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KYOCERA's Finecam SL300R Digital Camera

3.2 Megapixel Camera Features Stylish Swivel Body; World's Fastest, Thinnest 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera Offers Shortest Lag Time and Unlimited Continuous Shooting at 3.5 Frames Per Second

Somerset, NJ -- Kyocera Optics, Inc., the imaging industry arm of Kyocera Corporation, announces the new Kyocera Finecam SL300R, the World's Thinnest 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera. (*1) While sleek in size at approx. .6” (15mm) thin, Kyocera’s cool new digital camera design features a unique swivel lens for obtaining images from virtually any vantage point.

In addition to being the World's Thinnest, the 3.2 Megapixel Finecam SL300R offers a solution for digital camera fans who have been frustrated by "missing the moment" due to the combination of the shutter speed lag time and slow "shot to shot” speed.  Utilizing Kyocera’s new RTUNE Image Processing Technology, the SL300R offers the World's fastest Continuous Capture Mode. In combination with virtually non-existent shutter lag time of 0.07 second (*2), it can capture images at an incredible unlimited 3.5 frames per second! (*3)  For instance, you can fill a high speed 256MB SD memory card with continuous images at 3.5 fps, then go back, review the shots and pick the ones you want to keep. And this all happens at 3.2 Megapixel resolution of 2048 x 1536. This dynamic feature removes the restrictions imposed by other manufacturer’s camera models.

Kyocera's RTUNE Image Processing Technology accomplishes this by eliminating the barriers that limit the transfer of the digital image to the memory card. The pipelined operation removes the bottlenecks for non-stop image capture at a speed that is 10-12 times faster than the competition.

The real world benefit is that you will be able to capture images with the Finecam SL300R that were missed before due to shutter lag time. Imagine being able to capture the very moment your daughter blows out the candle on her first birthday cake or your son sliding into home plate with the winning run! Any action sequence can be captured, printed and shared with the new Finecam SL300R.

“Kyocera is bringing revolutionary new image processing technology to the market that solves many of the user irritants that current users of other manufacturer’s digital still cameras have come to live with”, explained Ben La Marca, President of Kyocera Optics, Inc.   “RTUNE Image Processsing Technology is at the heart of our new digital cameras and has never been available in a Prosumer/Consumer digital camera before. Great pictures don’t wait, and Kyocera is providing a robust solution through RTUNE on our two newest digital cameras as well as future models."

The swivel lens/flash body of the Finecam SL300R rotates, enabling easy framing of any scene from high overhead to low angle shots. The rotating lens provides easy movement for perfect framing in every scene such as self-portrait, low and high angle shots and macro mode. Its diminutive size (3.9" wide x 2.5" high x .6" thin) and sleek body with brushed aluminum panels are sure to make a fashion statement. The Finecam SL300R also offers a vast array of very flexible functions such as seven scene modes to suit any type of shooting conditions, voice memo feature that makes it possible to record a voice message with an image, and movie mode with sound that can be recorded in VGA at 30 frames/sec. until the memory card is full.

The new RTUNE high-speed imaging processor provides the world's fastest consecutive shooting of any digital camera. (*3)  The RTUNE Image Processing Technology provides the combined features of Continuous Capture at 3.5 frames/second with improved image quality and dynamic range.  In addition, the "DayFine" LCD Monitor displays the subject in real time during consecutive shooting. RTUNE is the perfect solution for subjects on the move such as pets, children and sporting events. 

With conventional digital cameras, the level of each RGB color in captured images is controlled by adjusting the white balance after converting the analog image information from the CCD to the digital signal processor. However, this method requires compensating an uneven signal level for each RGB color at the analog stage with the digital signal processor, so if the signal levels in shadow areas are not sufficient, the result is poor image quality. 

The RTUNE image processor in the Finecam SL300R adjusts the output level for each RGB color at the analog signal stage before it is converted into a digital signal.  Then the image processor converts it into a digital signal to provide fine detail that faithfully reproduces the original image.

Thanks to RTUNE,color noise is reduced in 16-bit A/D calculations.  The A/D conversion of analog image information into digital signals is performed with accuracy of 16 bits internally, and outputted as 12 bits.  Since detailed resolution reduces color noise, which tends to occur in a single color or in a dark area of an image, it faithfully reproduces subtle darkness and lightness as well as shades and shadows of color.

