Michael Reichmann of Luminous Landscape has posted Part 2 of his first impressions of Kodak’s $5000 digital SLR, the DCS 14n. It’s not good news for anyone who was interested in this new flagship camera…

“In its current state, and using the latest software Revision 4.1.2, the Kodak 14n produces stunning images in bright light at ISO 80. These are every bit as good as, and in some ways possibly better than those from the market leading and more expensive Canon 1Ds. But, that’s where the good news ends. At higher ISO ratings image quality decreases and noise increases quickly. Image quality also deteriorates at even moderately low shutter speeds. The strange chromatic aberation that I’ve seen also needs to be better understood.

Looked at just as a camera, putting aside its digital capabilities for the moment, the 14n is not much more than a $350 Nikon in terms of its capabilities as a picture taking machine. Its ergonomic design deficiencies and limitations (such as the lack of mirror lock up) will cause some potential owners concern.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Kodak DCS 14n