Apple debuts new iPod photo with optional camera connector (Updated)

Apple today updated its iPod photo lineup by introducing a new slim 30GB model, holding up to 7,500 songs, for $349 and a new 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs, for $449. Both models sport a high-resolution display and hold up to 25,000 digital photos. They feature the ability to import photos from your digital camera via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo.

The new iPod Camera Connector is an optional accessory that enables customers to connect their digital camera to iPod photo and import their photos into the iPod. By connecting the iPod Camera Connector and a digital camera, customers can transfer digital images to their iPod photo, providing tremendous storage space so they can take more pictures. Imported photos are immediately viewable on iPod photo's color screen, and can also be brought back to iPhoto on the Mac or various photo applications on the PC. The iPod Camera Connector is expected to be available in late March for $29.

These iPod models no longer ship with a dock and carrying case as standard and do not support the expected Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

Pricing & Availability

The 30GB and 60GB models of iPod photo for Mac or Windows are available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $349 (US) and $449 (US) respectively, through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iPod photo includes earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, a USB power adapter and a CD with iTunes 4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers.

Optional accessories with the following suggested retail prices include the iPod Dock for $39 (US), in-ear headphones for $39 (US), the iPod Camera Connector for $29 (US) and FireWire cable for $19 (US). Laser engraving is available for iPod for free from the Apple Store and can include two lines of text with up to 27 characters per line.

iPod photo requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port or FireWire, Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later and iPhoto 4.0.3 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 or FireWire port or USB 2.0 or FireWire card and Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0 or later.

Update: MacNN notes that the older iPod photo models with a FireWire cable, carry case, and dock are available at the Apple Store starting at $379 for the 40GB model.