Creative introduces new brand of multi-faceted PC cameras

Creative Technology, the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, has introduced a line of PC cameras with a bold new form factor and smart set of features.

Available soon in SA at an estimated street price of R1 599.99, the PC-CAM 300 is the first in this new line of compact portable digital cameras that connect to the PC to double as webcams.

While staying true to Creative`s tradition of combining the convenience and flexibility of a portable digital camera and a desktop PC webcam into one product, the PC-CAM 300 is loaded with features such as an advanced CCD image sensor for realistic skin tones, vibrant colours and clearer video.

Thanks to the added multi-mode flash (with red-eye reduction), users can now take pictures in the shade or dimly lit surroundings with less worry about dark or blurred images. With 8MB of built-in memory, the camera stores up to 128 snapshots at 640x480 resolution or 255 snapshots at 320x240 resolution when the camera is detached from the PC.

The introduction of the PC-CAM 300 transforms the look and feel of Creative`s traditional camera products. An exciting and ergonomic form factor allows the camera to fit comfortably into the palm.

"Users will be pleased with this organic new look, and how comfortably it fits into your hand," noted Hock Leow, Chief Technology Officer of Creative. "This palm-size camera not only feels comfortable, but captures images with superior performance as well. With added features such as a strobe flash and an advanced CCD image capture, the PC-CAM 300 is our most compelling camera to date."

Unlike other PC cameras, the PC-CAM 300 features the ability to record up to 75 seconds of full-motion video with audio. Users will also enjoy the camera`s digital voice recorder, which can record up to 34 minutes of audio.

When the camera is attached to the PC, the included Creative Webcam Photo Editor software will allow consumers to easily edit and retouch captured images in an easy-to-navigate program. PC-CAM 300 users can then share them with family and friends - via e-mail, video e-mail, video conference, or by uploading to a Web site.

PC-CAM 300 features and benefits:

• .         Portability: combines the convenience and flexibility of a desktop PC webcam and a portable digital camera in one product;

• .         Image Quality: an advanced CCD sensor enables brighter, clearer stills and videos, realistic skin tones and vibrant colours at 640x480 resolution or 1024x768 resolution with interpolation - the best image quality yet from Creative;

• .         Multi-mode Strobe Flash: strobe flash with red-eye reduction allows the flexibility to take snapshots indoors, at night, and in low-light surroundings;

• .         Comfortable Form Factor: Ergonomically designed, this organic form factor fits comfortably into one`s hand;

• .         Focus-free Lens: high-quality glass lens with range of two feet to infinity makes taking snapshots quick and easy;

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• .         Built-in Memory: 8MB allows for storage of up to 128 images at 640x480 resolution without the fuss of memory cards;

• .         Video and Voice Recording: captures up to 75 seconds of full-motion video with audio or up to 34 minutes of audio; and

• .         Self-timer Mode: allows the user to get into the picture.

• .         PC-CAM 300 software

• .         The PC-CAM 300 comes with an extensive quality software bundle for video conferencing, Web publishing, photo editing, and much more. Software titles include:

• .         Creative PC-CAM Center: easily adjust camera settings, capture motion video and take snapshots to place in a PC photo album;

• .         Creative Webcam Photo Editor: a powerful yet simple-to-use photo editor for editing, retouching and adding special effects to snapshots;

• .         Creative WebCam Monitor: record video, set up a security camera or publish a Web site. Includes support for FTP uploads via either dial-up or "always on" Internet connections and simplifies Web publishing with a collection of professionally designed Web templates and graphics;

• .         PixAround PixMaker Creative Edition: allows transformation of single images into interactive 360-degree panoramas for posting on the Web, sending via e-mail or creating Web pages and postcards;

• .         Valadeo LiveSite: this Web site creation and publishing package enables communication and sharing of images and information with friends and family over the Internet;

• .         Oozic Player: experience, customize and share interactive 3D audio; and

• .         Microsoft Internet Features: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 enables Internet usage and Microsoft NetMeeting provides multi-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, file transferring and point-to-point audio and video capabilities.

Pricing and availability

Creative PC-CAM 300 is available at retail outlets at an estimated street price of R1 599.99. The camera comes bundled with a cradle to hold it securely on top of the PC or monitor, wrist strap for conveniently taking the camera on the go, USB cable and four AAA batteries. For more information, please visit http://webcam.creative.com/products/pccam300/.