Released by Kyocera:
Finecam M400R/M410R: Fast Zoom Giants
• Kyocera presents two super-zoom cameras with 4 megapixels and 10x zoom lens
• RTUNE technology allows unlimited continuous shooting with 3.3 fps
• Electronic viewfinder with ferroelectric LC technology and a resolution of 300,000 pixels
Hamburg, 16 February 2004 –it takes a lot of courage to look a tiger in the eye – or a superzoom camera from Kyocera. At the CeBIT 2004 the Japanese camera manufacturer Kyocera will introduce the models Finecam M400R and M410R with optical 10x zoom lenses and 6x digital zooms.This brings photo hunters 60 times nearer to their subject at the push of a button. The 4 megapixels cameras are equipped with the Kyocera RTUNE technology which allows continuous shooting with 3.3 fps (AF locked). The efficient autofocus can focus on 2 images per second. A newly developed electronic viewfinder (FLC = Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal) provides high visibility with a worldwide unique resolution of an equivalent 300,000 pixels. Additionally an adapter ring for the M410R allows the use of filters and wideangle/tele converters.
Optical 10x zoom
The Finecams M400R and M410R are the first compact digital cameras from Kyocera featuring 10x zooms. The focal length range from 5.7 – 57mm corresponds to a focal length of 37 – 370mm in the 35mm format. The 6x digital zoom allows photographers to record even extremely distant subjects down to the last detail. With its f-stops of 2.8 – 3.1 the zoom lens is extremely fast and ensures excellent pictures over the total zoom range. The eleven elements are arranged in nine groups.
Autofocus with two fps
The high-power lens and the high-resolution 4.2 megapixels 1/2.7" CCD are joined by a high-performance autofocus system. This enables the Finecam M400R/M410R to focus on two images per second and ensures brilliant sharpness for every single shot.
"With the Finecams M400R and M410R aficionados of specially high-power zooms will have every photographic situation under control. The superfast autofocus and the continuous shooting mode ensure that every snapshot will be a success", says Dirk Hülsermann, Manager Marketing and Corporate Communication at Kyocera. Hülsermann: "The technical features of the Finecams M400R/M410R reflect the high standard of development and the future of digital photography – they are fast, strong and very versatile."
RTUNE technology
Like all the latest Kyocera camera models the Finecams M400R/M410R are equipped with the RTUNE technology which allows unlimited continuous shooting. When using a high-speed SD card with a transfer rate of about 10MB/sec both 4megapixels cameras achieve a shooting rate of 3.3 fps and the highest resolution of 4 megapixels. Thanks to the minimal shutter lag time fo 0.07 seconds the Finecams M400R/M410R deliver on the promise of the digital snapshot.
Electronic viewfinder with 300,000 pixels equivalent
One of the outstanding features of the Finecams M400R/M410R is the electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of an equivalent 300,000 pixels. The advantages of the EVF as compared to conventional LCD viewfinders are more homogeneous colours as well as more detailed reproductions even in adverse light conditions. The EVF reacts without any lag time to fast panning and subjects' movements.
"PictBridge" and USB 2.0
Another important innovation is the "PictBridge" support . This allows the Finecams M400R/M410R to communicate with a "PictBridge" compatible printer via the USB interface. This means the user can select images in the camera display and initiate the printing order from the camera itself. Both models feature a USB 2.0 interface for a fast data transfer from camera to PC and printer. Even large amounts of high resolution images can so be transferred from the camera in a very short time.
Improved quality of VGA videos with sound
The Finecams M400R/M410R are capable of more than taking photos.Even high quality video sequences in VGA resolution (640 x 480) and 30 fps do not pose any problem. Resolution and frame rate can be selected, which allows the photographer to weigh quality against disk space. Two gradations of resolution are possible: 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 pixels. A frame rate of 15 fps for extending shooting time is also available. The length of video sequences is only limited by the size of the memory card, the set resolution and the frame rate.
White balance and programme AE
The optimal white balance is controlled by one automatic mode, five preset ones (daylight, clouds, incandescent light, fluorescent lamp and flash) and one user defined setting which can be adjusted to the available light. The shutter speed is 1sec to 1/2000sec, long-time exposures are also possible. The camera selects the correct value itself between ISO 100 and 400 thanks to ISO auto. Values between ISO 100 and 800 can be set manually.
The Finecams M400R/M410R feature four different programme modes (portrait, sports/action, night, night-portrait) as well as two photo modes ("single shooting auto" and "continuous shooting auto"). With these, even less experienced users have all subjects under control.
Special features of the Finecam M410R
The Finecam M410R with its black body has identical technical and optical characteristics but features a lenghtened lens barrel, allowing the attachment of an adapter ring. By attaching filters and/or wideangle/tele converters the creative scope is broadened. The slightly changed design of the lens mechanics also allows a faster extension of the lens.
The dimensions of the Finecam M400R (107 x 73 x 54.5mm) and the Finecam M410R (107 x 73 x 86.5mm) as well as the weight of approx 300 grammes make these high-performance zoom giants ideal companions. The cameras come equipped with AA alkaline batteries and other accessories. Both models will probably be available at the end of March 2004. A price has not yet been fixed.
www.kyocera.com
