NPI Minolta Redefining the Limits of Compact Digital Camera Performance Supporting Creative Imaging With High-Quality Images and Effortless Operation

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Ira McLaughlin
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1 NPI Minolta Redefining the Limits of Compact Digital Camera Performance Supporting Creative Imaging With High-Quality Images and Effortless Operation DiMAGE S304 Offering a 3.34 Million Pixel CCD and MINOLTA GT LENS With a 4X-Zoom Ratio Minolta is pleased to announce the introduction of the DiMAGE S304. This new compact digital camera sets a new standard for performance: exceptionally high-quality image processing, a dynamic zooming range, advanced autofocus and autoexposure performance, and fast, effortless operation. The DiMAGE S304 is a product of Minolta's latest technical developments used in the top-ofthe-line DiMAGE 7 and DiMAGE 5 SLR-type digital cameras. With the introduction of the DiMAGE 7 and DiMAGE 5 a new class of high-performance optics has been created: Minolta GT LENSES. The DiMAGE S304 is fitted with a 4X zoom ranging between an equivalent of mm in 35mm format. The DiMAGE S304 s GT LENS is apochromatic (APO) and incorporates an AD (anomalous dispersion) glass element and aspheric elements to bring out the best in the camera s 3.34 million-pixel CCD. The developments also include Minolta s exclusive CxProcess technology for CLEAR and EXCELLENT images with minimum noise. Innovative autofocus technology incorporates both a wide focus area and the Focus Area Selection which allows the photographers to move the focusing point on the LCD monitor. Also employed is the latest high-speed LSI for digital imaging and signal processing, which achieves responsive camera operation from startup to recording and viewing. Multi-segment exposure metering guarantees accurate exposure. The DiMAGE S304 offers diverse automatic and manual image control options including the DiMAGE 7 s Digital Effects Control. With the introduction of the DiMAGE S304, Minolta will strengthen its commitment to provide high-quality compact digital cameras.

2 2 Main Features High-Quality Images High-Quality1/1.8-type CCD with 3.34 Million Pixels The DiMAGE S304 is equipped with a high-quality1/1.8-type CCD with a total of 3.34 million pixels for high-resolution images. This resolution allows for exceptional B4-size prints at 150 dpi, and photo-quality 13 x 17 cm prints at 300 dpi. The camera is supported by Epson s latest PRINT Image Matching technology which can effortlessly make prints that reflect the original image. High-Performance MINOLTA GT LENS All-glass APO 4X Zoom Lens with AD Glass and Aspheric Elements The DiMAGE S304's Minolta GT LENS is an optical jewel, which provides clear, vivid images. It is a high-resolution, all-glass, apochromat lens featuring both an AD (anomalous dispersion) element and two double-sided aspheric elements. This remarkable combination, rarely available in compact digital cameras, minimizes chromatic aberration, and reduces curvilinear distortion, giving high quality images. As small as a regular 3X-zoom lenses on the market, this new Minolta GT LENS will produce sharp, detailed images at all focal lengths, and has the potential to form a high-resolution image on a five-million pixel 1/1.8-type CCD. The Minolta GT LENS series was created to provide professional-quality lenses for Minolta digital cameras. The DiMAGE S304, DiMAGE 7, and DiMAGE 5 are the first cameras to use these lenses. CxProcess New Image-Processing Technology Images formed on the CCD are enhanced by Minolta's exclusive CxProcess, a new imageprocessing technology born from the concept of providing Clear and excellent images that faithfully reproduce the photographer s vision. The x also signifies that the processing technology multiplies image clarity. The CxProcess will evolve with the advancement of hardware technology. In image processing, too much emphasis on natural color produces flat desaturated color pictures, while overemphasizing the color range creates an unnatural color scheme. The CxProcess balances both extremes by optimizing colors. It critically controls the elements indispensable for image quality: sharpness, color reproduction, tonal gradation, and noise.

