Minolta introduce DiMAGE E203

The 2 million pixel resolution and aspheric optics promise clear, crisp images. The 3x optical zoom and the 2x digital zoom bring distant subjects closer and effortless operation is complemented by simple in-camera viewing and editing. For users with a little more experience, the camera allows for control over exposure, white balance, and image size.

Transferring images to a personal computer is easy with the supplied USB cable and the camera acting as a mass storage device. Simply install the bundled photo-retouching software to manipulate the images to create impressive presentations.
 
Main Features
Pocket sized body
The DiMAGE E203 is one of the smallest digital cameras that packs a 3x optical zoom with two million pixel resolution. The compact body fits in the palm of a hand and slips easily into a pocket or purse. Measuring 101.5(W)x61.5(H)x35(D)mm, the DiMAGE E203 is not much bigger than a deck of cards.

Two million pixels and 3x zoom lens
The resolution of two million effective pixels delivers 150dpi printouts on A4 size paper. The high quality optics include two double sided aspheric elements that minimise chromatic and spherical aberration, reproducing fine details.
The 3x optical zoom has a focal length range from 5.4mm to 16.2mm (approximately equivalent to a 35mm to 105mm lens in 35mm film format). It covers various shooting opportunities from landscapes to candid snap shots and vivid portraits.
Distant subjects can be brought closer with the two step digital zoom: 1.5x and 2x. The 2x digital zoom doubles the effect of the optical zoom to give an equivalent of 210mm in a 35mm format.

Fully automatic with auto recording mode
Setting the camera to auto recording mode, all you then do is frame the picture and press the shutter release button; the autofocus and program autoexposure system, and automatic white balance control will accurately produce sharp, clear colourful images. In low light conditions, the built-in flash fires automatically.

Easy to access shooting modes
The flash modes and shooting modes offer possibilities over different shooting conditions. By simply pressing the mode button, you can select a setting that best suits the type of subject. Basic flash modes include auto flash, fill flash, red-eye reduction and flash cancel settings. Landscape/Night view mode makes it simple to capture night scenery. In night portrait mode, ambient light and flash exposure are balanced so that the subject is seen in a glittering background. Getting close to the subject is possible with the macro mode. From as close as 25cm, an area of about 7x9cm can be captured as a full frame image. Self portraits are easy with the built-in self timer.

Easy to Use
The DiMAGE E203 is easy to use. The combination of the easy to control four way keys and simple menu screens offers easy camera setup. The 38mm (1.5 inch) TFT colour monitor displays clear images with approximately 120,000 pixels. The camera can be powered by a long-life lithium battery, inexpensive, readily available AA alkaline batteries, or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. The recording media is a compact SD (Secure Digital) memory card, a next generation memory card being increasingly adopted in the digital applications such as cellular phones, and PDAs (personal digital assistants).

Quick and simple USB PC connection
The supplied USB cable allows quick and simple access to images. Plugging the USB cable between the camera and the computer enables the camera to be recognised as an external storage device; users can directly open image files, or drag and drop them into the computer's hard disk.

Software
ArcSoft PhotoImpression 3.0 photo-retouching software is supplied with the DiMAGE E203. The program provides simple retouching tools as well as effects to transform images beyond the ordinary.

Movie Recording
As well as still images 15 seconds of digital video can be recorded with a choice of two resolutions: 320 x 240 pixels or 160 x 120 pixels. The motion JPEG files can be sent to friends by e-mail or used to add spice to web pages.

Other features
Multi-Function recording mode
Allows users greater control over camera images with a simple menu. The calculated camera exposure can be compensated by +/- 1.5 Ev's in 1/3 increments. The white balance can be matched to several light sources: daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, or flash. The spot metering mode allows accurate exposures of a specific subject within the frame eliminating the influence of bright or dark areas in the scene. Black & white mode adds a touch of sophisticated or timelessness to images.

