Kodak intros world’s thinnest 5x optical zoom camera

After a successful round of playing in the home inkjet printer market, Kodak is showing that it still knows what it’s doing when it comes to digital cameras, and has introduced what it claims is the thinnest digital camera to pack a 5x optical zoom lens.

In a press release today, Kodak announced the M590 but did not say exactly how thin the device is. It uses a Schneider-Kreuzanch Variogon lens and will be available this fall for around $200.

Also of note is the camera’s “Share” button, located directly on the camera as an easy one-touch access to all the functionality it has with Facebook, Flickr, Youtube, and e-mail integration.

“With the new KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera, we are continuing our commitment to bring to market innovative, intuitive and stylish products that make it fun and easy for today’s socially savvy crowd to share all their favorite moments,” said Kodak’s VP of marketing Phil Scott.

The M590 can capture video and still shots in HD and it includes a 2.7-inch LCD screen on-board.

Also announced today is the Pulse, a brand new digital photo frame from Kodak with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. When customers buy a Pulse, they get a unique e-mail address. Sending photos to that e-mail will automatically add them to the gadget’s image slideshow. It also has a touchscreen interface for on-board menu controls.

The Pulse will also be available in the fall for around $200.