At CES JK Imaging announced a new line of Kodak products... a new lens camera modules for smart phones, just like the Sony QX10/QX100. This new Pixpro camera automatically qualifies them for the 2014 worst camera of the year award. The press release:
KODAK PIXPRO Product Line Takes Smart Phone Photography to the Next Level with New Snap On Long-Zoom SMART LENS® Camera
The next generation of the point-and-shoot experience is here. Designed for iOS and ANDROID devices, JK Imaging Ltd. announces their first clip on long-zoom, wireless camera lenses equipped with improved long zoom and focus for a better user experience.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- JK Imaging Ltd., the worldwide licensee for KODAK PIXPRO Digital Cameras and Devices, announced today they are debuting the SMART LENS® camera, a brand new category of long-zoom accessories that will catapult mobile photography to the next level in quality, convenience and on the go sharing.
Developed to fit a large void in current smart phone cameras and their limitations, the KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS® Camera is a simple yet powerful accessory that snaps on to iOS and ANDROID devices and turns your phone into the next generation of long zoom camera. For enhanced usability the SMART LENS Camera is wireless and can be controlled with a free downloadable app.
Photos and videos taken with the KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS® Camera come with the benefit of longer zoom, improved focus, better clarity and can be easily transferred to your smart phone's photo stream to be edited and uploaded in a matter of seconds to your favorite social media platform. The SMART LENS® Camera is equipped with a standard micro SD card slot and intuitive settings like built-in sleep mode, to ensure you're always ready to capture that special moment on the go. Basic features on the SMART LENS® SL10 ($199 MSRP) include 10x optical zoom, 1080p video, 28-280mm wide-angle lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). The SL25 ($299 MSRP) adds even more powerful 25x optical zoom and a 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens. Both models are highly portable and weigh only a few ounces. The KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS® line will be available in spring 2014.
The 16MP Micro Four Thirds camera Kodak S-1 camera will launch in April with a price tag of £500 (around $800).
JK Imaging also announced a bunch of other Kodak branded cameras:
KODAK PIXPRO Digital Devices Broadens Line Up In 2014
Expansion in Mega-Zoom Bridge Category, Introduction of Rugged, All Weather HD Camcorders, Brand New Smart Phone Lenses and Micro Four Thirds Model Solidifies KODAK PIXPRO Brand as an Industry Leader in Digital Imaging Technology.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- JK Imaging Ltd., the worldwide licensee for KODAK PIXPRO Digital Cameras and Devices, announced today its full 2014 line of digital imaging products. Building on last year's initial launch, this year's line up broadens the very successful Astro Zoom Bridge category, introduces all weather, rugged HD action cams and makes a technology statement with all new, cutting edge Smart Phone lenses and an affordable option to the high-end Micro Four Thirds camera category.
The updated KODAK PIXPRO suite of cameras will continue to offer consumers a variety of feature-rich, long-zoom options at very attractive price points. The 2014 Astro Zoom line is highlighted with the flagship 65x optical zoom AZ651. This model retails for a MSRP of $349; features a 24 mm wide-angle lens; 1080p HD Video; 3.0" articulating LCD; OIS and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The AZ651 is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2014.
Additional models in the KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom Camera line offer outstanding performance and a wide range of affordable price points, including the AZ251, AZ362 (25x & 36x optical zoom), AZ421 (42x optical zoom, Q2 2014 launch) and AZ525 (52x optical zoom plus new Wi-Fi capability). Models are priced respectively from $139 - $249 (MSRP) and offer a popular bridge style camera to suit all budgets and levels of photography experience.
With the introduction of the brand new KODAK PIXPRO SMART LENS® camera models SL10 and SL25, consumers now have a viable option to outfit their existing iOS or ANDROID smartphones with a snap on lens boasting powerful 10x or 25x optical zoom. The SMART LENS® Camera is also wireless for added flexibility and can be controlled via a free app. Features on the SL10 ($199 MSRP) include 10x optical zoom, 1080p video, 28-280mm wide angle lens, optical image stabilization (OIS), a micro SD card and compatibility with iOS/ANDROID phones. The SL25 ($299 MSRP) adds 25x optical zoom and a 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens. The SMART LENS® devices will be available in spring 2014.
Leveraging technical prowess and manufacturing excellence, the KODAK PIXPRO Camera line will introduce its first micro four thirds camera with the S-1. The S-1 is WiFi® enabled, boasts a 16MP BSI CMOS 4/3" sensor, a 3.0" 920 articulating LCD, sensor shift OIS, 1080p 30fps H.264 FHD Video and lithium-ion battery. The S-1 is priced competitively at $499 MSRP for the entry-level single lens kit and $599 MSRP for a double lens kit and is perfect for the avid photographer looking for a high performance model in a slim and compact design.
The KODAK PIXPRO line also includes two new waterproof, freeze-proof, dust-proof and shock-proof 1080p HD video devices. The entry-level SPZ1 Action Cam ($139 MSRP) offers 3x optical zoom, 14 MP CMOS sensor and Video Image Stabilization. The step up SP1 Action Cam features a 160 degree ultra-wide-angle lens and built-in Wireless capability. The SP1 is attractively priced at ($169-$229 MSRP) and offers three optional accessory packs depending on retailer, giving consumers even more flexibility to choose from options including a handlebar attachment, head/helmet strap, surfboard, suction cups and other attachments for capturing life's adventures in full HD.
For customers who value the convenience of a quality point-and-shoot compact camera, the KODAK PIXPRO Friendly Zoom line of point-and-shoot digital cameras is also available, with price points ranging from $69 - $129 (MSRP) with many automatic and very easy to use features.
KODAK PIXPRO devices are available in leading national retailers and online including Best Buy, Costco, Fry's, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Sears, and Walmart. For more information and for product availability, please visit: http://kodakcamera.jkiltd.com
About JK Imaging, Ltd.
Building on over 120 years of Kodak's long-standing legacy, the new KODAK PIXPRO line continues to provide some of the most advanced long-zoom technology and easy to use features available, answering the need to preserve life's special occasions and memories for generations to come.
JK Imaging, Ltd. is a privately held company headquartered in Los Angeles, California with additional sales offices worldwide. The executive team is comprised of experienced sales and marketing officers with extensive backgrounds in digital imaging and global distribution. JK Imaging, Ltd. services North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.kodakcamera.jkiltd.com.
