Digital Trends
It’s easier than ever to shoot high-definition video. You can do it with traditional-style camcorders, of course, but also with cameras that also are designed to take still photos — from high-end “digital SLRs” to cameras that slip into your shirt pocket. I’ve got recommendations in all three categories — listed here from least to most expensive. All of these record HD video and have “HDMI” output connections that let you view your masterpieces on an HD display.
Today, German camera manufacturer Leica unveiled their newest M-series, the M9 digital rangefinder, and the new Leica X1. The Kodak Company, long-time supporter and supplier of Leica’s image sensors, developed a new CCD sensor specifically for the M9, amplifying the hype for the camera’s arrival.
The Kodak KAF-18500 provides a new level of camera capabilities—providing full frame image capture and a much improved image quality compared to the sensors in the M8. The new CCD sensor has been customized to work with Leica’s M-series removable lenses and mount, which has been backwards compatible with all the lenses since the original model was released in 1945. Although the M9 offers the same compact size as its predecessor the M8, the advanced image sensor beefs its resolution power and is referred to by Leica as “the world’s smallest full-frame camera system.”
Pure Digital may have started the handheld camcorder movement with the original Flip, but Kodak’s not letting the early lead go uncontested. After chasing Pure Digital with the original Zi6 and later the more compact Zx1, Kodak may have finally taken a step ahead with the first handheld cam to feature full HD, 1080p resolution: The Zi8.
Unlike the existing crop of cams – which we took a look at in our mini HD roundup – the Zi8 boasts the same 1920 x 1080 resolution that full-size HD camcorders use, but in a pocketable handheld form factor. It also keeps many of the factors that made Kodak’s Zi6 stand out with: removable batteries (but now lithium-ion for smaller size) and an SD card slot for adding your own memory – up to 32GB.
The Kodak EasyShare M381 offers 12 megapixels allowing for quality prints up to 30 x 40 inches and 5x optical zoom. Show off your pictures with its big, bright 3-inch LCD screen and view them right side up with auto picture rotation. The M381’s smart capture feature automatically identifies what camera setting will fit a specific scene. Other notable features include face detection, high ISO mode, and text tagging.
We haven’t had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we’ve assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it.
MSRP: $189.95
The Kodak EasyShare Z950 offers 12 megapixel resolution and 10x optical zoom with image stabilization. Users can make prints up to 30×40-inches because of the Z950’s larger 12 megapixel sensor. The Z950 also features a 0.3 second click-to-capture speed allowing you to capture action shots without delay. Its big and bright 3-inch LCD screen shows off pictures nicely and auto rotation allows you to view vertical and horizontal pictures.
We haven’t had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we’ve assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it.
MSRP: $279.95
The Kodak Zi8 pocket video camcorder features full HD 1080p recording resolution and electronic image stabilization to reduce blurring. The Zi8 also has the capability to take 5 megapixel still images and offers a swing out USB arm similar to the Flip MinoHD for quick and easy file transfers. Other notable features of the Zi8 include a 2.5-inch LCD display, external microphone jack, and HDMI video output.
We haven’t had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we’ve assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it.
MSRP: $179.95
Kodak Professional, which brought you the first professional digital camera more than a decade ago, is proud to bring you the DCS Pro 14n, a standard F-mount SLR digital camera with a 35 mm-size, 13.89 million-pixel complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.Equal in size to 35 mm film, the sensor’s focal length magnification is 1: 1. You get the same true wide-angle image as you would with film, with no lens magnification factor. It’s the ideal camera for high-resolution group shots, allowing you to see the finest detail.The DCS Pro 14n is also the industry’s first SLR digital camera that can shoot variable-resolution RAW files at 3, 6, or 14 megapixels. You’ll have the dynamic range and versatility of working with RAW files at the resolution you choose.With the DCS Pro 14n camera, you won’t lose a shot. Picture protection will see to that. And, Kodak proprietary Extended Range Imaging Technology will provide two stops of exposure latitude in a JPEG workflow.Designed for professional portrait, selected wedding, and commercial photographers, the DCS Pro 14n camera is one of the most technologically advanced cameras on the market, and thanks to free firmware and software upgrades, it will stay that way, too.
Take photography to the next level. Whether you’re zooming in on fast action shots or taking a picture of your grand surroundings, the Z915 is the camera that can handle it. And it’s surprisingly simple to use.
Adventure can strike at any moment. Capture it in HD with the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera. Built to take on rain and snow, bright light and low light, this camera is ready for action. Now, no matter where life leads you, recording it all in stunning HD quality is as close as your front pocket.
HD video, right in your front pocket
Kodak Zx1 Highlights
Easily capture 720p HD video up to 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio
Compact design goes with you anywhere
Record up to 10 hours of HD video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB
Choose your favorite from a wide array of vibrant colors
Stunningly-detailed pictures and videos–one simple camera. Whether you seize the moment with incredibly-sharp 12-megapixel photos, or in motion with crisp videos, you can do it all with the Kodak EasyShare V1253 digital camera. And you can see everything presented on a beautiful, wide 3.1-inch screen. This innovative camera takes incredibly detailed pictures with versatility you’ve never experienced before.
Kodak EasyShare V1253 Highlights
Shoot it 12-megapixel resolution for stunning prints up to 30 x 40-inches.
Sharpen it True HD quality. Stunning pictures and videos.
Kodak EasyShare features and highlights
Find it For great shots of friends and family, face detection technology locates faces and automatically adjusts the camera settings.
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