High-Resolution 3X Optical Zoom

The high-resolution, 3x optical zoom lens can be combined with the 2x digital zoom for a maximum of 6x.In addition, up to 8x digital zoom can be used when playing back images. The Finecam SL300R incorporates high-resolution optics, which provide a projected resolution of at least 200 lines/mm at the image center at focal lengths of 5.8mm (wide-angle) to 17.4mm (telephoto). These focal lengths correspond to approximately 38mm to 115mm for 35mm format cameras. The lens combines ultra compact size and high performance through the technologies developed by Kyocera.The Finecam SL300Ralso offers continuous Auto Focus (AF) that allows the user to seize the moment.

Special scene modes provide the perfect solution for any shooting situation.  The Finecam SL300R incorporates seven scene modes to make the most of challenging photographic setting according to the situation, based on six predefined settings. The seven modes include Standard, Sport Action, Night View, Night View Portrait, Portrait, Macro and Landscape.  Each of the settings can be easily selected by using the scene button located on the back of the camera body.

The Finecam SL300R enables the user to easily shoot movies with audio at 30 frames/second up to the maximum capacity of the memory card. The recorded file is in AVI format and can be played back easily on the DayFine LCD Monitor or a personal computer. (To play back movies on a personal computer, it is necessary to install QuickTime 4.1 or later). 

The customized start-up screen allows the Finecam SL300R user to select a favorite image as the start-up screen. The image appears whenever the Finecam SL300R is turned on for a personalized experience.

It is easy to resize captured images with the Finecam SL300R down to 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 pixels after being captured.  This is the ideal solution for emailing images to family, friends and co-workers.  From the Finecam SL300R’s menu selection, you can select from three image resize options: full, one quarter and one sixteenth.  The area to be resized can be selected via the selection button.  This unique function in combination with a PDA incorporating an SD memory card slot, allows the user to easily create an image size suitable for the PDA’s display.

The Finecam SL300Rincorporates a 1.5” “DayFine” LCD Monitor that is easy to see in the brightest of sunlight conditions.   In addition to the conventional back light system, “DayFine” TFT (Thin Film Transisitor) technology includes a special optical film and exclusive light transmission circuitry that harnesses the power of the sun by absorbing incoming light and then reflecting the light back through the LCD, adding to the brilliance and contrast of the display.

When it comes to navigating the menus, the Kyocera Finecam SL300R makes it easy from setup to capture to playback.  To make it intuitive, the camera offers an easy to use Control button that works on the principal of a joystick.  Along with the logical screen selections and functions, the Finecam SL300R is easy for anyone to use.

The Finecam SL300R is provided with a USB cable that is perfect for uploading images to a personal computer.  The cable complies with the USB mass storage class of accessories and images can be read via the cable as a mass storage devise on a computer.

To fit every situation, five flash modes are available (Auto flash, Red-eye reduction auto flash, Red-eye reduction fill-in flash, Fill-in flash, Flash off), three color modes (Color, sepia, B/W), six white balance modes (Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Cloudy, Fluorescent,   Preset), five sharpness settings (+3, +2, +1, standard, -1), two chroma settings (standard, +, -) and exposure compensation (+2.0EV ~ -2.0EV) is also available.

The Finecam SL300R features 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 specific 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.

Additionally, the Finecam SL300R is shipped with the highly rated Adobe Photoshop Album software. 

The street price of the Finecam SL300R is $399.99 and the camera started shipping in October 2003.

Visit us at http://www.kyoceraimaging.com.

For product images, contact Michael Steavenson (Michaels@hwhpr.com) or Russ Rowland (russr@hwhpr.com) at (212) 355-5049.

Notes:

(*1) World's Thinnest 3.2 Megapixel digital camera w/3x optical zoom and swivel body.

(*2) The time from pressing the shutter button halfway to completely pressing it in order to start the exposure.

(*3) Compared to other compact digital cameras as of .  Full-memory, consecutive shooting means shooting successively until the full capacity of the memory card is used. It is available when using a SD memory card with a recording speed of at least 10MB per second for high-speed recording.

About Kyocera

Kyocera Optics Inc., the company that brings you the Kyocera Finecam, Contax, Carl Zeiss and Yashica brands, serves the consumer/prosumer/serious amateur/professional photographer customer segments. It is a wholly-owed subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, Calif.

