The Optio W60 can operate underwater up to 13 feet (4 metres) for as long as two hours and in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). Waterproofed to the JIS Class 8 standard, the camera is dustproof to JIS Class 5 against sand and dust. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor winter activities such as skiing as well as for water sports including boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling.

The Pentax W60 also features Face Recognition function, 7 auto picture modes, HDTV movie capture capabilities, ISO up to 6400 and 36 megabytes of internal memory. The Optio W60 is available in a choice of two colours: ocean blue and silver.

Pentax Optio W60 Press Release

WATERPROOF PENTAX OPTIO W60 SHOOTS DEEPER, WIDER AND AT COLDER TEMPS

GOLDEN, CO — May 22, 2008 — PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio W60 compact digital camera. Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Optio W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5X zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing.

Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5X optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). This range allows the camera to capture a wide variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. A Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format).

The Optio W60 also accompanies users to new aquatic depths. With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous PENTAX waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).

Other important features and modes of the PENTAX Optio W60 include a High-Quality Movie mode with HD resolution up to 1280 x 720 pixels (comparable to a 720p HDTV at 15fps) as well as Auto Picture mode, fast Face Recognition, Smile Capture, Blink Detection, an Underwater Movie mode, High Sensitivity Digital SR mode that automatically adjusts the sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and an LCD monitor with a 170 degree wide-angle view and Anti-Reflection coating to reduce glare.

A perfect companion for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts, the PENTAX Optio W60 performs well during winter and summer activities as well as in and around water and sand. The PENTAX Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for US $329.95 in a choice of two colors: Ocean Blue and Silver.

PENTAX Optio W60 FACT SHEET

10 Megapixel Resolution

With 10 effective megapixels, the PENTAX Optio W60 delivers highly detailed photos.

5X Zoom Lens

The PENTAX Optio W60 features an internal 5X zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format) and a refraction lens that never protrudes from the camera while zooming. This system allows the camera to capture a variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. When combined with the intelligent digital zoom function (up to 5.7X) zoom magnification may be increased to 28.5X.

Enhanced Waterproof And Extreme Weather Performance

The Optio W60 operates underwater up to 13 feet (four meters) for up to two hours, which is an increase of 30 percent over the performance of previous PENTAX models that were limited to 10 feet. This performance is the result of improved construction of the shutter button and other controls and reinforced, airtight external joints. Waterproofed to the JIS Class 8 standard, the camera is dustproof to JIS Class 5 against sand and dust and operates in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor winter activities such as skiing as well as for water sports including boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.

Bright, Wide-angle LCD Monitor

The 2.5 inch high-resolution (approximately 230,000 dots) LCD monitor features an Anti-Reflection coating to reduce reflective glare and be easily viewed even in bright sunlight. The monitor’s wide viewing angle (about 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically) allows users to view images from nearly any angle.

High-Quality Movies With Shake Reduction And HD Resolution

The Optio W60 captures movies at resolutions as high as 1280 x 720 pixels, which is comparable to HDTV resolution at 720p (15 fps). The camera also features Movie Shake Reduction to automatically correct camera shake and an Underwater Movie mode that optimizes color settings for recording underwater.

Auto Picture Mode

Featuring scene-recognition technology, the camera’s Auto Picture mode determines the subject’s shooting conditions and automatically selects the optimal scene mode. Optio W60 photographers also may select from seven capture modes including Flower, Sport, Night Scene Portrait, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Standard modes.

Face Recognition Function

Face Recognition AF & AE function on the Optio W60 delivers beautiful portrait shots with a single setting. This convenient function automatically sets the focus and exposure detecting up to 32 faces at one time in 0.03 seconds. The camera also features Smile Capture mode that automatically captures images when subjects smile and Blink Detection, which warns the photographer if any subject’s eyes are closed during exposure.

High Sensitivity Digital Shake Reduction

The Optio W60 features Digital Shake Reduction, which compensates for camera shake and subject blurring during still-image photography. This mode automatically adjusts sensitivity up to a maximum of ISO 6400 based on ambient lighting, which permits a faster shutter speed to capture sharp, clear images. In addition, Digital Shake Reduction for playback corrects blurring in images post-capture.

