Kodak Announces two cameras - Dave & Mike's thoughts. By
Dave Etchells
(Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 23:00 EST)
Kodak announced two new cameras, a four- and five-megapixel model. They feature a new "Favorites" feature that Dave liked, but Mike found the user controls a little problematic.
In looking at the new Kodak EasyShare LS743 and LS753 cameras announced here at CES, I was struck in particular by the new "Favorites" feature they incorporate. The Kodak press releases that have been duplicated across the web make mention of this feature, but no web commentator has seen fit to comment on it as yet. I think the feature is unique enough to deserve separate attention though.
In a nutshell, the "Favorites" feature lets you keep a fairly large collection of your favorite photos on the camera itself, as medium-resolution files suitable for emailing or for making prints up to ~4x6 inches. The Favorites images are stored in a discrete memory partition, separate from the rest of the camera's memory, and so can remain in the camera even as memory cards are swapped, or the normal internal image-storage memory is erased. With a resolution of roughly one megapixel, the Favorites files have enough data to make decent prints up to 4x6 inches, the most common album size here in the US.
The reason I think this is such a neat feature is that it matches the behavior of a lot of consumers. - I can't tell you how many times I've come across people whose in-camera memory card is full of favorite photos that they don't want to delete. While it's entirely contrary to how digicam designers likely planned in-camera storage to be used, there's no denying the appeal of this usage model. So why note support it directly?
|
Good question, and one that Kodak was astute enough to ask. Since you don't need full-resolution files just to view on the LCD or make small prints from, there's no need to burn up a lot of memory space to store them. By resampling the images down to roughly one megapixel, a large (but unspecified at this point) number of photos can be stored indefinitely. In total, this looks like a slick feature that should strike a chord with a lot of consumers.
As to the cameras themselves, they're quite visually appealing, with sleek metal bodies and a trim appearance overall. In a few minutes of playing with them though, Mike found the design and operation of the mini-joystick navigation control a little confounding. He found it very "small and fiddly", and mounted very close to the edge of the camera. The jog dial on the top of the camera (used for making mode selections) was also somewhat hard to press. Some of this could be reflective of the sample cameras' prototype status, but we'll be sure to look at user interface issues when we finally receive production models for review.
All in all though, I personally found these new Kodak models to be quite appealing, and I think the "Favorites" function is a genuine innovation deserving of accolade.
Full specifications for both models follow:
Kodak EasyShare LS753 | | Standard Features | CCD Resolution | 5.36 MP (2690 x 1994 pixels) | Image Resolution | 5.0MP (2569 x 1929 pixels) | Image Quality | 5.0 MP - best (print, enlargement) | Zoom | 10X total zoom | 2.8X optical zoom, 6.0-16.6 mm (35 mm equivalent: 36-100 mm) | 3.6X advanced digital zoom | | Focus / Auto-Focus | Low-light auto-focus with selectable modes: multi-zone, center-zone, center-spot | Focus Distance | Wide - 60 cm (23.6 in.) to infinity; tele - 60 cm (23.6 in.) to infinity | Display | 1.8 inch (4.6 cm) high-resolution (134K pixel) indoor / outdoor display | Viewfinder | Real image optical viewfinder | Aperture | f/3.0 or f/5.1 (wide); f/4.9 or f/8.5 (tele) | Shutter Speed | 1/1400 - 1/2 second | Long Time Exposure | 1/2 - 16 seconds | ISO Equivalent | Automatic (80-160); manual (80, 200, 400) | White Balance | Auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent | Flash Mode | Auto, red-eye, fill, off | Flash Range | Wide - 0.6-2.9 m (2.0-9.5 ft.) at ISO 140; Tele - 0.6-1.8 m (2.0-5.9 ft.) at ISO 140 | Self-Timer | 10 seconds | Performance Features | Scene / Other Modes | Auto, portrait, close-up, self-portrait, museum / manner, night, night portrait, sport, landscape, snow, beach, party, fireworks, backlight, children, and flower | Macro / Close-Up Mode | Wide - 5-100 cm (2.0-39.4 in.); tele - 30-100 cm (11.8-39.4 in.) | Burst Mode | 3 fps, up to 6 pictures | Color Mode | Color, black and white, sepia | Light Metering Method | Automatic: TTL-AE; selectable: multi-pattern, center-weighted, center spot | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.5 EV step increments | Exposure Control | Programmed AE | Click To Capture | 0.7 seconds (wide, preview on), 0.8 seconds (wide, preview off) | Shot To Shot | 1.3 seconds (wide, preview on), 1.5 seconds (wide, preview off) | Movie Mode | Continuous digital MPEG-4 video with audio capture, playback on camera | Movie Image Resolution | VGA (640x480 pixels) at 13 fps | QVGA (320x240 pixels) at 20 fps | | Movie Length | Up to 80 minutes limited by capacity of external memory card | Sound | Selectable sound themes: off, shutter only, standard, classical, SciFi, fun | Ease Of Use Features | Auto-Orientation | Auto picture rotation | Dedicated Buttons | Power, delete, menu, review, Share, flash / information | Review Mode | 2X or 4X magnify, slide show, multi-up, fast scroll, protect, albums | Video Out | NTSC, PAL (user-selectable) | Software | KODAK EASYSHARE Software | Compatibility | Dock