Kodak Develops 50-Megapixel Image Sensor For Digital Cameras

The KAF-10100 produces exceptional resolution and detail in digital camera photography by producing images with a pixel array of 8176 x 6132, the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium-format photography, Kodak said. For example, an aerial photo of a field measuring 1-1/2 miles across would show an object about the size of a notebook computer, or about 1 foot by 1 foot.

"Professional photographers need to capture ever-increasing image detail with higher camera performance, and that drives us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market," Michael Miller, manager of Kodak's image sensor business, said in a statement released Tuesday.

Kodak expects to begin volume production of the KAF-50100 sensor in the fourth quarter. Pricing was not disclosed.

Kodak and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) teamed up to release last month a cameraphone designed to allow users to easily take and share high-quality photographs.

The Motozine ZN5 is a 5-megapixel candy bar-style phone that features Kodak's imaging technology. The handset is the first in Motorola's Motozine line of multimedia-optimized devices.

The camera is activated by sliding the Kodak lens open. The device sports an auto-focus feature, Xenon flash, and optimized settings for low-light environments. It also features multiple capture modes, including a panorama mode that automatically stitches together continuous shots into a single extended image.