£19,500 Panoramic Camera - 160 megapixels

**Pixalo** · 20-09-2006, 13:30

Press Release
What few thought possible has now come true: wide-format digital photography. With a resolution of 7,500 pixels vertically and 21,250 pixels horizontally this camera creates a 160 million pixel image.

This substantial resolution makes it possible to create high quality reproductions. A variety of different formats is possible: 6x6, 6x9, 6x15 or a full 6x17 panorama. No limits for high definition photography!

This scan back 6x17 camera is extremely fast. The image results are comparable to a one-shot digital or film back. This is possible thanks to a very high read-out speed of 300 MB per second - 100x faster than for any existing scan back. The fastest exposure speed is 1/20'000 - or one second for the entire 6x17 scan at full resolution!

Compared to previous surface sensors, the sensitivity of the Seitz D3 sensor is significantly higher. Or compared to conventional scanning cameras, the sensitivity is increased by factor 100. This results in a very broad ISO/ASA range (equivalent) of 500 to 10,000, which makes this camera the perfect instrument for virtually all light situations. Our new stage selection technology allows to control sensitivity by selecting smaller or larger areas of the sensor. This means: additional sensitivity without any additional noise!

We have achieved a true technological breakthrough not only in speed and resolution but also in its impressive image quality. Our digital technology corrects natural brightness decrease towards the edge without the use of a centre filter. The image has a 48-bit colour depth and a high dynamic range.

When shooting directly into the sun, the sensor’s anti-blooming feature reduces glare and allows a clean passage between highlights and lowlights. The image is further enhanced by advanced optimisation algorithms developed by Seitz for ultimate image quality. Or work directly on the raw image and apply your own raw conversion preferences.

The Digital 3 scan back sensor has been designed and developed exclusively for Seitz by DALSA Corporation.

In this multi-year project specialists around the world have brought together the best capabilities in digital technology, computer science, image optimisation and knowledge of photography applications to build a camera system that goes beyond the imaginable.

We designed this camera to meet the expectations of those photographers who like to take their equipment on exploratory adventures.

All components are fully modular - the portable storage device and the handheld device can be adapted to your specific needs.

The camera can also be used in the studio, running the software from a computer (Mac, PC, Linux) via ethernet connection.

For best image results we recommend using the advanced Schneider or Rodenstock lenses on a Seitz lens board.

Another possibility is to use large-format lenses of existing 6x17 panoramic cameras such as Linhof Technorama, Fuji and others. These lenses are connected to the Seitz camera on an optional adaptor plate.

All lens types and brands can be interchanged without any restrictions.

Just like a traditional digital back the Seitz D3 scan back cassette can be removed from the 6x17 camera body and fitted to other cameras, e.g., the new Roundshot D3 360° panorama camera and, in the future, other large or medium format cameras.

The possibility to use the scan back in a variety of different cameras makes the system truly versatile - to the benefit of the photographer.

With increasing image resolution the engineering precision of the camera hardware becomes very important.

All our cameras are made from solid blocks of aluminium as used in space technology with state-of-the-art CNC machinery.

Our machining tolerances are at the decisive 1/100 mm. Uncompromising precision and perfectly adjusted lenses are our guarantee for excellent results. Every Seitz 6x17 camera is hand-made in Switzerland and is unique.