compatability - KODAK EASYSHARE Camera and Printer Docks 6000 | Additional Features | Storage | Internal storage: 32 MB internal memory | External storage: SD/MMC card expansion slot | | Power Options | KODAK Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery KLIC 5000, DC-in jack on side of camera for 5V adapter, via the KODAK EASYSHARE Dock 6000 terminals | Image File Format | Still: JPEG / EXIF v2.2, Video: Quicktime MOV | Interface | USB compliant, KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Docks, audio / video connectors | Lens Protection | Built-in lens barrier | Tripod Mount | 1/4 in. standard | Weight | 165 g (5.8 oz.) | Dimensions | W x H x D: 108 x 49 x 30 mm (4.3 x 1.9 x 1.2 in.) | Warranty | 1 year | Package Contents | KODAK EASYSHARE LS753 Zoom Digital Camera with built-in lens cover | Neckstrap | KODAK EASYSHARE Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger | Audio/video cable | USB cable | KODAK EASYSHARE Software | Documentation kit | Custom camera insert for optional KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Camera and Printer Docks | | More Photos | | | . |
Kodak EasyShare LS743 | | Standard Features | CCD Resolution | 4.23 MP (2408 x 1758 pixels) | Image Resolution | 4.0MP (2408 x 1758 pixels) | Image Quality | 4.0 MP - best (print, enlargement) | 3.5 MP - best (optimized ration for 4" x 6" prints; 3:2) | 2.1 MP - better (small prints) | 1.1 MP - good (email) | | Zoom | 10X total zoom | 2.8X optical zoom, 6.0-16.6 mm (35 mm equivalent: 36-100 mm) | 3.6X advanced digital zoom | | Focus / Auto-Focus | Low-light auto-focus with selectable modes: multi-zone, center-zone, center-spot | Focus Distance | Wide - 60 cm (23.6 in.) to infinity; tele - 60 cm (23.6 in.) to infinity | Display | 1.8 inch (4.6 cm) high-resolution (134K pixel) indoor / outdoor display | Viewfinder | Real image optical viewfinder | Aperture | f/3.0 or f/5.1 (wide); f/4.9 or f/8.5 (tele) | Shutter Speed | 1/1400 - 1/2 second | Long Time Exposure | 1/2 - 16 seconds | ISO Equivalent | Automatic (80-160); manual (80, 200, 400) | White Balance | Auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent | Flash Mode | Auto, red-eye, fill, off | Flash Range | Wide - 0.6-2.9 m (2.0-9.5 ft.) at ISO 140; Tele - 0.6-1.8 m (2.0-5.9 ft.) at ISO 140 | Self-Timer | 10 seconds | Performance Features | Scene / Other Modes | Auto, portrait, close-up, self-portrait, museum/manner, night, night portrait, sport, landscape, snow, beach, party | Macro / Close-Up Mode | Wide - 5-100 cm (2.0-39.4 in.); tele - 30-100 cm (11.8-39.4 in.) | Burst Mode | 3 fps, up to 6 pictures | Color Mode | Color, black and white, sepia | Light Metering Method | Automatic: TTL-AE; selectable: multi-pattern, center-weighted, center spot | Exposure Compensation | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.5 EV step increments | Exposure Control | Programmed AE | Click To Capture | 0.7 seconds (wide, preview on), 0.8 seconds (wide, preview off) | Shot To Shot | 1.3 seconds (wide, preview on), 1.5 seconds (wide, preview off) | Movie Mode | Continuous digital MPEG-4 video with audio capture, playback on camera | Movie Image Resolution | VGA (640x480 pixels) at 13 fps | QVGA (320x240 pixels) at 20 | | Movie Length | Up to 80 minutes limited by capacity of external memory card | Sound | Selectable sound themes: off, shutter only, standard, classical, SciFi, fun | Ease Of Use Features | Auto-Orientation | Auto picture rotation | Dedicated Buttons | Power, delete, menu, review, Share, flash / information | Review Mode | 2X or 4X magnify, slide show, multi-up, fast scroll, protect, albums | Video Out | NTSC, PAL (user-selectable) | Software | KODAK EASYSHARE Software | Compatibility | Dock compatability - KODAK EASYSHARE Camera and Printer Docks 6000 | Additional Features | Storage | Internal storage: 16 MB internal memory | External storage: SD/MMC card expansion slot | | Power Options | KODAK Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery KLIC 5000, DC-in jack on side of camera for 5V adapter, via the KODAK EASYSHARE Dock 6000 terminals | Image File Format | Still: JPEG / EXIF v2.2, Video: Quicktime MOV | Interface | USB compliant, KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Docks, audio / video connectors | Lens Protection | Built-in lens barrier | Tripod Mount | 1/4 in. standard | Weight | 165 g (5.8 oz.) | Dimensions | W x H x D: 108 x 49 x 30 mm (4.3 x 1.9 x 1.2 in.) | Warranty | 1 year | Package Contents | KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 Zoom Digital Camera with built-in lens cover | Neckstrap | KODAK EASYSHARE Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger | Audio/video cable | USB cable | KODAK EASYSHARE Software | Documentation kit | Custom camera insert for optional KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Camera and Printer Docks | | More Photos | | | . |
|
Original Source Press Release:
New KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 Digital Cameras Combine Sophisticated Style and Innovation to Expand Picture Sharing Models Offer Stunning Image Quality with New Favorites Feature for Instant Sharing
LAS VEGAS, January 8 -- Eastman Kodak Company today announced two stylish additions to its EASYSHARE digital photography system, the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 zoom digital cameras. Both combine compact design, enhanced sharing features, superb image quality and ease of use to help people capture and enjoy those moments that make life enjoyable, whether at a birthday party or the ballet.
