New Kodak Z950 joins the ranks of the compact fun-zooms

In addition to the four P&S models, Kodak has launched a new model in their long line of superzooms. The new Easyshare Z950 is another attempt at the hot "fun-zoom" segment that has taken the photography world by storm, perhaps because it offers something that you can't get with a camera-phone (hint-hint camera manufacturers?) :)

Meet the Kodak Z950

The camera starts with the overkill sensor of the year, the 12mp 1/2.3", and it features a 10X IS optical zoom lens that carries the Schneider-Kreuznach name and starts at 35mm (35-350mm eq). It may disappoint wide-angle fans, but thrill telephoto reachers. There's already plenty of wide-angle fun-zooms, so this is actually a plus in terms of market-diversity.

On the plus side, the camera offers the full PASM, including manual exposure which is always a plus in a camera :) As you can expect, there is no RAW.

It has a 3-inch LCD (230K) with a 5-level brightness adjustment option, and it records video at 30fps 720p, with a maximum per clip duration of 29-minutes. Yes, you can film an improv sitcom with it :)

The rest are the usual assortment of features you would expect to find (translation: we don't want to post the litany here again and again and again).

Kodak already has the camera in-stock (!) at their website. The Z950 is available to pre-order at Amazon for $280.

Further Reading
+ Kodak
+ Imaging Insider