Kodak has launched the Zi6 Pocket Video Camera - a compact digital video camera capable of capturing footage in 720p HD format.

Footage recorded by the Kodak Zi6 camcorder can be stored an SD (Secure Digital) or SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) removable memory cards. Cards up to 32GB are supported.

As part of the package, Kodak provides basic video-editing software. The Zi6 is powered by a pair of AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. A charger for these comes bundled with the camcorder. (more…)

“Underneath its sleek exterior, the KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera is a powerhouse built to capture beautiful pictures,” said John Blake, general manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “The Smart Capture feature available on our latest digital cameras, including the M1093 IS, lets consumers capture moments that would have otherwise been missed, thanks to its intuitive and automatic scene detection and setting control.” (more…)

The camera has a built-in image-stabilization feature that automatically minimizes camera shake and results in sharper pictures. A ’smart capture’ feature, meanwhile, identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings accordingly.
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It’s much more of a full-fledged camera than most camera phones, with auto focus, low-light settings, as well as panorama, macro, and multi-shot modes. Perhaps the best feature, though is the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you upload photos to the Kodak Gallery online service sans PC. Unlike some other camera phones, the ZN5 does let you transfer photos directly to a PC (without requiring you to pay wireless messaging fees), via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth file transfers, as well as the removable microSD card. The Motozine ZN5 will be available in China only in July 2008, and Motorola expects to roll it out across other countries throughout the rest of the year.
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The M1093 IS is a budget-priced ($199.95) compact shooter with a 3x zoom (35–105mm equivalent), 3-inch LCD, image stabilization, HD photo and video, ISO up to 3200, and comes in three colors (silver, black, and red).

The 10-megapixel Z1015 IS ($349.95 MSRP) stands out for its wider-than-usual 28mm lens and 15x optical zoom, under 0.22 sec shooting lag (according to Kodak), image stabilization, 3-inch LCD, ISO up to 6400 (at 3.1-megapixel setting or less), and HD image and video capture at 720p and 30 fps.

Kodak also announced its entry into the pocket camcorder business, currently dominated by Pure Digital’s Flip. Kodak’s Zi6 bests Pure Digital’s top-of-the-line Flip Mino by delivering HD video capabilities (720p) and a bigger (2.4-inch) LCD for the same price ($179.95–well, five cents less, if you’re being nit-picky). A vertical form factor, flip-out USB connector, easy YouTube upload are becoming standard features in these babies. Kodak’s model comes in black and pink.

The KAF-10100 product exceptional resolution and detail in photography digital camera to produce images with an array of 8176 x 6132 pixels, the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in the Middle format photography, Kodak said. For example, an aerial photo of a field measuring 1-1/2 miles through shows an object the size of a notebook computer, or about 1 foot by 1 foot.

Other features include a sensor design new 6-micron pixels instead of 6.8 micron pixels used in products for the commercial market. The smallest pixel reduces the “click-to-capture” time for a better response camera, low power consumption, in addition to bright colors.

“Photographers professionals need to seize more and more the image with more details camera performance, and that impels us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market,” Michael Miller, director of Kodak the image sensor business, said in a statement released Tuesday.

Kodak expects to begin volume production of the KAF-50100 sensor in the fourth quarter. Price was not disclosed.

Kodak and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) have teamed up to release last month a cameraphone designed to enable users to easily take and share high quality photographs.

The Motozine ZN5 is a 5-megapixel Candy Bar-style phone that features Kodak imaging technology. The handset is the first line of Motorola Motozine optimized multimedia devices.

The camera is activated by dragging the lens Kodak open. The device sports an auto-focus feature, xenon flash, and optimize the parameters of low light environments. It also features multiple modes of capture, including a panorama mode automatically points at the same time continuing plans into a single image expanded.

The good: Brilliant color reproduction, video capture HD, elegant design.

The bad: Slow startup time, focusing sometimes slow, lack of wide-angle lens.

In summary: The image quality impressive tempted to excuse us for the M1033 for the less-than-expected performance
French

“Kodak Imaging Technology combines Kodak’s unparalleled experience in imaging science with easy connectivity to the company’s vast portfolio of products and services,” said John Blake, General Manager, Digital Capture and Imaging Devices Group, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “We have redefined the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. We have worked closely with Motorola to create a device that not only delivers Kodak-quality pictures, but allows consumers to explore a wide range of options for sharing their photos with friends and family around the world.”

The camera phone will include various photo capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama; and the ability to automatically upload images to an online Kodak Gallery via a dedicated Gallery Link. Using ShoZu, customers can also upload images to a number of popular social networking Websites. With Bluetooth technology, users can also wirelessly transfer photos; or print them via compatible Kodak all-in-one printers and picture kiosks. The ZN5 will ship with Kodak EasyShare software for easily managing and editing captured images.

In addition to the photo features, the ZN5 boasts Motorola’s patented CrystalTalk technology to enhance the caller’s voice; and GSM and WLAN compatibility for robust connectivity on-the-go.

While its specific availability in the Canadian market has not yet been announced, the ZN5 will be available in China this month, and is expected to roll out “around the globe” throughout the remainder of the year.

