Toshiba Japan has announced a new digital camera model which, like the PDR-T10 which recently began shipping, features a touch-screen LCD display to simplify the user interface and remove the clutter of buttons found on most digicams. Where the -T10 relied on an array of interchangeable faceplates to define its visual style, though, the new Sora PDR-T20 has a more expensive (dare we say, classy) look. At first glance, the PDR-T20 is very reminiscent of Canon's PowerShot S30 and S40 cameras, but with cleaner lines. This is thanks to the absence of buttons, switches and mode dials, as well as the fact that the PDR-T20 has no optical viewfinder - everything on this camera revolves around the LCD display...

When it ships in Japan at the end of June, the PDR-T20 will be offered in a choice of three different chassis colors; silver, champagne gold and pink (the latter two colors will be limited editions). As well as the touch screen LCD, the camera features a 2.01 megapixel (effective) CCD imager, 2x optical zoom lens, USB 1.1 mass storage class connectivity, Secure Digital storage, Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and a neck-strap with integrated stylus (for use on the touch-screen display).

Pricing for the camera has not been announced, but is expected to be ¥40,000 (US$322 / €342 / £221, ignoring taxes / duties and exchange rate fluctuations). Courtesy of Toshiba, we have the following list of product highlights and specifications (loosely translated from the Japanese; apologies for any errors in the translation):

1. Choice of three colors
   Silver, champagne gold and pink
2. Simple touch-panel operation
   Similar to the Sora PDR-T10 digital camera. By tapping the LCD screen, you can select one of eight scene-modes (including landscape, portrait, sport, macro, scenic portrait and night portrait), set the flash mode and self-timer, and more. In playback mode, you can display image info, zoom and pan, etc. with a touch of a finger
3. "Paint" function
   You can select from 15 colors and three line thicknesses, and draw illustrations or write captions on images with the stylus. This adds more creativity, and expands the usefulness of the camera.
4. 2.01 megapixel (effective) CCD and 2x optical zoom lens
   A 1/2.7" CCD imager with 2,010,000 pixels effective captures high-quality images. As well as a 1600 x 1200 pixel maximum image sizes, there are also 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixel modes for purposes where the highest resolution isn't necessary.
   In addition, there's an easy-to-use 2x optical zoom lens, and with use of the digital zoom this can be doubled to 4x total zoom.
5. 1.5" low temperature polysilicon TFT LCD display
   A 1.5", 118,000 pixel low temperature polysilicon TFT LCD display is provided, which offers high resolution, vivid image pictures. The analog touch-screen panel used has a high degree of transparency, and doesn't affect visibility.
6. Simple record and playback menus
   In record-mode, it is possible to customise camera settings simply, with settings such as monochrome / sepia, ISO setting, manual mode, white balance and 16-up mode (16 sequential thumbnail pictures in one frame). In playback mode, functions such as slideshow and multiple-image playback can be accessed. Also, you can change the language of menus from a choice of Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese (traditional) or Chinese (simplified).
7. ACDSee Image Management software
   If using a personal computer*, you can connect the camera with a USB cable and easily-installed driver software.
   If you use the included ACDSee software, you can then browse and view your images, do basic retouching such as red-eye removal, print images and (on PC only) email them directly from the software.
   * Windows 98, 2000, ME or XP; Macintosh OS9.0 or higher. Factory-installed USB port required.
8. Exif v2.2 compliance
   If an Exif v2.2 (also known as Exif Print)-compliant printer is used, it can process data stored in the image to optimise print quality.
   * Check with printer manufacturer to ascertain compatible printer models
9. All necessary items included
   Even for a first-time digital camera user, all necessary accessories are in the package. This includes an 8MB Secure Digital card, USB cable and drivers, ACDSee Image Management software, touch-screen stylus attached to the neck strap, Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and AC adapter, soft case, etc.

Specifications

Toshiba Sora PDR-T20
Image Sensor	1/2.7" RGBG CCD
Sensor Resolution	2.01 megapixel effective (2.14 megapixel total)
Image Resolution	1600 x 1200 1024 x 768 640 x 480
File Format	JPEG (Exif v2.2) DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
Storage	Secure Digital card (up to 256MB)
Lens	f = 5.8 - 11.6mm 35mm equivalent: 38 - 76mm
Focus Range	Normal: 50cm - infinity Macro: 10cm (wide) / 2.7cm (tele) - infinity
White Balance	Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2
Sensitivity	ISO 100 / 200 / 400
Shutter	Auto: 1/2 - 1/1000 second Manual: 4 - 1/1000 second
Exposure	Program Auto
Self-timer	2 or 10 second
Flash	Built-in popup flash Range: 0.5 - 2.8m (ISO 200, lens at wide angle) Modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow-Sync
Image Capacity	6 high-res or 51 low-res images on included 8MB Secure Digital card
Viewfinder	1.5", 118,000 pixel low temperature polysilicon TFT
Connectivity	DC In: 5V Digital: USB v1.1, mass storage class
Power	Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery AC adapter
Battery life	120 images (At 25°C)
Temperature Range	+5°C - 40°C
Dimensions	54 x 108 x 29.5mm
Weight	170g (battery and SD card not included)
Included Accessories	8MB Secure Digital card, USB cable and drivers, ACDSee Image Management software, neck strap with built-in touch screen stylus, Lithium Ion battery and AC adapter, soft case
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