Kodak announces new 2mpix digicam!
By
Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, May 22, 2002 - 03:59 EDT)
CX4230 extends the EasyShare system with new software, optional new camera dock...
Eastman Kodak Co. has today announced a new digital camera that sees its EasyShare system revamped with new software and a newly designed camera dock. The Kodak EasyShare CX4230 zoom digital camera is a 2 megapixel, 3x optical zoom model which has some interesting features. One not even mentioned in the press release which we see as pretty significant is that the camera is what Kodak describes as "always capture ready" - meaning that the camera will take a picture whenever you press the shutter button, regardless of whether you're in a menu or reviewing an image. This is something we've seen before on a couple of cameras - the Canon EOS D30 and D60, for example - but we can't recall seeing it in a consumer-level point'n'shoot before. Equally unusual is the camera's auto-rotation feature. The CX4230 features a sensor that detects the camera's orientation when a picture is captured - not in itself unusual, as other currently available cameras such as Casio's QV4000 do the same thing. Where it is different though, is that rather than just saving the orientation as a tag in the EXIF header (which many programs don't recognize), the CX4230 rotates the pictures in-camera - saving the user having to do so later, and also removing the need for them to find a way to losslessly rotate images. Seems like an obvious change, but we don't remember seeing a camera do this before... Another feature new to the EasyShare line (but which we've seen on other cameras such as HP's PhotoSmart 812 before) is the 'Share' button - which allows you to tag images for automatic printing upon download, and to store up to 32 email addresses in-camera so images can be automatically resized and emailed for you when they're downloaded (Incidentally, HP's camera allows 14 email addresses to be stored in-camera). Other features of the CX4230 include MultiMediaCard storage and 16MB of built-in internal memory... Also announced at the same time is an optional new dock for the CX4230, dubbed the "EasyShare Camera Dock II". The new design is similar in concept to the original dock, but is smaller and sleeker looking... It also replaces the single LED which showed both picture transfer and battery charge with a separate transfer LED, and 3 LEDs that show the overall charge level in an easier-to-understand manner. The new dock supports not only the CX4230, but all existing EasyShare DX cameras as well, through the use of insert 'trays' that fit each camera in the same manner as the original dock. Finally, there's Kodak's new EasyShare software, which is essentially an image organizer with the ability to do basic editing, home or online printing and emailing as well. The software allows you to tag your images with predefined labels or create your own, so that for example you can quickly call up pictures of the kids, or pictures taken at a wedding. Editing capabilities include features like red-eye removal and cropping. There's also support for home printing (with preview of the page layout possible), and what Kodak calls "One Touch to Better Pictures" - which optimises your printer settings for Kodak's Ultima or Premium photo papers. You can also email pictures from the program (including typing the email itself), and print the images online for delivery by mail, or pick-up at a local store in some areas. You'll find a range of screenshots from the EasyShare software further down this news item below the camera specifications... The software will ship with the CX4230, and will also be available on CD or as a free web download in early summer. It will be compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems (Windows 98, 98SE, ME or 2000, or MacOS 10.1.2 or later will be required; curiously there is no word as to Windows XP compatibility at this time.) Pricing and availability for the Kodak EasyShare CX4230 digital camera have not been announced at this time. Full specifications courtesy of Kodak, along with feature highlights, follow:
Kodak EasyShare CX4230 zoom digital camera The CX4230 was designed for people who love to share great-looking pictures simply. With superb color and exposure capabilities and a premium quality lens, you’ll always have crisp, sharp, colorful pictures. The on-camera Share button, and software with one-touch photo printing and organizing, means that prints and e-mails are only one step away. The CX4230 makes printing, sharing, and organizing a snap. - 2.0MP for prints up to 8" x 10"
- Kodak Retinar, aspheric, all-glass lens with autofocus
- 6X zoom (3X optical, 2X digital)
- New Share button on camera
- Kodak color science inside
- 16MB internal memory and MMC/SD card expansion slot
- Compatible with optional Kodak EasyShare camera dock
Stunning picture quality
