Kodak said in a statement that in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, it was asking all owners of its DC5000 camera to stop using the device and to return it to Kodak. Kodak estimated there were about 75,000 units of the camera in use worldwide.
Kodak said it had received 12 reports of owners receiving mild electrical shocks while changing the camera's batteries or memory card or connecting its USB cable.
The DC5000 was one of Kodak's first entries into the high end of the digital camera market. With a resolution of two megapixels and a weatherproofed body, the camera sold for about US$700 when it went on the market about two years ago. Kodak discontinued the model last month.
Kodak said it would pay for all shipping, inspection and repair charges for DC5000 models returned to the company. Australian customers should call Kodak at 1800 147 701 to arrange the return, or fill out Kodak's online registration form.
Like other traditional photography companies, Kodak is scrambling to make the transition to digital imaging, including taking a leading role in efforts to simplify retail printing of digital images.
