October 2, 2007
Pentax Launches Optio A40 and Optio V10
Pentax announced a pair of new digital cameras today called the Optio A40 and the Optio V10. The V10 will sell for $249.95 when it is available in October and sport a large 3-inch LCD and a 3x optical zoom in a thin body with 8-megapixels.The Optio A40 has three different image stabilization modes for still shots, mechanical and video. The A40 also features face detection technology. The A40 is a 12-megapixel camera.
Another interesting feature of the A40 is the half height portrait mode that takes an image of a person from head and shoulders up. The A40 will also ship in October for $299.95
Via I4U
Posted by shane at 12:40 PM
August 23, 2007
Pentax Announces the Optio S10
Pentax announced a of new camera today that will retail for $250. The S10 will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores across the U.S. and features a 7x optical zoom lens with face detection.The S10 also has digital shake reduction and supports ISO 3200. The CCD on the S10 is a 10 megapixel unit and the LCD is 2.5”. The S10 also is DivX certified and can record DivX movies with the benefit of shake reduction.
Storage of images is to SD or SDHC cards and the movies the camera captures are at a full 30 fps. The camera is equipped with an auto Picture mode that chooses all the best settings for the environment automatically. The camera also has 22MB of internal memory built-in.
Via Pentax
Posted by shane at 12:30 PM
Pentax Announces the Optio Z10
Pentax also announced the Optio Z10 today that features a 7x zoom lens, but uses refraction technology so the lens doesn’t stick out from the camera giving it the most zoom of any compact Pentax camera.The Z10 has an 8 megapixel CCD and stores images to SD or SDHC memory cards. Face recognition is part of the Z10 bag of tricks and it sports 52MB of internal memory. The face recognition is able to recognize 15 faces at once and optimize focus and settings for the best shots possible.
Digital shake reduction is included and the Z10 has ISO settings of up to 3200. The LCD is a 2.5” 230,000 pixel unit. A digital wide function is also built in that converts two images into one 28mm wide angle shot. The Z10 will retail for about $250 starting in September.
Via Pentax
Posted by shane at 12:09 PM
January 5, 2007
The New Pentax Optio E30
Pentax will be flashing its newest Pentax Optio E30 at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which starts next week. This camera features 7.1 megapixels; 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.4 inch LCD; 3-point AF system; built-in flash with auto, fill, disabled, and red-eye reduction modes.Similar to existing Pentax cameras, the Optio E30 features a “Green Mode” for the easiest possible operation. This device also uses AA batteries, which can get you up to 200 shots.
But, you might be better off with lithium batteries if you want 760. NiMH rechargeable batteries for a better price can get you 550 shots. Look for it in February for around $149.95.
Via Digital Camera Review
Posted by eric at 10:15 PM
January 3, 2007
Hoya and Pentax Merge Together
Hoya and Pentax will merge to become Pentax HD Corporation. There will be no changes to the Pentax name, and the Pentax optical business will merge with Hoyo’s. Pentax’s present imaging systems division will carry on.Current Pentax President, Fumio Urano, will become Chairman of the Board. Hiroshi Sizuki, currently President and CEO of Hoya, will continue is title after the merge. The merge is expected to be official by October 1, 2007.
Via dpreview
Posted by eric at 9:23 PM
October 19, 2006
Pentax Optio W10 Review
LetsGoDigital reviews the new Pentax Optio W10 digital cameraQuote: "It seems that Pentax have gotten a taste for photography on and around the water. The Pentax W-series of digital cameras made its debut with the Optio 33WR, which was introduced in 2003, followed by the Optio 43WR. Initially sporting a square design, the series evolved to the current measurements in January 2005, with the introduction of the Optio WP, the WPi, and now the W10 digital camera. As far as design is concerned, the Pentax Optio W10 resembles a standard digital compact camera."
Read the full Review
Posted by eric at 11:33 PM
October 3, 2006
Pentax X-Chance Concept Camera
Photokina was a success for Pentax. The new Pentax K10Dwas apparently a very popular camera at the show. But Pentax had another very interesting camera on display called the Pentax X-Change.Now you won't see this camera in store anytime soon, right now its just a concept camera. The concept is to create a digital SLR camera with the connivence of a compact camera.
While this camera was originally created in 2002 it has still yet to see store shelves. The camera is built with an ultra-thin body and integrated pop-up flash and interchangeable lenses. The interesting part is that the lenses have integrated CCD image sensors offering a variety of focal lengths.
Via LetsGoDigital
Posted by eric at 2:56 AM
September 14, 2006
Pentax Announces Two New Compact Cameras
Along with their entry-level DSLR (K10D) Pentax announced an improvement on their line of compact "Optio" cameras. Today Pentax announced the new Optio T20 and Optio E20. The Optio T20 is one of the thinnest cameras with a 3" display at .77 inches. And similar to other Pentax cameras the display is touch-screen in order to minimize physical controls.The 7-megapixel camera also has a lens with 3X optical zoom, 12MB of internal memory, and a movie mode capable of 30 frames-per-second at 640x480.
