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KODAK EASYSHARE V610
 The KODAK EASYSHARE V610 zoom digital camera is announced today. The 6 megapixel Kodak V610 is the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. The Kodak V610 will be available in the UK in May 2006 (£349.99 RRP).
Kodak UK Press Release
Kodak Develops World’s Smallest 10X Optical Zoom Digital Camera; Innovative Dual-Lens EASYSHARE V610 Camera Just 0.9 Inches Thick; Proprietary RETINA Dual Lens and Integrated BLUETOOTH Wireless Technologies Change the Rules for Camera Design and Capability
London, April 25 — Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the KODAK EASYSHARE V610 dual lens digital camera, the world’s smallest 10X (38 – 380 mm equiv.) optical zoom camera at less than an inch thick. Using innovative KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology, the sleek, pocket-size V610 camera precisely combines two SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON all-glass, non-protruding prism lenses to deliver such a long zoom range — a first for a camera so small (just 4.4 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches). The innovative 6-megapixel EASYSHARE V610 camera, with anti-blur technology, can be carried where bigger, bulkier high-zoom digital cameras cannot — in a pocket while skiing, in a small purse during a day on the town, or on a wrist while hiking. The result is the ability to get extremely close, high quality pictures of distant subjects without the obtrusiveness of a larger camera.
Kodak now has the world’s smallest digital cameras at both ends of the consumer photography spectrum — the EASYSHARE V570 model for ultra-wide-angle needs (23 mm equiv.) and the EASYSHARE V610 model for long-zoom needs.
In addition, the EASYSHARE V610 model is one of the first digital cameras to incorporate BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, making it easier to instantly share pictures with people nearby. EASYSHARE V610 camera owners can effortlessly send their pictures to other BLUETOOTH technology enabled devices up to 30 feet away —e.g., mobile phones, PDAs, computers, KODAK Picture Kiosks, and even other V610 cameras — as well as receive and view pictures on the huge 2.8-inch, high-resolution (230,000 pixels) LCD screen.
“Kodak innovation continues to make it easier for people to take and share better, sharper pictures. We’re creating cameras for the digital age, breaking traditional constraints by using multiple light paths, lenses and sensors; by incorporating wireless technologies; and by taking advantage of advanced digital processing algorithms,” said Carolyn Walsh, Product Sales Director Digital, Eastman Kodak Company. “The EASYSHARE V610 camera joins the acclaimed dual-lens V570 model in showing what’s possible when innovative engineering is melded with innovative design.”
The KODAK EASYSHARE V610 zoom digital camera will be available in the UK in May 2006 (£349.99 RRP).
Better, Brighter Pictures and TV-Quality Video
In addition to its dual lens design and wireless capabilities, the camera includes multiple advanced features to enhance the photography experience, including KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology. At the touch of a button, this innovative feature — previously available on KODAK printers and kiosks, or via lab processing — creates better, brighter pictures by bringing out detail in shadows without affecting lighter areas. It’s ideal for underexposed pictures caused by shooting beyond the flash range or in adverse lighting conditions.
Packing advanced video performance, the EASYSHARE V610 camera records TV-quality (VGA) video with 10X optical video zoom at 30 frames per second (fps), using advanced MPEG-4 compression for optimal quality and storage size. Built-in, video-specific image stabilisation technology reduces on-screen shaking from unintentional hand and camera movement. Videos can be made into a 4-, 9- or 16-up video action print ― a “storyboard” compiled from individual video frames ― as well as single frame VGA stills.
Other notable features of the V610 camera include:
• Favourites mode, which places approximately 100 favourite pictures into an on-camera album for instant retrieval and sharing anytime, anywhere. These pictures are also automatically synchronised with favourites albums on a computer and online at the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery (http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk);
• In-camera panorama stitching, which automatically combines three pictures into a panorama photograph without the need for a computer;
• The exclusive KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich colour, accurate skin tones, and precise exposure;
• On-camera cropping, picture blur alert, auto picture rotation, and red-eye reduction;
• Twenty-two scene modes, three colour modes, and a custom mode to help capture the best possible shot with the least possible effort;
• Selectable exposure metering, exposure compensation, focus zones, ISO, and single/continuous auto-focus for precise control;
• And 28 megabytes (MB) of internal memory available for storage, plus a SD card slot for additional storage capacity.