The CX4230 is rich with features that deliver quality pictures you’ll want to share. The Kodak Retinar all-glass lens with 6X zoom gives crisp, clean close-ups. Auto white balance and exposure with matrix metering means even poorly lit pictures look great. And Kodak color science provides impeccable color prints up to 8" x 10" time after time. The simple way to share
Introducing the Share button. It lets you tag pictures right on the camera so when you dock your CX4230, they’re automatically ready to print or e-mail. Select “print” on the camera and you’re just one step from stunning photo prints. And for e-mailing your pictures, you can store up to 32 addresses in the camera. You’ll never forget to share your pictures again. Always ready to shoot
With the CX4230, you can snap pictures anytime, regardless of the camera setting. You can keep on snapping, too – just expand your CX4230’s memory beyond its16MB using the MMC/SD expansion slot. When it’s time to transfer your pictures to your computer, do it with just one touch using the new Kodak EasyShare camera dock. The dock also recharges your camera battery automatically – so you’re always ready. Prints Made Beautiful, Organizing Made Simple
The Kodak EasyShare software makes it so simple to print and organize, you’ll want to share all your favorite pictures. It starts with dynamic print and edit screens that always show you what you’re going to get. The One Touch To Better Pictures feature, when used with Kodak Ultima and Premium Picture Paper, color-matches your picture with your home inkjet printer, making home photo printing hassle-free, with the results you expect from a traditional photo print. And, online print services are just a click away. | Kodak EasyShare CX4230 zoom | | | | CCD Resolution | 2.1 megapixel
(1704x1257 pixels) | | Image Resolution | 2.0 megapixel
(1632x1232 pixels) | | Image Quality | 2.0MP – best (print, enlargement)
1.0MP – better (small print)
0.5MP – good (e-mail) | | Optical Zoom Lens | 3X optical zoom 36-108 mm | | Zoom | 6X (3X optical/2X digital) | | Focus Distance | 0.5m (20 in.) to infinity in auto mode without macro | | Close-Up Mode | 10 - 60 cm (3.9 - 23.6 in.) | | Lens Protection | Built-in lens cover | | Exposure Control | Auto matrix metering | | Shutter Speed | Auto – 1/8 - 1/1700 sec. | | Aperture | Auto – f/2.7 (tele) - f/5.2 (wide) | | Flash Mode | Automatic, fill, red-eye, off | | Flash Range | 0.5-3.5m (1.6-11.5 ft.) at wide, 0.5-2.1m (1.6-6.9 ft.) at tele | | ISO Equivalent | Automatic (100, 200) | | White Balance | Automatic | | Auto-Orientation | On-camera picture rotation | | File Format | JPEG/EXIF v2.2 | | Capture Mode | Automatic – always ready | | Viewfinder | Real-image optical viewfinder | | LCD | 40.6 mm (1.6 in.) TFT color | | Software | Kodak EasyShare software | | Storage | 16MB internal memory and MMC/SD removable card slot | | Interface | USB, KodakEasyShare camera dock compatible; video out for viewing slide show on TV | | Video Out | NTSC, PAL (user-selectable) | | Tripod Mount | 1/4 in. standard | | Self-Timer | 10 seconds | | Power Options | Optional camera dock with Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack (in-camera charging); 2AA lithium or Ni-MH batteries or 1 CRV3 lithium battery, 3 volt adapter | | Weight | without batteries: 220 g (7.8 oz.) | | Dimensions | WxHxD: 115 x 66 x 40 mm (4.5 x 2.6 x 1.6 in.) | | Warranty | One year | | System Requirements | Windows: - Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, Millennium Edition, or XP OS
- 233 MHz processor or greater
- 64MB RAM (128MB RAM for Windows XP)
- 200MB hard drive disk space available
- CD-ROM drive
- Available USB port
- Color monitor, 800x600 pixels (16-bit or 24-bit recommended)
Macintosh: - PowerPC based Macintosh computer
- Macintosh OS X (0S 8.6/9.x – Share button functions not supported – OS X is recommended for full functionality)
- 128MB RAM for OS X (64MB RAM for OS 8.6/9.x)
- 200MB hard disk space available
- CD-ROM drive
- Built-in USB port
- Color monitor, 800x600 pixels (thousands or millions of colors recommended)
| | Package Contents | - Kodak EasyShare CX4230 zoom digital camera
- CRV3 lithium battery or equivalent
- Video out cable
- USB cable
- Wrist strap
- Kodak EasyShare software CD
- Documentation
- Custom camera insert for optional Kodak EasyShare camera dock
| | More Photos | | | | | | | | . |
Kodak EasyShare software screenshots Note: The following images are courtesy of Eastman Kodak Co., and demonstrate the user interface and features of the new Kodak EasyShare software, as well as a "before" and "after" demonstration of the "One Touch to Better Pictures" feature in use. We do not have specific information as to the printer and/or settings used for the demonstration, and provide it as reference material from Kodak, not a third-party review of this functionality...  | Dynamic Preview
|  | E-mailing
|  | Order prints online
|  | Photo Organizer
|  | View collection
|  | Before "One Touch to Better Pictures"
|  | After "One Touch to Better Pictures"
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Source:
Eastman Kodak Co.
