Sanyo clicks with digital camera

Sanyo has pipped its rivals by launching the first digital camera of 1998. The Sanyo digiCAM VPCX300 has a 2in Polysilicon TFT LCD display, enabling users to instantly see the pictures taken, and delete, review or store them. The camera is capable of a resolution of 1024 x 768 and offers XGA compatibility. It can be used with both PCs and Apple Macs. Another key feature is the removable Smartmedia memory card for image storage. This is a 4Mb card that slots into the camera, and is capable of storing up to 60 high-resolution pictures, or 120 at standard resolution. The pictures can then be downloaded directly on to the user's PC. Users can also upload text files to the Smartmedia card, for graphics presentations. Using the bundled MGI PhotoSuite software, users can manipulate images and create presentations with a mixture of text, graphics and photographs. With this capability, and the option to connect the camera to a projector, Sanyo claims the product acts as a lightweight alternative to notebook computers for delivering presentations. The camera also boasts a 3x zoom facility, a 9x multishot sequence/ repeat picture and up to four seconds voice capturing per image. The Sanyo digiCAM VPCX300 is priced at #700. It is targeted at the professional business and commercial markets, including architects and designers. Sanyo: 01923 477137.