Quick Look Video: Kodak Z980 24x zoom camera

The mailman just brought Kodak’s $399 Z980 24x zoom camera and I wanted to get a video up for you all before I gave it a more careful look-see. I’m fairly impressed so far, especially for a lower-cost ultrazoom camera. I’m down on ultra-zooms because it’s not quite a DSLR and not quite a point and shoot – this thing is actually quite bulky – but so far I’m OK with this monster.

Leading the introductions is the new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera, featuring a wealth of power and versatility, including a 26 mm wide angle, professional quality, 24X image stabilized optical zoom lens and a vertical shutter release with detachable vertical grip.

“Photographers looking for more from their digital camera will find it in the Z980,” Blake said. “Our innovative Smart Capture feature makes camera adjustments automatically, delivering brilliant images automatically in virtually any setting.”

The new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera offers:

Kodak’s exclusive Smart Capture feature, which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to deliver beautiful pictures more often;
26 mm wide angle/24X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Lens;
HD picture and video capture;
Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip, for greater comfort and control when shooting scenes vertically;
Hot shoe for optional KODAK P20 zoom flash;
Available at US$399.95 MSRP from Spring, 2009.