Kodak unveiled its EKTRA smartphone this week and they’re definitely shooting for the photography crowd with this one. While Motorola has their Moto Z and Moto Z Play with the Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod, the Kodak is all integrated into one device. Kodak says in their press release that the EKTRA will be launching soon across Europe with a price tag of £449GBP ($548USD) but make no mention of U.S. availability. With the MediaTek Helio X20 powering the device, it’s likely we might not see this in the States at all. The EKTRA has some decent specs especially when it comes to the camera, which is the hallmark feature of this device.
- ANDROID 6.0 (Marshmallow)
- Professional results from a 21MP fast focus camera sensor with F2.0, PDAF, OIS, Dual LED Flash
- 13MP phase detection autofocus front-facing camera with F2.2 PDAF
- Helio X20 2.3GHz Decacore processor with 3GB RAM
- 32GB memory, expandable with MicroSD cards
- Advanced Manual Mode – adjustable on Exposure, ISO, Focal Length (Manual/Auto), White Balance, Shutter Speed, Aperture (fixed f2.0 main camera)
- Familiar scene selection dial experience – includes scene modes Smart Auto, Portrait, Manual, Sports, Bokeh, Night-time, HDR, Panorama, Macro, Landscape, Film / Video
- Integrated high-quality printing app
- Super 8 Video Recorder
- Integrated social media sharing
- 3000mAh, with USB 3.0 Type C fast charger
“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. The original KODAK EKTRA Camera was launched in 1941 and in its latest reincarnation, opens up a world of creative opportunities to all who care about photography.”
At the heart of the KODAK EKTRA Smartphone is a 21-megapixel fast focus camera sensor with f2.0 aperture, and an industry leading 13-megapixel front-facing camera with Phase Detection Auto Focus PDAF and f2.2 aperture. The custom built camera app is controlled by an intuitive haptic touch, SLR-style Scene Selection Dial, where adjustments are made in real time via a range of settings including HDR, Landscape, Portrait, Macro, Sport, Night-time, Panorama and Bokeh, alongside a Smart Auto mode which auto-selects the best conditions for your photographs. In Manual mode, more advanced users can adjust exposure, ISO, focus, white balance and shutter speed, with the results being visible on the screen as changes are made.
The KODAK EKTRA Smartphone has an ergonomically weighted and high quality industrial design, underlining its camera styling and featuring a dedicated dual press shutter button in the horizontal style of traditional cameras. The device also features a Super 8 app, providing professional effects reminiscent of Kodak’s iconic Super 8 film stocks.A lightning-fast HELIO X20 Decacore processor powers the ANDROID Marshmallow smartphone.
The KODAK EKTRA Smartphone includes editing software from SNAPSEED, providing exceptional tools to edit images on-the-go, without having to download any additional apps. This enables users to transform images with professional results similar to many popular desktop image editors. Sharing the results in real time is also easy with integrated social media apps and the Prints app is a simple way to select your best shots to be professionally printed.
“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 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 camera phone into people’s hands.”
While we may not see this little baby on U.S. shores, I did reach out to Kodak for a review unit just so we can test that camera out. I’ll also be asking them about a possible U.S. release and if that version will be coming with a Qualcomm chip or MediaTek as well. If it does come with a Qualcomm chip, I’d bet it will be a bit more than $548USD.
[button link=”http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/Press_center/KODAK_EKTRA_Smartphone_is_Designed_for_Photographers_from_Enthusiasts_to_Experts/default.htm” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Kodak[/button]Last Updated on January 23, 2017.
