Polaroid, yes the company that we all thought had already left the market, has today announce a new digital camera. But not only that, Polaroid make the bold statement that the PDC 1320 "Delivers 35mm Image Quality at an Affordable Price". I'm thinking that just a few digital imaging experts may argue that a 1.3 megapixel digital camera would struggle to do that. Indeed I can't remember a single digital camera manufacturer who has made that statement, let alone with a 1.3 megapixel $199 unit.

Press release:

Polaroid Introduces the PhotoMAX PDC 1320 Megapixel Digital Camera

Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 1320 Delivers 35mm Image Quality at an Affordable Price

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Polaroid Corporation announced today the availability of the PhotoMAX PDC 1320, a truly consumer-friendly megapixel camera for the photographer interested in printing and sharing digital photos. The PhotoMAX PDC 1320 is the latest addition to Polaroid's popular PhotoMAX consumer digital imaging product line, and it delivers 35mm image quality photos. The new digital camera incorporates both megapixel (1280 x 960) and VGA resolution modes allowing the user to optimize image capture for printing or online sharing, a 2X digital zoom, and three flash modes. Suggested U.S. list price of the PhotoMAX PDC 1320 digital camera is $199.99.

"Our goal is to continue to provide our consumers with new advanced digital products as they become more acquainted with technology,'' said Terry Carlson, Polaroid vice president and general manager of North America. "The new PhotoMAX PDC 1320 offers Polaroid's signature ease-of-use, combined with the benefits and flexibility of a megapixel digital camera.''

The PDC 1320 unites megapixel resolution with style and simplicity at an economical price. With consumer-friendly and easy-to-use features, the PDC 1320 offers digital photography enthusiasts a high quality digital camera without the high-tech hassles. The new PDC 1320 lets users easily review and share digital pictures right away with a 1.8-inch color LCD screen. The PhotoMAX PDC 1320 also features 8 MB of internal memory, a CompactFlash removable memory slot and a USB interface for downloading images. It even comes equipped with a camera pouch, automatic self-timer and picture counter, and is tripod mountable.

The PhotoMAX PDC 1320 is bundled with Polaroid's PhotoMAX Image Maker Software making the digital imaging process fun and easy for everyone. Users can download images and then edit, enhance and manipulate photos with point- and-click ease, taking ordinary photos to new levels. The software also allows digital shutterbugs to create calendars and cards, design electronic mail, and turn prized photos into screensavers and wallpaper. PhotoMAX Image Maker Software is easy to use, and even offers users templates to create effective business and marketing materials for the home or small office. The PDC 1320 Digital Camera Creative Kit has all the tools digital camera users need. The Creative Kit includes the PDC 1320 Digital Camera, PhotoMAX Image Maker Software, batteries, PC and TV cables, an AC adapter, a wrist strap, Quick Start Guide and online tutorials.

Pricing and Distribution

Suggested U.S. retail price for the complete PhotoMAX PDC 1320 Digital Camera Creative Kit is $199.99. The PDC 1320 Digital Camera Creative Kit is available at select retailers. Call 1-800-343-5000 for more information on the PhotoMAX PDC 1320 Digital Camera and other Polaroid products.

Computer System Requirements and Compatibility

To use the Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 1320 Digital Camera, users require Microsoft Windows 98, ME or 2000, a 200 MHz Pentium processor or equivalent, 2X or faster CD-ROM drive, 32 MB of RAM, 195 MB of hard disk space, a USB port, and a high color display with 800 x 600 DPI.