Kodak EKTRA `camera first` smartphone now available in US
(Digital Photography Review)

The Kodak EKTRA, the company`s `camera first` smartphone, is now available to purchase in the United States. The Android smartphone, which was first announced in October 2016, features a 21MP camera and a design reminiscent of point-and-shoot cameras. The handset has been available to purchase in Europe for a handful of months, and now US consumers can buy the model unlocked with support for GSM mobile networks for $399.99 USD. Coinciding with the launch is software update version 2.009.00/_A for the smartphone,  which Kodak says it is zeroing in on requests from its `photo-enthusiast` customers. The update brings improved autofocus performance, better color saturation and white balance, and the addition of raw image support, among other things. The full software changelog: Enhanced single handed camera functionality; when the camera app is enabled the Android touch buttons are now disabled to avoid an accidental press when using the camera with one hand Added RAW file support in manual mode; shooting in RAW records all the data from the sensor enabling more sophisticated image processing options Improved auto focus making in quicker and more accurate Improved Face Detection performance for better portrait photos Optimisations to the Auto White Balance and colour saturation Improvements to shutter speed performance New option to disable Auto Scene Detection in smart auto mode New shutter effect to provide visual indication of when a picture is taken Enhanced low light performance Optimisations to the noise reduction algorithm from ISO 100-6400 Introduces a new `How To´ camera tutorial on the new functionality Via: BusinessWire