EASYSHARE Software and Accessories
The KODAK EASYSHARE V610 camera includes KODAK EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organisation, editing, sharing and printing. The exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature takes advantage of proprietary colour technologies developed by Kodak to help users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from inkjet printers, while the newly enhanced favourites feature helps you always have your best shots at hand, whether on your camera, on your computer, or online via the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery. People can also archive their pictures and shoot videos quickly and simply by clicking on the express upload button, which places selected files in a Gallery album.
Kodak also makes it easy to accessorise the new V610 camera with a range of products that help show off your pictures. The popular KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus Series 3 (£129.99 RRP), also enabled with BLUETOOTH technology, makes it one-touch simple to print real KODAK pictures at home in just 60 seconds — with or without a computer.
About the KODAK EASYSHARE System
Kodak continues to bring groundbreaking features to its award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system, enhancing the digital photography experience for consumers worldwide. The EASYSHARE system consists of cameras, snapshot printers, services, docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories, making taking, sharing and archiving high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at http://www.kodak.co.uk
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; creative professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading healthcare organizations rely on Kodak’s innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise. More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at http://www.kodak.com.
Kodak, EasyShare, Retina, and Perfect Touch are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. Schneider-Kreuznach and C-Variogon are trademarks of Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH used under license by Eastman Kodak Company. The Bluetooth wordmark is owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such mark by Kodak is under license.
Published:
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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Reader Comments
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The two things I don't like about the Panasonic TZ1 are its slightly
bulky size and its use of a lens cap. The Kodak V610 solves those
problems.
The V610 does not have the TZ1's OIS, but it does have some very
useful built-in technology the TZ1 does not have: (1) digital red-eye
fix; (2) shadow detail enhancement; (3) BLUETOOTH wireless; and
(4) 28 MB internal storage for favorite images. All that, coupled with
its blur-warning feature, I think makes up for its lack of OIS, and the
ultra-compact size puts it at the top of my short list.
I will not be making any final decisions until June, and in that time, a
lot can happen. 
GARY POGODA at 03:47pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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From two other web sites:
"Two lenses: F3.9-4.4, 38 - 114 mm + F4.8, 130 - 380 mm"
I can't believe Kodak released this camera with f3.9 to 4.8. Low light performance can't be any good. And low light for this camera will be anything less than high noon on a glacier.
For comparison, the TZ1 by Panasonic is:
Wide: F2.8 / F5.0 (2 steps)
Tele: F4.2 / F7.1 (2 steps)
Bruce McL at 05:20pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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[[All that, coupled with its blur-warning feature, I think makes up for its lack of OIS, and the ultra-compact size puts it at the top of my short list.]]
Right, because telling you your images are all going to be a blury mess thanks to the abysmally small aperture and 380mm focal length instead of /actually providing a solution/ is certainly the better of the two options.
phule at 06:18pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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Phule, sarcasm aside, it all comes down to your intended use. For my
wife, more of her pictures are ruined by red-eye than anything else. A
close second would be loss of detail in dark areas. Her HP Photosmart
475 printer has these corrections built-in, and they work great, but that
printer is only for 4x6 or 5x7 prints. With the V610, she will now be able
to connect to any of her printers.
Bruce, as for lens speed, I did compare the two and I wish the V610 had
a faster lens, but the truth of the matter is, the V610's lens is faster than
the TZ1's lens at the telephoto end, and only slower at the wide end. For
my wife, the tradeoff for a less bulky camera is worth it.
There is no camera (yet) that has everything I want, so it's all a tradeoff.
GARY POGODA at 07:01pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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[[so it's all a tradeoff.]]
Yes it is. But a curve adjustment in-camera from an already horribly noisy sensor and a shake-warning instead of a physical OIS/IS system is not a trade-off, it's a sound step backwards in quality and functionality.
phule at 09:05pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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[[but the truth of the matter is, the V610's lens is faster than the TZ1's lens at the telephoto end, and only slower at the wide end]]
V610 specs:
F/3.9-4.4, 38 - 114 mm
f/4.8 from 130-380mm
TZ1 specs:
f/2.8 at 35mm
f/4.2 at 350mm
In what universe is f/4.8 /faster/ than f/4.2? Certainly not this one. Is the difference from f/4.2 to f/4.8 that great, no, but your statement is completely false. The TZ1's lens, at every focal length, is faster than the V610's
phule at 09:11pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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Phule, better check your facts. The TZ1 is f/7.1 at 350mm, not f/4.2,
whereas the V610 is f/4.8 from 130mm to 380mm.
