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Gateway's DC-T50 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Gateway makes its digicam debut
By
(Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 12:32 EDT)

Gateway Inc., one of the larger names in the personal computer world, has today announced another expansion in a new direction with its first steps into the digital camera market.

The company has for some time been looking to expand from the rather cut-throat PC field into consumer electronics, and made its first move in that direction when it began selling plasma TVs - a market in which it now apparently has the highest-selling model. Gateway is perhaps hoping to emulate the success of long-time rival HP, who have been selling digital cameras for some time. Quite a few of HP's cameras have been made in cooperation with Pentax, and HP's camera lineup has spanned the range from entry level to prosumer. Another major Gateway rival, PC manufacturer Dell, is also rumored to be preparing to launch own-branded digicams...

We first told readers that Gateway was intending to start selling own-branded digital cameras two weeks ago, after eWeek published an article predicting three cameras would be announced. Gateway has traditionally sold digital cameras under other brands, but not its own. eWeek's article made comparisons between Gateway's predicted top-of-the-line DC-T50 digicam, and HP's just-announced Photosmart 945 (a 5 megapixel, 8x optical zoom digital camera that looks very impressive, on paper at least). Admittedly, the article only said that the Gateway DC-T50 would be "slightly more powerful" than the Photosmart 945 "in terms of resolution" - however, this inspired hope that perhaps Gateway had signed a deal with a major digicam manufacturer to rebrand their cameras.

Today, we know the full story. As it turns out, the DC-T50 doesn't come close to the Photosmart 945, although that's not really surprising considering the head start that HP has in the market. Instead of the Photosmart 945's 8x optical zoom, the DC-T50 has a 3x optical zoom, nor does it offer anywhere near the same exposure capabilities. Bizarrely, the claim that the DC-T50 would have slightly more resolution than the Photosmart 945 wasn't accurate either - although the difference is negligible, the Photosmart 945 has the edge in terms of both sensor resolution, and effective resolution / image size.

So what has been announced? Well, there are four models, for which brief specifications and product images follow below. All four models are available immediately on Gateway's website, in Gateway stores, and via telephone. To sum up, the Gateway digicam lineup is as follows:

  • Gateway DC-T20: 2 megapixels, fixed focus, fixed focal-length lens, 2x digital zoom; $129.99
  • Gateway DC-M40: 4 megapixels, 3x optical zoom equivalent to 34 - 102mm; $199.99
  • Gateway DC-M50: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom equivalent to 38 - 114mm; $299.99
  • Gateway DC-T50: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom equivalent to 38 - 114mm; $399.99

Our good friend Jeff Keller at the Digital Camera Resource Page sounds a cautionary note on at least one of the models, though. He recognized the DC-M50 as being identical to the Argus DC3810 which he tested last June, and described as "a camera that could be pretty good if its features were not implemented so poorly". We did a little digging of our own, and managed to identify three out of the four models. It looks to us (although a lot of the Taiwanese manufacturers share models and so it can be difficult to ascertain exactly who makes what) as if the Gateway models correspond to the following:

So - it appears that Gateway's partners in its digicam debut are Skanhex and Premier, and the cameras are certainly Taiwanese designs. The only camera we can't identify is the DC-T20, which looks extremely familiar (perhaps another Premier model? The Premier website has not been updated in a very long time...)

We're sure many of Gateway's customers will still consider the newly-announced cameras alongside a PC purchase. For the money, they do look interesting - although we aren't sure we agree that the price is the "break-through" that Gateway claims it to be - the Argus-branded version of the DC-M50 is available for around $60 less online, and the Vivitar-branded version of the DC-T50 has been available for the exact same price for some time. Specs and product photos courtesy of Gateway follow:

Gateway DC-T20
Gateway's DC-T20 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Sensor 2 megapixels, CMOS sensor
Image Resolution 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 (Still), 320 x 240 @ 15 fps; motion JPEG (Movie)
Lens
Fixed focal length
f = 9.96mm
Fixed Focus, f/2.8 maximum aperture
Focus Range 1.2m to infinity
Digital Zoom 2x, center area
Shutter Speed 1 to 1/1000 seconds
ISO Auto
Self-Timer 10 seconds
Connectivity USB; NTSC / PAL Video Out
Flash Mode Auto, red-eye, fill, always-on, always-off
LCD 1.5-inch TFT
File Format JPEG (Still); Motion JPEG (Movie)
Applications Software MGI Photo Suite III SE, Digimax Viewer
Battery 2x AA alkaline
Dimensions 82 (W) x 60 (H) x 24 (T) mm
Optional Accessories
NiMH AA rechargeable batteries and charger
64MG, 128MB SD memory cards
Camera pouch
Warranty One Year
OS Compatibility Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later operating systems
.