Viewing and Editing
Images can be viewed and edited directly on the camera's LCD monitor. The images can be viewed singularly or on a nine image index display. For closer examination, a single image can be enlarged two times with the press of a button. The images can also be presented in an automated slide show. Deleting or locking images as well as formatting memory cards can be done quickly and easily on the camera.

Because the camera is supported by DPOF, images can be printed without the need of a computer. Simply create a print order file on the camera and take the memory card to a photofinisher to get it printed. Prints can also be made with DPOF compliant printers.

The camera will be available from the end of September for 400. 

DiMAGE E203 full technical specifications

CCD:  1/2.7-type interline primary colour CCD with a total of 2.1 million pixels
Number of effective pixels: 2.0 million
Camera sensitivity:  ISO 100 equivalent
Aspect ratio:   4:3
Focal length:    5.4-16.2mm (35mm equivalent: 35-105mm)
Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups (includes 2 elements with 4 aspheric surfaces)
Maximum aperture:  f/2.8 - f/4.6
Minimum focus distance:  0.8m
Macro focus range:  0.25 - 0.8 m (from front of lens)
Maximum magnification:  0.0578x
Optical zooming control:  Power zoom
Viewfinder type:    Optical real image zoom viewfinder
Field of view:    75% (approx.)
LCD monitor:    38mm (1.5 inch) TFT colour
Total number of pixels:   118,000
Shutter:  CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter
Shutter speeds:   2sec to  1/2000 
Autofocus system:  Video AF
Focus lock: By pressing shutter-release button partway down
Metering: Centre-weighted, Spot
Exposure control: Programmed AE
Exposure compensation: +/- 1.5 Ev in 1/3 increments
AE lock: By pressing shutter release button partway down
Flash metering: Auto flash metering
Flash range: Wide: 0.8 - 2 m (approx.)
Telephoto: 0.8 - 3 m (approx.)
Flash/Shooting modes: Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Night portrait, Flash cancel, Landscape/Night view, Macro, Self-timer
Self-timer: 10 s, 3 s
Movie recording: 15 s (max.)
Colour modes: Colour, Black & white
White balance control: Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash)
Digital zoom: 2x, 1.5x
Delete function: Single or all frames can be deleted
Format function: Available in setup mode
Image size settings: Three (S, F, E)
Number of recorded pixels (Still images):
S: 1600 x 1200
F: 1280 x 960
E: 640 x 480
Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips):
320 x 240, 160 x 120
Storage capacity: Approximate storage capacity of 8Mb SD Memory Card:
S: 17 frame
F: 26 frames
E: 60 frames
Movie: 320 x 240 pixels: 2 clips, 160 x 120 pixels: 8 clips (1 clip = max. of 15 s)
File format: Exif 2.1 (JPEG), Motion JPEG (AVI), DCF1.0-compliant DPOF-compliant (supported by printing functions)
Recording media:  SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
PC interface:    USB 1.1
Audio signal: Tone indicates operation. Audio signal can be disabled.
Batteries:  1 CR-V3 lithium battery or 2 AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH)
Battery performance (Recording): 
Approximate number of recorded images: 800 frames, Based on Minolta's standard test method: CR-V3 lithium battery, LCD monitor off, flash used with 50% of the frames, no instant playback, full size images (1600 x 1200).
External power source:  3V DC with dedicated AC adapter (sold separately)
Dimensions:    101.5 (W) X 61.5 (H) X 40* (D) mm *including lens when retracted
Weight:  Approx. 175 g (without batteries or recording media)
Operating temperature:  5-40 C
Standard accessories: Hand Strap HS-DG203 for DiMAGE E203, USB Cable USB-400 for DiMAGE E203, Memory Card, CR-V3 Battery, DiMAGE E203 Software CD-ROM, CD-ROM for ArcSoft PhotoImpression
Optional accessories:  AC Adapter AC-3
System requirements: IBM PC/AT compatible computer with pre-installed Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 98, or Windows 98 Second Edition and with a built-in USB port as a standard interface. Macintosh computer with pre-installed Mac OS 9.0 - 9.1 and with a built-in USB port as a standard interface.