The cameras - whose sleek aluminum bodies are the size of a small mobile phone - integrate Kodak's new 'camera favorites' feature. With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, people can put pictures into the cameras' digital photo album for later viewing or printing. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the cameras' large, 1.8-inch high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screens. The Share button also allows individuals to immediately select photos for printing and even e-mailing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored in the cameras' memory.
Both the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 cameras feature a new, professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 2.8X compact optical zoom lens and the new KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich color, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure. The LS743 camera boasts 4 megapixel (MP) resolution and 16 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, allowing for rich detail as well as the ability to enlarge photos up to 20 x 30 inches. The LS753 camera goes one step further with 5 MP resolution and 32 MB of internal memory.
"Until now, people could either buy a digital camera with a compact design or outstanding picture quality, but not both. With the EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 cameras, we've not only delivered beautiful design and exceptional image quality, but also enhanced sharing and ease of use," said Rowan Lawson, director of worldwide digital product marketing for Kodak's Digital & Film Imaging Systems. "You'll soon see these versatile models emerge from pockets and handbags at the beach, the concert hall, and the cafe. Both are ideal for taking and sharing pictures anytime, anywhere."
The new cameras are loaded with smart features, including extensive scene and color modes, TV-resolution (VGA) movie capture and playback capability, multiple sound themes, and a SD card/MultiMediaCard memory expansion slot. They also offer automatic picture rotation to make pictures taken vertically appear right side up on the camera, computer screen or television, plus a 2:3 ratio picture-taking mode optimized for making 4 x 6-inch prints. In addition, the LS743 and LS753 models are always ready to snap a picture by simply depressing the shutter button, regardless of which capture mode or menu is active - a feature unique to EASYSHARE cameras.
LS743 and LS753 camera owners can also make real, waterproof KODAK 4 x 6-inch prints in as little as 90 seconds - with or without a computer - using the award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE printer dock 6000 (US$199.95 MSRP). The dock also quickly transfers pictures to a connected computer with just one touch, and provides a full in-camera battery charge in less than three hours.
Like all EASYSHARE cameras, the LS743 and LS753 include KODAK EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture transfer, organization, editing, sharing and printing. The software's exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature - which takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak - helps WINDOWS OS users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from home inkjet printers, while significantly reducing the costly trial, error and waste usually associated with home photo printing.
Both models are ideal for picture takers who want a smart, stylish camera that can be dropped in a shirt pocket and taken anywhere. The LS743 camera (US$349 MSRP) will be available worldwide beginning in April 2004 and the LS753 camera (pricing to be determined) will be available beginning in June 2004.
The award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system - consisting of cameras, software, camera docks and printer docks, inkjet and thermal papers, and accessories - makes it simple for anyone to take, organize, share, and print high quality digital pictures. More information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare.
About Eastman Kodak Company and infoimaging Kodak is the leader in helping people take, share, print and view images - for memories, for information, for entertainment. The company is a major participant in infoimaging, a $385 billion industry composed of devices (digital cameras and flat-panel displays), infrastructure (online networks and delivery systems for images) and services & media (software, film and paper enabling people to access, analyze and print images). With sales of $12.8 billion in 2002, the company comprises several businesses: Health, supplying the healthcare industry with traditional and digital image capture and output products and services; Commercial Printing, offering on-demand color printing and networking publishing systems; Commercial Imaging, offering image capture, output and storage products and services to businesses and government; Display & Components, which designs and manufactures state-of-the-art organic light-emitting diode displays as well as other specialty materials, and delivers optics and imaging sensors to original equipment manufacturers; and Digital & Film Imaging Systems, providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services.
Kodak and EasyShare are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. Schneider-Kreuznach and Variogon are trademarks of Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH used under license by Eastman Kodak Company. |
Powered by Coranto
|