7 new compact digital cams from Agfa

Written by Adorama News Writer
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Published on March 1, 2009
Adorama News Writer
Adorama ALC

de three Optima models, which offer extensive scene modes. One model, the 1338mT, has a 3-inch touch screen for viewing and control, and the ability to record videos in a YouTube friendly format. The 8328m offers full manual exposure control. The three Optima cameras are refreshingly modest in their resolution, offering a reasonable 8MP, and boasting sub-$200 pricetags. Rounding out Agfa’s new cameras are two models that boast a really big shutter release button (just like they used to do on film cameras) and a still/video hybrid model.



For details, read the Agfa press releases:


PMA 09: AgfaPhoto presents a digital camera for nature and sports fans



The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is ideal for diving, hiking and skiing



Las Vegas (USA) / Uhingen (Germany), March 2nd, 2009. Only a few days are left until AgfaPhoto releases the new outdoor camera AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW. The new camera will be launched at the PMA in Las Vegas, from March 3rd through to March 5th, 2009, in the South Hall at booth A 271.



Waterproof, frost-proof and shockproof


The extra sturdy, but lightweight digital camera is an ideal companion on the go, delivering a great performance in every one of your favorite sports and activities. It can be used for diving up to a depth of ten meters (33 feet) and, needless to mention, also takes pictures in the rain. The camera is also fit for winter, because it is frost-proof up to a temperature of -5°C (22°F). Even a fall doesn’t throw the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW off balance, as it is shockproof for a fall from a height of one meter (3.3 feet). The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW comes with a built-in image stabilizer, which guarantees that real-life action shots don’t get blurry. Taking unique souvenir photos of ski trips and sleigh rides is a cinch. For this purpose you may also want to use the panorama function, which is ideally suited for wide views from mountain peaks. With the included software “Zoner PanoramaMaker”, it’s easy to make great 360-degree shots on your computer. And to show the fun with so much outdoor action, there is the “Smile Detection” function, ensuring the right focus just when everyone is smiling.



Even more top technology in a sporty outfit


The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW has a 2.5-inch wide TFT display, with 3X optical zoom, 8 mega pixel resolution, high photo sensitivity of up to ISO 1600, and 21 scene mode programs, such as underwater or night shot modes. The camera leads the pack not only with its technology, but also with its sporty silver metal casing.


The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is available immediately for only $349.95 dollars (MSRP including VAT).



PMA 09: AgfaPhoto launches the OPTIMA model digital camera range



Rich traditional brand with ambitious technology



Las Vegas (USA) / Uhingen (Germany), March 2nd, 2009. AgfaPhoto kicks-off into 2009 with a new digital camera model range: under the name of OPTIMA, AgfaPhoto presents digital cameras with an enhanced range of functions. The OPTIMA 1438m is featuring a wide-angle lens, the OPTIMA 1338mT a touchscreen display and the OPTIMA 8328m comes with a PASM mode. The new AgfaPhoto OPTIMA models are distributed in America through VistaQuest (Booth A271).



AgfaPhoto OPTIMA model range


AgfaPhoto now offers OPTIMA cameras in a slim-design housing with an enhanced range of functions. With this new range of models, AgfaPhoto is once again reviving a concept from its brand history. Just as it did in 1959 when the first camera with automatic programme selection and the name OPTIMA was brought to the market.



Wide-angle camera for landscape and architectural shots


The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is equipped with a 32mm wide-angle lens. This means that the photographer can capture large areas in small interior spaces or on sightseeing tours. A selection of 23 scene modes permit the flexible adjustment to each situation. The OPTIMA 1438m comes in an attractive metal housing and presents a ten-megapixel CCD sensor, a 4x optical zoom and a 3” display.



Digital camera with a large 3-inch touchscreen


The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1338mT is equipped with a touchscreen display, adding a whole new level to meaning of ‘easy operation’. A gentle touch of the large 3” display is all it takes for the user to access the intuitive user interface. 24 scene modes such as Night shot or Sports offer optimal settings for most sceneries. For fans of YouTube®, the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1338mT has another special highlight: Any recorded video can immediately be saved in the YouTube® format for a convenient upload to the portal. The OPTIMA 1338mT has a ten-megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom. The slim metal housing looks slick and emphasises the lifestyle character of this AgfaPhoto camera.



Slimline camera for ambitious amateur photographers


The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 8328m is the right choice for ambitious photographers. Its PASM mode enables parameters such as aperture and shutter speed to be manually adjusted. Just like the OPTIMA 1338mT, the camera additionally permits videos to be saved in YouTube® format. An eight-megapixel CCD sensor, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.7” display round off the features of the OPTIMA 8328m.