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Original Source Press Release:
| New Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera System Produces High-Quality Prints Simply - Anywhere, Anytime Award-winning system sets new standard for ease-of-use in digital photography with new camera, software, dock and more
ROCHESTER, NY, May 21, 2002 - Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the new Kodak EasyShare system, combining enhanced software, digital cameras and an enhanced camera dock to take digital photography beyond e-mail and take the challenge out of obtaining high-quality prints. Until today, printing photos from digital cameras was difficult, time-consuming and frustrating. With the new EasyShare system, making high-quality prints becomes fun and easy because of EasyShare's one-touch simplicity.
The new EasyShare system provides the industry's broadest number of integrated printing options that allow consumers to easily print at home using One Touch to Better Pictures and Kodak inkjet paper, from home by choosing to upload to either the EasyShare print service or another retail online photofinisher of choice, or at retail using Kodak digitally-enabled kiosks or over the counter.
A recent worldwide survey conducted by the research firm Market Facts confirms that easy uploading and the ability to print high-quality photos are the two most important purchase considerations for potential digital camera buyers. Last year, Kodak unveiled the award-winning EasyShare system, which made it simple to transfer images from a camera to a computer - at the touch of a button. The enhanced Kodak EasyShare system introduced today makes getting prints simpler than ever, letting consumers print at home, from home or at retail - driven by software that offers the widest range of printing choices available on the market.
"Kodak set the standard for consumer satisfaction a century ago, and today the enhanced EasyShare system has set a new standard for ease-of-use in the digital age," said Chairman and CEO Daniel A. Carp. "Kodak offers consumers more ways to get high-quality prints more conveniently than ever before."
The new Kodak EasyShare system features a series of technological advances that give consumers an unmatched digital photography experience. They include: - The new Kodak EasyShare software, which simplifies how picture-takers print, e-mail, edit and organize their digital pictures. The software's One Touch to Better Pictures feature, combined with Premium Kodak Inkjet Photo Paper, delivers hassle-free, stunning prints from any inkjet printer. To help generate more high-quality prints, users can see on the computer screen exactly what they will print with the dynamic print preview feature. For printing online, the software connects seamlessly to the Kodak EasyShare print service or any other online photo finisher, reflecting Kodak's commitment to consumer choice, open systems and services.
- The 2-megapixel Kodak EasyShare CX4230 Zoom Digital Camera, the first EasyShare camera with a "share" button that allows users to tag pictures for printing, e-mailing or as favorites right on the camera's preview screen. On-camera print tagging is as simple as choosing the print and selecting the number of prints required. When the camera is docked and images transferred, the Kodak EasyShare software automatically opens the print screen for printing at home or online. On-camera e-mail tagging is also simple and powerful. The camera stores up to 32 e-mail addresses directly from the software. Users simply tag the image for e-mailing and select an address.
- The CX4230 is the only camera in the world that automatically rotates pictures on the camera, so pictures taken vertically appear correctly.
- The CX4230 offers stunning prints up to 8"x10", a result assured by a new, all-glass Kodak Retinar lens, 3X optical zoom and built-in Kodak color science that deliver high-quality digital images.
- The CX4230 and all current Kodak EasyShare cameras are compatible with the improved Kodak EasyShare Camera Dock, which allows consumers to upload their digital images at the touch of a button and benefit from enhanced battery charging.
"We've used our technology - the world's deepest pool of digital imaging patents - to make the consumer experience better, not just to add features for features' sake," said Willy Shih, President of Kodak's Digital & Applied Imaging division. "Whether at home with inkjet media, online, or at retail stores using Kodak Picture Maker kiosks, the Kodak EasyShare System makes it easy to get the highest-quality prints from your digital camera."
Eastman Kodak Company and Infoimaging
Kodak is the leader in helping people take, share, enhance, preserve, print and enjoy pictures -- for memories, for information, for entertainment. The company is a major participant in "infoimaging" -- a $225 billion industry composed of devices (digital cameras and PDAs), infrastructure (online networks and delivery systems for images) and services & media (software, film and paper enabling people to access, analyze and print images). Kodak harnesses its technology, market reach and a host of industry partnerships to provide innovative products and services for customers who need the information-rich content that images contain. The company, with sales last year of $13.2 billion, is organized into four major businesses: Photography, providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services; Commercial Imaging, offering image capture, output and storage products and services to businesses and government; Components, delivering flat-panel displays, optics and sensors to original equipment manufacturers; and Health, supplying the healthcare industry with traditional and digital image capture and output products and services.
(Kodak and EasyShare are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company) |
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