Seeing one picture at a time as a slideshow on digital frames is nice and all, but sometimes I want to change things up. Kodak has a simple way to do just that - the "mode button".



Easy to find at the top of the frame back, the mode button toggles between 4 different viewing styles for your variety-starved viewing pleasure!

Slideshow - Straight up - this one we know already.

Collage -  A multi-frame arrangement of different size images.



Clock - Keep track of time while watching pics go by.

Calendar - Multi-tasking?  Scheduling play-dates while watching pics?  There's a handy current month calendar view.



Besides the new & different ways of viewing pics, I like that I can get to these without having to dig through menus or a list of slight variations.  Just hit that one big button - switch.

Modes are currently available on the P730M.

With last week's launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, NASA is taking the first steps to send a new generation of astronauts to the moon. This mission is designed to map out the terrain of the moon, identify resources on or near the surface, and better understand the radiation environment - all with the goal of aiding in the design of a future lunar outpost.

Just before the launch, I wrote about how Kodak CCD Image Sensors will play a key role in this mission. But you may not know that this isn't the first time Kodak technology has been involved in a space mission to map the moon.

1960's Lunar Orbiter

In the mid 1960's, NASA was in a situation similar to where they are today - looking to send astronauts to the moon, but needing high-resolution images of the surface to evaluate potential landing sites for the Apollo missions. To get those images, NASA knew they would need to send spacecraft to the moon to map the lunar surface, but since the technology didn't exist then to use high-resolution digital sensors (as NASA is doing today with the LRO mission), they needed a different approach.

One that Kodak developed.

Imaging Unit of Lunar Orbiter

Looking at it now, the solution that was devised for these missions was really amazing. As described on NASA's web page for these missions, the imaging unit in these Lunar Orbiters consisted of a dual-lens camera (to capture both high- and low-resolution pictures), a film processing unit, a readout scanner, and a film handling apparatus. Film passed through the camera as the unit orbited the moon, capturing images of the lunar surface as it flew by. The film was then processed and scanned, and the images were then transmitted back to Earth - basically, the entire unit was a combination camera, mini-lab, and TV station.

All operating while orbiting the moon, over 200,000 miles from Earth.

First view of Earth taken from the moon (from Lunar Orbiter 1)

The Lunar Orbiter missions were an unqualified success, collectively photographing 99% of the moon's surface with a resolution of 60 meters or better, and providing the information needed for the safe landing of the Apollo missions. Today, one of these imaging cameras - made for a Lunar Orbiter mission that never flew - is on display as a part of the Technology Collection at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. Todd Gustavson, curator of Technology from George Eastman House, has put together an excellent video podcast about this imaging system - be sure to check it out.

In 2004, the Kodak organization involved in this work was incorporated into the Space Systems Division of ITT, where they continue developing imaging systems for earth-orbiting satellites today. But through programs like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (as well as other orbiters around Mars and Venus, plus the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station), Kodak still remains a key participant in the space program, providing world-class imaging technology that is used throughout the solar system.

Just as we have for over 40 years.

After Kodak proudly announced the new KODAK Zx1 Pocket Video Camera at CES in January, the big questions seem to be 1) is the Zx1 a replacement of the Zi6? and 2) what makes them different?

I'd like to help clear up any confusion.

The Zi6 and the Zx1 are complimentary siblings, if you will, happily living side by side. They both have the same basic "genes".

• 720p HD video at 30 and 60 frames per second
• great software to let you edit, personalize and upload to YouTube
• ability to record up to 10 hours of HD video with the SD/SDHC card slot
• included rechargeable AA batteries and charger.

Now for the fun part - what makes each unique and special, and what would drive you to buy one over the other? The answer completely depends on you, your lifestyle and your video needs:

Choose the Kodak Zi6 if you:

• like a larger LCD screen (2.4")
• enjoy shooting close-ups and need a macro mode
• often upload on the go or are prone to losing a USB cable - the Zi6 has a built in USB arm that pops out (the Zx1 comes with a USB cable)

Choose the Kodak Zx1 if you:

• find yourself often in snow, rain, or sandy situations - do you like to ski? do you love the beach? are you planning a trip to the rainforest? The Zx1 is weather-resistant with rubberized ports and a more rugged body to help keep out splashes and sand.
• value the included HDMI cable that lets you watch your videos on your HDTV (the Zi6 has HD and AV cables included).
• could use a remote for recording or sitting back to replay videos on your HDTV. The Zx1 has an IR sensor for its optional accessory remote.

The bottom line is that Kodak wants to provide you with great choices for great video camera products that will meet your needs. Remember, life moves fast so grab it in HD!