SANYO Releases New Edition Digital Camera

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : 26.Feb.2002 For Further Information Akihiro Oiwa/Derek Wentz SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Tokyo PR Center Tel: (03) 3837-6206 Fax: (03) 3837-6381

	SANYO Releases New Edition Digital Camera High Quality Still Images & Smooth Video Clips ideal for Broadband Network

	Tokyo, February 26, 2002---SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., the World's largest manufacturer of digital cameras announced the sale of its latest digital camera, the DSC-MZ2 (MZ2). Based on SANYO's development concept of "Still & Motion", the MZ2 continues in line with SANYO' philosophy of integrating "Moving Images" with "Still Images" at a high level of quality providing the user with a new form of photography enjoyment.

Overview

SANYO has moved ahead in development placing high priority on improving the fundamental performance of the conventional camera while including dual still image & video clip features currently in demand in today's digital camera market. The MZ2 is the follow up model to the DSC-MZ1 released in June of 2001. While loaded with the same large CCD used in the DSC-MZ1 model that received high marks for its resolution, color reproduction and gray scaling the MZ2 has improved picture quality through the third generation image processing system LSI "Hyper RISC Graphic Processor III" [HRGPIII] compatible with moving images. Further more the MZ2 has been added with improvements in battery life and even easier to use jog dial function.

Main features

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Equipped with high Sensitive 4.4 μm pitch CCD resulting in improved gray scaling, color reproduction, and resolution combined with the third generation edition Image Processing System LSI [HRGPIII] compatible with video clips.

In order to achieve rich gray scale levels uses a top class 4.4 μｍ pitch 2 million pixel 1/1.8-inch CCD. SANYO has included primary filters for excellent color reproduction. Loaded with a CCD that uses a progressive span format enabling quick response for continuous photo shots at high speeds. This advanced CCD was designed with the idea of image production equivalent to the traditional camera while providing almost television like quality video clips. The system LSI for video-clip compatible "Mega-Pixel" image processing, the 3^rd generation [HRGP III] has been re-developed to maximize the CCD performance.

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Wide Dynamic Range Shot technology

Reduces black and white saturation and allows for smooth tone graduation. The Wide Dynamic Range Shot technology, in a single exposure captures two images (a bright and dark image) effectively controlling white and black saturation as well as shade noise. Through the use of the high speed progressive scanning CCD is now possible to shoot two images in a single exposure with out using a tripod.

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[Real Color Equalizer-2] a World First^1* that enables the color coordinates set on PC to be relayed via compact flash memory to the digital camera

With Real Color Equalizer technology achieve an improved precise color reproduction via the ability to independently correct 12 points of color. Real Color Equalizer-2 uses bundled PC software to expand color options in the user setup from 6 in the previous version to 12 color points. Color coordinates established on the users PC are read by the digital camera via compact flash memory in which up to 99 different color settings may be saved at any one time. Based on the principle of natural color reproduction, the MZ2 provides a wide range of photo possibilities with effective color reproduction meeting all types of photo needs.
　*1 For consumer use Digital Cameras (as of 2/26/02)

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2000 x 1496 Pixel (3-million pixel) Recording

Using SANYO's original algorithm employing three filters for pixel interpolation, record still images captured at 2-million pixels into 3-million pixel class quality pictures. Pixel conversion is done in real time allowing pictures to be taken in the same way as traditional digital cameras. By improving the high frequency characteristics, resolution has been improved over the previous model.

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Longest recording time in its class^*2 with a Maximum of up to 180 minutes of moving image enjoyment using [Video Clip with sound] Function.

The VPmixCCD, a CCD with built in vertical pixel mixing technology reduces noise and doubles effective sensitivity achieving top class^*3 picture quality for 640 x 480 pixel (VGA size) video clip comparable to that of TV quality^*4. Furthermore at a pixel size of 160 x 120, can capture a maximum of up to 180 minutes^*2 of video clips.


*2	When using 1 GB Micro Drive at 15 frames/per second. Maximum recording time per video clip: 5 minutes

*3	For 2-million pixel consumer use digital cameras at 640 Mode

*4	In order to replay video clips on PC, Quick Time 3.0 or above is necessary

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Movie Play Function

Video Clips at 320 Mode and 160 pixel mode can be viewed with improved resolution via Television eliminating noise associated with Motion JPEG using SANYO's "high speed pixel conversion processing" technology.