And what makes you think the V610 is any more noisy than the TZ1?
GARY POGODA at 09:23pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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No wonder I got my V570 for $250! For what it's worth, Kodak is on a roll with this little gem. They just might have some tweaks down the road, I'm sure. I am very happy with the widest view around, color renditions and the REAL pocketability!
I will skip this model, but I'm interested in the V710 tho! Especially if bigger sensors become a reality.
nick in japan at 09:30pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
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[[Phule, better check your facts. The TZ1 is f/7.1 at 350mm, not f/4.2,
whereas the V610 is f/4.8 from 130mm to 380mm.]]
Wrong again Gary. Apparently you don't understand the difference between minimum and maximum aperture.
The range of apertures available on the Panasonic at 350mm is from f/4.2 to f/7.1
The range of apertures at the 35mm end for the Panasonic is f/2.8 to f/7.1
So, rather than checking your facts, you should probably check your fundamentals because you need more work.
phule at 04:27am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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And, of course, a copy/paste error renders my post phulish again.
The range of apertures at the 35mm end for the Panasonic is f/2.8 to f/5.0
Both the wide end and the long end of the zoom have only 2 apertures available. This is something that Canon has done with their small point and shoots. Rather than having a leaf-style design aperture/shutter combo, they have two different apertures, one always open and one smaller one that flips behind the larger one when light conditions dictate the smaller aperture.
However, my statement about the 350mm end of the Panasonic is still very much true. The aperture is f/4.2.
phule at 04:37am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Gary, I am worried about you getting this model, they upped the zoom with no IS, crammed in more pixels and eliminated the widest view available. I would have preferred a wide view , AND the 130-380.
The 5mp version is marginal already with the small sensor. IMHO, the next experiment may be better.
nick in japan at 07:20am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Phule, I see your point. I was unfamiliar with the "2 step" terminology;
however, after reading your explanation, I agree with you that the TZ1
is F4.2 at 350mm, which, as you said, is slightly faster than the V610's
F4.8 at 380mm.
Nick, I agree that the V610 is not the ideal camera, but I still think it is
better suited to my wife's intended use than the TZ1, mainly due to its
ultra-compact size, and its in-camera red-eye and shadow processing.
Of course, I have to temper that with the fact that the TZ1 received an
excellent rating in Mark's review, whereas, the V610 has not yet been
reviewed.
GARY POGODA at 08:47am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Please show your wife the difference between 24mm and 38mm field of view . I would even go as far as recommending a V570, the price dropped to $250 here, I'm sure you can match it there ( Where-ever you are?!) That is quite a savings over a new Panasonic or Kodak.
nick in japan at 09:48am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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I know Nick, but I can only go by previous experience. Her Casio had
3x zoom, with a range of 39mm - 117mm, and she never complained
that she couldn't zoom out far enough, only that she couldn't zoom in
close enough. I think the 380mm will be just what she needs, and the
38mm will be 'adequate' for what she needs. Even though it may cost
more than the V570, it's worth it if it suits her needs.
GARY POGODA at 10:41am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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I understand. Please tell me where in the world you are writing from, the time zone, I cant figure out when you may be on-line. It's almost 2000 hrs here.
nick in japan at 10:47am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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I'll do better than that. I'll show you a picture of where I am.
http://tinyurl.com/pmygz
BTW, I appreciate you trying to talk me out of the V610. If it survives
the criticisms, then all the better, because I do value your opinion.
GARY POGODA at 11:05am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Really, I thought it was a HIGHLY recognizable spot.
One other thing about the V570/V610 issue. The V570's 16mm jump
from 23mm to 39mm was reported as quite abrupt. I hope the V610's
16mm jump from 114mm to 130mm is far less abrupt since it is much
lower percentage-wise, and is probably closer to the normal jump of a
stepped zoom. What do you think?
Also, I am pretty sure I recall an optional Kodak dock that can charge
a spare battery outside the camera. Without such, it would be useless
to my wife.
