BenQ E521, X600 and C800

January 5, 2006 | Mark Goldstein | Digital Compact Cameras | Comment |

BenQ Press Release

BenQ Announces New High-Performance, Ultra-Slim Digital Cameras; Stylish Cameras Include the World’s Smallest 6-Megapixel Camera, a 5-Megapixel Model with an OLED Advanced Display and a Versatile 8-Megapixel Model

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 5, 2006 BenQ, a leading manufacturer of digital lifestyle devices, today unveiled three new additions to its digital camera lineup, the X600, C800 and E521. The highlight of the three models is the X600, the world’s smallest 6-megapixel camera. All three digital cameras offer an ultra-slim, compact design and versatile feature set, and are ideal for consumers seeking a high-quality multi-function digital camera at an affordable price.

Equipped with Pentax’s Super-Multi Coating (SMC) lens and a 3X optical zoom, the X600 delivers true-to-life, crisp photos with pristine clarity and superb contrast. A 2.5-inch high-resolution LTPS LCD screen and VGA movie recording at 30fps with AVI (MPEG-4) format ensures comfortable viewing and super smooth movie clips. In addition, the X600 offers a smart photo-editing function that includes trimming, resizing, rotation, color filter, movie editing, all of which can be done via a touch of a few buttons on the camera itself.

The compact design and ultra-thin thickness of 1.9 cm make the X600 an ideal accessory for on-the-go consumers.

The E521 features a 5-megapixel CCD (charge-coupled device), 3X optical zoom, MPEG-4 movie format and 2.0-inch OLED advanced display screen for very sharp rendering of photos. Targeting technology “first adopters” who demand the most advanced solutions, the camera features Pentax’s Super-Multi Coating (SMC) lens, a 3X optical zoom and fluid VGA movie recording at 30fps with AVI (MPEG-4) format.

The compact C800 features an 8-megapixel CCD (charge-coupled device), 3X optical zoom, MPEG-4 movie format and a large 2.4-inch TFT LCD screen for clear and comfortable photo viewing. The camera comes equipped with a Printer Mode for direct printing via a compatible printer and Burst Mode that enables four (4) shots to be taken per snap. The camera can be used as a Dictaphone and is bundled with 26MB of built-in memory.

Technical Specifications: -0-

            X600         E521         C800
Resolution     6 megapixel     5 megapixel     8 megapixel
Display       2.5” color LTPS   2.0” color OLED   2.4” color TFT
            LCD (968x240     (640x240 pixels)  LCD (480x234
            pixels)                    pixels)
Movie         VGA 30fps, MPEG4 VGA 30fps, MPEG4 VGA 30fps, MPEG4
Internal Memory   23MB         20MB         26MB
CIPA Power     150 shots       250 shots       80 shots
Size         85.5 x 53.5 x   89 x 58.5 x     89 x 60.5 x
            19 mm         23.7 mm       32.7 mm

Pricing and Availability:

                  X600       E521       C800
Estimated Street Price   $399       $299       $229
Availability         Currently   January 2006   January 2006
                  available

About BenQ Group
The BenQ Group is currently comprised of 10 companies that operate independently while sharing resources and leveraging synergies among them. The BenQ Group companies include AU Optronics Corp., the world’s third-largest manufacturer of LCD panels; Darfon Electronics Corp.; Daxon Technology Inc.; Airoha Technology Corp.; Darly Venture Inc.; BenQ Guru Software Co. Ltd.; Philips BenQ Digital Storage; and Cando Corp. 2004 revenues for BenQ Group exceeded US$10.8 billion.

BenQ Corp. consists of three main business groups—Computing Products, Digital Media and Mobile Business. Although these business groups encompass a broad range of products, each retains a focus on providing consumer-oriented solutions designed especially for the digital lifestyle. 2004 revenues exceeded US$5.1 billion. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at http://www.BenQ.us.