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Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera. Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co. Kodak announces ZX1 video camera
By
(Monday, January 5, 2009 - 17:05 EST)

In the runup to the Consumer Electronics Show, Eastman Kodak Co. has launched a new digital video camera that will sit alongside its existing ZI6 model in the company's lineup.

The Kodak ZX1 has a candy-bar form factor with a fixed focus lens and 1/4.5" CMOS image sensor optimized for high speed 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) high definition video capture at up to 60 frames per second. It's also possible to slow the framerate to 30 frames per second at full resolution - reducing the file size by about 20% to roughly 20 minutes per gigabyte. Dropping the resolution to VGA (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 frames per second saves greatly on file size, with about 80 minutes per gigabyte. The lens used is identical to that in the Kodak ZI6, with one exception - Kodak has removed the Macro switch from the ZX1. Native sensor resolution is 1.6 megapixels, although still images can be interpolated to a maximum of three megapixels. The image sensor is identical to that in the Kodak ZI6, and given that it has no optical zoom the Kodak ZX1 instead offers 2x digital zoom.

Showing its intention as a video camera aimed at teens and an active lifestyle, the Kodak ZX1 has a splashproof, dustproof body that's certified to the IP43 standard - meaning it is great for outdoor use, but not capable of being operated underwater. Another difference from the previous ZI6 model is that the ZX1 has a slightly smaller 2.0" LCD display to fit in its smaller and more rugged body, instead of the 2.5" type in its sibling. Videos and still images are stored on Secure Digital cards up to a maximum of 32GB. The ZX1 has HDMI connectivity, and includes the relevant cable in the product bundle. Power comes from two AA batteries, and Kodak is also including two NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charger in the package. There's no bundled flash card, a smart move given that those bundled with most digicams are too small to be of any real utility, and serve only to increase the pricing.

Kodak's ZX1 natively mounts on modern operating systems as a USB Mass Storage Class device, and videos are stored as H.264 .MOV files with AAC/LC codec audio, a format that was consciously chosen to offer native support in Apple's iLife multimedia software, meaning that OS X users will be able to use their ZX1 with no additional software needed. PC users are catered for with a bundled media player and transcoding software that can convert the videos to other formats used by some of the key PC applications. Cleverly, Kodak has bundled this software in a read-only partition on the camera's internal memory, meaning that the software is immediately available whenever you might want to connect the camera to a new PC, and can't be lost.

The Kodak ZX1 will ship from early April 2009, priced at about $150. Five body colors will be available - black, blue, red, pink and yellow.

Original Source Press Release:

Rugged new KODAK Digital Video Camera enables on-the-go HD video capture

Never miss a moment with pocketable and weather-resistant video companion

Rochester, NY, January 8, 2009 — Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced the new KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, a compact and rugged digital device that enables “go-anywhere” High Definition recording.

Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera. Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co. Click for a bigger picture! Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera. Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera
Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co.

 

The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.

“More than ever, people want to capture moments on the go and quickly and easily share them,” says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in this kind of storytelling – it’s both small and smart, and enables people to record virtually anything, virtually anywhere, and then quickly upload content to video-sharing and social networking websites.”

The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button -- no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera’s advanced feature set includes:

  • Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps

  • Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more – IP43 certified;

  • High-quality video capture in bright light or low light - from the beach, to the nightclub;

  • Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;

  • Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;

  • Easy HDTV playback with included HDMI cable;

  • Sensitive, low distortion microphone that provides crisp, clear audio;

  • Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger included, saving money and avoiding waste from used batteries;

  • Vibrant 2.0” LCD;

  • Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;

  • Remote control compatible (remote control sold separately).

Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community, and the Kodak and YouTube relationship enables consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from the simple and powerful video editing software that comes with the camera.

Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, including:

  • KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;

  • KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;

  • KODAK Flexi-tripods;

  • KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps;

  • Remote control;

  • Battery options include AA, CRV3, and KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-8000.

Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera will be available from April 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.

*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.

About Kodak

As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

More than 70 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery --join for free today at www.kodakgallery.com

###

© 2009 KODAK is a trademark of Kodak.

YouTube is a trademark of Google, Inc.

Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera. Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Kodak's ZX1 digital video camera
Photo provided by Eastman Kodak Co.

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