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Toshiba: 2.3 Megapixel Performance Without Megapixel Price

LAS VEGAS -- Toshiba Imaging Systems, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced it is adding to its suite of award-winning digital cameras with the launch of the PDR-M60, an aggressively priced 2.3 megapixel camera featuring an optical zoom and lightning-fast USB downloading.

The PDR-M60 is expected to ship in May 2000 with an MSRP under $600. The camera will be sold through a wide network of resellers, including computer retail outlets, photo specialty stores, consumer electronics stores, and mail order catalogs.

Toshiba designed the pocket-sized PDR-M60 for fun, take-anywhere digital shooting. Thanks to its state-of-the-art 1/2-inch CCD, the camera produces photo-realistic JPEG images in resolutions up to 1800 x 1200, making it perfect for adding digital excitement to newsletters, email, business presentations and Web pages, as well as for capturing special moments with family and friends. The 2.3X optical zoom lens lets users zero in on all the action, plus offers stunning sharpness, clarity and color. With the Macro setting, users can even shoot subjects as close as two inches away.

"The PDR-M60 is the first economically-priced digital camera that does not economize on quality," commented Doug Freck, Vice President and General Manager, Toshiba Imaging Systems. "Toshiba has successfully broken through the $600 price barrier for a full-featured two-megapixel digital camera with optical zoom. Dollar for dollar this is the most digital camera you can buy today."

The PDR-M60 combines low cost of ownership with valuable features for users of all levels. Professional-level attributes include the 2.3X optical zoom; a 2X digital zoom; automatic exposure control; five white balance settings (auto, outdoor, incandescent, fluorescent 1 and II); built-in five-mode flash; an all-glass aspheric lens (f=38 to 86mm); plus one of the fastest recycle rates available in its class. To protect the user's investment, the camera also features a built-in lens cap.

With the PDR-M60's high-speed processor, users can click off pictures with less than a two-second pause between shots. Two resolution settings (1800 x 1200/900 x 600) and three compression modes make it easy to choose the best balance of size and image clarity.

COMPRESSION RATIO	1/4	1/4	1/8	1/8	1/16	1/16
IMAGE SIZE*	Full	Half	Full	Half	Full	Half
File Size (KB)	1MB	272	528	144	272	80
4MB Card	3	15	7	29	15	55
8MB Card	7	30	15	58	60	110
16MB Card	15	58	30	110	58	199
32MBCard	30	117	60	222	117	399
64MB Card	60	235	121	444	235	799
*Full Size: 1800 x 1200, Half Size: 900 x 600

Based on traditional point-and-shoot cameras, the PDR-M60 provides for a true photographic experience. The intuitive positioning of the camera's mode dial combined with an optical viewfinder gives users an instant familiarity with the camera, even if they've never before held a digital camera.

Operation couldn't be simpler: menu-driven controls on the LCD status display allow the adjustment of basic camera settings, such as image quality and file sizes. Users then just point and shoot. Seconds after the images are captured, the pictures can be played back, saved or deleted using the camera's super-bright 1.8-inch backlit LCD.

Using the USB cable included with the camera, customers can download a two-megapixel image to their computers in about three seconds. Video-out (NTSC/PAL) lets users connect the camera to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for exciting business presentations or family entertainment.

To accommodate the needs of today's computer user, the PDR-M60 is compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It comes bundled with multi-platform CD software from Sierra Imaging for accessing, managing and enhancing digital photos. Also included are a USB cable (Mac/PC); video-out cable; neck strap; and a 4MB SmartMedia� Card. For added convenience and affordability, Toshiba includes four AA-sized batteries.

For information, U.S. customers call (800) 288-1354. Fax, (800) 640-8674. Or visit Toshiba on the Web at http://www.toshiba.com.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Toshiba Imaging Systems is a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., and part of the $48 billion Toshiba Corp., a global leader in high technology products with 307 major consolidated subsidiaries worldwide.