EI-3000

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February, 10th 2001

PENTAX, a pioneer and long-time leader in SLR camera technology, is proud to introduce the digital EI-3000, a camera that combines the creative freedom and control of an SLR with the convenience and versatility of a digital camera. By following the classic lines of an SLR and placing the lens at the center of the camera body, the EI-3000 provides a natural sense of balance and stability, giving the user the perfect platform for exploring its full range of functions and features.

Precise images begin with the EI-3000’s superior 3X PENTAX optical zoom lens with a range of 8.2mm - 25.8mm (equivalent to 34mm - 107mm in 35mm format). The EI-3000 offers superb, high-definition images with fine gradations, thanks to the combined power of the 3.43 megapixel, 2/3-inch frame-transfer CCD, providing a large light reception area; a PENTAX zoom lens which delivers sharp, high-contrast images; a 12-bit A/D converter and HP Imaging Technology.

This SLR-style digital camera offers the manual control to manipulate subject and light as desired, yet it gives the user the power to select from an extensive array of settings to suit every need. At the touch of a button, simple selections can be made in terms of exposure modes, metering modes, focusing and white balance. And, with USB connectivity to most PCs, the images can be every bit as versatile as they are impressive.

Major Features of the PENTAX EI-3000:

Ergonomic SLR camera body design
The EI-3000 employs a traditional camera design that places the lens almost at the center of the body. As a result, it offers the natural balance and familiar feel of a 35mm SLR camera. In addition, the ergonomically designed curves in the body and rubber surface on the front ensure secure handling. For framing accuracy, the EI-3000 is equipped with an SLR-type optical viewfinder that provides a more natural and clearer image than that of a digital viewfinder. The optical viewfinder has a field of view of 95% with diopter adjustment from –3 to +1. Excellent shooting freedom is assured by the 2-inch TFT color LCD monitor, which flips up through 90 degrees for a greater range of viewing angles.

High-density CCD and high-performance HP Imaging Technology™
Top-quality images are delivered by the high-density 3.43 megapixel, 2/3 inch frame transfer CCD with a 12 bit A/D converter. PENTAX boosts image quality further by employing excellent HP Imaging Technology, which adjusts light and shade for faithful representation of natural colors, in addition to ASIC picture treatment technology. Dark Frame Subtraction* is also incorporated in order to produce a higher quality of exposure in night scenes. Images can be recorded with a high resolution of 2000 x 1600 pixels and 1000 x 800 pixels (5:4 ratio of width to height).
HP Imaging Technology was developed by Hewlett Packard Company.
* Dark Frame Subtraction technology reduces the incidence of interference during long exposures.

Automatic and manual settings for light sensitivity
Automatic ISO equivalent settings allow the EI-3000 to take advantage of the finer characteristics of the CCD image sensor. When necessary, four manual ISO settings (ISO 50, 100, 200, 400) are available.

File Format and Storage Media
The EI-3000 is compatible with JPEG (compressed) and TIFF (uncompressed) images as well as DPOF (Digital Print Order Format). The JPEG compression ratio has 3 levels to choose from (good, better, best) available in two image sizes (full size and 1/4 size).

High-resolution zoom lens with large f/2.5 – f/3.9 apertures for excellent capture of light
The EI-3000’s superior 3X PENTAX zoom lens has a range of 8.2mm - 25.8mm (equivalent to a 34mm-107mm lens in 35mm format) and generous f/2.5 – f/3.9 apertures as well as one glass-mold type aspherical element. The digital zoom function offers 1.2X, 1.8X and 3.5X capability.

High-precision focusing system with autofocus, manual and macro
The EI-3000 provides excellent focusing freedom with a range of choices. With the highly precise autofocus system, the user can select wide or spot focusing areas to suit the subject matter. The EI-3000 also allows users to select either AF Lock (with the focus-lock function and audible confirmation) or Continuous AF. The manual focus function simplifies manual adjustment for distances from 0.33 ft. (10cm) to infinity. The macro shooting mode delivers impressive results at distances of just 0.07 ft.** (2cm) between the subject and the lens. This means that a shot taken of a postage stamp from 2cm will result in an image large enough to fill a TV screen or computer monitor.
** Maximum capability in macro shooting mode allows telephoto focusing as close as 0.07 ft.

