Kodak’s ESP 3 Printer + LCD = ESP 5

The ESP 5 multifunction printer gets an LCD screen for on-the-fly modifications, cutting out the need for a PC.

Kodak continued to build its extensive all-in-one printer line on Thursday with the release of the ESP 5, another multifunction machine built to use its low-cost inks. Like its predecessor the ESP 3, the ESP 5 rolls a flatbed scanner and printer into an attractive black case, but adds a LCD screen for viewing, editing and printing photos without a computer.

The ESP 5 accepts media cards in a wide range of formats, including SD, MMC, MemoryStick, xD, and CF, plus USB thumb drives. Once inserted, pictures can be pulled up and manipulated on its three-inch color LCD screen before printing. For those who would prefer to do the work on a computer instead, Kodak also bundles the machine with more powerful retouching software.

In terms of print specs, the ESP 5 pushes out about 30 pages per minute (PPM) in both color and black and white modes, when used with the lowest quality print settings. It can handle borderless papers down to 4 x 6 inches, and print a photo-quality picture of that size in about 30 seconds.

The ESP 5 is currently available to preorder for $169.99, a $40 premium over it’s the screenless-but-similar ESP 3. Kodak expects orders to ship out on May 5.