At CES today, Kodak introduced a new addition to their printer line up, Kodak EasyShare ESP 3 All in One Printer, with some free software included.

OK, so why is that news? Well, the software is a simplified retouching tool that, based on Kodaks years of printing for the masses, incorporates their learnings into a global correctional tool.

What the heck does that mean?

If you have a photo where the faces may appear, well, too real including blemishes, the included software will fix it for you. In 3 modes – Low, Medium, and High.

Here is one example:

Before
[photopress:before1x.jpg,full,centered]
After:
[photopress:retouched1x.jpg,full,centered]

Now, the algorithm used, keeps the eyes sharp but does soften the rest of the face slightly. In addition, the whites of the yes are brighter as are the teeth. You can control these however. This sample is a little extreme, but you can adjust. Plus in a shot with multiple faces you can choose which one to adjust.

Perhaps the bigger news for the casual user is the cost per print. .10 per 4×6 a opposed to .28 for most other printers. Substantial. And face it, Kodak does have a history with delivering your families prints. At about $130 USD and a 2 cartridge/6 ink system costing about $25 for the set, they have delivered on their promise to get the costs down.

The all in one part of it is he scanner, general printer for your B&W docs, plus it reads most media cards. Only downside is that there is no monitor on the unit, so you will be viewing shot choices on your computer.

Look, we are always looking for, not only the tools for the prosumer, but good quality, simplified products for everyday use.

This works.