Sanyo aims to triple its sales of digital cameras in the GCC region

It is also the world's first 5.0 Mega pixel camera that captures still and video images simultaneously

"This new offering, the latest in the Xacti C-series of hybrid digital movie and still cameras, aims to consolidate and grow the company's share of the regional digital camera market to 7% in the financial year 2005," said Mr. Tetsuji Okui, Managing Director, Sanyo Gulf FZE. "Digital Still Camera technology is one of the core competencies of Sanyo by virtue of which it is also one of the largest manufacturers of the same," he added.

"The Xacti C5 sets bold new trends in fashion and technology with its exceptional design, precision technology and full range of functions. Now you no longer have to decide whether to take a video camera or a still camera to a party or on vacation to capture film or snapshots", said Mr. K.S. Vasudevan, General Manager Sales & Marketing.

"Regionally we expect to register a Year-on-Year growth of 200% in this financial year 2005. With digital fever increasing at a rapid rate, market filled with aggressive manufacturer - retailer promotions, as well as over 70% price fall over the last 3 years has been propelling this product segment further, said Mr. Vasudevan,

Commenting on the consumer trends, Vasudevan says "Consumers will print more photographs as user demographics shift and retail outlets provide more opportunities. Continued falling prices for flash memories gives more digital film for the consumers for their dollars. In addition, tech- savvy consumers are in a better position to understand the mega-pixel parameter and are always willing to pay more for a higher mega-pixel. Size and style have become more important parameters besides a reliable brand name".

The excellent combination of design with advanced technology puts Sanyo Xacti C5 at the forefront of digital video market. The 2.0 inches trans-reflective LCD enables clearer viewing of recorded images. When the real-time interpolation filter is employed, the Xacti C5 can record still images at the equivalent of 10 mega-pixels, so users can enjoy clear and accurate printouts of detailed images.

SANYO's proprietary image-adaptive data processing technology removes color moirés and reduces aliasing and noise caused by dots.
The Xacti C5 captures DVD-like MPEG-4 video clips (VGA: 640 x 480 at 30 fps), along with high-resolution 5.1-megapixel still images. Users even have the option of recording video clips and still images simultaneously. Users need never miss another precious photo opportunity. Using SANYO's proprietary technology and with the development of a new high speed engine, Xacti C5 can take 5.0 mega pixel still pictures while shooting high quality moving pictures. Meanwhile, on the audio side, video clips recorded on the Xacti C5 feature high-quality 48 kHz, 16-bit, stereo sound. The Xacti C5 produces clear video images, even on a large-screen TV. Furthermore, with a 1GB SD card, users can record approximately 60 minutes in TV-HQ mode.

Slim, ergonomic and weighing just 145g, the Xacti C5 incorporates a number of user-friendly conveniences. The vertical design also makes it easier to keep the shooting arm steady during use. Advanced digital image stabilizing technology reduces the effects of jiggle, while a 5x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom combine to enable 60x zoom capability.

"Bringing digital movies and still imaging together in a chic, ultra-thin shell, the SANYO Xacti C5 makes for a unique and high-performing multi-function device". Mr. Vasudevan concluded.