Pentax Takes The SLR Camera Into The Digital Age With The EI-3000
(June 2001 - We recently received word that Pentax will NOT be releasing the EI-3000, no
reasons given why though. Not sure if this means that HP won't be releasing their
version of this camera as well ... stay tuned.)
DENVER, Colorado . . . PENTAX, a pioneer and long-time leader in SLR
camera technology, is proud to introduce the digital EI-3000, a camera that combines the
creative freedom and control of an SLR with the convenience and versatility of a digital camera.
By following the classic lines of an SLR and placing the lens at the center of the camera body,
the EI-3000 provides a natural sense of balance and stability, giving the user the perfect
platform for exploring its full range of functions and features.
Precise images begin with the EI-3000’s superior 3X PENTAX optical zoom lens with a range of
8.2mm - 25.8mm (equivalent to 34mm - 107mm in 35mm format). The EI-3000 offers superb,
high-definition images with fine gradations, thanks to the combined power of the 3.43
megapixel, 2/3-inch frame-transfer CCD, providing a large light reception area; a PENTAX zoom
lens which delivers sharp, high-contrast images; a 12-bit A/D converter and HP Imaging
Technology.
This SLR-style digital camera offers the manual control to manipulate subject and light as
desired, yet it gives the user the power to select from an extensive array of settings to suit
every need. At the touch of a button, simple selections can be made in terms of exposure
modes, metering modes, focusing and white balance. And, with USB connectivity to most
PCs, the images can be every bit as versatile as they are impressive.
Major Features of the PENTAX EI-3000:
The EI-3000 employs a traditional camera design that places the lens almost at the center of
the body. As a result, it offers the natural balance and familiar feel of a 35mm SLR camera. In
addition, the ergonomically designed curves in the body and rubber surface on the front ensure
secure handling. For framing accuracy, the EI-3000 is equipped with an SLR-type optical
viewfinder that provides a more natural and clearer image than that of a digital viewfinder. The
optical viewfinder has a field of view of 95% with diopter adjustment from –3 to +1. Excellent
shooting freedom is assured by the 2-inch TFT color LCD monitor, which flips up through 90
degrees for a greater range of viewing angles.
Top-quality images are delivered by the high-density 3.43 megapixel, 2/3 inch frame transfer
CCD with a 12 bit A/D converter. PENTAX boosts image quality further by employing excellent
HP Imaging Technology, which adjusts light and shade for faithful representation of natural
colors, in addition to ASIC picture treatment technology. Dark Frame Subtraction* is also
incorporated in order to produce a higher quality of exposure in night scenes. Images can be
recorded with a high resolution of 2000 x 1600 pixels and 1000 x 800 pixels (5:4 ratio of width
to height).
HP Imaging Technology was developed by Hewlett Packard Company.
* Dark Frame Subtraction technology reduces the incidence of interference during long
exposures.
Automatic ISO equivalent settings allow the EI-3000 to take advantage of the finer
characteristics of the CCD image sensor. When necessary, four manual ISO settings (ISO 50,
100, 200, 400) are available.
The EI-3000 is compatible with JPEG (compressed) and TIFF (uncompressed) images as well
as DPOF (Digital Print Order Format). The JPEG compression ratio has 3 levels to choose
from (good, better, best) available in two image sizes (full size and 1/4 size).
High-resolution zoom lens with large f/2.5 – f/3.9 apertures for excellent capture of
light
The EI-3000’s superior 3X PENTAX zoom lens has a range of 8.2mm - 25.8mm (equivalent to a
34mm-107mm lens in 35mm format) and generous f/2.5 – f/3.9 apertures as well as one
glass-mold type aspherical element. The digital zoom function offers 1.2X, 1.8X and 3.5X
capability.
The EI-3000 provides excellent focusing freedom with a range of choices. With the highly
precise autofocus system, the user can select wide or spot focusing areas to suit the subject
matter. The EI-3000 also allows users to select either AF Lock (with the focus-lock function
and audible confirmation) or Continuous AF. The manual focus function simplifies manual
adjustment for distances from 0.33 ft. (10cm) to infinity. The macro shooting mode delivers
impressive results at distances of just 0.07 ft.** (2cm) between the subject and the lens. This
means that a shot taken of a postage stamp from 2cm will result in an image large enough to
fill a TV screen or computer monitor.