I've got to get going for now. Catch you later.
GARY POGODA at 11:36am on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Switching lenses IS abrupt, kinda neat! Dont try and take a picture while you switch lenses! 5v power cord can plug into dock or camera for power/recharge. Inverter would keep you powered in the car while traveling
nick in japan at 12:24pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Does the dock charge a spare battery without the camera?
GARY POGODA at 04:58pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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A battery charger for this battery may exist, I haven't seen one yet, just these docks that cradle the camera, kinda neat! BUT, better look over your shoulder, your wife is drooling over the new CASIO EX-Z100!! WOW!!
nick in japan at 09:35pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Nice camera, the Z1000, but too many megapixels and a 3x zoom is
hardly enough, though I do like the fact that you can set it at a lower
5 megapixels with 4.3x zoom (very similar to the Extra Optical Zoom
on your LX1).
I remember a Kodak (or maybe it was an HP) optional dock that had
the capability to charge a spare battery with or without the camera in
the cradle. Have you seen or heard of anything like that?
GARY POGODA at 10:46pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Sorry, no. Just returned from my morning ritual, intentionally left everything home except the V570, may send some comparison shots, may aid in your decision making. I sure do like it's size and immediate, real time EV tweak, as well as the wiiiiiiiiiiide view! Haven't tried the stiching yet tho, the manager at the shop I do pictures with hasn't installed the software for the ultra-wide panoramic picture printing yet!
nick in japan at 12:22am on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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I just found out that Kodak sells a $35 charger kit for their V-series
cameras. Unlike HP, none of the Kodak optional docks can charge
a spare battery, so if not for that charger kit, I would not have even
considered buying the V610. BTW the kit also contains foreign plug
adapters.
http://tinyurl.com/j77op
GARY POGODA at 04:09pm on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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Awesome! Too bad that the batteries it supports for charging are just Kodak models!
Charging up all my batteries before I go somewhere eliminates the need to worry about bringing ALL the chargers. Our vacations are never more than 3 days. I like that plug versatility, I may go visit my ancestrial Lithuania, someday.
nick in japan at 09:35pm on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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A highly informative review with excellent insight into the V610 from
Digital Trends. The only problem is that the V610 did not rate highly
due to the annoying gap in zoom between the two lenses, mediocre
image quality, and an LCD difficult to see in a bright settings. It rated
7.5/10, but only that high because of the other nice features it offers.
The PhotographyBLOG announcement of the Digital Trends review:
http://tinyurl.com/peojx
Now I will have to wait until Mark rates the V610 in order to compare
it with the excellent rating he gave the Panasonic TZ1.
GARY POGODA at 10:40am on Friday, April 28, 2006
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I'd wait for tweaks coming, picture quality does suffer, ease of use is the attraction to me, along with the wide view in the V570. Again, it's all a toss-up with no real exitement until the CMOS comes into being. 28mm, minimum, HAS to be a requirement, for those times that YOU steal a few shots!
nick in japan at 11:16am on Friday, April 28, 2006
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Come June, I've got to get something. Ease of use is an attraction for
me as well. Other attractions are portability, in-camera processing for
red-eye and shadow detail, and of course, the 10x zoom. I don't know
how annoyed my wife will be with the zoom gap. A slight gap after the
initial 3x zoom on the way to 10x zoom is still be better than a full stop
after 3x zoom, which is all she has ever known. Most of her prints are
5" x 7" so how bad can image quality be? A 2.5" LCD with 230K pixels
is still better than her Casio's 2.0" LCD with 86K pixels. I just ordered
a 17" MacBook Pro with BLUETOOTH, and I can order BLUETOOTH for
her HP Photosmart 475, so that should be pretty cool.
There are just too many good reasons to get this camera, and the bad
ones are not so bad for my wife's intended use.
GARY POGODA at 11:43am on Friday, April 28, 2006
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I predict about 710 new cameras will be introduced before June, you will have no problem deciding by then!
nick in japan at 09:41pm on Friday, April 28, 2006
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I have to buy a camera by the end of May/beginning of June.
Do you really believe Kodak will be introducing a V710 so soon? or, is that wishful thinking?!
