Imaging Briefs
By Staff -- TWICE, 1/30/2006
Argus Adds A Pair Of Entry-Level Digital Cameras
Las Vegas — Argus Camera introduced two new entry-level digital cameras at International CES. The QC1313 is a 1-megapixel model in a translucent housing. It features a 1-inch LCD, 16MB of internal memory, SD card slot, AVI video capture and a slim design. It ships this month for a suggested $44.99. The 3-megapixel QC3195 also ships this month for a suggested $74.99. It sports a 1.5-inch TFT LCD, 4x digital zoom, 16MB of internal memory, SD card slot and a slim design.
HP Enters Branded Flash-Memory Market
Santa Ana, Calif.— Hewlett-Packard will piggyback into the flash memory market thanks to a new partnership with flash marketer SimpleTech. The multiyear deal will see the HP name adorn SD (including mini and micro), MMC/RS-MMC, and CompactFlash cards in capacities from 128MB to 4GB. Prices will range from $19.99 to $379.99, the companies said. According to a SimpleTech spokesperson, HP will target existing dealers and outlets with on-site photo processing.
Westinghouse Adds More Digital Frames
Las Vegas— Westinghouse Digital Electronics added three new LCD digital frames to its lineup at International CES. Sized at 3.5 inches, 7 inches and 8 inches, the frames feature 8MB of internal memory and join the company's existing 5.6-inch model on the market. The 8-inch DPF-0801 ($279 suggested), incorporates a VGA quality screen and is compatible with Compact Flash Type I & II, Memory Stick Pro, SD/MMC, and xD memory cards. The DPF-0701, for $199, features a 16:9 widescreen panel capable of displaying two wallet-size photos side-by-side, landscape photos and bordered 4:3 photos. The 3-inch DPF-0351, for a suggested $119, accepts CF I/II, MS, SD, MMC and xD memory cards and weighs under a pound.
Lexar Broadens Kodak Flash Card Line
Las Vegas— Lexar Media announced new high-speed SD memory cards under its Kodak brand license. The Kodak High Performance card will initially be available in 512MB and 1GB capacities for an estimated $69.99 and $109.99, respectively.
New Sensor to Offer Imaging in the Dark
Las Vegas— Seoul-based nanotechnology company Planet82 demonstrated a new image sensor technology, called Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD), at International CES, which the company claims is 2,000 times more light sensitive than existing sensors. Cameras using the new sensor could take clear images in near total darkness without a flash, the company said. The sensor can be “mass produced using standard CMOS process” and is half the size of current CCDs, according to Planet82. The chip will initially be commercialized in closed-circuit televisions, camera phones and vehicle rear-view sensors in the first and second quarters of this year.
BenQ Intros New DSCs
Las Vegas— BenQ added three new models to its lineup at International CES. The 6-megapixel X600 ($399) is an ultra-slim model featuring a 3x optical zoom Pentax lens, 2.5-inch LCD, VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second (fps) and in-camera editing. The 8-megapixel C800 ($229) sports a 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, 26MB of internal memory and a 4-shot burst mode. Finally, the 5-megapixel E521 ($299) offers a 3X optical zoom Pentax lens, 2-inch OLED display, VGA/30 fps movie recording.
