The Ektra, Kodak’s camera-forward smartphone that launched in Europe around the time Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus debuted, is now available in the U.S.
The iconic but fading photo company partnered with Bullitt Group to develop a device that is, first and foremost, a camera, but also a smartphone to help reverse its fortunes by getting competitive in the mobile photography industry.
The Kodak Ektra, named for a popular Kodak camera from the 1940s, has a 21-megapixel main camera powered by a Media-Tex Helio X20 core processor running the Google Android system.
The Ektra was released first in Europe and Australia to lackluster reviews. Some of the reviewers said the features were nothing special and doubted whether it would bump the iPhone or one of the better Android smartphone cameras from the hands of mobile photographers.
Open to the criticism and feedback, Kodak made some improvements to the version now available for $399.99 at B&H Photo Video, Best Buy, Amazon and kodakphones.com.
The features include RAW shooting and file support, quicker and more accurate autofocus, improve face detection, enhanced low light performance, including a noise reduction algorithm from ISO 100-6400 and option to disable certain auto function.
The Ektra also has a Super 8 video recorder, integrated social media sharing, advanced manual modes and 32GB memory that expandable with a MicroSD card.
Source: Photo Rumors