BenQ: Two digicams with Pentax lenses By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource (Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 23:38 EDT)A press release distributed yesterday by BenQ Europe announces two new digital camera models for that market.
The BenQ DC E510 and DC E520 are both ultracompact cameras with five megapixel imagers and 3x optical zoom lenses, but with somewhat differing body design and feature set. Unfortunately we don't currently have detailed specifications for the DC E520 model, which is a little smaller and lighter despite featuring a larger LCD display. Its sibling the DC E510 is noteable for its use of a touch-screen LCD display, and both cameras should offer good quality optics courtesy of their smc Pentax zoom lenses. Both the lens branding and touch-screen displays are firsts amongst BenQ's product line.
We don't currently have any information on plans to bring these cameras to the US market, and nor do we have product photos of the cameras. Some further information and low-res images of the cameras can be found on BenQ's European website, however.
Modes: Auto / Forced flash / Red-eye reduction / Flash off / Slow Sync Range: 0.5 - 2.0m
Creative
Digital Zoom
4x
Self Timer
Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium
SD/MMC, Built-in
File System
Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format
JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Power
Battery Type
Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor
Proprietary
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger
1 x proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory
32.0MB built-in memory
Other
PictBridge Compliant
Yes
Internal Microphone
Yes
Original Source Press Release:
BenQ Digital Cameras to use Pentax SMC Camera Lens
EUROPE, 20th of July, 2005 - BenQ announces the use of Pentax’s Super-Multi Coating (SMC) camera lens in its new BenQ digital cameras. The new BenQ E510 and E520 cameras will feature Pentax’s SMC system providing transparency above 99.8% and superior image-formation performance.
“Within a decade of its inception, digital cameras have transformed from simple shooting devices into an indispensable digital product for all consumers. Our partnership with Pentax marks an important step for digital camera users,” expressed Peter Chen, BenQ Vice-President and General Manager of Digital Media Business Group, “BenQ will combine the strengths of our imaging technology with Pentax’s high-quality lenses to provide consumers the very best digital imaging solution.” We will continue co-operate with Pentax with our entire upcoming model in the future.
BenQ adopts Pentax SMC lens to deliver exceptional image quality Pentax first introduced the Super-Multi Coating (SMC) system in 1971. During the process of its development, Pentax SMC has gained the favor of numerous eminent camera brands which have all adopted the SMC system.
The SMC system effectively eliminates surface reflection and flares occurring when light passes through the lens by applying a multi-layer coating system to its lenses enabling its lens to deliver clear, high contrast images. The SMC lens that BenQ has adopted has a transparency of above 99.8%, with superior image-formation performance which produces images with pristine clarity, superb contrast and vivid image formation. In addition, the SMC lens also incorporates an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction. The adoption of Pentax’s SMC lens allows BenQ’s DC image performance to rival other competitors, delivering excellent images and true-to-life photos.
BenQ’s innovative image processing technology improves the quality of images Apart from its core components – camera lens; CCD sensor, image processor and LCD monitor, BenQ digital camera’s greatest strength lie in its image processing technology.
BenQ digital cameras feature BenQ’s proprietary Senseye Technology which greatly enhances color performance while significantly reducing image noise. Senseye Technology provides vivid color performance.
In camera tests hosted by a worldwide accredited camera website, BenQ’s image processing technology outshone other competitors in terms of image noise reduction, speed and battery life. The BenQ DC E510 for example, features a high-precision battery regulating chip which extends battery life.