Ideally, I'd like to keep things compact. I was considering Casio's EX-Z1000. But, I have to say I'm disappointed in their marketing stragedy of pushing the MP angle. I'd prefer better dynamics, sensitivity, no sensor dust, ISO 400, or even better, ISO 800, and an amazing zoom, over any of that high MP marlarky.
I also considered Nikon's P4. Though, I was disappointed by it's blotchiness at ISO 400 and its wide setting (equivalent to 36mm) had barrel distortion bending parallel lines - and that simply won't do!
Should I just forget this whole 'compact' idea and buy a Canon EOS-5D instead? My only worry with that 'chunky' choice is the fact I may not be able to sneak it into concerts and the like.
Any helpful comments, hints will be gratefully appreciated
Damien at 11:02am on Monday, May 01, 2006
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Damien, I am sure Nick was just kidding about 710 new cameras.
If you really want a compact camera with an "amazing" zoom, you
cannot be too fussy about image quality. Both the not-so-compact
Panasonic TZ1, and the ultra-compact Kodak V610, are capable of
providing average quality images, but no comparison to the higher
quality images of a DSLR.
If you're trying to decide between a TZ1 and a V610, their feature
sets are quite different so it should not be too difficult to determine
which is better suited to your needs.
Gary's Parries at 11:53am on Monday, May 01, 2006
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Thanks for the reply, Gary.
I hadn't really considered the Panasonic TZ1 as a compact option. Should I?
Also, do you not think Casio's EX-Z1000 is a worthy option?
I will look into Kodak's V610 a little more before deciding too.
I'm now thinking I will buy a compact in June, and save up and buy the Canon EOS-5D later. I'll tell you why...
I need something portable for excellent (not very good) 'general' shots. But, I also need something more high quality, but affordable. The latter is needed as I have just started taking concert & nightclub pictures for magazines. By complete accident, a high fashion magazine and 4 four music papers have tracked me down for use of my pictures I took of various artists. I sent them to the respective artists and they posted them up on their sites. Then, they started getting great feedback and have referred them to me!
This is quite hilarious, because I am a complete amateur (apart from studying Photography at school). I took them, and you'll laugh at this, on my old Casio EX-S2 (2.0 MP)! They were barely usable (in terms of dpi). But, I'd like to make sure I can provide a better quality picture in future.
So, what say you?
I need the best compact money can buy (well, within reason) - this has to slim(ish) enough to carry in jacket or shirt pocket).
And, I need an affordable pro camera.
Most of the shots I'm likely to be taking (on both cameras) will not be well lit.
i.e. inside a nightclub, or at a concert/venue. Sometimes I can't get to the front of the stage. So, I need a great optical zoom to compensate for this.
The rest of my requirements are (more or less) mentioned in my previous post.
I'd be grateful if you, or anyone else, could give me your 2 cents/or euro's worth
Damien at 02:50pm on Monday, May 01, 2006
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So far, the one absolute requirement I hear is compact enough to fit
in your pocket.
If you're looking for the highest possible zoom, then your choices are
the 10x zoom Panasonic TZ1 (which will fit in a jacket pocket, but not
in a shirt pocket), and the 10x zoom Kodak V610 (which will fit in any
pocket). The V610 has the advantage of being more pocketable, but
the TZ1 has image stabilization and a faster lens, which will give you
better low-light performance.
However, neither of these cameras are great for low-light shooting. If
low-light shooting is a higher priority than high zoom, then you should
consider the 3x zoom Casio Z1000, or 3x zoom Fuji F30. The F30 will
give you lower noise at high ISOs, but the Z1000 is a bit slimmer, and
has image stabilization which allows you to shoot at lower ISOs for the
same light.
One added advantage of the Z1000 is you can use it in a 5 megapixel
mode and get a combined 4.3x optical/digital zoom without any quality
loss over purely optical zoom.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your fortuitously found profession. Let
me know if you can arrange a photo shoot with Paul McCartney.
GARY POGODA at 04:57pm on Monday, May 01, 2006
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Gary, many thanks for such a detailed and quick response. I'm very grateful you took the time to reply back.
Yes, I read about the Z1000's neat feature of being able to halve the MP to 5 and get a combined optical/digital zoom of 4.3x.
I'm a little wary of using digital zooms over optical. Have you any experience of how good/bad this combo looks? what x is the optical zoom alone @ 10MP and 5MP?
