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DCS
330 Questions and Answers
COMPARISONS:
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- How does the DCS 330 compare to similar products in the industry?
- The DCS 330 integrates Kodak digital imaging technology with a Nikon
Newsnea SLR subsystem. The DCS 330's 3 megapixel resolution and 9 MB
file deliver benchmark color and image structure with the performance
of Nikon lenses and functions - an appealing combination of image quality,
features and price.
- What makes this camera unique?
- The DCS 330 is the first high-resolution, portable, single shot array
technology digital camera that lets a wide range of photographers convert
their workflow to digital. As an extension of the Kodak DCS product
family, this camera fills the gap for photographers who require professional
features to complement their existing photographic abilities.
- Can I use Nikon lenses?
- Yes. The camera accepts most Nikkor AF and F-mount lenses and Nikon
SB series flash attachments. Older Nikkor lenses may not compatible
and can damage the camera's anti-aliasing filter. Please refer to your
owner's manual for lens compatibility.
- Is Nikon selling the same product?
- No. The DCS 330 is a Kodak Professionalproduct and will be available
through authorized dealers of Kodak products.
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PRODUCT:
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What are the dimensions of the camera?
- The dimensions of the camera are:
174mm tall, 137mm wide and 76mm deep.
- How much does the camera weigh?
- The camera weighs 1.08 kg (without lens).
- How does the DCS 330 differ from the DCS 315 digital camera?
- The only similarities are the Nikon functionality, and the primary
difference between the DCS 330 and the DCS 315 is image size. The DCS
330's superior image quality is based on a 3 megapixel ITO CCD, complemented
by an anti-alias filter to remove aliasing artifacts. The ITO sensor,
which is more transmissive than the polysilicon sensors found in most
other digital cameras, increases the spectral response from the camera.
This allows two and a half times more blue light to reach the CCD, improving
color accuracy and reducing image noise.
- What is the anti-alias filter in the DCS 330 and why is it
an important feature?
- Aliasing is an optical phenomenon where two high-frequency patterns
interact to create a third pattern not present in the original scene.
The anti-alias filter modifies the frequency to eliminate the pattern
from occurring. There is an infrared reducing coating on the filter
to eliminate IR contamination in captured images.
- How does the DCS 330 fit into Kodak's family of digital cameras?
- The DCS 330 is the sixth professional digital camera Kodak Professional
has introduced within the last 18 months. It features benchmark Kodak
imaging technology found in the Kodak ProfessionalDCS 660 digital camera,
and is well suited to commercial and portrait photography - from official
military and corporate photos to in-store family portraits, from proms
to buildings to crime scenes. Its interchangeable lenses it make a strategic
choice for professionals who require a sophisticated and precise imaging
tool.
- Do digital cameras require special care when being used in
the field?
- As with any piece of sophisticated equipment, digital cameras require
proper care and handling. The DCS 330 is able to withstand temperatures
up of -6 degrees C to +37 degrees C.
- Is the DCS 330 waterproof / sealed?
- No, the camera is not waterproof and should be treated accordingly.
- What is the minimum time requirement between each picture
taken?
- The burst rate is 1 image per second for a depth of 8 frames. The
camera then requires several seconds to download images to storage and
"refresh."
- Can I buy the storage cards in retail outlets?
- Yes, you can purchase PCMCIA type II and III cards for the DCS 330
in retail outlets.
- Can I upgrade my DCS 315 to a DCS 330? Will the DCS 330 be
upgradeable?
- The hardware is not upgradeable. However, firmware and software enhancements
are possible. For example, Kodak recently provided new firmware to enhance
color quality, and acquire software to improve the overall quality of
images for the DCS 315. Kodak Professionalcontinues its policy of offering
firmware and software updates to all new and existing users of the DCS
camera products.
- How does the DCS 330 complement my existing portfolio of Nikon
film cameras?
- The DCS 330 allows photographers to use all their existing Nikon
lenses. At its price point, many film photographers can now own a DCS
330 as a 'second camera' for special assignments that lend themselves
particularly well to digital imaging.
- Will Kodak be showing the DCS 330 at trade shows for demos?
- The first public viewing of the DCS 330 is at the PPofA Imaging Conference
and Expo in Atlanta, Ga., July 25-27. The DCS 330 will also be displayed
at other major photography trade shows throughout the year.
- How many pictures can be stored on one PC card in the DCS
330?
- Typical experience with the camera shows that images will use about
3.2 megabytes of space on average. The actual file size varies based
on image detail content. A 160MB Type II PC Card would hold approximately
50 images.
- Is the ISO set or variable?
- The camera has an ISO range of 125 to 400 and is adjustable in 1/3
f/stops. The camera can be set to 125, 160, 200, 250, 320 or 400 ISO.
- What is the histogram feature?
- Developed by Kodak, the on-board histogram graphically depicts the
distribution of gray-scale values among pixels in a picture based upon
the captured file. It functions in review as a digital light meter by
letting the photographer know, graphically, the relative replacement
of tones in an image. Photographers can adjust their settings according
to what the histogram reveals.
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SERVICE & SUPPORT:
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What is the length of warranty for the DCS 330?
- The warranty is 1 year from the date of purchase for all U.S. customers.
- Is the warranty for global use?
- As with most products sold worldwide, warranties are valid only in
the country of purchase. Service for the DCS 330 is available globally
for a nominal fee, but warranty coverage applies only in the country
of purchase.
- What is the service plan?
- In the U.S., Kodak Newsfessional's new tiered service and support
plan offers several choices in service levels and payment options.
