Digita OS Powers New Pentax SLR Digital Camera; New EI-2000 Joins Impressive Lineup of Digita-Enabled Cameras

Business Wire, Sept 12, 2000

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2000

FlashPoint Technology, Inc., the creator of Digita(TM) OE, the industry-standard operating system for digital cameras, announced today that the new Pentax EI-2000 marks the first application of the Digita OE in a commercially available single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. The introduction of the 2.24 megapixel EI-2000 in Japan and July's introduction of the Digita-enabled Pentax EI-200, a 2.11 megapixel compact camera, highlight the growing acceptance of an industry-standard operating system in digital cameras.

"Digita is redefining photography by enabling digital cameras to become intelligent, stand-alone devices," said FlashPoint President Stephen Saylor. "With the introduction of these exciting new cameras, Digita is rapidly becoming the standard platform for the next generation of software-driven photography applications."

The Pentax EI-2000 is the latest addition to the growing list of Digita-enabled digital cameras that includes the HP PhotoSmart C500, the Kodak DC220, DC260, DC265, and DC290, the Minolta Dimage EX ZOOM and WIDE 1500 digital cameras.

Groundbreaking Performance

The new Pentax models mark the next step in Digita's groundbreaking performance.

"With the introduction of these cameras, FlashPoint dispels the myth that an open-ended programmable operating system adversely impacts performance," said Saylor. "These new Digita products lead the market in boot time and shutter response time."

Real-World Solutions

Digita-enabled cameras, like the Pentax EI-2000 and EI-200, can be customized for a variety of vertical and consumer markets, special interests and applications. Using the DigitaScript programming language or the Digita Application Software Developer Kit (SDK), developers and enthusiasts can create customized applications to meet their evolving digital imaging needs and address diverse market requirements. Applications include appending images with customized text and sound annotations, automating camera settings, running a guided image capture sequence, and building photo albums and HTML reports - all right inside the camera without the need for a PC.

About FlashPoint Technology

FlashPoint Technology is the creator of Digita(TM), the industry-standard platform for the next generation of photography. FlashPoint is driving the industry's evolution toward "PC-free" and wireless imaging technologies, including the development of a comprehensive "capture to share" end-to-end digital imaging platform. Digita is the intelligence behind award-winning digital cameras and printers, including products from Epson, Hewlett Packard, Kodak, Minolta, and Pentax. FlashPoint's Internet Services division, formerly Opholio, develops private-labeled photosharing sites for existing Internet companies, including customized, seamlessly integrated, professional-quality photo album services. FlashPoint's Internet Services division is located at www.opholio.com. FlashPoint's web site is located at www.flashpoint.com.