Gateway DC-M40
Gateway's DC-M40 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Sensor 4 megapixels, CCD sensor
Image Resolution 2272 x 1704 (still); 320 x 240 @ 15 fps, motion JPEG (movie)
Lens
3x optical zoom
f = 7 - 21mm, equivalent to 34 - 102mm
Auto focus, f/2.6 – 4.5 maximum aperture
Focus Range 0.8m to infinity
Digital Zoom 2x, center area
Shutter Speed 2 to 1/1000 seconds
ISO Auto, 200, 400
Self-Timer 10 seconds
Connectivity USB; NTSC / PAL Video Out
Flash Mode Auto, fill, off, red-eye reduction, slow sync
LCD 1.6-inch color TFT
File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.2), DCF, DPOF (Still); Motion JPEG (Movie)
Applications Software Adobe PhotoShop 5.0 LE
Battery 4x AA alkaline
Dimensions 118.7 (W) x 66.5 (H) x 50 (T) mm
Optional Accessories
Four-AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and charger
256MB compact flash cards
Warranty One Year
OS Compatibility Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later operating systems
.

Gateway DC-M50
Gateway's DC-M50 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Sensor 5 megapixels, CCD sensor
Image Resolution 2560 x 1920
Lens
3x optical zoom
f = 8 - 24mm, equivalent to 38 - 114mm
Auto focus, f/3.4 – 3.6 maximum aperture
Focus Range 0.8 to 40 cm (macro) 40 cm to infinity (normal)
Digital Zoom 2x, center area
Shutter Speed 8 to 1/2600 seconds
ISO Auto, 200, 400
Self-Timer 10 seconds
Connectivity USB; NTSC / PAL Video Out
Flash Mode Auto, fill, off, red-eye reduction, slow sync
LCD 1.8-inch color TFT
File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.2), DCF, DPOF (Still); Motion JPEG (Movie)
Applications Software ArcSoft Imaging Software
Battery 4x AA alkaline
Dimensions 116 (W) x 75 (H) x 62 (T) mm
Optional Accessories
Four-AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and charger
256MB compact flash cards
Warranty One Year
OS Compatibility Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later operating systems
.

Gateway DC-T50
Gateway's DC-T50 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Image Sensor 5 megapixels, CCD sensor
Image Resolution 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960,640 x 480 (Still); 320 x 240 @15 fps; motion JPEG (Movie)
Lens
3x optical zoom
f = 7.2 - 21.6mm, equivalent to 38 - 114mm
Auto Focus, f/2.7 – 4.5 maximum aperture
Focus Range 0.8m to infinity
Digital Zoom 2x, center area
Shutter Speed 1 to 1/1000 seconds
ISO Auto
Self-Timer 10 seconds
Connectivity USB; NTSC / PAL Video Out
Flash Mode Auto, red-eye, fill, always-on, always-off
LCD 1.6-inch TFT
File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.2), DCF, DPOF (Still); Motion JPEG (Movie)
Applications Software MGI Photo Suite III SE, Digimax Viewer
Battery Lithium-ion rechargeable
Dimensions 93 (W) x 35 (H) x 58 (T) mm
Optional Accessories
LI-100 rechargeable litiium-ion battery
AC-106 charger/AC adapter
256MB and 128MB SD memory cards
Warranty One Year
OS Compatibility Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later operating systems
More Photos
Gateway's DC-T50 digital camera. Courtesy of Gateway, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
.

Original Source Press Release:

Gateway Brings Unprecedented Value to the Digital Photo Market With Complete Line of New Gateway-Branded Cameras

Models Range From a Mini 2-Megapixel Camera at $129 to a Sleek, Compact 5-Megapixel Camera for Just $399

POWAY, Calif., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gateway's direct model again makes the customer the winner with the company's first line of Gateway- branded digital cameras -- priced up to 40 percent less than other 4- and 5- megapixel cameras.

