Konica Announces Miniature Card-Based Digital Camera

Intel's New Digital Media Makes Camera-to-PC Image Transfer Quick and Easy

FOLSOM, Calif., February 19, 1997-- The first digital camera to feature Intel's flash memory Miniature Card for image storage and transfer to the PC is now available by Konica Corporation, Intel Corporation said today.

Called the Q-EZ, the still digital camera comes bundled with a 2-Megabyte Series 100 Flash Memory Miniature Card from Intel. Images taken with Konica's Q-EZ camera are stored in the flash Miniature Card for easy transfer to a PC where photos can be manipulated and enhanced using off-the-shelf software programs, and be transmitted over the Internet.

"The integration of Miniature Card technology broadens the appeal of the Konica Q-EZ because it provides a cost-effective, efficient way to bring photos back to the PC," said Paul Gordon, Marketing and Advertising Director, Konica USA, Inc.

Konica is offering the camera with a Miniature Card-to-PC type 2 adapter for use in desktop and notebook PCMCIA slots. Konica also includes Photo Deluxe* image viewing software in the bundle. More information on Konica USA, Inc. products can be found at www.konica.com.

About the size of a matchbook, Miniature Cards are being designed into a variety of electronics products such as audio recorders, handheld computers and other handheld consumer devices, in addition to digital cameras. Miniature Cards enable compatible exchange of data between handheld consumer devices and personal computers.

The Miniature Card form factor is based on an industry-wide specification supported by over 40 companies in the PC and consumer electronic market segments, including Konica Corporation, Intel, Microsoft and Compaq.

The Miniature Card Implementers Forum (MCIF) promotes Miniature Card specification technology and its benefits of lower system costs, improved interoperability and greater capabilities to the users of electronic devices. In addition to Konica, camera suppliers Eastman Kodak, Nikon and Olympus Optical are MCIF members. MCIF information, including the design specification, is available through its world wide web home page at http://www.mcif.org.

Intel is the largest supplier of flash memory products worldwide, according to market research firms Dataquest, In-Stat and Semico.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.