Kodak Bows High-Def Digicams, Pushes Printer To Wal-Mart
By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 9/17/2007
ROCHESTER N.Y. — Kodak has hopped on the high-definition bandwagon with three new digital cameras capable of capturing HD video, a new HD dock for viewing photos on HDTVs and a high-resolution photo frame.
The company also expanded the distribution for its inkjet all-in-one with the announcement that Wal-Mart will carry the EasyShare 5100 in select stores.
Both the V1253 and V1233 cameras can record HD video at 720p/30 fps and feature 16:9 still image capture. These 12-megapixel models feature a 3x optical zoom lens, face detection, 32MB of internal memory and digital image stabilization. Both cameras shipped in August and offer light sensitivities to ISO 3200 for 3-megapixel images.
The V1253 will have a 3.1-inch LCD and retails for a suggested $299. The V1233, for a suggested $249, will have a 2.5-inch screen.
The 8-megapixel Z812 IS offers the same HD capture options with a 12x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization and a maximum ISO of 3200. The camera features face detection and a "smart scene mode" for adjusting camera settings according to the type of scene being photographed. Additional features include a 2.5-inch LCD screen, electronic viewfinder and shutter and aperture priority modes.
The Z812 IS ships in August for a suggested $299.
To complement the new cameras, Kodak will ship a camera dock for viewing images on HDTVs. In addition to the three new cameras, the dock can display images stored on SD cards or USB drives. The dock will ship with a remote control in October for a suggested $99.
Kodak also added a new 10-inch photo frame to its lineup. The SV1011 displays images in 16:9 format on its 800 by 480 screen. It offers 128MB of internal memory, slots for the popular memory card formats and built-in speakers. It ships this month for a suggested $199.
As for its printer business, the $129-suggested EasyShare 5100 will be launched in 2,600 of Wal-Mart's Super Center stores and online with a new, limited-time promotion that bundles three extra color ink cartridges with the printer, said Steve Marzio, inkjet systems business manager.
Kodak's aftermarket cartridges cost $9.99 and $14.99 for black and color ink, respectively. The promotion has a retail value of $45.
The launch at Wal-Mart will be accompanied with a radio and print campaign in select markets, Marzio said.
Wal-Mart is the third retailer to stock Kodak's new inkjet printers. The company launched its printers exclusively at Best Buy and has since expanded distribution into Office Depot. More dealers will be added "in the coming weeks" Marzio said. While declining to name them, he said that they will be among the top 10 retailers of printers and consumables in the nation.
According to Marzio, internal Kodak studies have shown that consumers are using an average of nine cartridges a year vs. an industry average of around four cartridges. "People have bought into the message of low-cost ink," he said.
