Kodak's Photo Packages Bypass the PC

Eastman Kodak this week introduced a new series of all-in-one digital photography packages that combine the company's consumer-oriented Easyshare line of cameras, printers, and software.

The new systems, including three new point-and-shoot digital cameras, are designed to let consumers buy a digital camera photo system that will let them print their photos even if they don't have a computer.

Kodak's Easyshare C-Series are point-and-shoot digital cameras. The new C360, C330, and C310 models join the previously announced C340 and C300 models in these all-in-one packages, which range in price from $239 to $379, depending on features.

New Models

The C360 is a 5.0-megapixel camera with 3X optical zoom. It's available now, both in the all-in-one package for $379 and by itself for $279.

The C330 is a 4.0-megapixel model with 3X optical zoom; it costs $179 by itself or $279 in the package, and it's coming in July.

The C310 is a 4-megapixel model with fixed-focus. Coming in August for $239 as part of the package, it'll also be available alone for $139.

All packages include Kodak's Easyshare Printer Dock Series 3, a snapshot picture printer that outputs Kodak 4 x 6-inch pictures. Available separately for $149, the printer has a built-in dock that's compatible with Kodak's C-series cameras; resting the camera in the dock allows the printer to output the camera's digital photos and recharge the batteries. The printer also works with a PC or Macintosh using USB.

The Easyshare Printer Dock Series 3 supports Kodak's ImageLink print system as well as the PictBridge industry standard. Also included in the package is Kodak Easyshare software for Mac and Windows-based systems. The software offers users digital photo organization, editing, sharing and printing features as well as CD burning.