• Macro focusing can focus on subjects as close as a centimeter (less than one inch) for stunning close-up shots
• PENTAX proprietary SP (Super Protect) coating adds superior water repellency and scratch resistance to the lens’s front protective glass to prevent water droplets from forming
• Panorama mode stitches a series of up to three shots into one wide photo
• Intelligent zoom function extends the zoom range without compromising the optical zoom’s image quality
• Supports SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
• Approximately 36.4 MB of built-in memory
• Frame composite function allows photographers to shoot and create images with decorative frames; 80 styles to choose from
• Date and Time imprint function for easy image categorizing
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software, that supports Windows VistaTM
• Supports PictBridge, DPOF printing, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching

The Pentax K20 (announced 23 January 2008) is a mid priced DSLR which is the successor to the popular K10D. It features a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor, live view (for framing images through the LCD), built in shake reduction, Custom image modes with 6 preset options, and an ISO range of up to 6400 (extended). It also features the high speed PRIME imaging engine with expanded dynamic range function.

The Pentax K20D has a weather and dust resistant body, Dust Reduction and Dust Alert, advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, and a 2.7 inch high resolution, wide view LCD monitor.

Pentax K20D Press Release

PENTAX K20D: A High-Performance Lens-Interchangeable Digital SLR Camera for Truly Demanding Photo Enthusiasts

Coupling a New Image Sensor to Optimize Lens Performance with an Array of Features to Maximize the Fun and Excitement of Digital Picture-Taking

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the PENTAX K20D lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. This medium-class model offers superb image quality, an array of advanced features and outstanding reliability and operability to meet the specialized and exacting demands of photo enthusiasts, including advanced amateurs. It incorporates a newly developed image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses, while offering the features and functions needed to maximize the pleasure and excitement of digital photography.

The K20D’s development was based on the popular PENTAX K10D, which not only attracted great interest and high acclaim from users around the world, but also swept prestigious camera awards across the globe in 2007.

The new CMOS image sensor, exclusively developed for K20D, is designed to optimize the performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring approximately 14.6 effective megapixels and the latest noise-reduction technology, it assures superb image quality a step above its predecessors.

The K20D also offers an array of advanced features and user-friendly functions, including: a new Custom Image function that lets the user select or adjust the image’s finishing touches to their preference; an upgraded, more reliable SR (Shake Reduction) system; a comprehensive Dust Removal system; a multi-mode exposure system for faithful reproduction of the photographer’s creative intentions; and a dependable dust-proof, water-resistant body construction. As a result, the K20D easily meets the diversified, exacting demands of discerning photographers.

1. High-quality image reproduction

■ Newly developed CMOS image sensor:
The K20D features a newly developed CMOS (complementary metal oxide silicon) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. After a thorough review of previous image sensors, PENTAX greatly reduced the area of circuitry around the pixel field to expand the light-sensitive area, while narrowing the camera’ depth to nearly 60%, it achieved overall downsizing. Since it can detect diagonal light with great accuracy, the sensor can bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. It also keeps annoying digital noise to a minimum by automatically raising its own sensitivity, allowing to increase the sensitivity from ISO 100 to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).

■ Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life, rich-gradation images:
The K20D’s new CMOS sensor features an approximately 14.6 effective megapixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating PENTAX-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life descriptions, it assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images. In addition, the K20D features a new Custom Image function, which lets the photographer select one of six finishing touches to reflect his or her creative intentions with great ease.

■ High-performance, high-speed PRIME imaging engine:
The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, it assures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor and other photographic factors, including white balance. This imaging engine also features a DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

2. PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism assuring greater reliability
The K20D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm realize further image stabilization. Since it does not require special anti-shake lenses, this extends outstanding shake-reduction benefits to nearly all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

3. New Live View function
The K20D features a new Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel during shooting. This comes handy when the photographer must move his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low- and high-angle compositions. This function also allows the user to confirm the shake-reduction effect on the monitor during the shooting.

4. Expanded Dynamic Range function
The K20D has added a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.

5. Comprehensive Dust Removal system, including prevention, removal and confirmation devices
The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the image sensor surface through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the image sensor in advance.

6. Custom Image function for easy creation of intended images
The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the users select one of the six modes and adjust the image’s finishing touches to their presence. Allowing a minor adjustment of tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, this function enables the user to take photographs with their intend image. The user easily operates the selection and adjustment process by recording a preview images and checking the effect.

7. Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions

■ Hyper Program function:
The K20D’s Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.

■ Hyper Manual function:
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

■ Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.

■ Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode:
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with great ease.

8. Bright, clear viewfinder
Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D’s viewfinder offers an approximately 95-percent field of view and an approximately 0.95-times magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

9. Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K20D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 74 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

10. Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject’s expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user can take up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second.**

** The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode.

11. Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
The K20D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

12. High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF
The K20D’s sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

13. Powerful rechargeable batteries
The K20D features new, large capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images***, approximately 50% more compared with conventional one, when fully recharged. Drastic improvement of battery capacity is realized with through energy saving design.

*** Under testing condition prescribed by PENTAX, when using D-LI50 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with no flash

• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases
• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Universal-type X-sync socket (new feature)
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Digital Preview for recording images in addition to checking
• Optional Battery Grip (D-BG2) for extended shooting sessions
• Nine digital filters to add creative and artistic touches
• In-body RAW data development for image filing in JPEG and TIFF formats
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software, PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3, browser software and PENTAX REMOTE Assistant 3, camera control software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

The K200D while being targeted to beginners has an impressive range of features such as a 2.7 inch LCD, CCD based image sensor, shake reduction, weather sealed body and dust reduction technology.

The Pentax K200D also features Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600, 11 point wide frame AF, and 22 custom functions to personalise camera operations.

PENTAX K200D Digital SLR News Release

A Popular-Class Digital SLR Camera Harmonizing High Image Quality and User-Friendly Features with Excellent Operability and Outstanding Cost Performance Assuring the Advanced Digital Camera Features of Higher-Class Models with Simplified Operations

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the PENTAX K200D lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. Designed mainly for family users and digital camera beginners, this popular-class model offers a host of user-friendly features and sophisticated functions like higher-class models. As a result, even digital camera beginners can enjoy advanced digital SLR photography with great ease. Pursuing image quality, user-friendliness, operability and cost performance, the K200D is expected to be a new standard-setter in the popular-class market.

1. PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The K200D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes.

This innovative mechanism shifts the position of the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an outstanding compensation effect, equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

2. High quality image
The K200D combines a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD image sensor with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, the K200D produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and texture descriptions. In addition, the K200D features Custom Image function that helps to create its intended images by allowing the users to select one of the six modes and adjusting the image’s finishing touches to their presence.

3. Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and confirmation devices
The K200D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from appearing in images. Applied to the CCD surface (or low-pass filter) through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the CCD in advance.

4. Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K200D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 60 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K200D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

5. Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600
The K200D’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO 1600, based on such data as the subject’s brightness level and the lens’ focal length. Since this function allows the user to use faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images. For specialized applications, the sensitivity can be set manually from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

6.High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF
The K200D’s advanced SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

7. Bright, clear viewfinder
Combining a lightweight penta-mirror prism with a PENTAX-original finder optics and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, the K200D’s viewfinder delivers a large, bright image with an approximately 96-percent field of view and an approximately 0.85-times magnification.

9. Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
The K200D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. The LCD’s wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It even offers digital zooming of playback images up to 20 times for easy confirmation of focus.

• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• 22 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Approximately 1100 images can be taken when using AA size lithium batteries due to its energy saving design
• Compatibility with conventional SD and large-capacity SDHC memory cards
• Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Eight digital filters for creative and artistic expressions
• In-body development of recorded RAW-format images
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3, browser software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

The Optio S12 features a 2.5 inch LCD, 21 megabytes of internal memory, face recognition, dynamic range adjustment, digital shake reduction and 18 shooting modes with 15 playback modes including a ‘green mode’ for beginners. 

Pentax Optio S12 Fact Sheet

Ultra-compact, Stylish Design
With a stylish, compact body, the PENTAX Optio S12 is one of the smallest and lightest models with approximately 12.0 effective megapixels.

12.0 Megapixels
With 12.0 megapixels, the camera offers high image quality and higher performance through the 1/1.7-inch CCD that features a wide light receiving area and superior tone reproduction. The high-performance image engine with excellent color reproduction and smc PENATX lens adds to the image quality.

3X Optical Zoom
The Optio S12 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37.5-112.5mm lens in 35 mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits.

