Toshiba Launches New PDR-M5 Two-Megapixel Camera At PC Expo

NEW YORK--June 22, 1999--Toshiba Imaging Systems, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., continues to expand its industry-leading position as a provider of cutting-edge digital imaging solutions with the introduction of the PDR-M5, an ultra-fast Two-Megapixel digital still camera featuring USB/serial connectivity and a 3X optical zoom, at this week's PC Expo Show in New York City.

Available at an estimated street price of , the PDR-M5 is a superior value in the emerging Two-Megapixel class. Utilizing a 2.14 million pixel, 1/2-inch CCD, it offers true 1600 x 1200 resolution for spectacular, artifact-free photos suitable for framing in print sizes up to 8-inches x 10-inches. Moreover, its simple design -- inspired by traditional point-and-shoot cameras -- allows even novices to begin capturing great digital pictures only moments after taking the camera out of the box.

The sleek and powerful PDR-M5 is compatible with Windows (95/98) and Macintosh operating systems. Along with standard serial output it has USB (12Mbps) connectivity built-in enabling it to support all USB-compliant notebook or desktop PCs, including the Apple iMac®. Video-out (NTSC) lets users connect the camera to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for business presentations or family entertainment. All required cables are included in the package.

Toshiba engineers incorporated the most advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technologies to provide superior speed for the PDR-M5. This DSP chip set drives the PDR-M5 to operate at a higher burst rate than a conventional digital camera without compromising image quality. With the PDR-M5 there is practically no delay between shots (.8 seconds), so important photo opportunities are not missed.

In burst mode, the camera's internal 16 megabytes of memory acts as a "buffer" temporarily storing images before transferring them to the removable SmartMedia® card. This sophisticated internal memory system -- combined with the DSP chip set -- empowers users to shoot up to four continuous shots at the camera's highest resolution setting in two seconds making the PDR-M5 one of the fastest digital cameras in the industry.

The PDR-M5 will be available August, 1999, and sold through a wide network of resellers, including computer retail outlets, photo specialty stores, consumer electronics stores, and mail order catalogs.