Competitive pricing without sacrificing features underlines Acer's ambitions with digital cameras
From left to right, the CR-5130, CS-5530 and the 6MO CR-6530
Official Acer camera launch press releases
Acer, the top Taiwan-based IT equipment manufacturer, has formally entered the digital camera market with the launch of three aggressively priced, metal-bodied compact models ranging from £149 through to £229, including VAT. None have a resolution of less than 5MP, with the top model sporting a 6MP sensor and a huge 2.5 inc. LCD screen. All feature 3x optical zoom lenses and compact lithium ion rechargeable batteries and are supplied with a 64MB SD memory card. We've had an opportunity to handle some pre-production engineering samples and they look to be as well made and feature rich as typical Japanese brand compact point and shoot cameras.
Better known in the UK as a PC brand, notably for its wide range of notebook computers, Acer is one of Taiwan's top IT companies, with $4.9 billion revenues in 2003. Co-sponsorship of the Ferrari F1 Grand Prix team is one of Acer's notable claims to fame. Acer is at the heart of a large family of spin-offs that manufacture everything from peripherals to flat panel displays. Indeed, one of its spin-offs, BenQ, is already a minor player in the digital camera market. As well as launching its digital camera line up, Acer has also launched its first own-branded wide screen LCD TVs and its top 32" model even includes a 6-in-1 memory card reader so you can display photos conveniently on the TV.
Starting off the new Acer digital camera range is the CR-5130, with a guide price of £149. The main difference between this and its two siblings is its relatively small 1.5" LCD monitor screen. However, like the others, it features a good range of shooting modes, with manual options. The mid-range £199 model is the CS-5530. This has a large 2.5" screen and is of a slim design. At the top of the range is the 6MP CR-6530. Finished in a black and silver, the CR-6530 is quite eye-catching. The back of the unit is dominated by another 2.5" screen.
Acer wouldn't openly confirm that its cameras are made by a contract manufacturer for them, but the company did stress that the designs exclusive to them. While the cameras are quite conventional and directly comparable with offerings from traditional camera brands, Acer sees its entry into the market as an extension of it PC-based strategy. The company sees digital cameras demonstrating convergence with the development of mainstream PC products heading towards integration with the home and lifestyle, contrasting with the old view of a PC as utilitarian office resource.
The UK will be one of the first countries to start shipping the new Acer cameras, which should go on sale in the early in the new year.
