 10-pin remote release terminal compatible with most Nikon accessories.
Can NIKON Lenses be used with the DCS Pro 14n?
Yes. The DCS Pro 14n uses the NIKON F Mount and supports the full line of current NIKON Lenses.
What other features does the DCS Pro 14n offer?
In addition to the new image sensor, the DCS Pro 14n has a wide range of professional features that ensure superior image quality and performance.
High resolution—13.9 million total pixels, producing an image size of 4536 x 3024 pixels.
Full-size 35 mm frame sensor (24 mm by 36 mm image area).
Selectable, variable-resolution raw files.
Selectable ISOs in 1/3-stop increments.
Basic- and advanced-mode operations.
12 MB-a-second image transfer—about 3 to 4 times faster than the current IEEE 1394 interface.
A large, bright LCD panel for image analysis.
D-TTL-enabled hotshoe and pop-up flash.
A sensor that detects camera orientation +/- 90 degrees.
"Picture Protection" including KODAK PROFESSIONAL Extended Range Imaging Technology.
What is variable resolution?
For the first time, you can select the resolution you want for RAW files. Resolution ISO Range
100% (~13.6 MP) 80 - 640
67% (~6.1 MP) 80 - 800
50% (~3.4 MP) 80 - 800
How do you get variable resolution from RAW files?
Variable resolution for RAW files is a unique capability offered in the DCS Pro 14n. To achieve "true" RAW status for the lower resolution image files, the entire 13.9 MP resolution is read off the sensor at 12 bits dynamic range. Then a proprietary image-processing algorithm "interpolates and resamples" the high resolution into a lower resolution while keeping the 12-bit dynamic range. The resulting image is specially color encoded and losslessly compressed to reduce the file size. This technique achieves high quality and low artifacts, while reducing the native resolution. The powerful DSP engine in the DCS Pro 14n performs all this processing in-camera, so you can benefit from more images per storage card for assignments that do not require the highest resolution.
Does the DCS Pro 14n use an anti-aliasing filter?
No. The DCS Pro 14n does not have an anti-aliasing filter. Consequently, the DCS Pro 14n yields images that are sharper than most other digital SLR cameras. The resolution of the Pro 14n is so high that aliasing artifacts are generally not an issue for most applications.
Who will benefit most from the DCS Pro 14n?
All professional photographers who require high-resolution and high-quality digital images, including portrait, social, wedding, school, event, and commercial photographers, will benefit most.
What is the function of the Basic Mode?
The Basic Mode makes digital photography easy for anyone who wants to take it out of the box and shoot, without extensive training or experience.
What is "Picture Protection?"
Picture Protection is included in our entire line of KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Digital Cameras. It offers a variety of workflow features that include post-shot exposure compensation, white balance corrections, file recovery, dual card storage, and KODAK PROFESSIONAL Extended Range Imaging Technology (ERI). ERI gives you image files that work as standard JPEGs but include the dynamic range and color gamut of raw, 12-bit, DCR camera files.
What's included in the box with the DCS Pro 14n?
The DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera ships with hand strap, neck strap, body cap, DC Power Module, a custom rechargeable Li-Ion battery, and charger/AC Adapter, printed user guide (English), documentation (localized in 8 languages) on CD, and localized software CDs for Photo Desk and Camera Manager, warranty card, and service information.
Is there an IEEE 1394 cable available for use with the camera?
Yes, and you can purchase it separately.
What is the focal length magnification?
Since the DCS Pro 14n has a full 35 mm film size sensor, the focal length magnification is 1. This means that 35 mm lenses operate as they would with film and will show the same full image that the lens was designed to image.
Does the DCS Pro 14n offer an external video output?
Yes, user selectable NTSC and PAL video formats are supported by the video connection.
In NTSC mode, the color LCD and the video output are enabled simultaneously.
In PAL mode, simultaneous operation is not supported.
The DCS Pro 14n has a top end ISO of 800, but the DCS 760 only went to 400. How was this improvement accomplished?
The DCS Pro 14n camera is based on a significantly different sensor and electronics architecture that makes use of more advanced technology to enable this top-end ISO improvement.
Will a Software Development Kit (SDK) be available?
Yes, the SDK will be available at no charge on the Kodak web site. The SDK for the DCS Pro 14n will incorporate significantly improved functionality and, therefore, will differ from that of previous DCS models. Developer support for the new SDK will also be provided via the Kodak Website
Are there any plans to market an EOS-mount version of the DCS Pro 14n?
Kodak currently is not publicly discussing any plans to create a CANON EOS-mount version of the DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera.
What is Nikon's role in the development of the DCS Pro 14n?
Nikon designed and supplies the lens mount and photographic body architecture for this camera.
Will Nikon also sell the 14n?
No, the DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera is exclusively a Kodak Professional product.
What about camera warranty, service programs?
The DCS Pro 14n will have a one-year warranty, with service provided at Kodak Service Centers worldwide. Various extended warranty programs are available through dealers of KODAK Products on a country-by-country basis.
What is the suggested price of the DCS Pro 14n?
Please contact a local authorized dealer of KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Digital Cameras for detailed pricing information.
Where and when will the DCS Pro 14n be available?
The DCS Pro 14n is planned to be available from authorized dealers of KODAK PROFESSIONAL Products in mid February, 2003.