Epson today announced a reduction in price of their PhotoPC 750Z digital camera (1.25 megapixels, 1280 x 960), 3x optical zoom. The reduction brings the camera under the $500 barrier (well almost, at $499).

Click here for detailed specifications of the 750z

Press release:

EPSON PhotoPC 750Z Offers Full-Featured Digital Photography at an Even Lower Price

Award-Winning PhotoPC 750Z Now Available for $499

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2000--Epson America Inc., a leader in high-quality, award-winning imaging products, today announced that it has reduced the price of the PhotoPC 750Z megapixel zoom digital camera to $499.

By reducing the current price of the PhotoPC 750Z by $100, Epson is making digital photography even more attractive and affordable. The EPSON PhotoPC 750Z contains a 1.25 megapixel CCD sensor, 6X zoom (3X optical and 2X digital), 12MB of memory and EPSON HyPict(TM) image enhancement technology, which enables the camera to deliver 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution.

``Epson is meeting the needs of business users, photo enthusiasts and entry-level consumers by providing affordable prices without compromising quality,'' said Lisa Dempsey, product manager, digital cameras, Epson. ``The PhotoPC 750Z combines exceptional output with versatility and a low cost of ownership for a compelling digital photography solution. This camera is now one of the most fully featured digital cameras available today for under $500.''

About the PhotoPC 750Z

The PhotoPC 750Z utilizes a 1.25 megapixel CCD sensor to attain true 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. Epson's revolutionary HyPict image enhancement technology increases the resolution to 1600 x 1200 or 1.92 million pixels, resulting in color photos with sharper details, even when printed at 8`` x 10''. Epson's HyPict technology enhances the image before JPEG compression, which produces better enhanced images.

The PhotoPC 750Z is easy to use with its host of convenient features such as automatic focus, flash, shutter, white balance and exposure adjustment. The 3X optical zoom captures high-resolution photos from 34mm to 102mm. It is also possible to customize images from wide-angle panoramic shots to close-ups.

Epson's Quick Shot picture-taking mode enables users to take a photograph within three seconds of capturing the last image, even at 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. The Continuous Shot mode is especially compelling for consumers, making it possible to capture two 640 x 480 images per second up to 16 images.

The EPSON PhotoPC 750Z contains 4MB of internal memory and an 8MB CompactFlash(TM) card from Lexar Media(TM) for a combined 12MB of memory out of the box. Extra CompactFlash cards can be purchased separately in varying capacities.

The PhotoPC 750Z is also equipped with a Solar Assist(TM) panel that allows the 2`` LCD monitor to illuminate by direct sunlight, conserving battery power. Another battery-saving feature is the Power Save mode, which automatically shuts down the LCD after each picture is taken. The PhotoPC 750Z also includes four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries and a fast portable charger. Additionally, consumers can use standard AA-size batteries such as Alkaline, Lithium and NiCd.

The PhotoPC 750Z also has the ability to direct print to several EPSON Stylus Color printers by simply using the Direct Print software and cable that are included with the camera. In addition, the camera can connect directly to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for displaying presentations, images and pictures or viewing and recording a slide show.

Image Authentication System

A useful and innovative option for the PhotoPC 750Z 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.

If even one pixel of an image is altered, the IAS will detect it and alert the user. This software first became available as an option for the PhotoPC 750Z and PhotoPC 700, and is now offered as an option for Epson's PhotoPC 850Z and PhotoPC 800. The IAS is currently available for an estimated street price of $99 through Epson resellers and national distributors.

Money-Saving Rebates

Epson offers a complete imaging solution to its customers with three attractive mail-in offers. Customers who purchase an Epson digital camera and any EPSON Stylus® Color or EPSON Stylus Photo ink jet printer along with any Epson scanner will receive $100 back by mail. Customers who purchase an Epson digital camera and any EPSON Stylus® Color, EPSON Stylus Photo ink jet printer or EPSON Stylus Scan All-in-One will receive $50 back by mail.

In addition, a $30 rebate is being offered to customers who purchase any Epson scanner along with any Epson digital camera. All of the Epson rebate offers are available from April 1, 2000, through Aug. 31, 2000.

For more information on Epson and its products, call 800/GO-EPSON (800/463-7766) or visit the company's Web site at www.epson.com.