Kodak Ektra: an Android-powered rebirth of a camera legend
Kodak resurrected a legend - the Kodak Ektra is a new phone, named after an innovative and feature-loaded 35mm camera produced in the distant 1941. The Android-powered digital version is surprisingly impressive, given how underwhelming the first Android-powered Kodak IM5 was.
Kodak Ektra
Kodak explains that the Ektra is all about the old-school experience - there are even genuine leather accessories that look so much like classic camera cases. The back of the phone itself is leatherette with a camera hump and grip, evoking the look of Kodak’s analog cameras.
Genuine leather carrying cases for the Kodak Ektra
The camera itself features a 21MP camera with an f/2.0 lens and Optical Image Stabilization. It features Phase Detection AF and 4K video recording. A dual-LED, dual-tone LED flash is on the back (xenon would have been a lovely touch here). There’s a solid 13MP camera on the front for selfies.
The Kodak Ektra comes with a rich selection of image editing features. For videos, you can play with grains, vignettes and that nostalgic Super 8 look that is still alive today (just ask JJ Abrams). Here are some (downsized) camera samples:
Camera samples from the Kodak Ektra
Much like the faux leather back, the sides of the phone are metal-looking plastic. It’s not a big phone - the Ektra has a 5” 1080p screen. It’s powered by a Helio X20 chipset with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. There’s a microSD slot, so you won’t run out of memory soon. Also, there’s a big 3,000mAh battery inside to keep you snapping all day long.
The Kodak Ektra will launch in the UK this December for £450. Given enough interest, it will go across the pond too, sometime in early 2017.
