A device that functions as a USB PC camera, a digital camera and a live video recorder and fits easily into a shirt pocket, is now available in SA.
The size of a good cigar or highlighter/marker pen, the camera can be used in many roles, ranging from family snapshots to video conferencing or even for analysis of a golf swing, tennis serve or cricket bowling action.
The "PenCam Trio VGA", as the camera is known, takes snapshots in either high or low resolution giving 27 shots in high and 107 in low. It also takes seven seconds of live motion video in high resolution and 20 seconds in low and it can be attached to a PC system via USB cable to function as a PC camera on number of video-based software programs.
Manufactured by Aiptek of the US, the PenCam Trio is distributed exclusively in SA by the JSE-listed Square One Solutions Group and is sold at major retail outlets including Makro, Dion, Game and Incredible Connection at a recommended retail price, including VAT, of around R899.
"The PenCam enables users to send photographs and live videos to family, friends and customers via e-mail. Photographs can be posted on Web sites and edited to create greeting cards, calendars, album covers and the like. Users can also produce and edit their own home videos," says Lisa Jackson, Square One divisional manager responsible for the Aiptek products.
The PC operating system requirements for the PenCam are Microsoft Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Windows XP on a 200MHz or equivalent processor. Minimum RAM required is 32MB but 64MB is recommended. A video card with 2MB of RAM for a minimum 16-bit colour display, a USB port and 4X speed CD-ROM are also necessary.
The PenCam is supplied with PenCam manager software and is compatible with a range of capability-enhancing software, including Cyberlink VideoLive Mail, Ulead Video Studio, Ulead Photo Express, Ulead Cool 360, Ulead Photo Explorer and Microsoft NetMeeting (for video conferencing).
"A very useful feature of the PenCam is that, having created photos and video clips, the software supports one-button e-mailing to send the image directly to the recipients. There are also built-in image processing functions that make it easy to adjust brightness, contrast and clarity," adds Jackson.
The PenCam runs off two AAA-size alkaline batteries that supply enough power for the camera to take continuous snapshots for two hours. When connected to a USB port, the camera is driven by power from the PC.
It has an LCD display that gives battery low warning and identifies high and low resolution modes as well as video mode. There is a 10-second self-timer function and a CL function to clear all photos. The unit uses a 24-bit colour VGA CMOS image sensor and has 8MB of SDRAM built in for memory and images.
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Square One provides integrated IT-based solutions to corporate, retail and government clients through a reseller channel that, in turn, integrates such solutions for end-users. The core business of the company encompasses document handling and information sharing solutions; networking; hardware, software and consumable products distribution; Internet, IT security (biometrics) and e-commerce technologies; data storage; variable data product marking and coding solutions; uninterruptible power supplies; and value-added business services.
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