Gateway is entering the fast-growing digital camera market with the same break-through pricing that made its 42-inch plasma TV the best seller in its category.(1) The new offerings advance the company's goal of launching 50 new Gateway-branded products in 15 categories this year and mark another milestone toward Gateway's evolution into a branded integrator -- a marketer of digital gear that works together.

The new digital cameras include two sleek, compact models that fit snugly in a pocket or purse so consumers are always ready to capture memories. Priced at only $129.99,(2) the Gateway(TM) DC-T20 delivers 2-megapixel image quality in an ultra-compact form factor that is just slightly thicker than a deck of cards. The Gateway DC-T50 combines performance in a stylish compact design, delivering 5-megapixel, film-quality prints at a price of $399.99.(2)

Gateway is also offering two standard-size models that provide superior 4-and 5- megapixel image quality at prices of $199.99(2) and $299.99(2). Because of their generous configurations, the cameras produce stunning film-quality prints and large images up to 11 by 14 inches with the 5-megapixel offering and up to 8 by 10 inches with the 4-megapixel camera. Both products are perfect for photographers who desire robust performance and advanced features at a great value.

"Gateway's rapidly expanding portfolio of competitively priced digital electronics is starting to speed consumer adoption -- Gateway is putting cutting-edge technology in more people's hands," said Matt Milne, Gateway's vice president and general manager of digital solutions. "These digital cameras reach a new pinnacle -- they deliver incredible performance, image quality and features at prices that will allow more people to embrace the benefits of digital photography."

Lose the Film, Gain the Fun
Gateway has designed the digital cameras for the 69 percent of consumers who do not currently own one but are considering such a purchase(3). The Consumer Electronics Association says that digital camera sales are expected to jump 20 percent in 2004 to more than 12 million units(3). In addition, Gateway's internal research reveals that a digital camera is the top consumer electronics product its customers plan to purchase in the next year(4).

"Digital photography is clearly replacing film in the market, but the rate of this change has been limited because the cost of quality digital cameras has exceeded what most people were willing to pay," said Rob Enderle, principle analyst for the Enderle Group. "These new cameras from Gateway close this 'value' gap and provide one of the strongest arguments for going digital that we have yet seen."

The cameras will appeal to a wide range of photographers, from enthusiasts to beginners, who want a compact, easy-to-use camera at a great price. The cameras are also great for business professionals such as human resources managers for company outings and informal newsletters, realtors who need to share images with clients, and those in the travel and tourism industry.

The four new cameras boast a feature set at prices that set new standards for value -- from 20 to 40 percent less than competitive offerings. They are easy to use and connect to a PC or Mac for printing, sharing and saving precious memories. The cameras' USB connections make downloading images quick and easy -- so photographers can get back to capturing the fun.

The four new Gateway digital cameras are available for immediate purchase in Gateway(R) stores nationwide.

Packed with Pixels at a Petite Size and Price
Gateway's two new compact digital cameras catch all the action with sleek single-handed operation for great point-and-shoot photo-taking. The ultra-portable Gateway(TM) DC-T20 is the ideal camera for anyone who wants a compact, affordable camera to have on hand in a backpack or purse to catch the action. At only $129.99, the camera's price matches its small size, but it still delivers big on quality. The 2MP camera provides up to 1600x1200 image quality for JPEG still photos and can take up to 47 seconds of motion JPEG video at 320x240 resolution. The DC-T20 provides 2X digital zoom, multiple flash modes and 1.5-inch TFT display. The new camera measures only 82 (W) x 60 (H) x 24 (T) mm and weighs only 3.9 ounces(5).

Photography enthusiasts who want great image quality and flexibility in a compact form factor need look no further than the Gateway DC-T50. The 5MP camera boasts an f/2.8 to f/4.5 aperture for rich, accurate colors in a range of light conditions. The slim 6.3-ounce(5) camera boasts advanced features -- including 3X optical zoom for close-ups and auto, fill, off and red-eye reduction flash modes. Photos can be taken in enhanced resolutions of up to 2560x1920 in JPEG, DCF or DPOF format. In movie-mode, the camera can also record up to 60-second clips of motion JPEG in 320x240 @15 frames per second. Even in the small form factor of only 93 (W) x 35 (H) x 58 (T) mm, the camera still provides a large 1.6-inch TFT display for previewing photos.