Additional functions for perfect photos


The cameras in the AgfaPhoto OPTIMA range feature automatic “Face detection” of up to eight faces. The “Smile detection” function ensures that the camera captures the shot just at the moment when the smile happens. The picture stabiliser reduces shaking on shutter release. All OPTIMA cameras are equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, support the SDHC memory card format and can be used as a video camera.



The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is available for $209.95, the OPTIMA 1338mT for $199.95 dollars and the OPTIMA 8328m for $139.95 (MSRP incl. VAT).



PMA 09: AgfaPhoto Digital Cameras with “sensor” Shutter Button



AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s digital cameras with new shutter technology



Las Vegas (USA) / Uhingen (Germany), March 2nd, 2009. AgfaPhoto presents the first digital cameras with the red sensor shutter button for especially sensitive shutter release. The sensor cameras will be launched in the American Market at the PMA in Las Vegas, from March 3rd through to March 5th, 2009, in the South Hall at booth A 271.



The red sensor button, which was already used in 1969, revolutionised the photo world. It quickly became a trademark of the manufacturer. The red dot of the brand-typical shutter button has become an element of the AgfaPhoto logo. Today – as then – it stands for simple operation, reliability and optimal picture quality.



AgfaPhoto now presents the first digital cameras with the sensor shutter button. “Whilst in many design-orientated cameras there is the constant introduction of ever smaller shutter buttons, we place great store on the sensor technology for simplicity and user-comfort”, says Michael Roessler, CEO at plawa. “The design of the AgfaPhoto digital cameras is “Made in Germany”“.



The shutter button of the AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s has a 14mm diameter, being clearly larger than most shutter buttons on current digital cameras. The full area of the finger tip lies comfortably on the shutter button and reduces shaking. The AgfaPhoto sensor cameras distinguish themselves further through their compact build and classic design vocabulary. At only 120g in weight (without memory card and batteries) they are very practical. A 2.4-inch TFT display helps to focus the subject and display captured pictures. Voice recording and video recording are also possible.



Both models are equipped with a modern CMOS sensor. The AgfaPhoto sensor 530s has a five-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 8x digital zoom. Its bigger sister, the AgfaPhoto sensor 830s, offers an eight-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 5x digital zoom. The Face Tracking Function helps to automatically set optimal exposure of faces. Even under bad lighting conditions, the camera’s maximum sensitivity of ISO 800 ensures good picture quality. There are twelve scene modes and nine photo frames to choose from.



As of today, the new AgfaPhoto sensor cameras are available in black, bronze, rosé and royal blue. Supplied in the package are a camera hand strap, pouch, two AA batteries, a USB cable, plus driver software. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and sensor 530s are available for $89.95 and $69.95 dollars (MSRP incl. VAT)



PMA 09: High Definition for hobby film-makers



AgfaPhoto Introduces DV-5580Z for video, photo and sound recording



Las Vegas (USA) / Uhingen (Germany), March 2nd, 2009.



The AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z combines video, photo and sound recording in a convenient and lightweight body. The compact format and the adjustable swiveling display make the camera suitable for a broad range of tasks. Use it as a fun video camera for birthday parties or weddings, as a photo camera while on vacation, or as a voice recorder for interviews. This new member of the AgfaPhoto family is being distributed in North America through VistaQuest Corporation (Booth A271).



The AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z records video in high definition, with a maximum of 1440 x 1080 pixels and 30 frames per second. The energy-saving CMOS sensor with a resolution of 8 megapixels delivers high-resolution still images while preserving battery power. The 5x optical zoom lets you capture images from a greater distance as well. And when using the optional 4x digital zoom, you can get even closer to the subject. A digital image stabilizer reduces blurring. For shooting in low light conditions such as dark interiors, the camera is equipped with a video light. You can play back the captured images directly on your TV screen using the included TV cable. The images are played back on your PC or HD TV with a HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.



With a weight of only 162 g (5.7 oz) and a size of just 12 cm x 6 cm (5” x 2.5”), the AgfaPhoto camera fits into any handbag. It has a 2.5” TFT LCD display and nine different programs: automatic, portrait, night, sports, landscape, sunrise, beach/snow, spotlight and manual.



You can take digital photos in JPEG format with a resolution of up to 8 megapixels (interpolated). The camera saves video recordings in MPEG4 format (H.264) on SD or SDHC memory cards with a capacity of up to 8 GB. The power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a high energy density characteristic.



As of March, the AgfaPhoto DV-5580Z will be available for $249,95 (MSRP including VAT). Included in the package are: USB and AV cables for connection to a PC and TV, YPbPR video cable, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, battery charger, carrying bag, headphones and software CD.