General Imaging
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital cameras |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya |
| Defunct | 2015-10-05 |
| Headquarters | Torrance, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Digital cameras (under General Electric and AgfaPhoto brands) |
General Imaging was a digital camera producer based in Torrance, California, established in 2006 by Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, who previously held an executive position at Olympus. The firm distributed cameras worldwide under the General Electric brand through licensing agreements and marketed products under the AgfaPhoto label within Japan. On October 5, 2015, General Imaging declared bankruptcy.
A Series
The GE-branded A Series targeted entry-level consumers, including first-time purchasers and those upgrading from older digital cameras. These models are powered by two AA alkaline batteries.
A730
The A730 is an affordable compact camera featuring a 7-megapixel sensor, 3X optical zoom, and 4.5X digital zoom capabilities. It is equipped with a 2.5-inch LTPS TFT color LCD (153,600 pixels), ISO sensitivity ranging from 80 to 1600, 26 MB of internal storage, and an SD/SDHC card slot compatible with cards up to 4 GB. Power options include two AA alkaline or NiMH batteries.
A830
With an 8-megapixel sensor, the A830 shares similar zoom and specifications as the A730.
A1230
The A1230 model offers a 12.1-megapixel sensor along with 3X optical and 4.5X digital zoom (totaling 13.5X). It includes electronic image stabilization as well as face, smile, and blink detection features, plus red-eye correction. Connectivity is provided via mini USB functioning as a removable drive. The camera sports a 2.5-inch LTPS TFT LCD (153,600 pixels), supports ISO values up to 3200 at lower resolution, has 24 MB internal memory, and accepts SD/SDHC cards up to 8 GB. It operates on two AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), although firmware does not offer enhancements for NiMH battery efficiency. Firmware versions include 1.01 D7 (scrolling menu interface) and 1.10 D7 (paginated menu interface).
E Series
The mid-range GE cameras in this series feature larger display screens and use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Memory expansion is possible with SD or SDHC cards up to 4 GB.
E850
The E850 incorporates a 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5X optical zoom and an 8-megapixel sensor paired with a 3-inch LCD display. Its wide-angle lens is ideal for indoor group shots. Additional features include a 4.5X digital zoom and photo editing functions that allow removal of unwanted image parts.
E1030
This model delivers a 10-megapixel sensor with 3X optical zoom and up to 4.5X digital zoom (maximum combined zoom of 13.5X), complemented by a 2.7-inch LCD screen.
E1040
The E1040 provides a 10-megapixel sensor alongside a 4X optical zoom and a 4.5X digital zoom, supported by a larger 3-inch LCD display.
E1240
Offering a resolution of 12 megapixels, the E1240 features an overall maximum zoom of 18X (combining 4X optical and 4.5X digital zoom) with a corresponding 3-inch LCD screen.
G1
As the smallest GE model measuring approximately 3⅝ by 2½ inches, the G1 boasts a resolution of 7 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. It includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and supports memory expansion up to 4 GB via SD/SDHC cards.
G100
The G100 is classified as a bridge camera equipped with a 14.4-megapixel Aptina A-Pix CMOS sensor and features a powerful lens offering a 15X optical zoom plus an additional 6X digital zoom for an impressive total of up to 90X magnification. The device includes a high-resolution, 3-inch color LCD screen with approximately 460K pixels and supports video recording at resolutions up to full HD (1080p30). Internal storage capacity is limited to 15 MB; however, it accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to a maximum of 128 GB. Power is supplied by an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated at 880 mAh with in-camera charging capability.
G3WP
GE introduced the G3WP as its initial waterproof camera, capable of functioning at depths up to 3 meters underwater. It is equipped with a 12.2-megapixel CCD sensor and an "All-Glass" 4X optical zoom lens (f/3.5-5.15), along with VGA video recording capabilities.
G5WP
The G5WP extends underwater usability to 5 meters and incorporates a 12.2-megapixel CCD sensor paired with the identical "All-Glass" 4X optical zoom lens found in the G3WP.
X1
Designed for advanced photographers, the GE X1 features an 8-megapixel sensor with a 12X optical zoom complemented by a 4.5X digital zoom, achieving up to 54X total magnification. It includes a comfortable handgrip and a 2.5-inch LCD display. Storage expansion is supported via SD/SDHC cards up to 4 GB.
X5
The GE X5 is positioned as a bridge camera offering a 14-megapixel CCD sensor alongside a 15x optical zoom lens.
X500
Following the X5, the GE Power Pro X500 arrived with a 16-megapixel sensor and added an electronic viewfinder while maintaining similar optical zoom capabilities and features. As of March 2011, it was priced near $139.99, targeting consumers seeking improved image quality on a budget.
X550
Released in 2012 at an MSRP of $149.99, the GE Power Pro X550 brought incremental enhancements over the X500, including object tracking functionality to better maintain focus on moving subjects, strengthening its position in the competitive bridge camera segment.
X600
The 2012 GE Power Pro X600, retailing for $199.99, incorporated a 14.4-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a powerful 26× optical zoom range (26–676 mm) and supported Full HD 1080p video recording. It could shoot continuously at seven frames per second for up to 150 images when using high-speed SD cards. Its design was reminiscent of the Panasonic Lumix FZ200, emphasizing ergonomic handling and compactness at just 350 grams. Additional features included Pancapture panoramic shooting and multi-exposure modes; however, it lacked RAW file support, stereo audio recording, and a hot shoe mount, with a maximum shutter speed capped at four seconds.
X2600
Priced at $169.99, the GE Power Pro X2600 offered similar specifications to the X600 with its 16-megapixel CCD sensor and 26× optical zoom but was bulkier and heavier and did not include an electronic viewfinder.