HP recalls flaming cameras

Hewlett-Packard recalled more than half a million cameras, citing the risk of a fire hazard from an overheated battery, reports pcworld.com.

HP learned of the problem when a customer complained that his Photosmart R707 digital camera had caught fire while plugged into its docking station.

The recall affects 679 000 cameras worldwide and HP has issued a repair patch that customers can download to their cameras.

The problem is caused by a mistake in the camera`s firmware that kicks in when the device is plugged into an AC adapter or docking station, and attempts to charge non-rechargeable batteries such as the Duracell CP-1, HP said.

Eastman Kodak has released its first dual-lens still camera; Kodak Easyshare V570 zoom digital camera, reports irishdev.com.

The five megapixel camera uses Kodak retina Dual Lens technology featuring automatic red-eye reduction, on-camera cropping, picture blur alert and auto picture rotation.

"Picture takers expect high-performance features in an attractive package. Kodak is first to give them a coveted but previously unavailable ultra-wide angle lens in a pocket-size camera. Capturing high quality photos with maximum ease of use are at the top of people`s lists when buying a new digital camera," said Mary Hadley, GM of Kodak`s Consumer Digital Imaging Group.

Eastman Kodak has announced that it will start manufacturing digital cameras in Brazil, making the country the first outside of China where the US company will make digital equipment.

Brazil is the largest market in Latin America for digital cameras, accounting for more than 40% of sales, Kodak said.