Take crisp digital photos in low light

BOFFINS WORKING in the Kodak labs have developed a digital filter that they claim can capture a crisp, clear image of a candlelit birthday party.

Not that most people photograph birthday parties with the lights off, but the filter does have a few more low light uses.

By doubling the sensitivity to light of the image sensor in every digital camera, it makes it possible to take a clear picture indoors or at night.

Chris McNiffe, general manager of the photography company's image sensor business told the Sydney Morning Herald that the new filter provides a two to four times improvement in light sensitivity.

The new method provides special cells that are sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light and collect a larger amount of light striking the sensor. By changing camera software algorithms to this unique new pattern, it makes faster shutter speeds possible and reduces blurring when capturing a moving subject.

Kodak expects to provide samples of its new technology to a variety of camera manufacturers in the first quarter of 2008.

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