Polaroid Introduces PDC 640 Modem Camera for Instant Internet Photo Sharing

Feb. 12-- Polaroid today introduced an exciting new image capture and sharing device enabling instant transfer of photos to the Internet without a PC. Ideal for travelling business professionals or consumers on the go, the Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 640 Modem Camera is a full-featured 640 x 480 resolution digital camera with a built-in 56.6K modem. At the single press of a button, this innovative new camera provides computer-free, mobile uploading and sharing of digital images via the Web from any U.S. phone line.
Scheduled for retail availability in April, the PDC 640 Modem Camera is part of a new generation of integrated, mobile digital imaging and printing solutions from Polaroid. The PDC 640 Modem Camera has all of the features of a traditional VGA digital camera and, when connected to a standard phone jack, offers the added capability of instant image sharing by uploading images to the PolaroidDigital.com Web site. From there, images can be manipulated, emailed, sent to the Polaroid Digital Picture Frame (a PC-free way to display digital images), or even downloaded to an online auction site. From the camera's CompactFlash card, photos can also be instantly printed on archive- quality Polaroid instant film from the Polaroid P-500 Portable Digital Photo Printer. Together, these products deliver on Polaroid's vision to provide truly mobile solutions for the capture, sharing and output of images. "In addition to being a full-featured digital camera, the Modem Camera allows for immediate image sharing via the Internet," said Terry Carlson, divisional vice president of marketing, Polaroid Corporation. "We see the product as ideal for mobile business users, such as insurance appraisers and adjusters, who need to transfer images immediately from the field to their home office. The Modem Camera is also valuable for general consumers, such as vacationing families who can upload, store and share their travel photos on the Web, while also freeing up memory cards for more picture taking."

The PDC 640 Modem Camera holds a CompactFlash card and captures images just like a traditional VGA resolution camera. To utilize the modem feature, the camera must be registered at the PolaroidDigital.com Web site to activate service and access to CeivaNet. The service allows for an unlimited number of image uploads at an annual subscription of less than five dollars per month. To upload photos to the Web, users simply plug the PDC 640 Modem Camera into any U.S. phone jack and press the "INET" button. At 640 x 480 resolution, upload time is less than one minute per picture.

The PDC 640 Modem Camera offers multiple image resolution modes, 56.6K built-in modem and 2 MB of internal memory. The camera also features a 1.8- inch LCD monitor, an optical viewfinder, CompactFlash card slot, three flash modes and self-timer. The camera comes complete with PhotoMAX Image Maker Software, 4 AA batteries, serial and USB cables for PC connection, phone cable and carrying pouch.

Pricing and Distribution
Suggested U.S. retail price for the Polaroid PDC 640 Modem Camera is $249.99. The Modem Camera will be available at selected major retailers, including discount stores, mass market retailers, computer and traditional photographic stores nationwide.

SOURCE Polaroid Corporation

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