Kodak has announced a promising looking new EasyShare camera to replace the P850 at the top of its 'Pro' range. The P712 features a 7.1MP resolution, 12x stabilized Schneider lens, high resolution electronic viewfinder and 2.5-inch screen. It is also claimed to have 'best-in-class' shutter lag and a new high speed focus system.

Press Release:

KODAK EASYSHARE P712 Digital Camera Unleashes Photographers’ Potential with Precision Controls and Stunning Image Quality

Blazing Fast Auto-Focus System, 12X Image-Stabilised Lens, 7.1 MP Sensor Combine for Crisp, Clear Pictures Ideal for Sharing

London, June 20 — Eastman Kodak Company today announced the KODAK EASYSHARE P712 zoom digital camera, setting a new performance benchmark for the consumer “superzoom” category. Its precision auto-focus system with best-in-class click-to-capture rate - literally faster than the blink of an eye, at less than 1/10th of a second (0.07 seconds) - helps photographers get the exact shots they want, whether action on a sports field or children on the playground.

“When second and third-time digital camera buyers walk into stores this year, they’re searching for models with better performance and more control than point-and-shoots, without sacrificing ease of use. They want pictures that look phenomenal straight out of the camera,” said Carolyn Walsh, Product Sales Director Digital, Eastman Kodak Company. “Our new P712 camera is specifically designed for these photographers, helping them take stunning pictures that they’ll want to share widely with friends and family.”

The KODAK EASYSHARE P712 camera features a 12X (36 – 432 mm equiv.), image-stabilised, f2.8 – f/3.7, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens that delivers exquisite detail and sharpness. Its 7.1 megapixel sensor is paired with legendary KODAK Color Science image processing for spectacular, highly accurate colour - shot after shot.

Optical image stabilisation provides a two-stop advantage over non-image stabilised systems for better capturing subjects in low light for both stills and video. It also minimises handheld camera shake at longer focal lengths, which is ideal while photographing sporting events and during everyday picture taking when carrying a stabilising device is impractical.

The P712 camera will be available in the UK from June 2006, with a suggested retail price of £349.99.

Sharing Made Simple

The EASYSHARE P712 camera’s large 2.5-inch, high-resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder simplify framing, reviewing and sharing pictures. Photographers can select pictures for e-mailing or printing with a touch of the exclusive Share button, and even mark them as favourites for automatic uploading to the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery in conjunction with included KODAK EASYSHARE Software version 6.

TV-quality, 30 frames-per-second VGA video with sound (MPEG4) is always available on the P712 camera with the turn of a dial. Convenient on-camera video editing includes functions such as split, cut, merge and trim, plus the ability to create single-frame or multi-frame “storyboard” still pictures.

As with all EASYSHARE cameras, the P712 model is compatible with KODAK EASYSHARE snapshot printers and camera docks, the IMAGELINK print system, and PICTBRIDGE technology for direct photo output without a computer.

Advanced Features for Precise Control

The hot shoe flash connector and optional KODAK P20 zoom flash (with a suggested retail price of £99.99) provides enhanced, more flexible lighting control, while the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers long-lasting power for more picture taking opportunities.

Additional features include PASM, custom and extensive preset scene modes; multiple burst modes for action shooting; three-shot in-camera panorama stitching; a live histogram; 25 selectable AF points; custom white balance with selectable compensation; highlight/shadow clipping displays; and RAW/TIFF/JPEG support.

Kodak EasyShare P712 specifications