Announcing the release of two new models of the 4-megapixel high-speed full-memory consecutive shooting digital cameras incorporating a high magnification 10x optical zoom lens
KYOCERA Finecam M400R	KYOCERA Finecam M410R

Kyocera Corporation (President: Yasuo Nishiguchi) is announcing the release of two newly developed models of 4-megapixel digital cameras incorporating a high magnification 10x optical zoom lens, the Kyocera Finecam M400R and the Kyocera Finecam M410R in late March. Both models provide high-speed consecutive shooting at 3.3 frames per second up to the full capacity of the memory card (*1) and high image quality. The Kyocera Finecam M400R features portability while the Kyocera Finecam M410R has rapid shooting performance.

KYOCERA Finecam M400R (the lower image is the reverse side)	KYOCERA Finecam M410R (the lower image is the reverse side)

Background to the development
The two models to be released soon are new style digital cameras incorporating a high magnification 10x zoom lens in response to the user requirement for photographing distant objects closer up. The cameras also provide high image quality and high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting by the adoption of Kyocera's proprietary, image processing system, RTUNE.
Based on the concept, "shooting consecutively to capture a moment," in other words, taking not one shot but multiple shots of the same subject to keep the best one, combining the elements of high magnification, high-speed consecutive shooting and high image quality allows the cameras to perform best under different situations where it is difficult to get close to the subject to photograph it.
To enhance their functionality, the cameras also incorporate new functions, such as the AF continuous shooting function (at up to two frames per second) that keeps focusing on the moving subject during consecutive shooting and a super-fine electronic viewfinder equivalent to 300,000 pixels.
The Kyocera Finecam M400R is targeted for family users and is designed focusing on portability, with the lens barrel concealed. The Kyocera Finecam M410R is targeted at camera enthusiasts and accomplished amateurs, and has a shorter startup time with reduced movements for storage by the extended lens barrel. A filter can also be attached to the lens by using the supplied adapter ring (*2).

(*1) Full-memory consecutive shooting means shooting successive images at high speed until the capacity of the memory card is reached. It is available when using an SD memory card formatted by the camera body with a transfer speed of at least 10 MB per second for high-speed recording. Even with a transfer speed of 10 MB per second, the camera may not perform to the maximum depending on the type of memory card. Free capacity may remain in the memory card depending on the shooting conditions. The consecutive shooting speed differs depending on the shooting conditions, the camera settings and memory card status.

(*2) To shoot when using the built-in flash with the filter or conversion lens attached to the adapter ring, the range of use is limited depending on the position of the zoom or the shape of the installed filter or conversion lens.

The products will be exhibited at the PMA International Convention & Trade Show, the trade show of image equipment held in Las Vegas, United States from February 12 to February 15, 2004 (local time).

Features of the products

Features common to the Finecam M400R and Finecam M410R
1.A High Magnification 10x Optical Zoom Lens and Bright Lens f-stop (F2.8-3.1)
Many users expect digital cameras to enable to take distant objects closer up. In response to this need, the Kyocera Finecam M400R and the Kyocera Finecam M410R incorporate a bright 10x optical zoom lens at F2.8 to 3.1 with a focal length of 5.7 to 57 mm (equivalent to 37 mm to 370 mm in 35-mm format cameras). By combining this feature with the digital maximum 6x zoom (*3), you can photograph at a maximum of 60x zoom. You can also photograph the subject at a minimum of 10 cm from the front of the lens.

(*3) When the recording image size is 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480: Up to 6x. When 1600 x 1200: Up to 5x. When 2272 x 1704: Up to 4x.

2.The Kyocera Proprietary Image Processing System, RTUNE
High-speed, full-memory, consecutive shooting
The Finecam M400R and the Finecam M410R provide full-memory, consecutive shooting at a maximum of 3.3 frames per second with best image quality while boasting high 4,000,000 effective pixels. The liquid-crystal monitor follows the display images in real time during consecutive shooting. It is sometimes difficult to photograph subjects, as in the case of children or pets with fleeting expressions, moving subjects in at a sporting event or a group photograph with a number of people. Taking consecutive photographs enables you to select the best shots afterward. Unexpected photos may also result from consecutive shooting. Kyocera believes that this new photographic style is the great advantage that digital cameras have over conventional cameras.

* Full-memory consecutive shooting means shooting successive images at high speed until the capacity of the memory card is reached. It is available when using an SD memory card formatted by the camera body with a transfer speed of at least 10 MB per second for high-speed recording. Even with a transfer speed of 10 MB per second, the camera may not perform to the maximum depending on the type of memory card. Free capacity may remain in the memory card depending on the shooting conditions. The consecutive shooting speed differs depending on the shooting conditions, the camera settings and memory card status.