Bright, Easy-to-view LCD Monitor
The high-intensity LCD monitor features an LCD booster function to increase the brightness of the screen. The LCD cover is coated with an Anti-Reflection coating that reduces glare. With a screen size of 2.5 inches and a high resolution of 232,000 dots, it is also easy to confirm the picture composition and the focus. Also, as the screen has a wide viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees in the horizontal and vertical directions, images may be viewed easily even from the side.

Face Recognition Function*
The Optio S12 is equipped with a Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure function that automatically recognizes up to 15 faces, adjusts focus and sets the optimum settings. A new Face Selector function also enables users to select one person’s face from among multiple recognized faces.
*The face recognition technology Face Tracker developed by FotoNation is used for the Optio S12’s Face Recognition AF & AE.

New Dynamic Range Adjustment Function
The Optio S12 is newly equipped with the Dynamic Range Adjustment function that suppresses the generation of white- outs and black-outs by correcting the tones for the highlighted areas and shadowed areas of subjects with significant differences in contrast. Through a link with the Face Recognition function, this feature helps highlight subject even in backlit settings while background tones are automatically retained. In addition, it is possible to change settings in accordance with the photography conditions.

Digital Shake Reduction
Digital Shake Reduction mode reduces camera shake and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high as ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subjects. This enables photography with fast shutter speeds, and images with less blur.

Movie Recording Function Enabling High-quality Recording
The Optio S12 smoothly captures movies at 30fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640×480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Since it employs the DivX®(MPEG-4) movies format,* the Optio S12 can record long, high-quality movies. * The Optio S12 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems

Pentax Optio S12 Additional Features

• Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best setting for the shooting conditions
• Mode palette provide quick access to 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• An “Intelligent zoom” function which enables images to be magnified even larger and stored, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom
• A Green button enables users to assign functions that are frequently used, and recall then in just one touch
• Date imprint function for easier image categorizing
• Approximately 21.0MB of built-in memory
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

The Optio M50 features face recognition technology (exposure and focus based), ‘auto picture’ mode which picks the best shooting mode for you, digital shake reduction and a variety of other shooting modes.

It has 51 megabytes of internal memory and comes in silver, light blue and pink.

Pentax Optio M50 Fact Sheet

High-quality Images
With a high resolution of 8.0 effective megapixels and a high-performance PENTAX lens, the Optio M50 offers clear images.

5X optical zoom lens
The PENTAX Optio M50 is equipped with a 5X optical zoom lens (angle of view equivalent to 36 to 180 mm lens in 35 mm format). A perfect zoom for portraits, landscapes, and other settings, the camera also features a digital zoom function (approx. 1X to 5.1X) for a maximum zoom equivalent to 25.5X.

Three Color Options
The Optio M50 will be available in the United States in a choice of three colors: silver, pink and blue.

Generous 2.5 Inch LCD Monitor With Wide Viewing Angle
The Optio M50 features a large, 2.5 inch IPS LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots resolution for easy viewing of the screen during photography, playback and for easier camera operating and setting. With a wide viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees from all directions, the monitor also makes it easy to confirm images even from the side or when viewing images in a group.

Face Recognition AF & AE
Featuring Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, the M50 can automatically detect and focus on up to 15 faces and set the optimum exposure. In addition, a Smile Capture function distinguishes smiles on a subject and automatically releases the shutter.

Evolved Auto Picture
Unique to PENTAX cameras, the Auto Picture mode allows the camera to automatically determine the shooting conditions and program settings for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Normal, Flower and Sports mode.

Digital Shake Reduction
Digital Shake Reduction mode reduces camera shake and blur by adjusting sensitivity automatically to as high as ISO 6400 to match the brightness of the subjects. This feature allows photography at faster shutter speeds with less blur.

Pentax Optio M50 Additional Features

• Movie recording function with shake reduction enabling high image quality rivaling camcorders
• Mode palette provides quick access to 16 shooting conditions and 15 playback modes
• Panorama mode for stitching three photographs into 1 panoramic picture
• Auto-Macro allows for close-up photography as near as 5 inches (10cm) without changing the normal focusing mode
• Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
• Date imprint function for easy image categorizing
• Approximately 51.1MB of built-in memory
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

The Optio E50 features face recognition technology (Auto Focus and Auto Exposure), digital shake reduction, auto picture mode, panorama mode, 16 frames of continuous shooting and a ‘green mode’ which is especially for beginner users. It also has 9.5 megabytes of internal memory.

