Minolta Japan takes DiMAGE X underwater!
By
Mike Tomkins
(Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 13:07 EDT)
Polycarbonate housing keeps the diminutive camera protected from water and dust...
Minolta Japan has announced a new accessory for its DiMAGE X digital camera, an ultracompact 2 megapixel model. The DiMAGE X is unusual in that it uses a prism to 'fold' the light path, allowing a 3x optical zoom lens to be placed vertically inside the camera keeping size down and removing the need for the lens to protrude outside of the body.
The MC-DG100 marine case, which will go on sale in early July in that country at a cost of ¥25,000 (US$195; €214; £134 at current exchange rates) will have a monthly production volume of 3000 units. Waterproof to 30 meters, and dustproof to boot, the casing should make the DiMAGE X about the smallest camera that can safely be used underwater or in hostile, dusty environments such as construction work sites.
The casing is made of polycarbonate resin, weighs 260 grams, and allows access to all camera controls (although of course the battery and flash card cannot be removed without taking the casing off first). External dimensions are 125.5 x 99 x 50.5mm, about 30-40mm larger than the camera itself in each dimension. The casing comes supplied with an O-ring and grease plus a dessicant pack to absorb moisture in the air inside the housing, combatting fogging on the inside of the lens port. O-ring sets are also available as an optional accessory.
Minolta's overseas counterparts in Europe and North America have not yet announced any plans to carry the housing.
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