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Multi-play & Edit Function

Simple Edit features including digital "cut and splice" of video clips, copy of favorite video clip shots to still images, reverse play back, reverse search, and jog dial functions allow for easy frame fast forward and reverse offering user friendly environment not available in conventional film cameras.

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Class Top^*5 Speed 10 frames per second at 2-million pixels per frame Function

Exceeding the performance of single reflex cameras achieving a maximum speed of 15 continuous photos (1600 NORM Mode) at 2-million pixels per frame at a top speed^*3 of ten pictures per second. The MZ2 also comes equipped with a pre-capture function ideal for fast action sports shots or nature photos such as bird watching.


*5	- 1600 Mode: For 2-million pixel class consumer use digital camera (according to SANYO research as of February 26, 2002.)

Other Features

●	Improved Battery life via low energy consumption design

●	Loaded with "Scene Selection Shot" function allowing to choose ideal mode to meet the photograph conditions.

●	Comes with large fast response "Multi-Function Dial"

●	Included with PC connection Kit

Specifications

Model Number	DSC-MZ2
Camera Section Effective Pixels	1.95-million
Photo Image Pixel	1/1.8-inch 2.11-million Primary color progressive scan format CCD (Total Pixel Count)
Recording Media	Compact Flash (Type I/II) Microdrive
Recording Image FileFormat	Still: JPEG format, TIFF (Non-compression format) DCF^6, DPOF^7 compatible Video Clip: Quick time Movie (Photo JPEG), Voice: WAVE (mono)
Recording Pixel	Still Shot:2000:2000 x 1496 Pixel, 1600 : 1600 x 1200 pixel, 640: 640 x 480 pixel Video Clip: 640: 640 x 480 pixel, 320: 320 x 240 pixel, 160: 160 x 120 pixel
lens	f=7.25mm-20.3mm (35mm Film comparable to 35mm-98mm) Optical 2.8x F2.8 (W)-F4.8(T) Auto Focus
Photo Range	Macro: 10cm (W)/25cm (T)-50cm Standard: 50cm-and up
Shutter Speed	Still: 16-1/1000 sec (at time of flash 1/30-1/1000 sec) Continuous Picture: 1/10-10,000 sec Video Clip: 1/15-1/10000 sec
Digital Zoom	Recording: Maximum 5x (160 Mode) playback: Maximum 31x (2000 Mode)
Exposure Control	Program AE/shutter-priority/aperture-priority AE, Manual Exposure Compensation: ±1.8EV (0.3EV Step) photometry format: multi-split/central point/ spot
Sensitivity setup	Auto: ISO 100-200 equivalent, Manual: ISO 100/200/400 equivalent changeable type
White Balance	Auto: full auto TTL, Manual: 5 Mode changeable type
Flash	Built in Dimmer (automatic/forced luminance/red eye reduction
Sound	Mike: built in monaural Speaker: built in monaural
LCD Monitor	110,000 thousand pixel, 1.8-inch low temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD (Coverage 100% when connected with designated AV connection cable)
View Finder	Real image optical zoom view finder
Interface	AV output (Video: Composite Video NTSC/PAL compatible/sound : monaural) USB (Storage Class)
Power Source	AAA Nickel Metal Hydride Battery x 2 batteries (included) Designated Adapter (sold separately)
Battery Life period^*8	LCD OFF recording: App. 700 pictures/ LCD ON : App. 190 pictures/ continuous replay app. 130 minutes
Size	106 (W) x 63 (H) x 41 (D) mm
Weight	Approximately 230 g (main body)
Accessories	Dedicated AV connection cable, dedicated USB connection cable, SANYO Software Pack 6.1 CD-ROM, AAA Nickel Metal Hydride (2), Nickel Metal Hydride battery recharger, hand strap.


*6:	DCF is the abbreviation for (Design rule for Camera File system) established by the Japan Engineering Information Technology Association (JEITA).

*7:	The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is the format for recording on the recording media the designated information such as the frames and number of copies desired for print from the images taken on the digital camera.

*8:	When use compact flash (KA-DSM-C32G), CR-V3, at normal temperature flash use is 33% based on SANYO established measurement conditions. Results may vary according to operating conditions.