PENTAX Optio E50 Fact Sheet

High Quality Images
Featuring 8.1 effective megapixels, the Optio E50 features a new image processing engine with increased processing performance and a high-performance PENTAX lens.

3X Optical Zoom And 4X Digital Zoom For Maximum Of 12X Magnification
The Optio E50 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37.5-112.5mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits. Combined with a 4X digital zoom, the Optio E50 achieves a total of about 12X zoom capability.

Face Recognition AF & AE
The Optio E50 is equipped with Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure function* for easy, high quality portraits. This convenient function automatically detects faces, adjusts focus, and sets the optimum exposure regardless of where subjects appear the screen. A maximum of 10 people may be recognized at once and the faces are highlighted even in settings with backlighting. *Available when the photography mode is "Auto Picture", "Program", "Portrait", and "Kids" and camera is directed to the people from the front.

Digital Shake Reduction
Designed to reduce camera shake and subject blur when photographing still images, this mode adjusts sensitivity automatically to as high as ISO 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. This allows photography with fast shutter speeds and images with less blur.

Auto Picture Mode
With the Auto Picture mode, the Optio E50 will automatically determine the optimum settings for various shooting conditions and subjects such as Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal modes. This PENTAX original function makes photography easier for newer users as it eliminates the need for individual settings.

Green Mode
The Optio E50 also features a Green mode to automate camera setup especially for digital camera beginners. Press the Green mode button to automatically set exposure, sensitivity, white balance, and other parameters according to the shooting conditions. This function is useful when users allow others to take a picture or when users lose track of camera settings.

AA Battery Power
Powered with AA batteries, the Optio E50 makes a perfect travel camera. Battery life has been improved to allow up to 250 photographs* per set of alkaline batteries. *Based on measurement conditions conforming to CIPA specifications.

Pentax Optio E50 Additional Features

• Panorama mode for stitching three photographs into one panoramic picture
• Large and easily viewable 2.4 inch monitor, with approximately 110,000 dots
• Recording movies at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels with images quality rivaling camcorders
• Date imprint function for easy image categorizing
• Full-flat design, when power is off, realizes convenient and great portability
• 16-frame continuous shooting that enables for 16 images (640 x 480 pixels/image) to be shot continuously and recorded in 2 seconds
• Approximately 10MB of built-in memory allows internal image storage even when the memory card is full
• Frame composite function allows you to add a decorative frame around the image when shooting
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

The Optio V20 has innovative features such as Face Recognition, Smile Capture – to which detected facial expressions and releases the shutter, and Blink Detection – reporting when subjects close their eyes in an image.

It also features, 52 megabytes of internal memory, auto tracking AF and Auto Macro mode and digital shake reduction.

The Pentax Optio V20 has dimensions (W x H x D) – 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.9”; Weight – Without battery or removable memory: 4.6 oz.

Pentax Optio V20 Press Release

PENTAX ANNOUNCES OPTIO V20 DIGITAL CAMERA

PENTAX ANNOUNCES OPTIO V20 WITH 5X ZOOM, 3 INCH MONITOR AND
INNOVATIVE PORTRAIT FUNCTIONS
 
GOLDEN, CO (March 17, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio V20 compact digital camera with a 5X zoom lens, 8.0 megapixels, and a generous 3.0 inch LCD monitor.  Ultra-slim and stylish in design, this latest PENTAX compact digital camera makes it easy to capture and to view images.  
     
Three innovative features on the Optio V20 help users optimize portrait photographs.  A Face Recognition function automatically detects and focuses on faces, then sets the optimum exposure.  Smile Capture detects the key facial expression of happy people and releases the shutter automatically.  Blink Detection reports to the user whether any subjects closed their eyes in an image, so that the shot may be recaptured if necessary.  Additional features include Auto-tracking AF for continuously focusing on a moving subject, 52MB of built-in memory, and an Auto-Macro mode that allows close-up photography as near as 4 inches (10 cm) without changing the normal focusing mode.  
     
The PENTAX Optio V20 will ship in May 2008 for US $279.95.