Three TTL metering choices for ideal exposure every time
The selection of three TTL metering choices expands the realm of creative photography. The freedom to choose among average, center-weighted and spot metering makes it easy to set the right exposure for each type of photograph.

Six Picture Modes and four exposure modes for fine-tuning
The EI-3000 employs a selection of six Picture Modes to provide a dynamic choice with dial control operation for creative visual effects. The choices of Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action and Night Scene make it easy to capture each shot as intended. PENTAX adds to this versatility with a choice of four exposure modes. Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes give the user complete control over exposure. An AE lock button allows the exposure settings to be locked in difficult lighting situations.

Exposure compensation and auto bracketing
Exposure can be adjusted from –3 to +3 EV in 0.5 steps. Auto bracketing is also available, taking three consecutive shots in 0.5 or 1.0 EV steps.

Variety of convenient Drive Mode functions
The EI-3000 offers a range of Drive Modes for excellent shooting flexibility. The choice of modes includes one-shot shooting, continuous shooting, time-lapse shooting, remote control and self-timer.

Retractable Flash
When not in use, the built-in TTL auto flash retracts. When needed, it pops up at the push of a button.

External Flash
The EI-3000 can be used in combination with an external flash*** with an automatic light metering function, such as the AF201SA. This provides the capability for bounce-shooting techniques as well as more options during difficult lighting conditions.
*** External flash cannot be used simultaneously with the built-in auto flash.

Eight White Balance Modes for creative light expression
The EI-3000’s eight different White Balance Modes provide the creative means to depict light in the desired colors. The Auto, Auto Daylight, Cloudy (6500K), Sunny (5500K), Halogen (3100K), Incandescent (2850K), Warm Fluorescent and Cool Fluorescent White Balance Modes assist the user in controlling light and colors to capture images exactly as they are perceived by the eye.

Large LCD monitor and a viewfinder with built-in LCD
The large, easy-to-view LCD monitor shows a variety of shooting information including battery level, flash modes, exposure counter, shutter speed, aperture, drive mode information and AF frame. It is also capable of presenting information in the form of a bar graph, which is particularly useful for setting exposure compensation or Metered Manual mode. An additional LCD built into the viewfinder allows users full control of shooting features without having to look away from the viewfinder.

Up to 45 seconds of convenient sound recording per image
The EI-3000 offers the choice of recording up to 45 seconds of sound with each image. The recording of quality sounds with the images adds another dimension to digital still photography.

Review Mode and Presentation Mode
Review Mode functions include deleting, editing, categorizing and find to make digital photography more versatile and fun, while the Presentation Mode allows the user to see images magnified 2X and to play back a series of images just like a slide show. Photographic data such as f-number, shutter speed, exposure compensation value, ISO setting, focal length equivalent to 35mm format, etc. can also be superimposed on images.

Auto image rotation — no need for additional software
The EI-3000 automatically recognizes images shot vertically without the aid of additional software. Images rotated via the use of a PC tend to suffer compromised image quality. The EI-3000 preserves a higher degree of image quality by rotating the image within the camera.

High-speed infrared data transmission and video capability
The USB disk drive of the EI-3000 transmits data at high speed to any PC with standard software and enables users to view images or make alterations to them. IrDA data transmission is also possible with other devices equipped with Digita™ including other EI-3000s or printers equipped with HP JetSend™. For video output the EI-3000 is equipped with a standard AV output jack. A DC input jack is also provided for use with AC adapter.

Digita™: an advanced user interface
The EI-3000 is loaded with Digita, the standard software of digital imaging. This allows images to be transmitted via infrared**** to other Digita-equipped cameras. Digita simplifies the use of the camera with drop-down menus and a graphical interface, allows functional customization through Digita Script™, and can be upgraded through software downloads. A selection of additional scripts are also available for both personal and business use.
**** Infrared system conforms to IrDA standards.

Power Sources
The EI-3000 takes standard rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It can be also powered by AA batteries when using the optional AA battery holder. This is convenient in situations such as traveling, where recharging is not an option. An optional AC adapter is also available.

HP Imaging Technology and HP JetSend are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Digita, and Digita Script are trademarks of FlashPoint Technology, Inc.
CompactFlash and CF are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation.
Pentax is a trademark of Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Pentax EI-3000 Specifications