Polaroid Corporation has introduced the Digital GelCam -- a new, high-resolution digital camera system that addresses the photographic needs of scientists and medical professionals who use gel electrophoresis to study and document DNA separation and protein analysis. With a suggested package price starting at $1,799, the GelCam provides a total solution for professionals to analyze, document and archive their work.
The digital GelCam system includes a 2.3 megapixel Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z digital camera, with 1792 X 1200 image resolution and is available with a seven-inch or 11-inch hood. The Polaroid GelCam includes sophisticated image analysis software, Gel-Pro� Express 4.0, which allows the Polaroid GelCam to retail for thousands less than its competition.
``The Digital GelCam system offers the distinct digital advantages that customers are seeking,'' said Michael Singer, global product marketing manager, commercial products group. ``The GelCam allows users to preview images in the camera and re-shoot as necessary; download images to a computer and work with them digitally; as well as analyze, document, share and archive gel images with the assistance of state-of-the-art software.''
The PDC 2300Z brings the design of high-end contemporary digital cameras together with the consumer-friendly features of the Polaroid PhotoMAX product line. The most technologically advanced digital camera in the Polaroid PhotoMAX line, the new PDC 2300Z produces photo-quality images with CCD resolution of 2.3 million pixels (1816 x 1208) in a sturdy, ergonomic case.
The new camera also incorporates a 1.8-inch LCD monitor, 2.3X optical glass zoom lens, 2X digital zoom, self-timer, 64 MB CompactFlash memory, and USB interface for quick and easy image download to the computer.
The PDC 2300Z comes with all the necessary tools professionals need to download images from camera to computer including: PhotoMAX Pro software, CompactFlash storage card, batteries and AC adapter.
PC-based imaging solution pioneer Media Cybernetics developed the software for the Polaroid Digital GelCam. This proprietary software - Gel-Pro Express 4.0 - is a complete, easy-to-use, digital gel imaging software program designed to fit the needs of most scientists and medical professionals performing electrophoresis gel documentation. Utilizing key components of Media Cybernetics' straightforward, understandable, Gel-Pro Analyzer 4.0 software, Gel-Pro Express 4.0 was created to provide users with the essential program elements needed to upload, study and store images. Like Gel-Pro Analyzer 4.0, Gel-Pro Express 4.0 has a user-friendly interface and many automated functions.
The Polaroid Digital GelCam system has been optimized to electronically capture DNA and protein electrophoresis images. The camera is ideal for professionals working in drug and disease research, biotech, genetic research and criminal/forensic investigations.
The Polaroid Digital GelCam system allows users to customize their equipment to fit their needs -- offering packages that let the user choose a seven-inch or 11-inch hood, and either a 52mm 590nm EtBr filter or optional 52mm 535nm SYBR green filter. Both seven-inch and 11-inch hoods have small footprints to enable them to sit on any light box.
To run the PhotoMAX Pro digital camera software and the Gel-Pro Express 4.0 gel image analysis software, minimum computer requirements include: a Pentium class personal computer, Windows 98, ME or 2000; 32 MB RAM; 85 MB available hard-drive space; 16-bit display adapter (24-bit recommended); available serial or USB; and 2X or faster CD-ROM drive.
The Polaroid Digital GelCam system is available through authorized Polaroid dealers and is sold in four different package options. All four GelCam systems include a PDC 2300Z and accompanying PhotoMAX Pro digital camera software. Buyers have the option to select the seven-inch hood, with Gel-Pro Express 4.0 at a suggested retail price of $1,799; the 11-inch hood with Gel-Pro Express 4.0 at a suggested retail price of $1,899; the seven-inch hood with Gel-Pro Analyzer 4.0 at a suggested retail price of $3,599; or the 11-inch hood with Gel-Pro Analyzer 4.0 at a suggested retail price of $3,699