DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Mustek MDC830z Digital Camera Introduction

Packs Breathtaking 8.1 Megapixel Resolution Into Fun, Easy-to-Use Digital Camera

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2006) - Combining today’s most advanced imaging technologies with its signature ease-of-use, Mustek today introduced the MDC830Z, an 8.1 megapixel digital camera boasting an advanced lens system with 3X optical zoom, a 2.5 inch high- resolution LCD, and an array of creative manual controls. Priced at only $299.99 (U.S.), the MDC830Z sets a new benchmark for digital camera value in the eight-megapixel class.

“The MDC830Z is a fun, full-featured camera that anyone can enjoy, from experienced photographers to first time novices,” said Bill Nguyen, Director of Marketing and Sales Development, Mustek USA. “Great photos start with a great camera, and the MDC830Z is the best digital camera Mustek has ever introduced.”

The MDC830Z helps consumers achieve professional photographic results thanks to its auto-focus (AF) Super Zoom™ lens equipped with F2.8-F4.8 brightness and a focal distance of 7.5mm to 22.5mm (comparable to a 36mm to 108mm lens on a 35mm film camera). When used together, its 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom achieve 12x zooming power, helping bring far-off subjects well within range.

PERFECT FOR LARGE SIZE PRINTS

The heart of the MDC830Z is its 8.1 megapixel CCD. It gives photographers the flexibility to blow up their shots to the larger sizes supported by today's color printers, or to crop them into only that section that is important to them. Super-fine mode rewards photographers with breathtaking 3312 x 2485 TIFF or JPEG images that rival the quality of cameras costing hundreds of dollars more. Depending on the setting, photographers can also shoot at 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200 or 640 x 480 resolutions. Once captured, the photos are transferred via the lightning-fast USB 2.0 interface into a Windows® or Apple Macintosh computer.

MANUAL CONTROLS FOR PRO-LIKE PERFORMANCE

While the MDC830Z gives first-time digital photographers the convenience of automatic settings for out-of-the-box use, it also has the manual controls that seasoned shooters crave. These include manual light exposure (1/3EV step, -2 to +2EV), white balance settings for a variety of environments such as cloudy and fluorescent lighting, shutter speeds in a range of 2 seconds to 1/1500 second, digital effects (negative, B&W, polarized), and several flash modes to help perfectly capture memories. There are also environment-specific scene modes to choose from such as landscape, candlelight, sunset and sports, plus a self-timer (2 seconds, 10 seconds) to help put the photographer in the picture.

BIG SCREEN EXCITEMENT

Large and dazzling with 882 x 228 pixel resolution, the MDC830Z’s 2.5-inch LTPS TFT LCD beautifully displays photographs in vibrant color with utmost clarity. The wide viewing angle on the vertical and horizontal axis allows everyone gathered around the screen to see the photos right here, right now without requiring a download to a PC. Another benefit of the huge screen is that text and numbers on the camera's menus are enlarged for improved viewing.

Storage of digital photographs plays a critical role in photographic experience. That’s why Mustek incorporated into the MDC830Z both internal and external memory, building in 32MB of storage plus support of removable, reusable SD™ memory cards up to 1GB.

MORE FEATURES, MORE FUN

Why stop at photographs? With the MDC830Z, the user can also record 640 x 480 resolution, 25 frame-per-second video with audio in ASF format. It even digitally records voice in WAV file format, a great addition for capturing important business meetings or classroom lectures.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

Priced at $299.99 (U.S.), the new Mustek MDC830Z is currently available at select stores and on-line retailers. It comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, USB and AV cables, universal AC/DC power adapter, a camera strap, user manual, plus Photo Express™ 5.0 and Photo Explorer™ 8.0 software to edit and manage photography.

For more information, please visit www.mustek.com or call 949-790-3800.

About Mustek, Inc.

Founded in 1988, Mustek is a leading manufacturer of innovative imaging products integrating new technologies to improve and expand the consumer’s ability to explore the future of digital vision. Mustek was first established with a focus on handheld and flatbed scanners. It has now grown to include an extensive line of consumer electronics such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, DVD players, home theater systems, portable electronics and computer peripherals. Located in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Mustek's manufacturing facilities are world leaders (by volume) of scanner production. Mustek USA is the North American arm of Mustek and is located in Irvine, California.