The fabled Minox Model A was immortalized on the silver-screen in 1969 when James Bond deployed his tiny pocket-camera in Ian Fleming's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"; the legend of the Minox spy camera became etched in stone.

Forty years and quite a few models later, Minox has done it again; the next greatest spy camera the world will know - the Minox DSC Digital Spy Camera. Sparking the passions of stealthy photogs everywhere, this outstanding digital rendition of its classic predecessor is quite the awesome bit of kit.

While it's not a powerhouse high-resolution pocket-rocket with a bazillion features and a massive zoom lens - the DSC brings more than a pile of specs, bells, and whistles to the table; the DSC is a joy to hold and use, and it's fun to show to friends and curious onlookers. Here we have a bit of history that's managed to stay afloat in the new Millennium; one that conjures up romantic visions of secret agents, clandestine meetings, and the triumph of good over evil.

Destined to be more than just another nostalgic objet d'art - the DCR stirs (shakes?) things up a bit with its enhanced functionality. Not only does the DSC take impressive still JPEGs, it's also capable of producing AVI video clips! The DSC's lens is faster than the original Colorplan optic - f/2.8 vs f/3.5, yet the two cameras weigh just about the same (a svelte 90g). The included and detachable LED flash module is an upgrade that even diehard Minox fans will learn to love. JB's camera was flash-capable, but that option was a not-so-easy-to-manage flashbulb holder. While the romance surrounding flashbulbs is well documented, the DSC's electronic LED flash module is way easier to use and it charges via USB - no batteries to fuss with! The discrete 1.5" LCD lends itself to covert photo-ops while adhering to the design credo "that form ever follows function".

You'll be hard pressed to find a pocket that the DSC can't fit into, and its inherent simplicity allows one's focus to remain on the image instead of the instruction manual. Images taken with the Digital Spy Camera are detailed and sharp with excellent contrast and color. The DSC is all about photography and fun - while reminding us that bigger isn't always better.

Specifications

Image sensor	5,0 MP, CMOS Sensor (3,2 MP hardware-resolution), Dimensions 6,59mm x 4,9mm, 8,21mm diagonal
Image resolution	Still: 2.560 x 1.920 pixels (interpolated) Videoclip: 640 x 480 pixels
Memory	Internal memory 128 MB NAND flash memory External memory: mircro SD card up to 16 GB
Viewfinder	Optical (galileian-style)
Display	1,5’’ TFT LCD display, 480 x 240 pixels
Flash	DSC: LED Flash DSC flash/display-unit: electronic flash: GN 12 (ISO 100/21°)
Lens	4 elements glass lens with IR filter glass
Focal length	8,7 mm (corresponds to approx. 42 mm with 35 mm format)
Lens aperture	F 2.8
Focus range	1m to infinity
White balance	Automatic
Shutter speed	Automatic
Power supply	Rechargeable lithium-ion-battery/mini USB-cable
Auto power-off	OFF-Mode after 1 min. inactivity
File format	Still: JPEG Videoclips: AVI
System Requirements	PC Microsoft Windows ME/2000/XP Intel Pentium III, 450 MHz or higher 128 MB RAM (recommended) USB 2.0 High Speed 800 MB free hard disc space Internet Connection Mac Mac OS 9; Mac OS X 10.x 500 MHz Power PC G3 or higher 128 MB RAM (recommended) USB 2.0 High Speed 800 MB free hard disc space Internet Connection
Computer interface	mini USB-cable
Dimensions	DSC: 86mm(L) x 30mm(W) x 21mm(H) DSC flash/display-unit: 76mm(L) x 41mm(W) x 21mm(H)
Weight	DSC: ca. 90g DSC flash/display-unit: ca. 80g
Scope of delivery	DSC, flash/display-unit, lithium-ion-battery for DSC and flash/display-unit, chain, mini USB-cable, USB-cable for recharging flash/display-unit, carrying case

Includes

• Flash/display-unit
• Lithium-ion-battery for DSC and flash/display-unit
• USB-cable for recharging flash/display-unit
• Mini USB-cable
• Carrying case
• Chain