Images with a fine array of gradations
The high-speed processor of the image processing system, RTUNE, consists of an analog front end and a digital processor. It first adjusts the RGB color balance of the analog data received in the CCD at the analog front end, and then converts it to a digital signal (A/D conversion).
The A/D conversion process provides 16-bit internal conversion of the data and sends it as 12-bit digital data to the next digital processor. The digital processor that receives the digital data produces the final image data and outputs it at high speed, creating low-noise digital data. By drastically reducing a wide range of noise generated in the digital images, it is possible to reproduce natural color and a fine array of gradations.To reproduce clear images, the Finecam M400R and Finecam M410R use a 1/2.7'' square pixel CCD with an original color filter, featuring 4,230,000 pixels in total.

3. AF Continuous Shooting Function that Stays Focused on the Moving Subject
The Finecam M400R and the Finecam M410R enhance the consecutive shooting function and incorporate an AF Continuous shooting function that follows moving subjects. It provides superlative performance under conditions in which it was previously difficult to take the photographs you liked, such as a shot of the finish line at an athletics carnival or your pets moving around. Even at AF continuous shooting, the cameras allow full-memory consecutive shooting at up to two frames per second.

4. Newly Developed Electronic Viewfinder, Equivalent to Super-Fine 300,000 Pixels
The viewfinder is an important device when composing a picture. The cameras incorporate an electronic viewfinder that uses a newly developed 0.26” ferroelectric liquid crystal device featuring low power consumption, equivalent to 300,000 pixels. By displaying each RGB color successively at high speed in time division, the device can provide a bright, high-resolution image. You can take your photographs while carefully checking each item of photographic information displayed in the viewfinder.

5. Clear, Smooth Recording Function for VGA Moving Images with Audio
The cameras enable you to easily shoot superfine, clear and smooth moving images of VGA size (640 x 480 pixels) with audio at 30 frames/second up to the maximum capacity of the memory card (*4).
The record file is in AVI format and you can play it back easily on the liquid crystal monitor of the camera or a personal computer. You can also enjoy watching it on a big screen by connecting the video output terminal of the camera to a TV set. (To play back your moving images on a personal computer, it is necessary to install QuickTime 4.1 or later.)

(*4) It is possible to shoot moving images up to the maximum capacity of the memory card when using an SD memory card with a transfer speed of at least 10 MB per second for high-speed recording. Even with a transfer speed of 10 MB per second, the camera may not perform to the maximum depending on the type of memory card (Free capacity may remain depending on the shooting images).

6. A Scene Mode that Facilitates the Photographic Settings according to the Situation and an Auto Mode that Reduces Mistakes
The cameras incorporate a scene mode that enables the camera to make the most suitable photographic settings according to the situation, based on four predefined settings. They are: Portrait, Sport, Night View and Night View Portrait. Each of the settings can be easily selected using the Scene button. The cameras also have two auto modes, Single Shooting Auto and Continuous Shooting Auto, which assist beginners in minimizing mistakes when taking photographs.

7. Support for PictBridge, the Industry Standard for Printing Images
The cameras support PictBridge, the industry standard for printing images. By directly connecting via USB to a printer that supports the PictBridge standard, you can print out your photographs while checking the printed image without using a personal computer. You can also make settings for the printing conditions, such as the number of images to be printed, using the camera monitor.

Features Unique to the Finecam M410R

1. High-Speed Startup by Incorporating a High Magnification Zoom Lens
By extending the lens barrel and not retracting the lens when the camera is not in use, the Finecam M410R has substantially reduced the startup time while incorporating a high magnification 10x optical zoom lens.

2. Use of Commercially Available Filters and Accessories Using the Attached Adapter Ring
You can use a commercially available 52-mm filter or a conversion lens, such as a wide/telephoto converter, by putting the attached adapter ring at the front of the lens barrel. It allows you to shoot while checking the effects of the filter or conversion lens directly through the viewfinder or the liquid crystal monitor.

Additional Information

Using the Finecam M400R and Finecam M410R with a personal computer
Windows requirements:
OS: Preinstalled with Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition or Professional. Performance is not guaranteed if these operating systems are upgraded. 64MB memory or more, USB terminal and CD-ROM drive.
For Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE, a USB driver will need to be installed. The USB driver is included on the CD-ROM that comes with your camera.

Macintosh requirements:
OS: Preinstalled with MacOS9.0 to 9.2 or OS X v.10.3 (excluding the OS X server). Performance is not guaranteed if these operating systems are upgraded. USB terminal and CD-ROM drive.

* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* QuickTime, Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. in the United States.
* Other company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Optional accessories

Product name	Model	Price	Release date
SD/MMC reader (USB interface) Components: 1) Reader body 2) USB cable (1 m) 3) Driver software CD-ROM Windows 98/Me/2000/XP (not compatible with NT) MacOS8.6 USB Version 1.33f2 or later (compatible with OS X)	SDR-1	6,090 yen (Body price 5,800 yen plus tax 290 yen)	Now on sale
AC adapter	AC-73L	4,725 yen (Body price 4,500 yen plus tax 225 yen)	Now on sale