New Kodak dual-lens, Bluetooth camera

Kodak has announced its second dual-lens camera, the Easyshare V610, as well as an updated version of its Easyshare-One wireless-enabled camera and new Easyshare Software 6.0. Dubbed as the world's smallest digital camera with a 10X optical zoom, the V610 leverages a virtually identical design to its predecessor 5MP camera, delivering six megapixels of resolution using two Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon zoom lenses. The combined system offers a total zoom range of 38-380mm. Kodak also says the V610 is the first dual-lens camera that offers Bluetooth wireless technology to easily send photos to nearby wireless devices, such as printers, computers, or other mobile devices.

The camera, less than an inch thick, features a 2.8-inch LCD screen as well as both a standard range 38-114mm f/3.9-4.4 lens and a 130-380mm f/4.8 telephoto zoom lenses.

Other features include 23 scene modes, a shutter speed range of 8-1/1200 sec, JPEG format support (only), several color modes, live and review histogram, a Bluetooth transfer rate of up to 3Mbps, 32MB of intenal memory, and support for SD/MMC memory. The device will ship in May for $450.

Easyshare-One updated

Kodak also introduced its next generation Easyshare-One, which it says was the world's first Wi-Fi consumer digital camera and "the only camera in the world" from which people can e-mail pictures. The new Easyshare-One offers 6MP resolution as well as new WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider recommendation) protocol support, which increases the number of hot spot locations to connect anytime, anywhere, wirelessly. The Easyshare-One 6 MP camera will be available in the U.S. beginning this summer for $300, while the Wi-Fi card is an optional accessory for $100. The current 4MP version is available for $400.


Easyshare Software 6.0 due in May

Kodak also announced version 6.0 of its Easyshare Software; the free software provides "an effortless way for people to organize, print, share and get creative with their ever-growing picture collections." Version 6.0, available for both Mac and PC platforms, comes with a new user interface to enhance the consumer experience and improve performance. It also includes a photo card printing feature that turns pictures into invitations, announcements and more. Kodak Easyshare Software 6.0 will be available for free download beginning in May.

Filed under: peripherals, digital imaging