Kodak launches four new compact digicams

While some major camera companies are fleeing the market for budget digicams in the face of low margins and increasing competition from China and Taiwan, the low end remains an important market for Kodak, if the company's latest batch of cameras is any indication. The company plans to roll out four new compacts, all at prices below $300. At the bottom-end of the range is the $199 EasyShare C533, a 5 megapixel camera with a tiny 1.8-inch LCD and 3x optical zoom. The $249 EasyShare C643 has a 6 megapixel imager, 2.4-inch LCD and 3x zoom. One feature on both that might appeal to anyone who has hit the delete button too quickly: an undelete function. The $299 V603 (pictured) is also 6 megapixels, with a 2.5-inch LCD and VGA movie mode. Rounding out the bunch is the Z612, also $299, which sounds like a good camera for the price, given that it's a 6 megapixel shooter with a 12x image-stabilized zoom. Unfortunately, its movie mode is silent, but you've gotta skimp somewhere to keep prices this low.