Pentagram announces 3mpix, fixed focus digicam By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource (Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 12:34 EST)Polish vendor Pentagram has today announced a new digital camera model that will be sold in that country, amongst other Eastern European countries.
The Pentagram Photon 304 is a 3.1 megapixel model that features a 45mm-equivalent lens, 16MB built-in memory and Secure Digital storage, 1.6" TFT LCD display, built-in flash, and USB connectivity. The camera, which has dimensions of 94 x 66 x 40mm and weighs 140 grams, draws its power from 2 AA alkaline or NiMH batteries. Shutter speeds are automatically controlled with a range from 1/2 to 1/1000 second, and a fixed aperture of F4.0. Likewise, white balance and ISO rating (from ISO 125 - 200, extended to ISO 500 when the flash is enabled) are controlled automatically. The camera has a suggested price of US$140, and will be available in March or April 2004 depending on the country.
Pentagram Photon 304
Number of effective pixels
3.1 million pixels (5 million by interpolation)
CCD sensor
1 / 2.7-inch CCD
Number of total pixels: 3.21 million pixels
Number of recorded pixels
Still image: 2560 x 1920 (interpolated) / 2048 x 1536 / 1600 x 1200 / 1280 x 960 pixels
Movie: 320 x 240 pixels. 15 frames/sec.
File formats
Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2)
Movie AVI (Motion JPEG)
Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible
Storage media
Secure Digital (currently available in 32MB to 1GB capacities)
2 x Ni/MH rechargeable batteries (available separately) or AC power adapter (2A-3.3V) (optional)
Dimensions
94 (W) x 66 (H) x 40 (D) mm
Weight
Approx. 140g (excluding batteries and media)
Camera Functions
Digital Zoom
Approx. 4x
Movie recording
320 x 240 pixels: 15 frames/sec. up to 90 seconds
Without sound, AVI format (Motion JPEG)
Playback
Single frame (with max 4x Playback zoom), 9 multi-frame
Accessories included
2 x AA type alkaline batteries
Wrist strap
USB cable
Camera pouch
User manual
CD-ROM
USB driver
Ulead PhotoExplorer
Optional accessories
Secure Digital Memory Card: 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB, 1GB capacities currently available
AC Power Adapter (2A-3.3V)
Rechargeable AA-type NiMH battery
Ultra-fast charger with 4 x 2100mAh Ni-Mh batteries
Overnight charger with 4 x 1800mAh Ni-Mh batteries
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Original Source Press Release:
Photon 304: simple shooting for everyone
PENTAGRAM today launches the Photon 304, a camera designed to simplify taking pictures for an amateur user, whilst still offering high picture quality. With a compact and user-friendly design it gives everyone an opportunity to experience the digital imaging in every-day life.
With a 3.1 million pixel effective resolution and movie recording capabilities, the Photon 304 offers great functionality yet remains easy to use. Pleasant to carry and operate, with its low weight and small dimensions, the Photon 304 offers straightforward controls and menu options, ensuring this camera makes life easy for every photographer wanting to start his adventure with digital photography.
The Photon 304 is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag, so it's never far away from the action. With both an optical viewfinder and high quality 1.6" TFT screen, users can easily take and review shots before adding them to their collection. Furthermore, an included pouch protects the camera from being scratched while being carried in a pocket or bag and gives you an opportunity to attach the camera to your belt.
Created with ease of use and convenience in mind, the Photon 304 is powered by two AA Alkaline batteries and has impressively low power consumption compared to its features.
Photon 304 features at a glance:
3.1 million effective pixels (5 megapixels interpolated image size)
Fast operation and simple to use, just point and shoot for lifelike images
Movie recording capabilities up to 15 frames per second (fps). Record up to 90 seconds (320x240 pixels) in the 16MB built-in memory.
Secure Digital card format compatibility offers large storage capacity and quick data transfer.
All inclusive The Photon 304 is supplied with everything needed to start shooting straight from the box: two AA alkaline batteries, built-in 16MB memory, wrist strap, CD, USB cable, user manual and a camera pouch. The supplied software CD includes USB drivers and Ulead PhotoExplorer useful for editing photos and creating multimedia albums.
Pricing and availability in the Eastern Europe The Photon 304 will be available from Eastern European photographic and computer retailers from March/April 2004. The suggested retail price is USD140 excl. VAT. Availability of this product will vary by country.
Pentagram announces 3mpix, fixed focus digicam
