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Toshiba Launches 2.14-Megapixel PDR-M4 Digital Camera At PMA

Toshiba PDR-M4 LAS VEGAS, NV, February 18, 1999 -- Toshiba Imaging Systems today introduced an ultra-high resolution, Super-Megapixel digital camera with Universal Serial Bus (USB) at this year?s Photo Marketing Association Show (Booth #517) in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 18-21. The sleek, full-featured camera, dubbed the PDR-M4?, is slated for release in May, 1999.

The PDR-M4 incorporates the latest advances in component and computer technology developed exclusively by Toshiba, such as a 2.14 million pixel CCD sensor that delivers resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The camera incorporates USB connectivity in addition to serial output and is compatible with Windows® (98, 95) and Macintosh® computers, plus supports the Apple iMac? and all USB-compliant notebook or desktop PCs. The camera is equipped with 16MB of internal memory and uses SmartMedia? cards up to 32MB. Upgradable firmware permits the PDR-M4 to accept SmartMedia cards up to 128MB.

The PDR-M4 uses a newly-developed Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip set that greatly extends battery life, while speeding up the burst rate between shots to less than two seconds. In Burst Mode up to four continuous shots can be taken at half second intervals at 1600 X 1200 resolution. Another perk to this new DSP technology -- which is incorporated only in Toshiba cameras -- is that the boot time is significantly accelerated.

The PDR-M4 has an ultra-bright 1.8-inch backlit LCD; a 35mm equivalent, all-glass lens with Macro mode (4.0 inches to 20 inches); a four-mode flash system; a 2X digital zoom; a 4X playback zoom; video-out (NTSC), a self-timer; a tripod socket; and patented Image Perfect? circuitry to assure very precise color reproduction. Small enough to slip into a coat pocket, the contoured PDR-M4 body features a die-cast aluminum body with sturdy hand grips on both sides for left- or right-handed photographers. The PDR-M4 also has an automatic, built-in lens cover.

For all its advanced features, the PDR-M4 is no more complicated to use than a traditional point-and-shoot camera. The camera?s set-up options (sharpness, color or b&w, frame number, beep, date / time / calendar) are accessed via an intuitively-placed control dial that flattens the learning curve for first-time users. To assure perfect shots every time, the PDR-M4 has a highly-accurate optical viewfinder with a center-placed lens.

The PDR-M4 comes with multi-platform CD software from Sierra Imaging for accessing, managing and enhancing digital photos; rechargeable lithium battery; handstrap; USB cable; RS-232C serial cables for PC and RS-422 for Macintosh; video-out cable; hand strap; and a SmartMedia Card. An optional quick battery charger is also available. It will be available in May, 1999. Final pricing has not been set by Toshiba.