The company also released the Optio E20, a replacement for the virtually identical E10. A 6-megapixel sensor, 3X optical zoom, and 13MB of built-in memory define its largely standard features.
Get More Information
Posted by eric at 5:12 PM
September 13, 2006
Pentax K10D
Well it's finally here, today Pentax announced the K10D. But this is no camera for amateurs. The K10D is capable of 10.2 megapixels, and has the most advanced shake reduction system I have ever heard of. Another Interesting feature is that the camera is dust-proof and weather-resistant.“Advanced photographers will not find another 10 megapixel digital SLR that offers features such as a weather-resistant body, shake reduction, and great ergonomics, at any price, ” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
The camera also features a '22 bit' analog to digital convertor, eleven point auto focus, sixteen segment metering, and some unique exposure modes including sensitivity and combined shutter/aperture priority.
Read dpreview's Hands-on Preview
View Official Press Release
Posted by eric at 9:33 PM
August 21, 2006
A New Pair of Pentax Products - A20 and M20
Pentax is about to expand its already impressive line of Optio cameras with two new additions announced this morning. First up is the Optio A20 (pictured). It's got 10 megapixels and since it's an Optio we know that it has features like blur reduction, auto focus, and video recording, at 30 FPS. Also, it supports secure digitial cards, including SDHC.Next is the M20, which is pretty much a copycat of the A20, except it only has 7 megapixels. The M20 also is the exclusive of the two to have ImageLink support, which is just another line of printer docks. Both have the more common connectivity abilities, like Exif Print and PictBridge.
Both cameras launched today. More details at Lets Go Digital (A20, M20).
Posted by mark at 11:54 PM
August 8, 2006
Pentax Splashes Waterproof Camera Market With Optio W20
Pentax is no stranger to waterproof cameras with their Optio line, and they're expanding their beach-safe library with the Optio W20. Announced earlier today, the W20 is a 7 megapixel camera with a 2.5" LCD screen and 4x digital zoom. Of course, hence the prefixed "W", the main feature is that the camera is waterproof.Unlike most "water resistant" cameras that you can't submerge in water, the W20 can actually last up to a half an hour completely underwater, up to 1.5 meters deep. It's the ideal "rugged" camera if you're the kind of person who's outdoors and around water a lot. There's a scant 22 MB of internal memory, and memory is handled by SD cards, as well as SDHC. The W20 also sports such increasingly common features as blur reduction, macro recording, face recognition and auto focus. It's also widely compatible in terms of printing devices -- PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III are all supported.
We don't know exactly how much the W20 is going to cost, but considering the other models run for a few hundred dollars, that's probably about what you can expect to pay when this baby hits the market.
Via Lets Go Digital
Posted by mark at 9:18 AM
November 9, 2005
The Pentax 645 Digital Medium Format Camera
LetsGoDigital collected some details about the Pentax 645 Digital Medium Format Camera that is supposed to be released in 2006.
Pentax circulated three mock-ups offering different design themes in order to receive a wide variety of comments and opinions from their clients and customers. Currently the Pentax 645 Digital will use a Kodak-developed CCD. Pentax tries to position the Pentax 645 for around $8500,00 on the market.
More details on LetsGoDigital.
See also the medium format Mamiya RZ67 Pro IID currently on sale on Amazon.com.
Posted by i4u at 9:26 PM
September 22, 2005
Pentax Optio S55 and S45 Review
DigiCamReview reviews the Pentax Optio S55 and Pentax Optio S45 digital cameras.
Quote:
"The Pentax Optio S45 and S55 are both good all round digital cameras - easy to fit into pockets, full of features to suit all level of photographer. The cameras take AA batteries, and have a metal body so would make a great travel camera. The easy to use camera is capable of good results, although there is some purple fringing and images are slightly soft. The super macro mode is good. Both cameras are very good value for money."
Read the full DigiCamReview.
More compact cameras in our Small Digital Camera Guide.
Posted by i4u at 11:43 PM
September 11, 2005
Pentax Optio WP Waterproof Camera Review
The Pentax Optio WP lets users shoot on a depth of 1.5 meters and the digital camera will keep up for 30 minutes (JIS class 8).
LetsGoDigital has published a review of the Pentax Optio WP.
Quote:
"From a distance it's impossible to see that the Pentax Optio WP is a water resistant model. I received some strange looks when dipping the camera in a puddle before taking pictures. When you give the camera a closer look, you'll detect a plastic puddle with around it the text that the Pentax WP camera is a water resistant digital camera. In the centre on the front side of the camera the lens is positioned, protected and closed by glass. "
Read the full review. Compare Prices.
