FREMONT, Calif., -- UMAX Technologies, Inc. has significantly raised the bar for affordable mega-pixel digital cameras with the debut of its AstraCam 1800. This exceptional value in digital imaging brings high-quality 1.3-million pixel resolution and true CCD clarity to the general consumer "point and shoot" market. The AstraCam 1800 captures images that can be reproduced with photo quality on prints up to 5" x 7". Images are stored on a reusable SmartMedia card, which can be replaced on the fly, much like a roll of film. The camera's convenient features include an efficient power management system for extended battery life, "plug and go" USB hookup, and NTSC video-out jack for viewing photos on standard television sets. Bundled software includes Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition (full version), a step-by-step program for creating calendars, greeting cards and brochures; NewSoft Mr. Photo desktop management system; UMAX VistaShuttle (PC only) for creating electronic greeting cards; and UMAX PhotoStudio TWAIN camera interface. "Even our own engineers were initially skeptical that this kind of quality could be made available at this unprecedented price point," said Michael Weizer, product marketing manager at UMAX Technologies. "The AstraCam 1800 is a high-quality digital camera, combining detail-rich image capture with point-and-click ease-of-use. When teamed with a quality color printer, it can generate photo-realistic prints." The AstraCam 1800 offers optical resolution at 1280 x 960 dpi, with software interpolation to 1600 x 1200 dpi. Output is in JPEG format. Other features include: * 4MB SmartMedia memory card * USB connectivity * 3-mode automatic flash * Automatic white balance Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME or Mac OS 8.6 or above, the camera is now available for a suggested retail price of $199. For further information, contact UMAX at (510) 651-4000 or visit http://www.umax.com.