Contax shows beta N Digital SLRs

22nd February - 2002
By Ian Burley

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The official Contax (UK) N Digital preview press release:

Pixels and Wide angles galore

In February 2002 Kyocera will launch the first digital SLR to employ a full-frame 35 mm, 24x36 mm, 6 megapixel CCD. All Carl Zeiss lenses for the Contax N system can be used without restrictions at the nominal focal length.

The CONTAX N DIGITAL is the first digital SLR to employ a 24x36 mm CCD which corresponds to the 35 mm format. Added to this is a resolution of effectively used 6.13 million pixel. All this affords the CONTAX N DIGITAL a quality and position unique on the market up till now.

The camera is based on the CONTAX N1, introduced at Photokina 2000. Like the latter, the N DIGITAL is extremely practice-orientated down to such unique features as ‘AF/MF Dual Focus System, ‘5 point Wide Array Diagonal AF System’ and ‘Fine Focus A.B.C.’ (Auto Bracketing System with variable focusing). Due to such functions, as well as resolution and size of the new chip, the CONTAX N DIGITAL combines the qualities of conventional photography with the new possibilities of digital imaging. Such professional technology will cost approx £8,900 incl. software.

The CONTAX N DIGITAL in detail

6 mega pixel chip in full 35 mm format (24x36 mm)

The heart of the CONTAX N DIGITAL is the 24x36 mm 6 mega pixel chip, which has been employed in this camera for the first time. This chip guarantees the excellent image quality rightly expected from such names as Contax and Carl Zeiss. As there is no change in the angular field of the focal length due to a shortened frame diagonal, all Carl Zeiss N lenses and, via the adapter NAM-1, also the Contax 645 lenses can be fully utilized. This makes the CONTAX N DIGITAL an excellent photographic tool which knows no limits even in the wide angle range.

Super thin Iowpass filter

The colourless crystalline optical Iowpass filter is an exclusive development by Kyocera Crystal Technology, which elimiates specific frequencies and thus optimizes colour rendition. Kyocera was able to produce this Iowpass filter with a thickness of only 1/6th of normal filters.

Image recording formats for all occasions

The photos can be recorded in 5 different formats. The widespread JPEG format is available in 3 compression ratios. It is supplemented by the uncompressed RGB-TIFF format and a RAW mode especially for processing images on the computer as is necessary for professional demands. Together with a lap top PC continuous shooting with a high picture frequency is possible when out and about.

Variable white balance

An optimum white balance is guaranteed in all situations. Over and above the automatic colour temperature correction, white balance based on a specific subject detail is possible at the push of a button. Fixed presettings can also be selected manually.

Recording media: CF cards types I and II as well Micro Drive

The fail-safe and inexpensive CompactFlash cards are used as recording media. For higher capacity requirements. IBM Micro Drive can also be used.

High speed DSP and firewire (IEEE 1394)

The N DIGITAL uses high speed digital image processing (DSP), which allows continuous shooting at 3 frames per second. Image transfer takes place via a Firewire (IEEE 1394) interface. Thus it is possible to transfer even a RAW 12.5 megabyte file in one second and also handle high speed data transfer efficiently.

LCD colour monitor for image checking

A 4.5 cm low temperature, polysilicon TFT colour monitor with approx 200,000 resolution and a Graphic User Interface is located at the back of the camera. The photographer can check exposure, focus and file information directly on the LCD monitor.

Shooting assist function

In playback mode, this allows exposure confirmation on the LCD with a histogram and the accentuation of picture areas which are too bright as well as the focus situation. Simultaneously the data stored with the picture file are displayed. 

The essential functions of the CONTAX N DIGITAL

The CONTAX N DIGITAL shares all basic functions of the CONTAX Ni introduced two years ago. Which means that the N photographer can work in his usual manner.

Below is a summary of the most important functions of the two Contax N models:

1) Dual Focus System

2) 5 Point wide Array diagonal AF System

3) Fine Focus Bracketing (Auto Bracketing Systemwith variable focusing)

4) Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and X-sync 1/200 sec

5) TTL evaluative metering, centre-weighted average metering, spot metering

6) TTL controlled auto flash

7) Custom Functions

8) Mount Adapter NAM-i for Contax 645 lenses

9) Large range of accessories

10) All interchangeable lenses and accessories for Contax Ni can be used with the CONTAX N DIGITAL as well as the Contax 645 lenses and accessories

