January 6, 2009 5:34 PM PST
Kodak ultrasupermegazoom
Do you really need a 24X zoom lens?
(Credit: Kodak)The 12-megapixel EasyShare Z980 IS has a24X 26mm-629mm-equivalent lens,with optical image stabilization that Kodak says delivers up to five stops of shake prevention. It'll need it.
Kodak's attempting to provide a more dSLR-like experience with an optional vertical grip. It also has a hot shoe, and supports 720p HD movie capture. The company's Smart Capture technology turns it back into a point-and-shoot by automatically correcting your photos.
One of the biggest drawbacks to megazooms is they tend to be really slow. Kodak says it's not, but that's what they all say. We'll have to test it to find out. It's slated to ship this spring for $399.95.
Senior Editor Lori Grunin has been covering digital imaging for two decades, but her memory's kind of sketchy on the details. You can hear about it every week on Indecent Exposure, the podcast she co-hosts with Matt Fitzgerald.
