wilfredo Posted January 5, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 5, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Often comparisons are made as to which DSLR compares best to the M8 in terms of image quality. I'm convinced that there is none. What makes the M8 different is the Kodak sensor. That being said I'm wondering why Kodak doesn't make more sensors for other cameras? Or do they? Will the R-10 have a Kodak sensor? Yes, I know lenses also make a big difference but it seems that just about any lens renders great results on the M8, so it stands to reason that a U.S. made Kodak sensor will work wonders on any high end DSLR. I sure wish I had one on my Canon 5D. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 5, 2009 Posted January 5, 2009 Hi wilfredo, Take a look here Kodak M8 Sensor. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Shootist Posted January 5, 2009 Share #2 Posted January 5, 2009 Kodak does make senosrs for other cameras but why would Canon buy Kodak sensors when they make there own. Nikon was using Sony sensors but I'm not sure if they are in the D3/x D700 or if they started making there own. It's not only the maker of the sensor but with the M8 there is either no AA filter or a very weak one. Most all other cameras have a mid to heavy AA filter in front of the sensor. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puplet Posted January 5, 2009 Share #3 Posted January 5, 2009 If you like Kodak sensors, you should try sourcing an Olympus E-400. I have three, and absolutely love them. In fact, it was trying out R lenses on them with a 4/3-Leica R adapter that made me get an M8 this Christmas... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted January 5, 2009 If you like Kodak sensors, you should try sourcing an Olympus E-400. I have three, and absolutely love them. In fact, it was trying out R lenses on them with a 4/3-Leica R adapter that made me get an M8 this Christmas... Is there an AA filter on the E-400? I'm wondering if these can be removed even at the cost of having to use an IR filter on the lens? Can you post some B&W images using Leica R lenses? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted January 5, 2009 Share #5 Posted January 5, 2009 Is there an AA filter on the E-400? I'm wondering if these can be removed even at the cost of having to use an IR filter on the lens? Can you post some B&W images using Leica R lenses? There is a company that removes the AA filter fron Nikon and Canon cameras. They call it Hot Rodding the sensor. Conversions Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaraldL Posted January 5, 2009 Share #6 Posted January 5, 2009 Rumours are that Olympus will present a rangefinder 3/4 this year and Novoflex has already prepared the adaptors... Harald Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted January 5, 2009 Share #7 Posted January 5, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Both the S2 and the R10 will use Kodak CCD sensors, not to mention any future M cameras. No AA filters, offset microlenses, and 16-bit capture all work to create a very non-digital look. Leica and Kodak work very closely together to design the sensors. This is a great partnership that shouldn't be changed. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest volkerm Posted January 5, 2009 Share #8 Posted January 5, 2009 so it stands to reason that a U.S. made Kodak sensor will work wonders on any high end DSLR. Indeed, the Kodak DCS SLR (14MP FF from 2004) and DCS/14n (14MP FF from 2002) have a lot in common with the M8: nice detail resolution due to the weak AA/IR filter, and poor high ISO performance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted January 5, 2009 Share #9 Posted January 5, 2009 Indeed, the Kodak DCS SLR (14MP FF from 2004) and DCS/14n (14MP FF from 2002) have a lot in common with the M8: nice detail resolution due to the weak AA/IR filter, and poor high ISO performance. Ironically, the sensor in the Kodak DSC 14n wasn't made by Kodak. I believe it used a DALSA chip. I also recall that the imager was made from two vertical half-frame chips, placed side-by-side to make a FF one. One other issue I remember was that the Kodak camera had real moire problems, which the M8 and DMR didn't suffer from. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanG Posted January 5, 2009 Share #10 Posted January 5, 2009 Ironically, the sensor in the Kodak DSC 14n wasn't made by Kodak. I believe it used a DALSA chip. Actually, this was a CMOS chip made by Fill Factory, now part of Cypress Semiconductor. Cypress Acquires FillFactory, Active Pixel CMOS Image Sensor Technology Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsteve Posted January 5, 2009 Share #11 Posted January 5, 2009 Often comparisons are made as to which DSLR compares best to the M8 in terms of image quality. I'm convinced that there is none. What makes the M8 different is the Kodak sensor. That being said I'm wondering why Kodak doesn't make more sensors for other cameras? Or do they? Will the R-10 have a Kodak sensor? Yes, I know lenses also make a big difference but it seems that just about any lens renders great results on the M8, so it stands to reason that a U.S. made Kodak sensor will work wonders on any high end DSLR. I sure wish I had one on my Canon 5D. Wilfredo: The Leica DMR is the only SLR that compares to the M8. It has a similar quality, with the edge probably going to the DMR for better colour and smoother tones. When I have a choice and want the highest quality I will use the DMR if the situation permits. For example, portraits or scenic photography. Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyspedden Posted January 5, 2009 Share #12 Posted January 5, 2009 Phase and Hasselblad both use Kodak sensors in their Medium Format Data Backs. Woody Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share #13 Posted January 5, 2009 It sounds like mostly Leica will continue to have that very unique digital file somewhere in-between film and the rest of digital. Will lenses other than Leica be available for the Leica DMR? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ross Posted January 5, 2009 Share #14 Posted January 5, 2009 It sounds like mostly Leica will continue to have that very unique digital file somewhere in-between film and the rest of digital. Will lenses other than Leica be available for the Leica DMR? The Kodak sensor in the Oly E-1 is about ½ the area of the one in the M8 and it has a strong AA filter. The E-1 does have a unique image quality, that I have seen carried over to the M8. The pixels size is the same, but the the increase in electron collection (signal) changes the noise to the better in the M8. The E-1 probably has more on-board processing power than the m8 and certainly different image processing, but the similar sensor is evident. The E-400 is the last 4/3rds body with a Kodal sensor and they are now made by Panasonic, who are catching up. Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted January 5, 2009 Share #15 Posted January 5, 2009 Often comparisons are made as to which DSLR compares best to the M8 in terms of image quality. I'm convinced that there is none. What makes the M8 different is the Kodak sensor. That being said I'm wondering why Kodak doesn't make more sensors for other cameras? Or do they? Will the R-10 have a Kodak sensor? Yes, I know lenses also make a big difference but it seems that just about any lens renders great results on the M8, so it stands to reason that a U.S. made Kodak sensor will work wonders on any high end DSLR. I sure wish I had one on my Canon 5D. Kodak makes the sensor for the new high end Hasselblad and, although it hasn't been officially announced, I believe for the S2. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsteve Posted January 5, 2009 Share #16 Posted January 5, 2009 Will lenses other than Leica be available for the Leica DMR? There are options other than Leica lenses, but not many that are comparable in quality to the even the cheaper Leica lenses. For example, there were Angenieux lenses in the 1980's and Tamron made a R mount for the adaptall system. The Angenieux lenses were probably as good as the older Leica non-APO lenses of the time, but now sell for more than the equivalent Leica lens of that vintage. Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share #17 Posted January 6, 2009 The Kodak sensor in the Oly E-1 is about ½ the area of the one in the M8 and it has a strong AA filter. The E-1 does have a unique image quality, that I have seen carried over to the M8. The pixels size is the same, but the the increase in electron collection (signal) changes the noise to the better in the M8. The E-1 probably has more on-board processing power than the m8 and certainly different image processing, but the similar sensor is evident. The E-400 is the last 4/3rds body with a Kodal sensor and they are now made by Panasonic, who are catching up.Bob I just surfed the internet for some B&W images by the E400? I can see a similar quality to my M8, at least it's closer than my Canon 5D. This camera must be a real keeper, I couldn't find one for sale on E-bay :-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puplet Posted January 22, 2009 Share #18 Posted January 22, 2009 Is there an AA filter on the E-400? I'm wondering if these can be removed even at the cost of having to use an IR filter on the lens? Can you post some B&W images using Leica R lenses? Sorry it's taken awhile to get back to you - just wanted to get consent from the parents of the beautiful girls featured below... I'm not very good on such matters but, for what it's worth, I think there is an AA filter on the E-400, though not as harsh as that on the E-420. If it's razor-sharpness you want, I doubt you'll get it with Leica R and a 4/3 camera - but I really enjoyed the feel of the images from my 35/2: Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share #19 Posted January 22, 2009 Sorry it's taken awhile to get back to you - just wanted to get consent from the parents of the beautiful girls featured below... I'm not very good on such matters but, for what it's worth, I think there is an AA filter on the E-400, though not as harsh as that on the E-420. If it's razor-sharpness you want, I doubt you'll get it with Leica R and a 4/3 camera - but I really enjoyed the feel of the images from my 35/2: Thanks for posting these. With the Kodak sensor on the M8 being such a success, it being the heart of the camera, I wonder why Kodak doesn't come out with it's own pro cameras at a more competitive price than Leica? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdai Posted January 22, 2009 Share #20 Posted January 22, 2009 Phase and Hasselblad both use Kodak sensors in their Medium Format Data Backs. Woody Not anymore, both have switched to DALSA with their latest models. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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