CONTAX N DIGITAL specifications

Type:    35 mm focal plane shutter digital SLR

Image device:   35 mm format full-frame square pixel RGB primary colour CCD

Effective pixels: 6.29 mega pixels (2,048x3,072 pixels)

Recording pixels: 6.13 mega pixels (2,015x3,040 pixels)

Recording format: JPEG (compression ration 1/, 1/8 or 1/16), RGB-TIFF, RAW (12 bit, processing with dedicated supplied software)

Recording media: Compact Flash^TM (type I/Il), IBM Micro Drive^TM (510 MB, 1 GB, 340 MB except first series)

File size: JPEG 1 (1/4 compression) approx 3 MB

JPEG 1(1/8 compression) approx 1.5 MB

JPEG 1 (1/16 compression) approx 0.8 MB

RGB-TIFF approx 18 MB

RAW approx 9 MB

White balance: Automatic, manual at the push of a button or preset setting for fluorescent light or flash

Image correction: Contrast, sharpness

LCD monitor:   2 inch low temperature polysilicon TFT colour LCD, approx 200,000 pixels

Playback display: Single image, 9 image index, digital zoom, histogram and high light view

Lens mount: Contax N mount

Autofocus: 5 point phase difference detection system, automatic or manual selection of AF frames

Focus modes: Single AF, continuous AF (predictive), manual

Fine Focus A.B.C: Automatic picture series with three slightly different focus settings

Shutter: Vertical travel focal plane shutter

Shutter speeds: P/Av: 1/8000-32 sec automatic; Tv/M: 1/8000-4 sec with shutter speed dial; 1/8000-32 sec with command dial; B, X (1/125 sec)

TLA X sync: Automatic via TLA direct X contact (1/200 sec or slower)

Metering system: TTL evaluative matrix metering, centre-weighted average metering, spot metering (3 mm diameter)

Metering range: EV 0 to 21 (evaluative matrix centre-weighted average metering), EV 3 to 21 (spot metering)

ISO range: ISO 50 to 1600 (1/3 steps)

Exposure control modes:

1) Program auto

2) Shutter priority auto

3) Aperture priority auto

4) Manual

5) TTL auto flash; AE lock (EVvalue)

exposure compensation max ±2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 steps

A.B.C automatic bracketing control max ±1 EV in 1/or 1/3 steps

Flash system: with dedicated Contax TLA flash units automatic X syncwhen flash is fully charged, 2nd curtain sync with suitable flash units

Viewfinder: fixed long eye-point pentaprism, shows 95 % field of view, O.73x magnification (with 50 mm standard lens at infinity), with eyepiece shutter

Diopter adjustment: built-in, from -3 D to +1 D, two more types optionally available

Focusing screen: supplied with whole-view matte FX-2, interchangeable with 2 other screens Finder display: focus frames, focus indicator, exposure mode, aperture, shutter speed,

exposure compensation, A.B.C icon and sequence, Fine Focus A.B.C. icon and sequence, metering divergence, flash ready, exposure counter, selftimer counter

Display panel top: AF frame selection, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation (when exposure compensation is at green position), A.B.C. sequence, Fine Focus A.B.C. sequence, film transport, film speed, battery status, custom functions, exposure counter, selftimer counter, bulb time

Display panel rear: exposure counter, recording format, white balance, digital function pre-set, card cover icon, battery status (playback mode)

Drive mode: single frame, continuous (max 3 f/sec), selftimer (2 or 10 sec) 

Max burst shooting: JPEG 1 (1/4 compression) approx 5 shots

JPEG 1 (1/8 compression) approx 8 shots

JPEG 1 (1/16 compression) approx 13 shots

RGB-TIFF approx 3 shots

RAW approx 3 shots (depending on recording mode shooting speed will decrease after

shots)

Exposure counter: subtractive, visible on top LCD panel, rear panel (max ‘99’)and in viewfinder

Remote triggering: electric via special cable

I/O interface:    IEEE 1394 (Firewire)

Power source:  4x AA type NiMH rechargeable batteries or alkaline batteries, AC power adapter

Battery check:  automatic, indicated on display panel

Battery capacity: approx 500 shots (room temperature, JPEG 3)

Others: Exposure check button, depth of field preview button, AF assist light, custom functions, digital function customised setting

Dimensions: 152 x 138 x 79.5 mm

Weight: 990g (w/o batteries)

Supplied accessories:    4x AA type NiMH rechargeable batteries, quick battery charger, AC power adapter, carrying strap, CCD parameter CDR 

Specifications subject to change

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