Digital Camera News

August 29, 2007

Kodak Launches HD-Enabled V1253 and V1233

Take a look at the new Kodak cameras

August 30, 2007 – Kodak today announced its continuing journey into high definition territory with the launch of the EasyShare V1253 and EasyShare V1233. These 12-megapixel point-and-shoots are enabled with HD capture for still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and HD video recording (720p at 30 frames per second). The EasyShare V1253 will retail for $299.95, and the V1233 for $249.95 when released this month.

More than 40 percent of HDTV owners wish they could view their photos in high definition, according to a CEA market research report cited in a Kodak press release.

High definition capability was first introduced into the digital still camera market this year by competitors Sony and Canon. HD properties were featured in Sony’s entire spring product line, launched at PMA 2007, and Canon’s TX1 hybrid still camera/video recorder, introduced in February. With HD functions, digital camera users can view their high resolution images or video on HD-enabled television sets or other HD devices.

The Kodak M883, M873, M853, and M753 point-and-shoots, announced in June, have HD still capture capabilities. With Kodak’s new cameras and accessories announced today, the manufacturer continues the trend by adding HD video functionality.

"The products announced today represent an important step in helping remove the boundaries for how images can be taken, viewed, and shared, and Kodak is dedicated to supporting innovation that will continue to bring intelligent, easy-to-use HD solutions to the market," said Phil Scott, Kodak director of marketing of digital capture and devices, in a company press release.

The EasyShare V1233 and V1253 can capture still images in 16:9 format for wide viewing. Users can also record video at 720p at 30 frames per second (fps), whereas the previous V1003 could only record at a maximum VGA resolution (640 x 480 at 30 fps).

The 12-megapixel V1233 and V1253 boast a higher megapixel count compared to the earlier 10.1-megapixel V1003, introduced in January. Both cameras retain the 3x Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens of the predecessor model. The V1233 has a 2.5-inch LCD monitor like the V1003, while the V1253 has a larger 3.1-inch LCD screen.

In addition to the HD capabilities, the V1233 and V1253 feature a face detection system that finds and adjusts camera settings for optimal portrait photos. The new EasyShare cameras carry over the digital image stabilization system of the earlier model to compensate for camera shake and moving subjects.

The Kodak V1233 and V1253 are compatible with the optional EasyShare HDTV Dock that has a suggested retail price of $99.99 and will be available in October.

Camera Model	EasyShare V1003	EasyShare V1233	EasyShare V1253
Announcement Date	January 2007	August 2007	August 2007
Introductory Price	$249.95	$249.95	$299.95
Sensor	10.1 MP CCD	12 MP	12 MP
Lens	3x optical zoom	3x optical zoom	3x optical zoom
Monitor	2.5-inch 154,000 pixel	2.5-inch	3.1-inch
Still Capture	3648 × 2736 (JPEG)	16:9	16:9
Video Capture	640 x 480 at 30fps 320 x 240 at 30fps (MPEG 4)	720 at 30fps	720 at 30fps
Key Features	- Digital Image Stabilization	- Digital Image Stabilization - Face Detection - HD Capture and Viewing	- Digital Image Stabilization - Face Detection - HD Capture and Viewing
News Link	Kodak Launches V1003 and V803 with Personalized Settings	Kodak Launches High Definition on V1253 and V1233	Kodak Launches High Definition on V1253 and V1233
Video Tour	CES Video Tour: Kodak EasyShare V1003 and V803	- -	- -
Review Link	Kodak EasyShare V1003 First Impressions Review	- -	- -

Spec Sheet

- Kodak EasyShare V1253 - Kodak EasyShare V1233