Kodak SLICE Review

The Kodak SLICE digital camera is based around the combination of a 14 megapixel CCD image sensor, and a Schneider-Kreuznach branded 5x optical zoom lens with actual focal lengths ranging from 6.3 to 31.5mm. Unfortunately, Kodak's spec sheets don't list the 35mm-equivalent focal lengths for the lens. We do however know that the Kodak SLICE includes true optical image stabilization - important, given that maximum apertures range from a rather dim F4.8 at wide angle to F5.2 at telephoto.

The Kodak SLICE doesn't include an optical viewfinder of any kind, instead selecting a large 16:9 aspect ratio 3.5" LCD whch dominates the rear of the camera. Thanks to a capacitive touch-screen panel, this display serves both as the main input device, as well as being the sole method of framing and reviewing images and movies. The SLICE can store images on either MicroSD or MicroSDHC cards, and also includes a very generous 2GB of built-in memory. Power comes courtesy of a Kodak KLIC-7000 lithium-ion battery, and unusually the SLICE can also be charged with a standard USB charger.

Kodak's SLICE includes the company's face detection technology, capable of detecting up to five faces in a scene. In addition, the face recognition function can be programmed to automatically recognize the faces of twenty specific individuals, who can then be automatically tagged when their face is detected in an image, allowing quick location of their photos in-camera or in software that can read the tags. Other features of the camera include 30 frames-per-second 720p (1,280 x 720 pixel) high-definition video capture, ISO sensitivity to 3,200 max., and three-image in-camera panorama stitching.

Available from April 2010, the Kodak SLICE is priced at around $350, and can be purchased in three body colors - black, nickel, or radish