3 3 12-bit A/D Conversion The camera's extraordinary 12-bit A/D conversion can handle seamless gradations and billions of colors. The difference between the standard 10-bit A/D, conversion with a limit of 1,024 levels per channel, and Minolta s advanced 12-bit A/D conversion, with fine tonal gradations with up to 4,096 levels in each R/G/B channel, is plainly obvious in portraiture; smooth complexion, rich shadows, luminous highlights, and fine eye and hair detail that bring the subject to life. A Camera for Every Situation Minolta GT LENS with an Exceptional 4X Optical Zoom Ratio The Minolta GT LENS is a versatile tool that can be used for expansive landscapes or intimate portraits. The 4X zoom is equivalent to a 35 mm - 140mm lens on a 35mm camera. Unlike many 3X optical zooms on the market, the DiMAGE S304's dynamic 4X-zoom ratio gives extra reach at the telephoto range to capture the action or intimacy of friends or relatives during important moments. The photographers can capture objects as close as 50 cm without the use of the macro function. * The minimum focus distance is measured from the CCD. 2X Digital Zoom A distant subject can be brought even closer with the digital zoom function, which doubles the effect of the optical zoom up to an equivalent of 280mm in 35mm format, resulting in impressive images. Macro Capability The lens macro capability permits high-resolution close-up photographs of small objects; it is simple to capture the minute detail of a watch face. Photographers can capture the subject from as close as 10 cm from the lens. An area of 5.6 x 7.4 cm can be covered by the camera.

4 4 High-Performance Autofocus and Autoexposure The Wide Focus Area The main AF control uses a wide focus area consisting of three AF sensors. The cross-hair AF sensor in the center effortlessly and accurately determines subject distance regardless of horizontal or vertical subject contrast. Focus Area Selection The Focus Area Selection offers flexibility in composition: photographers can move the focusing point to single out a specific subject from a number of objects at varying distances. Full-Time AF Users have the option of full-time AF. The full-time autofocus continually adjusts the focus to keep the live image on the monitor sharp and reduce autofocusing time so important moments are not lost. High-Performance Autoexposure Exposure is controlled by accurate multi-segment exposure metering, ensuring beautiful images with fine highlight, shadow, and color reproduction. With 256 segments, the multisegment metering technology uses both light values and color information. With emphasis on the main subject, the luminance patterns on the CCD and AF information are used to accurately calculate the exposure. At the same time, the multi-segment metering system employs the white-balance controls to evaluate the color distribution of the image; if there is a large proportion of yellow in the image, the metering system assumes that the subject s reflectance is high and will adjust the exposure accordingly. The result is natural, wellexposed color images. For selective control over autoexposure, a spot-metering mode is included.

5 5 Fast, Effortless Operation High-speed LSI for Digital Imaging and Signal Processing The DiMAGE S304 performs quickly and effortlessly from the moment it is turned on. The new high-speed LSI chip is responsible for the responsive performance from startup to recording and viewing. The DiMAGE S304 shares the same high-speed LSI chip found in the new 5.24 million-pixel DiMAGE 7 SLR-type camera. The chip incorporates a fast 32-bit RISC CPU, and is connected to a large capacity SDRAM through a 32-bit data bus. Easy-to-Use Control Layout The DiMAGE S304 s ergonomic control layout and design reinforce the ease and simplicity of the camera. Frequently used shooting functions are allocated to button controls for quick access, while functions controlling advanced imaging or camera operation are set using the four-way controller and simple menus displayed on the LCD monitor. The dual still-image recording system includes automatic recording, offering automated settings for effortless operation, and multiple-function recording, providing greater creative control. Shooting Controls With its experience as a professional camera manufacturer, Minolta has given the DiMAGE S304 extensive functions and dynamic control. Automatic or manual, the DiMAGE S304 performs brilliantly. Exposure Mode Selections P/A/M Exposure Modes Shutter speeds range from 4 seconds to a fast 1/1000th second, and the maximum aperture is a bright f/3.0. The programmed AE mode automatically selects the optimum shutter speed and aperture combination for quick, easy shooting. The aperture-priority mode allows for various experiments with depth of field by manually selecting the aperture settings; the camera will choose the appropriate shutter speed to ensure accurate exposures. In manual mode, photographers have entire control over shutter speed and aperture settings, and are able to make Bulb exposures of night scenery.

