Kodak's innovative 24X zoom Z980 Digital Camera

Kodak has worked relentlessly to ensure it is still a heavyweight contender as the world of photography has moved from silver halide to digital, and its new 12 MPX Z980 Digital Camera shows it is still on its game. Apart from an image-stabilized 24X optical zoom lens, the US$400 Z980 has an innovative vertical shutter release that will be very useful for those who like to use the long zoom to pull their subjects in very close. "The clever design is a second shutter on the side that becomes the shutter button when you turn the camera to take a landscape shot", says Gizmag's Noel McKeegan (pictured). "The navigation dial also becomes the zoom button when you do this, making it a very comfy camera to use both ways." There's no accelerometer (next model?), so it doesn't happen automatically. You have to flick a switch on the top of the body to engage this function. It’s also the flagship digital camera running the company’s new Smart Capture software, which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings to consistently deliver high quality images.

The new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera offers:

Kodak’s exclusive Smart Capture feature, which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to deliver beautiful pictures more often; 26 mm wide angle/24X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Lens; HD picture and video capture; Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip, for greater comfort and control when shooting scenes vertically; Hot shoe for the optional KODAK P20 flash; 12 MP for prints up to 30”x40”; Bright and detail-rich 3-inch indoor/outdoor color display; Compatible with KODAK SDHC/SD Memory Cards; Available at US$399.95 MSRP from Spring, 2009.

More coming for this story.