Kodak To Launch Smartphone With Two Cameras For Photographers

Kodak to launch smartphone

Camera giant Kodak is launching a new smartphone with two “industry leading” cameras built into it for photographers.

The Kodak Ektra – aimed at photography professionals and enthusiasts – will go on sale in the UK in December priced at £449.

It will contain a 21-megapixel rear camera as well as a 13-megapixel front facing camera.

In comparison, Apple’s iPhone 7 rear lens is 12-megapixels.

Kodak said the device will allow users to adjust camera settings manually using an on-screen dial similar to that found on a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.

Users will also be able to adjust settings including exposure, white balance and shutter speed.

The device will come with a range of pre-installed editing software for images and video.

Jeff Clarke, Kodak’s chief executive said: “Kodak has a rich history in imaging technology and the launch of the Kodak smartphone today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing the latest advances in photography to consumers.

“The original Kodak Ektra Camera was launched in 1941 and in its latest reincarnation, opens up a world of creative opportunities to all who care about photography.”

The new phone will run on Google’s Android platform and will also include a dedicated shutter button to mimic the layout of a physical camera.

The New York-based company was founded by George Eastman in 1888 and was market leader in the world of photography for more than 100 years.

It began to see sales fall during the late 1990s when it failed to recognise the popularity of digital photography and the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2012.

It emerged from bankruptcy in mid-2013 having sold off a number of businesses.