Both the Gateway DC-T20 and DC-T50 cameras use convenient, affordable SD Memory. The DC-T20 comes with two AA alkaline batteries and 8MB of internal memory while the DC-T50 comes with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, charger and a 32MB SD memory card. The cameras also come with software that makes editing, cropping, enlarging and adding effects fun and easy. Gateway offers several options for the new cameras, including rechargeable batteries, high- capacity SD memory and camera carrying cases.

Shoot Away! Advanced Features at a Great Value
In addition to the two compact cameras, Gateway now offers two standard- sized cameras that combine advanced features including high image resolution, 3x optical zoom and fast shutter speeds. The cameras are ideal for families or small businesses looking for a value-based offering with a rich feature set to use as their main digital camera.

The Gateway(TM) DC-M50 delivers the ultimate in photo taking at a price of only $299.99 -- up to $200 less than comparable offerings. The 5MP camera has an f/3.4 to 3.6 maximum aperture and 3X optical zoom to take the best photos in various conditions, which can then be viewed on the huge 1.8 inch TFT display. The fast shutter speed of up to 1/2600 seconds lets photographers freeze fast-moving subjects, while the longer shutter speed up to eight seconds enables the capture of brilliant landscape and architectural shots.

Priced at only $199.99, the Gateway DC-M40 provides 4MP photo quality for crisp, vibrant photos. With f/2.6 - 4.5 maximum aperture, 3X optical zoom and a fast shutter speed of two to 1/2000 seconds, the camera can take true-to- life photos in various conditions. Also, the Gateway DC-M40's 1.6-inch TFT allows picture review so photos can be immediately retaken or discarded if the subject blinks.

Both the Gateway DC-M50 and DC-M40 can be used to enjoy very high quality large prints thanks to the enhanced image resolution for still photos (DC-M50: 2560x1920 and DC-M40: 2272x1704) in JPEG, DCT or DPOF formats. In movie mode, both new cameras take brief video clips at up to 320 x 240 resolution motion JPEG at 15 frames per second. The cameras also offer auto, fill, off, red-eye reduction and slow-sync flash modes to give additional options when shooting photos of people, architecture or scenic venues.

Both the Gateway DC-M50 and DC-M40 cameras use industry-standard, affordable compact flash memory and run on four AA alkaline batteries. The cameras come with advanced photo editing software; the DC-M50 with ArcSoft Imaging Software and the DC-M40 with Adobe PhotoShop 5.0 LE, so photographers have a range of ways to easily perfect their photos, including editing, cropping, enlarging and adding special effects. Gateway offers several options including rechargeable batteries and high-capacity compact flash memory cards.

Availability and Warranty
The new Gateway(TM) digital cameras are available now by phone, on gateway.com or at Gateway(R) stores. All of the cameras are supported by Gateway's standard one-year limited warranty(6). As with other Gateway products, additional service and support options are available.

About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Gateway (NYSE: GTW) has been a technology and direct-marketing pioneer, using its call centers, web site and retail network to build direct customer relationships. As it transforms itself from being a leading PC company into a branded integrator of personalized technology solutions, the company's line of Gateway-branded products is expanding to include digital TVs, DLP projectors, tablet PCs and systems and networking products and services. Gateway is America's second most admired computer company, according to Fortune magazine(7), and its products and services received more than 125 awards and honors last year. For more information, visit http://www.gateway.com.

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation.

1. Gateway had the best selling home plasma display model for the period
11/02-5/03. Source: The NPD Group and Gateway.
2. Gateway Terms and Conditions of Sale apply. All offers subject to
change without notice or obligation and may not be available through
all sales channels. Prices exclude shipping and handling. Applicable
taxes extra.
3. Source: Consumer Electronics Association, 2003.
4. Gateway consumer research conducted in April, 2003.
5. Camera weight without battery or memory card.
6. Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or
call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy.
7. Source: Fortune magazine, March 3, 2003 issue.

SOURCE Gateway, Inc.

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