** Maximum capability in macro shooting mode allows telephoto focusing as close as 0.07 ft.
The selection of three TTL metering choices expands the realm of creative photography. The
freedom to choose among average, center-weighted and spot metering makes it easy to set
the right exposure for each type of photograph.
The EI-3000 employs a selection of six Picture Modes to provide a dynamic choice with dial
control operation for creative visual effects. The choices of Standard, Portrait, Landscape,
Macro, Action and Night Scene make it easy to capture each shot as intended. PENTAX adds
to this versatility with a choice of four exposure modes. Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE,
Aperture-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes give the user complete control over exposure.
An AE lock button allows the exposure settings to be locked in difficult lighting situations.
Exposure can be adjusted from –3 to +3 EV in 0.5 steps. Auto bracketing is also available,
taking three consecutive shots in 0.5 or 1.0 EV steps.
The EI-3000 offers a range of Drive Modes for excellent shooting flexibility. The choice of modes
includes one-shot shooting, continuous shooting, time-lapse shooting, remote control and
self-timer.
When not in use, the built-in TTL auto flash retracts. When needed, it pops up at the push of a
button.
The EI-3000 can be used in combination with an external flash*** with an automatic light
metering function, such as the AF201SA. This provides the capability for bounce-shooting
techniques as well as more options during difficult lighting conditions.
*** External flash cannot be used simultaneously with the built-in auto flash.
The EI-3000’s eight different White Balance Modes provide the creative means to depict light in
the desired colors. The Auto, Auto Daylight, Cloudy (6500K), Sunny (5500K), Halogen (3100K),
Incandescent (2850K), Warm Fluorescent and Cool Fluorescent White Balance Modes assist
the user in controlling light and colors to capture images exactly as they are perceived by the
eye.
The large, easy-to-view LCD monitor shows a variety of shooting information including battery
level, flash modes, exposure counter, shutter speed, aperture, drive mode information and AF
frame. It is also capable of presenting information in the form of a bar graph, which is
particularly useful for setting exposure compensation or Metered Manual mode. An additional
LCD built into the viewfinder allows users full control of shooting features without having to look
away from the viewfinder.
The EI-3000 offers the choice of recording up to 45 seconds of sound with each image. The
recording of quality sounds with the images adds another dimension to digital still photography.
Review Mode functions include deleting, editing, categorizing and find to make digital
photography more versatile and fun, while the Presentation Mode allows the user to see
images magnified 2X and to play back a series of images just like a slide show. Photographic
data such as f-number, shutter speed, exposure compensation value, ISO setting, focal length
equivalent to 35mm format, etc. can also be superimposed on images.
The EI-3000 automatically recognizes images shot vertically without the aid of additional
software. Images rotated via the use of a PC tend to suffer compromised image quality. The
EI-3000 preserves a higher degree of image quality by rotating the image within the camera.
The USB disk drive of the EI-3000 transmits data at high speed to any PC with standard
software and enables users to view images or make alterations to them. IrDA data
transmission is also possible with other devices equipped with Digita™ including other
EI-3000s or printers equipped with HP JetSend™. For video output the EI-3000 is equipped with
a standard AV output jack. A DC input jack is also provided for use with AC adapter.
The EI-3000 is loaded with Digita, the standard software of digital imaging. This allows images
to be transmitted via infrared**** to other Digita-equipped cameras. Digita simplifies the use of
the camera with drop-down menus and a graphical interface, allows functional customization
through Digita Script™, and can be upgraded through software downloads. A selection of
additional scripts are also available for both personal and business use.
**** Infrared system conforms to IrDA standards.
The EI-3000 takes standard rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It can be also powered by AA
batteries when using the optional AA battery holder. This is convenient in situations such as
traveling, where recharging is not an option. An optional AC adapter is also available.
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