6 6 Digital Subject Program Selection Unlike subject program modes on conventional film cameras, the digital subject program selection combines exposure control with image processing to optimize results under specific conditions. Macro mode permits sharp close-up photographs of small objects. Portrait mode emphasizes the subject s skin tone to produce a solid, yet smooth, complexion. Landscape mode provides dynamic landscape images. Night portrait mode reproduces spectacular night scenery with rich, smooth, noise-free shadows and bright vivid colors, and when employing the flash unit, the flash and ambient light are controlled to ensure the subject and background exposures are properly balanced. In the text mode, exposure control and image processing produce sharp images of type on white backgrounds. Exposure Compensation and Exposure Bracketing The calculated camera exposure can be compensated by ±2 Ev s in 1/3 increments. Exposure bracketing makes an automatic bracket of a scene to ensure the best possible exposure has been captured. Camera Sensitivity Control - Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, and 800 The DiMAGE S304 offers automatic camera sensitivity control, as well as preset camera sensitivity levels: 100, 200, 400, and 800 (ISO film-speed equivalent). The preset levels can extend the flash range, or prevent camera shake when not using the flash in low-light conditions. Spot Metering Photographers can have precise control over exposure metering in the spot-metering mode. Digital Effects Control The Digital Effects Control lets photographers control image characteristics, and view the effect instantly on the LCD monitor before shooting. The Digital Effects Control can compensate contrast, color saturation, and exposure to change the values in the scene.

7 7 Automatic, Preset, and Custom White Balance Control Allow Flexible Color- Temperature Control The automatic setting provides carefree camera operation where the white balance automatically adjusts under each lighting condition. If they choose, photographers can use preset white balance settings for common light sources: daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, and cloudy. For critical applications, the custom setting allows the white balance to be calibrated to a specific lighting situation. Manual Focus The DiMAGE S304 offers manual focus control by pressing the four-way key on the controller on the back of the camera. Voice Memo Thoughts and comments can be recorded with a still image. Audio can be recorded after an image is captured. Movie Recording Not only can still images be made of important moments, but also the entire moment can be captured. Movie clips can be recorded as 320 x 240 pixel (QVGA) motion JPEG files. Remote Control Self-portraits are easy with the built-in self-timer or the optional IR Remote Control RC-3. Sophisticated and Compact Design The DiMAGE S304 feels great in the hands. The metal (aluminum) exterior has a silky bright metallic finish to accent the sleek sophisticated contours.

8 8 DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility Software This software allows the photographers to view and make corrections to images. There are various correction tools to choose from: tone curve/histogram, brightness/contrast/color pallet, hue/saturation/lightness adjustments, and sharpness filters. Other handy functions include the Color Correction Job that saves correction settings so they may be applied to different images. With the Variation function, photographers can choose the best image from a series of automatically bracketed corrections. The Graphic User Interface is simple to use; it is based on the user-friendly Minolta film-scanner driver software. The unique sharpness correction method is easy and effective. The color matching is compatible with most color spaces. The ICC profiles can provide accurate color reproduction. The software also shows the date, focal length, and exposure used when the image was captured. end

9 9 DiMAGE S304 Technical Specifications CCD: 1/1.8-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of 3.34 million pixels Number of effective pixels: 3.17 million A/D conversion: 12 bits Camera sensitivity: Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800 (ISO equivalent) Aspect ratio: 4:3 Focal length: mm (35 mm equivalent: mm) Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups (includes 1 AD glass element and 2 double-sided aspheric elements) Maximum aperture: f/3.0 f/3.6 Minimum focus distance: Wide: approx. 0.5 m (from the CCD) Tele: approx. 0.9 m (from the CCD) Macro focus range: Approx cm (from the CCD) Maximum magnification: 0.1X Optical zooming control: Power zoom Filter diameter: 35.5mm Viewfinder type: Optical real-image zoom viewfinder LCD monitor: 46mm (1.8 inch) TFT color Total number of pixels: 122,000 Field of view: Optical viewfinder: 80% (approx.) LCD monitor: 100% (approx.) Shutter: CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter Shutter speeds: 1/1000s - 4 s, Bulb (max. 15s) Autofocus system: Video AF Autofocus areas: Wide focus area Focus Area Selection Focus modes: Autofocus Full-time AF is available in the autofocus mode. Manual focus Focus lock: By pressing the shutter-release button partway down Metering: Multi-segment, Spot Multi-segment metering: 256 segments Exposure modes: Programmed AE, Aperture priority, Manual