- Bronze Coverage provides basic service and support for non-critical
applications and lets customers purchase services and support only
when they want or need it. Telephone technical support is available
for a flat per-incident fee, and repairs are done on a time-and-materials
basis. For camera body repairs, customers can choose a whole-unit
swap for fast turn-around or component repair through an OEM-authorized
service center for a more cost-effective solution.
- Silver Coverage is designed for customers with critical workflows.
Photographers opting for this level of coverage budget a fixed annual
amount for service and support and receive priority response. Telephone
technical service support is included in the yearly fee, and if
camera service is required through a Kodak Service Center, service
parts and repair labor are covered.
- Gold Coverage is for truly mission-critical workflows, where the
tolerance for downtime is near zero. In addition to all the benefits
of Silver Coverage, this coverage includes access to temporary loaner
equipment if a camera has been sent in for service. This is available
throughout the warranty period and for contracted post-warranty
periods. And, repair services are provided on the highest priority
basis, with a turn-around time of as little as 24 hours from receipt.
Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local authorized dealer
of Kodak Professionalproducts for information on service and support
in their area.
- If the DCS 330 breaks, will a replacement be provided under
the warranty?
- Kodak will repair your camera but will not provide a replacement.
However, if you have a Gold Coverage service agreement, you may choose
to borrow a camera from Kodak Newsfessional's loaner pool while your
camera is being serviced.
- Where is the DCS 330 made?
- The Nikon body components are made in Japan. The sensor assembly,
integrated electronics and software are created, assembled and tested
at Kodak facilities in Rochester, N.Y.
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SALES DISTRIBUTION:
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Where can I purchase the DCS 330?
- The DCS 330 can be purchased at authorized dealers of Kodak Professional
products worldwide.
Does the price of the DCS 330 make it a competitive digital
camera for non-professional use?
- The DCS 330 is designed to meet the demand of imaging professionals.
The DCS 330's image technology and interchangeable lens system provide
professionals with the precision they require. However, advanced amateurs
or part-time professionals will enjoy using it, should they wish to
purchase an affordable, professional-level product.
- How much do storage cards cost?
- The cost of storage cards varies depending on the size of the cards.
- Is the camera sold with storage cards?
- No.
- How much is the DCS 330 Accessory Kit?
- An accessory kit is not sold with this camera. Individual replacement
items are available from authorized dealers of Kodak Professionalproducts.
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FUTURE PRODUCT DIRECTION:
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Is Kodak discontinuing any of its other DCS cameras with
the introduction of this camera?
- Kodak is beginning to phase out its 400 Series DCS cameras, but that
is not directly related to the introduction of the DCS 330.
- Will Kodak create more lower-priced / high-quality digital
cameras?
- Kodak does not comment on specific future products. But we will continue
to provide the highest quality products and meet the ever-progressing
needs of professional photographers for feature-rich professional digital
cameras.
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SOFTWARE:
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Does the DCS 330 come bundled with any software packages?
- The camera does not come with any software applications. However,
the camera does come with software that interfaces with major imaging
applications on both Macintosh and PCs to allow images to be imported
directly to those applications. On a Macintosh, this is a plug-in module
for Adobe Photoshop. On a PC, the camera comes with a TWAIN data source
module to allow images to be imported into any TWAIN-compliant application.
- Can I view images with software other than Photoshop?
- Images can be viewed in any software application that accepts Photoshop
plug-ins (Macintosh) or that is TWAIN compliant (PC), and meets the
minimum memory requirements described in the product documentation.
- How long does it take to transfer / acquire images?
- The transfer or acquire speed depends on a number of things, including
the speed of the hardware and the robustness of the computer's operating
system. Our testing reveals an average transfer speed of less than 15
seconds per picture. Although IEEE 1394 is designed to transfer data
at up to 400 megabits per second, the ultimate speed depends on the
computer's operating system, the hardware, and the PC Card data transfer
speed. As IEEE 1394 evolves, it should allow the DCS 330 to keep pace
with future computer performance.
Many photographers prefer to transfer images by moving the PC Card
to their card reader in a laptop or desktop computer. The disk of
images is then accessible via the normal file system.
- What is the camera resolution in pixels?
- The resolution is 3 megapixels (2008 x 1504).
- What is IEEE 1394? Why is it important?
- IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial interface that provides an easier
and faster way to connect hardware and software than by SCSI interface.
At its most basic, IEEE 1394 allows hardware components to "talk" to
each other without requiring a computer. Additionally, this new technology
allows for faster transfer of digital images from the capture device
to the computer.
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HARDWARE:
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Are batteries included with the camera?
- No. But rechargeable "AA" batteries are readily available all over
the world.
- How long will the batteries typically last?
- Battery life varies according to usage. Viewing images on the camera,
continuous use of autofocus and metering, and temperature will influence
battery capacity. The easily swapped battery tray can allow the camera
to continue shooting images with minimal delay.
- Can this camera be used with film?
- The camera body is fully enabled for digital capture only.
- Will the storage cards lose images if dropped?
- Though made of durable components, the cards may break and the images
can be lost if they are dropped. As with all computer or camera accessories,
proper care should be exercised.
- What components are included with this camera?
- In the box with the camera are a hand strap, AC adapter, U.S. power
cable and two extra battery trays. Software for both Apple Macintosh
and Windows computers is included. In addition, a printed manual is
enclosed, as well as an electronic manual on CD-ROM as a portable version.
- Are there optional accessories?
- Optional accessories include: a PC Card storage media kit, universal
power plug kit, SCSI PC card reader, removable media (Type III PCMIA
Card), and IEEE 1394 PCI cards. Kodak also offers replacement anti-alias
filters.
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Kodak Professional
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