Kodak just unveiled a new pocket camcorder that changes the Flip’s basic video recording device standard by replacing the usual tiny screen with a full 3-inch touchscreen. It’s not the Playtouch’s highlight though; this compact cam also records videos in 1080p HD, shoots 5MP stills, and packs a set of in-cam tech that makes it more like a full-on compact digicam than your average pocket camcorder.
Despite the relatively high-end features, the touchscreen controls are still kept simple for shooting quick clips. All you need are “record” and “stop,” really, but in-cam editing features will also let you extract stills from the recorded videos. The cam also features an external mic that captures stereo sound, while digital image stabilization and face tracking keeps your shots optimized and blur-free.
The Playtouch’s rechargeable battery is listed to give you up to 10 hours of HD recording time, provided you can slip in an SD or SDHC card to store it all. It doesn’t come with any internal storage, which could be viewed as a good thing for bringing the total price down, but the card slot supports up to 32GB cards. A Share button allows for easy uploads to social sites like YouTube or Facebook, or share them via email.
The compact frame also packs a built-in USB arm for charging and file transfers without needing to pack a separate cable (a feature that’s getting more popular these days), as well as an HDMI port (the cable’s included) for playing content on a larger HD display.
Available in four colors, the Playtouch will cost $230. Kodak’s site lists it as “expected to ship” on September 13th.
Tags: Kodak, Playtouch, Pocket Camcorders
