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Kyocera Thinks Small with Big Release of Two Tiny Digital Cameras

New Kyocera Finecam S3x and Finecam S4 are Among Smallest and Lightest 3.2- and 4.0-Mega Pixel Cameras in Their Class

PMA '02, ORLANDO, FL -- February 24, 2002 -- On the heels of the success of Kyocera's Finecam S3, Kyocera Optics, Inc. is making a big deal about its smallest and lightest digital cameras: the new Kyocera Finecam S4 and Kyocera Finecam S3x. Both cameras weigh less than six ounces and fit comfortably into a shirt pocket, and both are loaded with features that make them big players on the digital camera scene. Each also offers major improvements over the Finecam S3, including 30% faster operation, improved battery consumption and faster click-to-click processing.

Kyocera Finecam S4
In digital photography, quality is the key word. For those looking for image quality that approaches that of "pro-sumer" digital cameras, but in a package they can afford, and with style to be envied, the Kyocera Finecam S4 is the answer. This stylish camera includes a 3X optical zoom lens and 2X digital zoom lens, giving the user a total of 5X zoom for getting up close and personal in any situation. This translates to the 35mm equivalent of a 35-105mm lens. A pop-up flash, new to the Finecam series, means that every picture has the right exposure, daytime or night, making the S4 perfect for any kind of photography. And, despite its very compact dimensions of just 3-3/8" by 2-3/16" by 1-3/16" -- barely bigger than a deck of cards -- this 4-megapixel digital camera takes images that can be blown up to 11x17" without any loss of quality. With a dark finish reminiscent of a Pierre Cardin tuxedo, this elegant digital camera is at home at the finest parties while the stainless steel body means that the Finecam S4 is sturdy enough to go just about anywhere.

The S4 uses either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia Cards (MMC) as memory, the same media cards used in MP3 players and PDAs. These cards presently are available up to 256MB, holding well over 500 images in normal mode. The memory cards download images to any PC via the included USB cable. When hooked up to any computer, it is read as a separate drive, making it quick and simple to view images taken by any of the Finecam digital cameras.

Kyocera Finecame S3x
Slim is in, and the new Kyocera Finecam S3x packs a lot into its slim, 3-3/8" by 2-3/16" by 1-3/16" silver-finished body. With the same dimensions as the S4, this 3-mega pixel digital camera takes crisp, sharp images that rival the quality of conventional photographs while offering all of the conveniences of an advanced digital device. The camera boasts a full line-up of functions, including auto exposure control, exposure compensation, white balance controls, various types of shooting modes and playback function. These functions can be operated smoothly using the high polysilicon TFT 1.5" color LCD monitor. This selectable color LCD monitor allows the user to see all of the action while the 3X optical zoom, coupled with a 2X digital zoom, creates the feeling of being right in the middle of the picture. This sense is heightened by the high definition 3.2 million pixel CCD that, coupled with the high-resolution zoom lens, produces images on a par with photographs taken by conventional 35mm film cameras.

The selectable color LCD monitor available with both Finecams allows users to not only set up a picture, but also view the image directly after it is taken to check for closed eyes or other problems that can ruin an otherwise great shot. The image can then be erased and re-shot in just seconds, ensuring a great picture every time. The monitor can also be turned off to save battery life.

Both the Finecam S4 and S3x feature Epson's revolutionary new PRINT Image Matching (PIM) technology, enabling them to work perfectly with the newest generation of EPSON Stylus Photo printers. With PRINT Image Matching, critical image parameters for printing are recorded by the camera and saved in each image data file. PRINT Image Matching-enabled Epson Stylus Photo printers use this information to ensure that they accurately reproduce the image created by the camera.

The new Finecam digital cameras also have an AVI movie mode, allowing users to make movies of up to 15 seconds. The AVI file format can be played back on the cameras themselves or on a PC, using Quick Time 4 or above. The Finecam series offers an array of shooting and flash modes, including:

• Macro, which allows shooting approximately 9 cm from the lens surface when in wide angle
• Infinity Mode
• Manual focusing
• Four Flash modes (Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in or Flash Off)
• Color modes (Color, Sepia or Black & White)
• White Balance (Auto, Daylight, Tungsten Lamp, Cloudy, Fluorescent Lamp, Manual)
• Exposure compensation (+ - 2EV, 1/3 EV steps)

Both cameras are built with a durable metal cover that provides not only a smooth feeling for the user but also long-lasting protection for the camera itself. Protecting the lens is a built-in auto lens barrier, which allows for usage without fear of misplacing or forgetting to remove the lens cap. The cameras also come with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that helps to protect the environment, as well as ArcSoft's new Pixela Software. Also available is an optional one-hour Quick Time battery charger that helps ensure that you will never be without power for your Finecam.

Pricing
The Finecam S4 will be available March 2002 for a retail price of 599.95. The Finecam S3x will be available February 2002 for a retail price of 499.95.

About Kyocera
Kyocera Optics, Inc., a division of Kyocera Corporation, markets a complete line of high-end photographic equipment including medium format, SLR's, rangefinders and sophisticated compact zoom cameras. The company also maintains the exclusive license to distribute world renowned Carl Zeiss T* lenses for 35mm and Advanced Photo System cameras, and auto focus lenses for the medium format Contax 645.

Kyocera Corporation, the Japan-based parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, is a 42-year-old, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. Kyocera's diverse product line includes the Contax and Yashica camera lines. Kyocera was founded in 1959 and has grown to employ more than 40,000 people worldwide. In 1996, 1997 and 1998, and 1999 Kyocera was named by Industry Week magazine as one of "The World's 100 Best-Managed Companies.

CONTACT:
Michael Zorek
HWH Public Relations
PHONE: (212) 355-5049 Ext. 121
EMAIL: michaelz@hwhpr.com