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Weather station: The MINOX Windwatch Pro II measures wind speed, temperature, atmospheric pressure, altitude and humidity |
GERMANY. MINOX, renowned for the miniaturisation of high quality optical instruments, is introducing four new travel-friendly products: an ultra-flat digital camera, a telescope, a compact weather station and an all-weather camera.
MINOX DC 7022 slim
Measuring just 94.5 x 55 x 23mm, this slimline MINOX digital compact camera is ultra-flat and and weighs just 124g. Technical features include a resolution of up to seven megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom as well as an extra-large TFT colour monitor measuring 3in in diagonal. It has a smooth, black anodised aluminum body.
Centrepieces are a 1/2.5 inch CCD-image sensor as well as an optimised MINOCTAR lens, delivering sharp and brilliant images. Fast autofocus and short shutter delay ensure spontaneous snapshots and a fast image sequence, according to the firm.
The camera has anti-shake electronic image stabilisation, which supports long exposures under difficult light conditions or macro shots. As well as several flash functions, the camera can take video clips and make voice recordings to accompany the digital pictures.
The data are stored on an SD card with a capacity of up to four gigabyte (SDHC) and there is an additional 32 megabyte internal memory in the camera.
Featuring a PictBridge interface, the DC 7022 slim can be connected to peripheral equipment at home or away, enabling the print-out of pictures without a computer, for example. For fast and easy transfer of the images to a computer the MINOX DC 7022 slim features a digital USB 2.0 interface.
The MINOX DC 7022 slim includes a power adaptor, USB and video cable, lithium ion battery, wrist strap, ever-ready case as well as a user manual and CD-ROM with software.
MINOX MD 50 W
This compact telescope has travel-friendly dimensions, a variable power top-of-the-range optical system and high-precision mechanics. It has a fully adjustable eyepiece from 16x to 30x magnification and weighs 615g.
The spotting scope can be a supplement to binoculars, in particular if a stronger magnification is required. With 16x magnification, the compact MD 50 W can be hand-held, although for optimum use a tripod is recommended.
Even with a 50mm entrance pupil the MD 50 W is powerful and provides bright images. For high light transmission as well as brilliance, the high-resolution objective lens system features the multi-layer M* coating which is a MINOX development.
The sturdy, lightweight body protects the precision mechanics and optics against damage in normal use. Rubber armouring is said to ensure good to grip and provides added protection as it is also dustproof and watertight to a depth of 5m. Nitrogen filling on the inside prevents corrosion and fogging caused by condensation, even with extreme temperature fluctuations.
The MINOX MD 50 W is supplied with a nylon case.
MINOX WINDWATCH PRO II
Described as an ultra-compact weather station for outdoor enthusiasts, the MINOX Windwatch Pro II measures 11.9 x 5.8 x 1.9cm and weighs 67g. The water-repellent device measures wind speed, temperature, atmospheric pressure, altitude and humidity. It also has an integrated watch with timer and time control functions.
By holding it up to the wind, the integrated impeller determines the wind speed every second and displays it on the illuminated LC monitor either in mph, km/h, knots, m/s, ft/s or Beaufort. The propeller reacts so quickly that wind speeds of just 2 mph (3 km/h) are registered.
Average values and peak average values can be displayed at the press of a button. The outdoor temperature is given in Centigrade and Fahrenheit, with a measuring range from -24°C to +60°C. From the wind speed and the outdoor temperature the device can also determine wind chill.
The integrated barometer tells the atmospheric pressure in the LC display and shows changes that have taken place over the past 24, 12, 6 or 3 hours. The barometer becomes an altitude metre with a measuring accuracy of +/- 1 m up to 10,000 metres in altitude. As the Windwatch Pro II is for use worldwide, it features an autoset function.
Included with the MINOX Windwatch Pro II is a cord strap and a lithium battery CR 2032.
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Sturdy and watertight: The DC 6033 WP digital camera can be used in all weathers |
MINOX DC 6033 WP
Sturdy and watertight, this digital camera can be used in all weathers. Impact-resistant, it weighs 230g and has dimensions of 78 x 120 x 43mm.
Watertight to a depth of ten metres, it also stands up to dust, sand and salt and has been designed for use in a rough environment.
The device has a 6 megapixel CCD sensor chip for sharp image results. The high-quality multi-coated MINOCTAR lens delivers neutral colour rendition and features a 42mm fixed focal length (in 35mm format terms) and permits macro shots from a distance of 60cm from the subject. A digital zoom facilitates image detail selection.
The choice of subject and viewing of the image after the shot is possible underwater with the 2in TFT colour monitor on the back.
In addition, various exposure programmes help the user in special situations. The photographer can choose between an underwater, portrait, sports, landscape or night-time mode. Otherwise the automatic mode takes over all necessary adjustments.
The device can be used as a PC-Cam and records video clips. Besides the slot for SD memory cards with a capacity of up to 2 gigabytes, the new MINOX has a 16 megabyte internal flash memory.
For independence when travelling, AA batteries or rechargeable batteries are available as power source. For fast and easy transfer of the digital pictures to the PC, the camera has a digital USB port and a PictBridge interface for direct printer connection.
The product comes with two AA batteries, a wrist strap, case, USB cable, CD-Rom with software as well as a user manual.
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