Couldn't find a review of the Fuji F30 on your site. Will have to read elsewhere?
I met Paul McCartney once. Spoke to him for a few minutes. Seemed like a nice fella. Though, I was itching to ask him when he's going to write another hit song. Not that he needs to. But, it'd be great to see him do it in the 21st century. I was polite enough to keep that thought to myself!
Damien at 09:03pm on Monday, May 01, 2006
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I have never had a camera with this feature. It is quite different from
other cameras which allow you to combine optical and digital zooms
at full-resolution. If done correctly there should be no degradation of
image quality other than what would normally be attributed to a 10 to
5 megapixel resolution reduction.
Nick has a Panasonic LX1 with this feature. The only difference here
is that the LX1 has the resolution of only a 6 megapixel camera in its
4:3 mode, compared to the Z1000's 10 megapixels, which gives you
a lot better final resolution after the reduction.
Regarding your F30 post, the F30 does not have Picture Stabilization.
GARY POGODA at 10:04pm on Monday, May 01, 2006
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"Regarding your F30 post, the F30 does not have Picture Stabilization."
Not according to FujiFilm...
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/digitalF30Overview.jsp
F30
The very first sub-heading tells you about Fujifilm's new Picture Stabilization mode, that eliminates blur due to subject movement and camera shake; even in low light backgrounds.
Damien at 05:39pm on Tuesday, May 02, 2006
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Okay, I'll withdraw my statement about Picture Stabilization, as long
as you understand that this is nothing more than an automated way
of selecting the highest shutter speed possible for the conditions and
is NOT image stabilization.
GARY POGODA at 05:57pm on Tuesday, May 02, 2006
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For folks interested in the LX-1, the May issue of "Shutterbug" has an interesting article about the Leica D-Lux-2, aka, Panasonic LX-1.
The article is more of an advertizement than review, but is pretty good!
nick in japan at 07:04am on Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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I was very encouraged by today's V610 review at Trusted Reviews.
I am almost 100% pretty sure this might be the one.
GARY POGODA at 09:24pm on Monday, May 08, 2006
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Good this really be the one...?
For you..or for me?
Damien at 12:49pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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or even...
Could
Damien at 12:50pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Just read the Trusted Review. Looks very favourable. Will be interested to read reviews of the Casio Z1000. I assume there isn't a compact with true 'wide angle' in existence?
Damien at 01:10pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Damien, after seeing the cool effect of easy camera-assisted stitching, why bother with a dedicated wide angle lens?
It may be difficult to combine such a wide range 28mm to 380mm.
A movie sample would be interesting to see.
I agree with Gary though, this is the most promising camera to date. Shame it doesnt have cmos, but we'll take it 
Think I could be giving away my Caplio R3 and get the V610 when available!
Mark, drop everything, we need your review!
Mario at 02:14pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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I'm actually working on it right now...should be published tomorrow (weather permitting).
Mark Goldstein at 02:19pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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*gasps*
You're a champion, Mark.
Much appreciated, as always.
Mario at 02:37pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Thanks for the reply. As nice as it might be to have a quick-fix stitching method, it won't be being used by me, personally. I prefer to stitch on the PC to get it exactly right - and NOT have to drop down to 3.1MP in the process.
Yes, it's looking like the V610 is the #.1 compact choice. Please post any online stores who have stock of this, as and when. Many thanks
Damien at 04:30pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Kodak are offering 10% off accessories and memory cards when you buy a camera from their online shop. Free delivery if you order before may 15th. Only trouble is, the V610 isn't listed to buy yet!
Damien at 04:40pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Mark, since you recently reviewed the Panasonic TZ1 (and gave it a
very high rating), it would be interesting to compare the two as far as
image quality and features are concerned.
For example, how does the TZ1's image noise compare to the V610?
IYO, is the V610's ultra-compact size worth giving up the TZ1's image
stabilization and continuous 10x zoom?
Damien, there are a few ultra-compact wide angle cameras, the Ricoh
R3 and R4, the Canon S70 and S80 (not so "ultra"-compact), and the
Panasonic FX01 (which should have been FX10). BTW, I was referring
to the fact that this could be the one for my wife, for whom I have been
trying to buy a camera since hers died in October '05.
