Rising from the ashes, Kodak cameras to live again (sort of)

By Ted Needleman January 15, 2013

No news coming out of Kodak recently seem to be upbeat, but although the company seems to be calling it quits on many fronts – including digital cameras, which it practically invented – you can bet on one thing: its namesake probably holds more value than many of its patents. Which is why you’ll soon see Kodak-branded cameras on store shelves again. It’s just that Kodak themselves won’t be making them.

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Kodak announced that they are licensing their brand in a multi-year contract to JK Imaging, a privately held company based in Los Angeles. Products go beyond digital cameras, as the deal also includes pocket video camera and projectors. This partnership is similar to the ones entered by Hewlett-Packard (which exited the digicam biz years ago) or Polaroid.

“Kodak remains a strong and trustworthy name in the consumer space, and this agreement reinforces how valuable our brand is,” said Kodak President Laura Quatela.

While we don’t know exactly what types of cameras will be introduced, British magazine Amateur Photographer was able to confirm with Kodak during CES that a compact system (mirrorless) camera and a 52x mega-zoom camera are in the works, and that they’d be manufactured in China. Expect to see cameras roll out during the second quarter of 2013.

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Sony responds to smartphone invasion with new compact mega-zoom Cyber-shot camera

sony cyber shot hx50v digital camera announces dsc featured

Tech companies often like to one-up one another with the world’s fastest, biggest, smallest, or lightest of something, and cameras are no exception. Sony today announced the Cyber-shot HX50V, the world’s smallest and lightest camera with a 30x optical zoom lens (that’s according to Sony, of course, not us). Smartphones are invading the point-and-shoot category at the low end, but the HX50V is one way Sony is adding some excitement into their pocket cams at the high-end.
The HX50V weighs 9.6 ounces and measures 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.2 – Sony dubs it "the perfect travel companion." So, what has Sony crammed into this box in addition to the mega-zoom Sony G lens (24-720mm 35mm equivalent, f/3.5-6.3 aperture, 30-1/1,600 shutter speed))? You’ll find a 1/2.3-inch 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot, as Sony calls it) even at full telephoto (twice as stable with faster focusing than last year’s HX200V), Sony’s BIONZ image processor, high-speed autofocus (twice as fast as the HX200V), a 3-inch LCD (921K dots, not touch-capable), and built-in Wi-Fi. Besides wireless transfers to a computer or a smart device running Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app (iOS and Android), you can also use a smartphone or tablet for remote operation. There’s also built-in GPS for geotagging your photos.
While the HX50V is a point-and-shoot, there are some advanced features for users who want more control. With rangefinder design cues like a rubberized grip, the camera has a mode dial for quickly selecting a shooting mode and a separate dial for exposure compensation. Other features include 5-blade aperture to create that smooth defocusing effect (bokeh); ISO up to 12,800; 10 frames-per-second burst mode; Sony’s new Multi Interface Shoe to add on accessories like an electronic viewfinder, flash, or microphone (including some made for Handycam camcorders); a new battery that delivers 400 photos before recharging; and Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture at 60p. According to Sony, the HX50V is compatible with their Triluminous Color tech, which means you can view more vibrant colors when the camera’s hooked up to a compatible Sony Bravia TV.
The camera is due out next month, and will list for $450. Since it’s small, light, and full-featured, perhaps you wouldn’t mind carrying both a smartphone and a camera.

Photography

With a big APS-C sensor, Sony’s NEX-3N entry-level mirrorless cam is anything but basic

sony unveils entry level nex 3n wselp1650 zoom wh 1

Sony has officially announced the availability and pricing of the new Alpha NEX-3N Compact System (mirrorless) Camera in the U.S. Boasting it as the “world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens with an APS-C size sensor,” the camera, which was unveiled in other global regions last week, will go on sale in April for $500 (including a kit 16-50mm motorized zoom lens).
The 16.1-megapixel NEX-3N, which succeeds the NEX-F3 at the entry-level, is designed for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot but aren’t inclined to buy a DSLR or entry-DSLR users who want to move into a compact system that uses interchangeable lenses. The NEX-3N features a sensor used in many entry-level and midrange DSLRS, offering a max ISO of 16,000; Sony’s new BIONZ image processor engine allows for area-specific noise reduction for better low-light performance; a 180-degree tilting LCD (not touch capable); a grip for improved hold; a zoom lever commonly found in point-and-shoots; three-shot EV bracketing; a built-in flash; and Auto Object Framing that “identifies the main object of a scene and crops photo automatically around it for professional-style composition,” according to Sony.
The kit lens has a small design that helps keep the camera compact. The NEX-3N will be available in black or white.

Photography

Mega-zoom and entry-level FinePix cameras round out Fujifilm’s new 2013 CP+ unveils

In addition to the FinePix F900EXR and F850EXR cameras, Fujifilm at 2013 CP+ introduced new mega-zoom and entry-level models.
For those who want to step up to a long-zoom camera but aren’t ready or willing to invest in a interchangeable lens system, Fujifilm has for you two new S-Series mega-zoom cameras: the S6800 and S4800. These “all-in-one bridge” cameras feature a 30x Fujinon zoom lens (24-720mm) with optical image stabilization, and “consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, and combines aspherical and ED elements that help to reduce aberrations and promote a superior level of image quality.” A Super Macro mode lets you get as close as 0.78-inches to a subject.
Where they differ is in the components. The S6800 uses a 16-megapixel 0.43-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor that has a ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800. Autofocus speed is 0.3 seconds, while startup time is 1 second, interval time is 0.5 seconds, and a burst mode of 8 frames per second. The camera can also shoot ultra-high-speed at 60 fps (60 frames max at 1280 x 960) and 120 fps (60 frames max at 640 x 480) for slow-mo capture.
The back of the Fujifilm FinePix S6800. (Front is shown above)
The S4800 has the same sensor size and resolution as the S6800, but it’s a regular CCD, so it lacks the low-light performance of a BI CMOS sensor. Autofocus is still 0.3 seconds, but startup time is 1.3 seconds.
Both cameras have a DSLR-like mode dial and a 3-inch LCD (460K dots for the S6800, 230K dots for the S4800). For video capture, the S6800 shoots HD video at 1080i at 60 fps and slo-mo capture at 480 fps, while the S4800 records in 720p at 30 fps. The two cameras are powered via four AA batteries, so you’ll need to stock up on those or buy some rechargeable ones.

The S6800 comes in black, white, and red, and has a list price of $250. The S4800 comes in black only, and will sell for $230. Both cameras will shelves in March.
In the entry-level JX line, Fujifilm unveiled the FinePix JX680, a compact camera with a 5x optical zoom (26-130mm). Unlike higher-end offerings, the JX680 uses digital image stabilization and a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. It shoots HD at 720p, and has a 3-inch LCD (230K dots).
The FinePix JX680 will list for $100 in March.
Fujifilmm FinePix JX680