Kodak's rugged Zx1 handheld camcorder does 720p in the jungle

Kodak's 720p Zi6 has only been out for six months, but already we're seeing what's likely its beefed-up predecessor. The mighty Zx1 is debuting here at CES, and with it comes a 2-inch LCD monitor, easy upload to YouTube, 720p HD video capture at 60fps, an IP43-certified weather-resistant design and an SD / SDHC card slot that can understand media up to 32GB in size. All told, users can capture up to ten hours of high-def video, and the bundled HDMI cable makes showing off recent grabs as easy as pie. The Zx1 will arrive in five colors (pink, blue, yellow, red and black) and will include pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries alongside a charger. We'll bet Creative and Pure Digital have a little something of their own to show off before this one lands in April for $149.95. Full release is (where else?) after the break.

Rugged new KODAK Digital Video Camera enables on-the-go HD video capture

Never miss a moment with pocketable and weather-resistant video companion
Rochester, NY, January 8, 2009 - Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced the new KODAK's Digital Video Camera, a compact and rugged digital device that enables "go-anywhere" High Definition recording.
The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.
"More than ever, people want to capture moments on the go and quickly and easily share them," says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in this kind of storytelling – it's both small and smart, and enables people to record virtually anything, virtually anywhere, and then quickly upload content to video-sharing and social networking websites."
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button -- no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera's advanced feature set includes:
• Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps
• Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more – IP43 certified;
• High-quality video capture in bright light or low light - from the beach, to the nightclub;
• Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;
• Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;
• Easy HDTV playback with included HDMI cable;
• Sensitive, low distortion microphone that provides crisp, clear audio;
• Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger included, saving money and avoiding waste from used batteries;
• Vibrant 2.0" LCD;
• Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;
• Remote control compatible (remote control sold separately).
Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world's most popular online video community, and the Kodak and YouTube relationship enables consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from the simple and powerful video editing software that comes with the camera.
Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, including:
• KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;
• KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;
• KODAK Flexi-tripods;
• KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps;
• Remote control;
• Battery options include AA, CRV3, and KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-8000.
Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera will be available from April 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.
*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.
About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

More than 70 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery --join for free today at www.kodakgallery.com

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 720p, camcorder, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, kodak, pocket camcorder, PocketCamcorder, youtube, ZX1 ]