Pocket-Sized and Powerful: Epson Unveils Its First Two-Megapixel USB Digital Camera; New PhotoPC 800 Packs the Ultimate in Performance and Image Quality into a Compact, Portable Design

Business Wire, July 12, 1999

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 12, 1999--

Epson America Inc., the creator of high-quality, award-winning digital imaging products, today unveiled its first two-megapixel USB digital camera, the PhotoPC(R) 800. The PhotoPC 800 is a solid performer that weighs less than a half pound and is perfect for business and photo enthusiasts. The camera offers a 2.14 megapixel CCD sensor and Epson's revolutionary HyPict(TM) image enhancement technology, which provides consumers with the flexibility to print up to 11" x 14" prints with excellent results. The camera supports both USB and serial image transfer and will be available for an estimated street price of $699.

"The PhotoPC 800 provides consumers with a compelling alternative to a traditional film camera with no-compromise on image quality and the instant gratification of digital photography," said Lisa Dempsey, assistant product manager, digital cameras, Epson. "Epson is committed to understanding and addressing the needs of business consumers and photo enthusiasts by continually improving and enhancing our digital imaging offerings."

Big Prints, Big Features, Small Package

Whether capturing an important visual for a business application or using the camera on a summer vacation, this high-performance camera gives the consumer the confidence that a perfect photo won't be missed. With a high speed processor and a Quick Shot mode, consumers can snap a picture approximately every second.

The PhotoPC 800 is compact, powerful and loaded with a host of valuable features including an 8MB CompactFlash(TM) card; three picture-taking modes, black and white, macro and panorama; and a high-quality 1.8" LCD monitor. The LCD can display one, four or nine images at a time to allow consumers to view photos instantly and easily. For added convenience, consumers can use the built-in microphone to record a voice message up to ten seconds in length for each image. This feature especially benefits business professionals in the law enforcement, real estate and insurance fields, whose jobs depend on providing accurate documentation daily.

Additionally, the PhotoPC 800's USB compatibility lets customers download a two-megapixel image in about three seconds to iMac(TM), Power Macintosh(TM) G3 and Windows 98 computers.

Easy to Use at Any Level

The feature-filled PhotoPC 800 provides three different modes for ease of use at any level: Fully Automatic, Programmed and Manual. The Fully Automatic mode allows the consumer to simply point and shoot for great pictures in normal, macro, 2X digital zoom or panoramic modes. The Programmed mode is the perfect setting for sports, portrait and landscape photography. It incorporates auto exposure with /- 2 step exposure compensation, white balance and sensitivity. The Manual setting is the ideal mode for the more advanced digital photographer. It includes adjustable aperture settings, shutter speed, focus and spot metering.

Legacy Features

The PhotoPC 800 offers many features made popular by Epson's earlier digital camera models. Among these features is the ability to Direct Print to several EPSON Stylus(R) Color printers including: EPSON Stylus Photo 700, EPSON Stylus Photo EX, EPSON Stylus Photo 750, EPSON Stylus Photo 1200 and EPSON Stylus Color 740. A Direct Print cable as well as Direct Print software are included with the camera.

With Epson's HyPict image enhancement technology, consumers have the ability to print breathtaking images as large as 11" x 14". This technology was first incorporated into the PhotoPC 750Z and is now part of the PhotoPC 800's high-performance package. This technology offers a superior process when compared to other image enhancement technologies because it occurs inside the camera, before JPEG compression. This ensures that all the original pixel information collected will be utilized to enhance the image and provide stunning results.

Making presentations is simple and convenient with the PhotoPC 800's video out capabilities. This feature enables consumers to connect the camera to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for displaying presentations, images and pictures or viewing and recording a slide show.

As with previous Epson digital cameras, the PhotoPC 800 includes four AA-sized, money saving NiMH batteries and a charger. The camera requires two batteries to operate, the other two batteries are extras to carry along. An optional lens adapter is available for the camera, in addition to various add-on lenses. Wide angle, telephoto, and close-up lenses as well as filters are all options for the PhotoPC 800.

Image Authentication System

A useful and innovative option for the PhotoPC 800 customer is Epson's Image Authentication System (IAS). This system provides consumers with image validation technology for applications in areas such as law enforcement and insurance. When a picture is taken, the IAS uses a digital fingerprint to verify the integrity of the picture. The IAS is currently available for an estimated street price of $99 through Epson resellers and national distributors.