Sanyo has announced the release of a new 7MP compact camera. The Xacti E7 features 3x optical zoom, a 2.5? LCD and 30fps VGA movie recording, in addition to a number of fresh shooting options.

An onboard Touch Sensor promises faster auto focus with just a light touch of the shutter release, while a sequential shot function is capable of shooting at 2.3 frames per second. A face focusing system is additionally on hand to automatically detect and illuminate faces within a frame.

The camera will hit stores later this month priced £199, along side a lower cost version dubbed the S7. Full details can be found at www.sanyo.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE

SANYO has launched the new Xacti E7 ? a 7-megapixel compact digital still camera that can record high-quality video in VGA resolution as well. The camera also includes 3x optical zoom, large 2.5? LCD monitor and an innovative Touch Sensor feature, which makes shooting fast sequences easier than ever before.

Despite its ultra slim dimensions (91 x 55 x 21mm) and stylish design, the SANYO Xacti E7 boasts a wealth of high performance features. Richly detailed 7-megapixel photos and television-quality VGA videos (at 30fps) with audio can be viewed on the large 2.5? LCD screen, while 3x optical zoom allows even distant subjects to be captured with brilliant clarity. Sanyo?s innovative onboard Touch Sensor means the auto focus can be activated with just a light touch and shutter delay is reduced to 0.05 seconds. With the sequential shot function, capable of 2.3 frames per second, the camera can even capture individual moving sequences realistically ? ideal for shooting sporting or other fast-moving events.

The Xacti E7 has been equipped with a wide variety of programme modes that help produce perfect results every time. In Portrait Mode, the camera automatically focuses on faces and optimally illuminates them for flawless headshots. This mode ensures that skin tones always look natural and that there is no red-eye. The Autofocus Mode solves the problem of photographing moving objects. When activated, the auto focus system automatically tracks the subject and keeps it in the centre of the image, even during fast paced action. This prevents sports players, for example, from ?running out of the shot.?

Captured data can either be recorded on a Secure Digital memory card or on the internal 23MB memory of the Xacti E7 camera. The lithium-ion battery delivers enough power for up to 260 pictures on a single charge ? so even on long photo shoots it won?t need recharging.

Key features at a glance:
7.1 Megapixel CCD
3x optical zoom
2.5? LCD monitor
VGA size (640 x 480) video clips
Touch Sensor shutter button
Red-eye correction
23MB internal memory

Supplied accessories:
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Charger
USB cable
AV cable
Carrying strap
SANYO software pack
Manual