By James Wells
SYDNEY: Nokia has confirmed it will trial its new camera phones – the N93 and N73 through Camera House stores in Melbourne in a move which may eventually broaden the distribution of high end multimedia phones into mainstream consumer electronics retailers.
Nokia Australia head of multimedia Mike Addison told Current.com.au that the products, which are referred to by Nokia as multimedia computers and both feature 3.2 megapixel cameras with Carl Zeiss optics, will be trialed alongside digital still cameras and digital video cameras in Camera House stores before the end of the year.
The N73 (RRP $949), which comes with a 128MB memory card and features a 3.2 megapixel camera, is capable of uploading images to the web and send images via email.
“The N73 will change the experience of digital photography as it allows users to spontaneously share experiences with a community of friends,” Addison told a press conference this morning.
Also released was the N93 (RRP $1,399) which comes with a 512MB memory card. This product also features a 3.2 megapixel camera as well as mpeg 4 VGA video capture up to 30 frames a second with video stabilization.
At the event, Nokia displayed a video on a projector screen using DVD quality video captured by its new N93. The product was also used to play the content through its TV out port.
“A normal camcorder spends 365 days of the year in a cupboard and comes out five times a year. This is one of the smallest camcorders on the market and features a 3.2 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens, 3x optical zoom and records DVD quality at 30 frames a second as well as offering music, internet browsing and wireless Lan for connectivity,” Addison
said.
“The internet is changing from a static information source to an interactive dynamic source. These products are really multimedia computers now and as a result we will see a transformation in consumer behaviour.
In addition to working with Carl Zeiss, the lens brand used by Sony for its Cyber-shot digital cameras, Nokia is partnering with other consumer electronics brands for its audio technology development including Bose, JBL and Sennheiser.
Nokia plans to release additional products under its N Series brand.