Update: HP and Pentax new Digital Cameras
Feb 4, 2000 at 04:00:00 GMT
Today HP announced two new digital cameras: the 2.24 megapixel 3x Zoom (Pentax Lens) PhotoSmart C912 (SLR look and feel) with manual controls and TTL viewfinder and the 2.1 megapixel 3x Zoom PhotoSmart C618. Another interesting things about these cameras is that they feature Flashpoint's Digita Operating System as previously seen on several Kodak DC2xx's and Minolta's EX1500 range, the big advantage of Digita its support for an in-camera scripting language.
In an interesting update (thanks to Imaging-Resource) it appears that Pentax will also be selling these cameras under its own brand but with different names (obviously)
HP PhotoSmart C912 / Pentax EI-2000
 Image reproduced with permission of Imaging-Resource |
| Name | HP PhotoSmart C912 / Pentax EI-2000 |
| Style | SLR |
| CCD | 2/3" 2.24 megapixels (1600 x 1280, 800 x 600) 36bit |
| Lens | 3 x Pentax Zoom |
| Viewfinder | TTL (through the lens) |
| Flash | Built-in pop-up |
| Metering | 3 modes |
| LCD | 2" Flip-out |
| Manual controls | Full range (Aperture, Shutter Priority & Full Manual) |
| Operating System | Digita |
| Connectivity | USB & HP JetSend (to compatible HP Printers - InfraRed) |
| Power | 4 x AA or optional rechargeable Li-Ion batteries |
| Misc | Sound capture - up to 45 seconds per frame |
HP PhotoSmart C618 / Pentax EI-200
 Image reproduced with permission of Imaging-Resource |
| Name | HP PhotoSmart C618 / Pentax EI-200 |
| Style | Compact |
| CCD | 2.1 megapixels (1600 x 1200, 800 x 600) |
| Lens | 3 x Pentax Zoom |
| Viewfinder | Optical |
| Flash | Built-in fixed |
| Metering | 3 modes |
| LCD | 2 |
| Manual controls | Full range (Aperture, Shutter Priority & Full Manual) |
| Operating System | Digita |
| Connectivity | USB & HP JetSend (to compatible HP Printers - InfraRed) |
| Power | 4 x AA or optional rechargeable Li-Ion batteries |
Here's the official press release:
HP Broadens Line of Digital Cameras
With New HP PhotoSmart C912 and HP PhotoSmart C618
New Two-megapixel Zoom Digital Cameras Deliver the Control, Performance and Flexibility of a Full-featured Film Camera
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2000-- Hewlett-Packard Company, the worldwide leader in digital imaging, today announced the HP PhotoSmart C912 and HP PhotoSmart C618 digital cameras.
Designed with the photo enthusiast in mind, the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera delivers the control, performance and flexibility of an SLR camera. The PhotoSmart C618 digital camera is ideal for experienced photographers and PC technologists, offering them automatic functionality as well as manual control in a portable, point-and-shoot camera.
Both cameras were developed with new HP imaging technology, creating a ``custom photo lab'' inside the camera. This exclusive HP imaging technology optimizes each individual picture, automatically adjusting for difficult lighting conditions, showing greater detail in highlights and shadows, and ensuring proper contrasts and colors.
``With these product introductions, we are now able to offer consumers a range of digital cameras, from a simple point and shoot, to a camera with the control and performance of a full-featured SLR,'' said Cheryl Katen, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. ``The HP PhotoSmart C912 and C618 provide the exceptional quality and innovation one would expect from HP.''
HP PhotoSmart C912 Digital Camera
The HP PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features HP imaging technology with 2.24-megapixel resolution and 36-bit color depth to deliver image sharpness that rivals that of expensive 3.2-megapixel cameras, a 2/3-inch professional frame transfer Charged Couple Device (CCD), a Pentax precision lens with 3x optical zoom, and wireless printing using HP JetSend infrared technology. The result is exceptional detail in 11-inch x 14-inch prints.
Designed with the look and feel of an SLR camera, the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features a 2-inch flip-up color LCD, allowing for easier framing of difficult shots. The camera also offers the same functionality one would expect from an SLR, including manual focus, exposure, color and flash control.
Additional HP PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features include the following:
- accurate photos -- Through the Lens (TTL) viewfinder, including exposure control information;
- increased photo capture -- continuous-shooting mode to capture sports, wildlife and fast-action events;
- dual-battery solution -- four AA batteries or optional rechargeable Li-Ion batteries for maximum flexibility;
- sound capture -- up to 45 seconds of sound capture with each photo.
HP PhotoSmart C618 Digital Camera
The PhotoSmart C618 digital camera delivers HP imaging technology with 2.1-megapixel resolution to produce excellent 8-inch x 10-inch prints. Like the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera, the high-performance PhotoSmart C618 digital camera also features a Pentax precision lens with 3x optical zoom and wireless printing using HP JetSend infrared technology.
Other features of the PhotoSmart C618 digital camera include the following:
- creative control -- multiple, automatic shooting modes and aperture priority, shutter priority and three meter modes;
- increased photo capture -- high-performance shutter lag and continuous-shooting capabilities to capture sports, wildlife and fast-action events; and instant review of photos -- immediate LCD review on 2-inch color screen.
The PhotoSmart C912 and C618 digital cameras feature the Flashpoint Digita operating system, providing advanced capabilities, such as the ability to sort pictures and add text and sound -- all within the camera. Both cameras also include HP photo imaging software enabling users to quickly and easily download, manage, print and e-mail photos.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The HP PhotoSmart C912 and C618 digital cameras are expected to ship worldwide late this summer and will include a 16MB CompactFlash card, four AA Hi Energy Lithium photo batteries, a USB cable for both Windows® and Macintosh platforms, IR remote control and an audio/video cable. Pricing will be announced when the products become available.