Pentax announced the new Waterproof Pentax Optio WPi in early September.
Posted by i4u at 10:39 PM
May 10, 2005
New Pentax OPTIO S45
The Pentax Optio S45 is a compact digital camera that features 4.0 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor.
The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US.
More details on LetsGoDigital.
Pentax also released the Optio S55 and Optio S5z.
Shop for Pentax Optio Cameras
Posted by i4u at 10:44 PM
December 15, 2004
Pentax Optio S30 Review
UK's DigiCamReview reviews the Pentax Optio S30 3MP Digital Camera in great detail with many photos.
Quote:
"The design is very good - with a stylish compact aluminium body the camera looks good and is small meaning the camera easily fits into pockets. The 1.6" screen updates smoothly and has accurate colour. The camera is easy to use, the menu systems being easy to use. The camera really excels in the amount of options and features available, there are more features than I would expect at this price point. The 3x optical zoom lens seems to be very good. Camera handling, and button layout are also good. The camera speed is good in use and it has a quick zoom. Shot to shot time is good, and the camera switches on and off quickly."
Read the full review. Find the Bestselling Pentax Camera.
The smallest Digital Cameras
Posted by i4u at 1:25 AM | TrackBack
September 16, 2004
PENTAX *ist DS digital SLR
The Pentax *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available.
Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX original image processing technology. The SLR camera features a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor.
More details in Pentax Press-Release.
Posted by i4u at 8:35 AM | TrackBack
August 26, 2004
Pentax Optio X Twister Camera
Pentax introduces a new innovative 5MP digital Camera. The Pentax Optio X features a twist design.
The Optio X body is only .7 inch (18mm) thick making it the thinnest model in the entire Pentax Optio series. The measurements of the new Pentax are 112x54x18mm.The new Pentax features a 2 inch LCD Screen and a 3X optical zoom. The lens retracts completly on power-off. The Optio X will start shipping in September. No pricing info available.
See also Pentax Press-Release and DPReview for Specifications.
Posted by i4u at 1:42 AM | TrackBack
August 17, 2004
New Pentax Optio S50 5MP Digital Camera
Pentax announces the new Pentax Optio S50 digital camera.
The Optio S50 features 5.0 effective megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens and an 1.8 inch LCD monitor. Like the former Pentax Optio cameras the Optio S50 is compact with a size of Optio S50 of 89 (W) x 58.5 (H) x 26 (D) mm.
Amazon.com has the new Pentax listed for $329.95.
The Pentax Optio S50 will ship end of September.
The Pentax Optio S50 includes the latest version of ACDSee 5.1 software. More details in Pentax Press-Release.
Specifications:
- CCD resolution: 5.0 megapixels
- ISO equivalent: Auto, 100, 200, 400
- Maximum shutter speed: 4 seconds
- Minimum shutter speed: 1/2000 second
- Resolution modes: Still: 2560x1920, 2304x1728, 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480 pixels; Movie: 320x240 pixels
- Optical zoom: 3x
- Digital zoom: 2.6x
- Autofocus: Yes
- Focal length: 5.8 to 17.4 millimeters (35 to 105 millimeters, equivalent in 35mm format)
- Maximum aperture: F4.8
- Aperture modes: F2.6-4.8
- Memory: Approximately 11 MB built-in memory, SD card
- Maximum high-resolution images: Information unavailable
- Burst mode: No
- Continuous shooting speed: Information unavailable
- Delay between shots: Information unavailable
- Rapid-fire shots: Information unavailable
- Display size: 1.6 inches
- Viewfinder: Yes
- Flash type: Auto, fill, off, red eye reduction modes
- Red-eye reduction: Yes
- Tripod mount: Information unavailable
- Image types: JPEG, AVI (MJPEG) formats
- In-camera editing: Resize
- Manual features: White balance
- Special Features: AVI movie mode at 30 frames per second with sound
- Batteries: One CR-V3 Lithium battery or two AA batteries
- Size name: Digital point and shoot
- Length: 1 inches
- Height: 2.3 inches
- Width: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 6.2 ounces (loaded and ready)
- Mac system requirements: OS: Mac OS 9.0 or later (QuickTime 4.0 or later to view movies), CPU: Power PC 266MHz or higher, Memory: 8MB or more, Hard disk space: 6MB or more, Standard equipped USB port
- PC system requirements: OS: Windows 2000, Me, XP Home edition/Professional, CPU: Pentium or later recommended, Memory: 64MB or more, Hard disk space: 15MB or more, Standard equipped USB port
- What's in the box: Optio S50 Camera, Software (CD ROM), AA Batteries (2), Operating manual, AV Cable, Service network directory, USB Cable, Serial number card, Strap