While Sony Ericsson is arguably the only company to have successfully created camera phones that rival entry-level point-and-shoot digital cameras with its mobile phone/Cyber-shot camera hybrid devices, the Motozine ZN5 could give the company a serious run for its money with the involvement of Kodak technology. From Kodak’s end, the entrance into this ever-growing market is a smart-move. Camera phones are becoming increasingly popular, if only as secondary devices to dedicated point-and-shoot digital cameras. As they become more and more advanced, however, these devices could very well take a considerable chunk out of the entry-level digital camera market.

This is the type of camera that most professionals and extremely enthusiastic photographers use since it creates superior photos, and gives the photographer complete control over the images that he or she produces.

It’s been said over and over that the most crucial element of any camera whatsoever is the lens. Basically the digital camera, just like the regular film camera, is only as good as the lens is.

In fact this is the main reason that most people decide to buy an SLR digital camera - is because of the notion that they can interchange the lenses in order to be more creative and versatile with their photography. Actually, this is the one variable of the digital SLR or D-SLR (Digital SLR) camera purchase that you have to be weary of. Many cameras on the market are labeled as D-SLR, yet some of them actually have a fixed lens. This drastically limits the photographer and therefore you must be cautious before the purchase, and know what you’re actually getting.

Now perhaps if you’re not as avid a photographer as some might be, but still want to take higher quality photographs, then a D-SLR might be the way to go. This actually may be exactly the camera for you…but if you’re becoming serious about your digital photography and your wants and needs dictate, then you should get the D-SLR that allows for the lens to be interchangeable.

It’s very important that you look at the available selection of lenses prior to purchasing your digital camera. Make sure that the variety of choice is substantial enough, and includes the type of lenses that you’re looking for.

That leads nicely into the next point. Before you purchase any digital camera it’s important that you know what you’re looking to use it for, and how much power and resolution you’ll need etc. It’s important that you assess this before you start looking around for your camera because it will decrease a lot of the confusion and it will help you to get exactly what you want.

The size of the prints that you’ll be creating falls directly into this part of the decision. The size of quality prints that you’re able to create depends on the number of megapixels that your camera has. So for instance — if you’re looking to create large prints of 8 X 10 or more then it’s probably to your benefit to get an SLR digital camera with no less than 8 megapixels.

This is all pretty much determined by the size of the image sensor. The image sensor ultimately is in direct correlation to how many pixels a camera has…and the count size of those pixels. Basically the larger the pixel count the better your camera gathers light giving you an enhanced low light performance with high ISO. The image sensor is also responsible for giving you a wider dynamic range.

Also important is the fact that the size of the image sensor makes a significant difference in how wide an angle of view your lens provides.

Here’s how it works.

A smaller sensor will see a smaller segment of the image produced by the lens. If you’ve got a D-SLR camera with a full-frame image sensor, this means that you’re getting the same size as a full 35mm film frame (36×24mm). Essentially, many digital photographers look to get as close to this as possible in order to have photos that are comparable to the ones that they’ve been able to achieve with their original film 35mm camera.

There are also other things to consider such as the LCD screen and its size, plus how many extra features that the camera has (if you want extra features). If you’re more of a beginner with the SLR’s and you like the idea of a little automation and extra help from your camera, then it’s good to know that some entry-level and mid-range D-SLRs come equipped with subject modes. These will automatically set the camera for shooting subjects like close-ups, portraits, landscapes, action and many more. It’s important to know that the more top line and professional level D-SLR’s don’t have this. This is why it’s also a good idea to honestly establish your expertise level with digital photography

In a nutshell, if you stick to the major brands then you really can’t go wrong, because nearly all of them have very high quality SLR cameras that will give you what you want and then some. So now you don’t have to worry about how to choose the right SLR digital camera anymore. Now it’s time to go and get one.

Canon has well above 1000 patented digital technologies and is seeking extended innovation each year. Most of the Canon digital cameras have a 9- point AiAF, i.e. providing true auto-focus. The screen is divided into 9 parts and the focus is captured with finesse. This is unique from the traditional 5- point auto-focusing methodology. Canon also developed the popular multi face detection technology that enables to detect up to 9 faces in its lower end digital cameras and up to 35 faces in its higher end cameras. This feature is also extended to its video shooting function. The video capturing mode has this feature extended by incorporating ‘face select and tracking’ which enables you to track a face among a crowd.

Canon’s digital SLR’s sports the ground breaking ESO technology. This technology has an integrated cleaning system which functions to remove the dust particles on the lens and on the image. It has inbuilt hardware to shake off the dust particles from the lens and software to remove the sticky dust grains from the image. Thus it aims at providing the best possible image by removing all faults. They have also initiated the anti-noise processing which takes care that no dots or white lines are formed in the image unlike other cameras which remove the noise after the image is taken which might result in distortion of the image.

Some of the highly rated canon digital camera include PowerShot, IXUS and EOS. The PowerShot is aimed at the simple point and shoot user, the price is affordable and it features cameras below 10 mega pixels available in varied colour options and designs. The IXUS series is the mid-range digital camera offering that are more advanced and bit pricey. The ESO series offers digital SLR’s that are meant for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. These SLR’s are available with different range lenses. Canon has roped in Sachin Tendulkar as their brand ambassador for marketing of their popular product line. Canon has emerged as a pioneer in its design, technology, and usability thus becoming a name synonymous to photography.