GARY POGODA at 05:51pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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Comment on #42... I got my first attempt at stiching back from the store I do business with. Nagawa-san finally got the Kodak software installed and is printing the ultra wide stiched images, at 157 yen each( the US Dollar is at a REAL LOW now so that is quite expensive ), and, the size is 9x36 cm. This is way too big for my album!
The point is this, I, personally believe that a camera needs a wide view, 28mm being the best overall one, 35/38 mm. will always leave you wanting more, as they are close to normal view. Stiching leaves you with a VERY wide picture that, unless printed quite large, will show you very little detail within the image.
A wide option for a non- stiched print is a wonderful option the V570 gives, that's why I suggested to Gary that both the V570 / V610 be considered to complement each other, OR, wait till Kodak gets it all together.
One of the greatest pleasures in life is shooting with a 28mm, as evidenced by the Ricoh GR-1 of old, and the digital model they now produce. Some folks use that camera alone, with no back-up.
I suspect that Kodak will be tweaking this series to give us a wide and zooming together, now if they could just get the atsronomical LPM numbers that Ricoh has with their lenses, they would REALLY have a winner! ( I have never seen higher numbers than those on the GR-1 digital )
nick in japan at 09:47pm on Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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My full review of the V610 is now online - enjoy...
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_kodak_easyshare_v610.php
Mark Goldstein at 12:10pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
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Thanks for the review.
It has helped clear some things up.
The design is rather fetching. Agreed.
The size/dimensions are satisfactory, also.
The panorama stitching effect (which reduces the quality of the end print) is something I can live without. In event I should ever need to do this, it will be done using software.
The zoom stop/hold thing will bug me.
Can't believe Kodak thought this was acceptable. Maybe they were in a hurry to put this product out?
I would be willing to overlook this if, and this is (surely?) the most important thing, the actual IMAGE QUALITY was great. I'm not expecting it to be perfect, as this is a compact after all. But, 'average' and 'good' picture quality is not good enough - Especially @ $499.95/£300.
After all, that is what all of us want, fundamentally, in a camera, right?
An Optical Image Stabilization System would've been very welcome too. Thus, the Kodak has been struck out.
So, now it is clearly down to Panasonic's TZ1 & Casio's Z1000. How soon will there be a review of the latter?
Many thanks
Damien at 05:24pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
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I'd be willing to bet you would quickly get used to that two-step zoom,
to the point where you'll be doing it subconsciously, and when Kodak
comes out with a firmware fix, you'll have to readjust to a continuous
zoom.
BTW, what's your interest in the Casio Z1000?
GARY POGODA at 05:54pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
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I wasn't pleased to hear that the image quality was good or average. That is my prime interest in any camera - compact, or otherwise.
It appears that, whilst the V610 is a nifty little thing, with all it's fancy features, the company appear to have forgotten the MAIN reason why anyone would buy a camera.
I'm now keen to see/hear the difference in I.Q. between the Z1000 and the TZ1. Which ever is best, gets my money. Although, I ought take a look the Ricoh R3, R4, and the Canon S70, that you so kindly recommended.
Damien at 11:10pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
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Image quality, IMHO, is kept at a level as to prevent compact cameras from competeing with DSLRs! In the scheme of things there are levels that must be maintained to ensure balanced shares of product sales. What would happen if that compact camera suddenly sported a CMOS sensor along with a 28-280mm equivilent lens with IS? Yup! They would sell like hot-cakes and everyone else would suffer, including the lens makers for the DSLRs.
nick in japan at 02:24am on Thursday, May 11, 2006
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been reading all your notes etc --- but has anyone actually used this and if so how do they rate it...
Graham at 02:57pm on Friday, November 24, 2006
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Graham, you can read our in-depth review here:
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_kodak_easyshare_v610.php
Mark Goldstein at 03:02pm on Friday, November 24, 2006
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Graham, I almost bought a 610, but decided the V570 does what I need and want.
The automatic stiching , in-camera process is just wonderful!, Small and light, the upgraded 610 would bring you enough "smiles-per-mile" to overshadow any misgivings the camera has... except that funky, retro back that blinds you in bright sunlight, I can't understand Kodak's reasoning in that area, weird!
nick in japan at 09:26pm on Friday, November 24, 2006
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