In a surprising turn, Kodak has just released a handheld, called the Ektra Smartphone. Unsurprisingly, it features a camera system that the company has been developing since 1941, which could completely end the feud between which company has the best smartphone camera. And it looks like it, too.
As noted by Fox News, the Ektra camera was first introduced to the public in 1941 and has since been in development. Granted, the Ektra Smartphone does not carry all the same features, but it does take inspiration for the same. It sports a textured body and even comes with a leather accessory that carries the handheld - much like a camera does.
The rear camera is 21 megapixels and has f2.0 aperture, while the 13-megapixel front camera has phase detection autofocus and f2.2 aperture. The application that controls the camera itself has an SLR-style scene selection dial, which will allow users to adjust landscape, sport, and night-time. But for quick photos, the application also has a smart auto mode.
"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," Jeff Clarke, Kodak Chief Executive said in a press release. "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."
In essence, the Ektra Smartphone was not released to battle it out in terms of power or features in the industry but was merely released to get a suitable camera into the hands of the general public. This does not mean, however, that the device lacks as a smartphone. On this side of the unit, it still holds its own.
The Ektra Smartphone has a 5 inch HD display with 1080 pixel resolution and thus the capacity to capture 4K video. It is also powered by a HELIO X20 Decacore processor and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. The device, when available, will price for around US$550.