Kyocera International, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation, is Kyocera’s North American headquarters and holding company.

Kyocera Corporation, parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems, semiconductor packages and electronic components. During the year ended March 31, 2003, the company’s net sales totaled 1.069 trillion yen ($9.06 billion) with net income of 41.1 billion yen ($348 million).

For more information, visit us at www.kyocera.com.

 

Finecam SL300R Specifications

Type	Digital still camera with record, playback, and erase modes
Recording media	SD Memory card/MMC (Multi-Media card) Complies with JPEG standard (Exif Ver. 2.2), DCF standard *(notes1) Supports DPOF  *(notes 2)
Effective pixels	3.17 mega pixels
Pickup device	1/2.7” square-pixel interlace readout system CCD with 3,340,000 pixels gross
Image dimensions in pixels (Still image)	2048x1536, 1600 x1200, 1280x960, 640x480
Image quality	2 settings: F (Fine), N (Normal)
Image Dimensions in pixels (Movie mode)	640x480, 320x240, 160x120
Movie frame rate	30 frames per sec., 15 frames per sec.
Lens Focal length F stops Digital zoom	KYOCERA Zoom lens (7 lenses in 6 groups) 5.8 ~ 17.4mm (35mm camera equivalent to about 38 ~ 115mm) F2.8 ~ 4.8 1.3x, 1.6x, 2x (3steps)
Focusing control	Video feedback auto-focusing (Wide AF/Spot AF selectable), Manual focus
Shooting range	From cover glass front surface: approx. 0.6m ~ ∞ (Tele/Wide modes), approx. 20cm ~ 60cm (Macro mode)

 

Exposure control Control method Metering patterns   Metering range Exposure compensation	Program AE, Aperture Priority AE mode 3 modes selectable : Multi-area evaluation metering, center-weighted metering, spot metering LV6 ~ LV16 +2.0EV ~ -2.0EV (1/3EV steps)
Shutter	1 ~ 1/2000 sec. using CCD electronic shutter with independent aperture control system Option of 2 sec., 4 sec., 8 sec. possible in time exposure mode
ISO setting	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800
White Balance	Automatic, daylight, incandescent, cloudy, fluorescent, preset
Sharpness	+3 ~ -1 (5 steps)
Brightness	+, 0, - (3 steps)
Flash Effective range	Built-in Approx. 0.6 ~ 2.5m (lens set to wide), about 0.6 ~ 1.8m (lens set to telephoto)
Flash modes	Auto flash, Red-eye reduction auto flash, Fill flash, Flash off, Night scene mode
Movie mode	File format: AVI (Audio - Visual - Input), sound On or Off selectable
Recording time	VGA 30 frames per sec.: up to the recording media capacity*4 PC play environment: QuickTime 4.1 or later (Windows, Macintosh)
Continuous shooting	Approx. 3.5 frames per sec.: up to the recording media capacity*3
Voice memo	Maximum 30 sec. per image
LCD monitor	1.5 inch DayFine TFT color LCD monitor, brightness adjustable
Resize mode	Images resizable to 320x240 or 160x120 resizing image area selectable, JPEG file format
Erase	Erase one image or erase all images.
Power source	3.7v 780mAh lithium ion battery, dedicated AC adapter
Display languages	Japanese, English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese
Interface	DC (dedicated AC adapter), USB (mini B)
Dimensions	3.93” (W) x 2.46” (H) x .59” (D)mm (not including protruding parts)
Weight	About 4.58 ounces (not including battery and memory card)
Operating temp:	32 ~ 113 degrees F
Supplied	Body, PC connection cable (USB cable), video cable, lithium-ion battery pack, AC adapter, hand strap, SD memory card (16MB), CD-ROM

 

• Note 1) DCF is an abbreviation of the Design rule for Camera File system, the standard of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). The standard is intended to facilitate the use of image files primarily of digital cameras in related equipment.
• Note 2) DPOF is an abbreviation of Digital Print Order Format established by the companies, Canon Inc., Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., and
  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. This standard is for recording specific
• information from images taken by digital camera, such as printed images and number of images, in recording media.

 

• Specifications and technical information are subject to change.