10 10 Digital subject program selection (Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night portrait, Text) Exposure compensation: ±2 Ev in 1/3 increments AE lock: By pressing the shutter-release button partway down Flash metering: ADI Flash range: Wide: m (approx.) Telephoto: 0.9-3m (approx.) (Camera sensitivity: auto) Flash modes: Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Fillflash with red-eye reduction, Flash cancel Recycling time: 7 s (approx.) Exposure bracketing: 1.0, 0.5, 0.3 Ev increments Number of brackets: 3 frames Self-timer: 10 s (approx.) Remote control: IR Remote Control RC-3 (sold separately) Movie recording: Movie clips with audio: 60 s (max.) Audio: Audio with movie clips Audio with still images (voice memo) Color modes: Color, Black and white White balance control: Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Cloudy), Custom Sharpness settings: Three levels (Soft, Normal, Hard) Digital Effects Control: Exposure, Color saturation, Contrast compensation Digital zoom: 2X Delete function: Single, multiple, or all frames can be deleted. Format function: Available in the setup mode Date imprinting: Year/month/day (Format can be changed.) Imprinting can be disabled Image-quality modes: Economy, Standard, Fine, Super fine Number of recorded pixels (Still images): 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 Number of recorded pixels (Movie clips): 320 x 240 Storage capacity: Approximate storage capacity of a 16 MB CompactFlash card: Super fine: 1 frame Fine: 9 frames

11 11 Standard: 16 frames Economy: 27 frames Movie : 70 seconds *Recorded pixels: 2048 x 1536 **Actual number of images may vary depending upon subjects. Total number of seconds that can be stored File format: Exif 2.1 (JPEG, TIFF) Motion JPEG (AVI): with audio WAVE DCF 1.0-compliant DPOF-compliant (Supported by printing functions in ver. 1.1) Exif tag information: Date and time, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, Metering method, Flash on/off, Camera sensitivity, White balance setting, Focal length, Color space, etc. Printing output control: PRINT Image Matching Recording media: Type I CompactFlash card PC interface: USB ver. 1.1 AV output: NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera) Audio signals: Tone indicates operation; includes shutter sound effect. Audio signal can be disabled. Batteries: 4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH) Use of Ni-MH batteries is recommended. External power source: 6V DC with specified AC adapter (sold separately) Dimensions: 113.5(W) x 64.5(H) x 58.5(D) mm Weight: Approx. 335g (without batteries or recording media) Operating temperature: 0-40 ºC Standard accessories: AA Alkaline Batteries Neck Strap for DiMAGE S304 NS-DG304 Lens Cap for DiMAGE S304 LF-236 AV Cable for DiMAGE S304 AVC-100 USB Cable for DiMAGE S304 USB-200 CF Card (16MB) DiMAGE software CD-ROM for DiMAGE S304 CD-ROM for ArcSoft PhotoImpression Optional accessories: Camera Case for DiMAGE S304 CS-DG304

12 12 IR Remote control RC-3 External High Power Battery Pack Kit (EBP-100) AC Adapter AC-1L or AC-2L AC Adapter AC-1L INPUT: V AC, 50/60Hz; OUTPUT: 6V DC, 2A AC Adapter AC-2L INPUT: V AC, 50/60Hz; OUTPUT: 6V DC, 2A Specifications and accessories are based on the information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice. Printout sizes are approximate.

13 13 System Requirements IBM PC/AT compatible computer with preinstalled Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98*, or Windows 98 Second Edition* and with a built-in USB port as a standard interface. Power Mac G4 (includes dual processor G4 and G4 Cube) series, G3 (Blue and White) series, imac series, ibook, or PowerBook G3 with preinstalled Mac OS 8.6** 9.1 and with a built-in USB port as a standard interface. Problems may be encountered depending on what other USB devices are being used in parallel with this product. Only a built-in USB port is supported. Problems may be encountered when the camera is connected to a USB hub. Normal operation may not be possible even when all the system requirements are met. * Users of the Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition must install dedicated driver software included in the DiMAGE S304 package. ** Users of the Mac OS 8.6 must download free dedicated driver software from the Apple Computer web site and install it. System requirements are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice. * Windows is either registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. * Macintosh is a trademark or registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. * Other corporate names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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