DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Mustek MDC-500 Digital Camera Introduction

Family-Friendly 5.0 Megapixel Mustek Digital Camera Offers Point-and-Shoot Simplicity & Video Recording

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2006) — Continuing to make advanced digital imaging fun and accessible, Mustek USA today announced its new MDC 500, a five-megapixel digital camera that doubles as a video camcorder that records 320 x 240 MPEG movies in full motion with audio.

Offering the point-and-shoot convenience of traditional cameras, the Mustek MDC 500 is the perfect “digicam” for families making their first move from film to pixels, as well as for more experienced digital photographers looking for an affordable step-up to five megapixel performance.

Delivering detail-rich, true color JPEG images in print sizes up to 20 x 30 inches, the camera packs big features into its slim, stylish body. The fixed-focus lens (F=3.0, f=6.22) with 4X digital zoom, built-in flash system with red-eye reductions, and array of automatic features combine to make it easy to get the right shot even in unfavorable lighting conditions The large 1.7" high-resolution LCD (480 x 240) provides vivid color reproduction when framing or reviewing pictures.

Automatic or Manual Controls
Versatility is a hallmark of all Mustek products, and the MDC 500 is no exception. The photographer can select from a choice of resolution settings to meet their needs, from “Fine” mode’s 3702 x 2304 (interpolation) for large-scale color printing to Economy mode’s 640 x 480 resolution for website size images.

In addition, the MDC 500 is equipped with preset “Scene” modes that automatically calculate the compensation needed to provide a clear, crisp image depending on which scene is selected – auto, night mode, sports, portrait, landscape or backlight. As the photographer grows more comfortable with the MDC 500 they’ll want to explore the manual exposure (0.5 EV step, -2.0 to +2.0) and white balance modes (auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent) for more creative results.

Storage For Movies & Photos
Equipped with internal memory of 16MB, the MDC 500 also takes full advantage of the small form-factor of SD/MMC storage cards with guaranteed storage of up to 1GB. Transferring the photos from the camera to a computer (PC/Mac) is accomplished via the super-fast USB 2.0 interface. All required cables are included.

Because the camera’s data compression system keeps rates low, it is possible for the MDC 500 to record high-quality movies with 320 x 240 resolution at 24 frames per second (fps). Individual movie clips can last as long as 15 minutes. What's more, features such as digital zooming offer the shooter greater freedom and flexibility while making movies.

A perfect balance of form and function, the sleek, all-aluminum MDC 500 measures .9 inch thick and weighs .18 lbs. Its ergonomic design includes strategically placed controls for convenient photo and movie shooting, plus a sliding lens cover that makes holding the camera more secure while protecting the flash and lens.

Pricing & Availability
The Mustek MDC 500 is currently available at select retailers and on-line sites with an MSRP of $129.99 (U.S.). Included accessories are a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, Photo Express and Photo Explorer software, camera bag and strap, USB cable, universal AC/DC power adapter and a getting started manual.

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.