NewsFebruary 2006

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Kodak EasyShare Z612

Pre-PMA 2006: News arrived earlier than we had expected of the new Kodak EasyShare cameras. First up is the EasyShare Z612 which features a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization technology. The 6-megapixel camera also has a large 2.5-inch screen, aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual modes.

Phil: Note that we were given these articles at short notice, Kodak had decided to announce these products much earlier than the date shown in the press release.

Press Release:

New KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Digital Camera Allows Enthusiasts to Zoom in on the Action with its 12X Extended Zoom Capabilities

Fast Performance, High-Quality Detailed Long Shots, Steady Videos Enhance New Z-Series Camera

ORLANDO, February 24 — Eastman Kodak Company today announced the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 zoom digital camera, the latest model in its Z-series line, which helps everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots.

KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series digital cameras combine fast-performing, point-and-shoot flexibility with the photographic control achieved through a higher optical zoom. The 6-megapixel KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Zoom Digital Camera is a compact camera boasting a 12X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON optical zoom lens with Kodak’s image stabilization technology for sharp shots and steady videos.

The camera’s easy-to-use performance features include a 2.5” display, PASM modes, auto-image enhance, on-camera cropping, histogram and advanced video designed to help aspirational photographers take better pictures with sharper detail.

“The EASYSHARE Z-Series cameras offer a vast array of user-friendly features in a compact model with advanced controls that allow users to dive into photography and achieve more satisfying results,” said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. “In addition to its impressive resolution and 12X optical zoom, the Z612 enhances the overall digital photography experience by delivering the natural details, accurate flesh tones, and impressive color via Kodak’s proprietary color science chip.”

The EASYSHARE Z612 camera records TV-quality video, up to 30 frames per second (fps) using advanced MPEG-4 compression. Built-in image stabilization technology reduces on-screen shaking from unintentional hand and camera movement. The camera also offers an optical zoom feature for video including auto focus. And it is simple to select any frame in a video, then save and print it as a “freeze frame” still picture in just seconds.

The KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Zoom Digital Camera will be available worldwide beginning in April 2006 and will retail for US$399 (MSRP).

Innovative Features of the Z612 Camera

The EASYSHARE Z612 camera builds in a number of innovative features that photographers will appreciate, including:

• Compact size;
• The exclusive KODAK color science image processing chip that results in portraits with edge-to-edge sharpness and brightness, rich color, accurate skin tones and highly accurate exposure;
• Remarkable dynamic range, fine detail and delicate highlights;
• A large 2.5-inch, high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screen that allows previewing of shots or reviewing pictures stored in 27 MB internal memory or on an optional SD/MMC card;
• A live histogram that enables photographers to see the exposure of their subjects before taking the shot;
• Automatic, aperture priority and shutter priority modes, full manual, plus 16 scene and 5 color modes;
• A high-speed precision auto-focus system that offers fast click-to-capture times;
• First and last burst modes and flash compensation;
• On-camera editing features includes automatic red-eye reduction, cropping, and auto picture rotation;
• The exclusive Share button to tag pictures for e-mailing, printing and saving to the on-camera digital photo album, computer, and online album as favorites.

Making the EASYSHARE System Connection

Z-Series camera owners can quickly print KODAK 4 x 6-inch pictures with just one touch in as little as 60 seconds, using the new KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus Series 3. The Series 3 printer docks are the first to support the new IMAGELINK print system, working with new EASYSHARE cameras and other manufacturers’ compatible cameras.

The Printer Dock Series 3 also transfers pictures to a connected computer, and recharges and reconditions the cameras’ batteries. Pictures made from EASYSHARE printer docks are vibrant, borderless, waterproof, and will last a lifetime, under typical photo album display conditions.
The line of EASYSHARE printer docks makes printing truly one-touch simple, and does not require people to connect a cable between camera and printer. Their convenience, print speed, ease-of-use and phenomenal picture quality have resulted in overwhelming demand from picture takers worldwide, with the line having achieved the number one market position in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, according to The NPD Group and GfK.

The Z-Series cameras include new KODAK EASYSHARE software version 5.2 for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing. The exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak to help users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from inkjet printers. Version 5.2, which is available for free download from www.kodak.com, also makes sharing your favorite pictures as simple as possible, automatically placing them in albums on your camera, on your computer, and in your online KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery albums.

The KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system consists of cameras, snapshot printers, services, docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories, making taking, organizing, sharing, and printing high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare