Rochester, NY—Eastman Kodak Company and Bullitt Group unveiled the Kodak Ektra smartphone. The photography-led device is designed for photo enthusiasts as well as experts.
The Kodak Ektra fuses Kodak’s history in imaging with the latest innovations in smartphone photography. The smartphone will initially be launched across Europe.
“Kodak has a rich history in imaging technology and the launch of the Kodak smartphone today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing the latest advances in photography to consumers,” said Jeff Clarke, Kodak’s chief executive officer. “The original Kodak Ektra camera was launched in 1941, and in its latest reincarnation it opens up a world of creative opportunities to all who care about photography.”
At the heart of the Kodak smartphone is a 21 megapixel, fast-focus camera sensor with an f/2.0 aperture lens and dual LED flash. Its 13 megapixel, front-facing camera boasts a phase-detection autofocus system and f/2.2 aperture.
Its custom-built camera app is controlled by a haptic touch, SLR-style scene selection dial, where adjustments are made in real time via a range of settings. These include HDR, landscape, portrait, macro, sport, nighttime, panorama and bokeh settings. Also incorporated is a smart auto mode that auto-selects the best settings based on conditions for photographs.
In manual mode, more advanced users can adjust exposure, ISO, focus, white balance as well as shutter speed. Additionally, all adjustment results are visible on the screen as changes are made.
“It has been a joy to work with Kodak. Their clear brand direction and photography knowledge, combined with our customer and technology insight, has culminated in the beautiful and powerful Kodak Ektra smartphone,” said Peter Stephens, CEO of Bullitt Group, mobile device licensee for Kodak. “We are excited to reach out to this dynamic and engaged photography category and look forward to getting this cameraphone into people’s hands.”
Additional Kodak Ektra Features
The smartphone has an ergonomically weighted, industrial design, underlining its camera styling. It features a dedicated dual-press shutter button in the horizontal style of traditional cameras. The device also features a Super 8 app, which provides effects reminiscent of Kodak’s iconic Super 8 film stocks. In addition, a Helio X20 Decacore processor powers the Android 6.0 Marshmallow smartphone.
The Kodak Ektra also includes editing software from Snapseed, with tools to edit images on the go without having to download additional apps. The app is designed to enables users to transform images with results similar to popular desktop image editors. Sharing the results in real time is possible with integrated social media apps. Additionally, a companion Prints app offers a way to select users’ best shots to be professionally printed.
Other features include: 32GB of memory, expandable with microSD cards; a Super 8 video recorder; and also a 3000mAh battery with USB 3.0 Type C charger.
The Kodak Ektra smartphone will be priced at $549 U.S. and available later this year. kodak.com
