PENTAX ANNOUNCES COLORFUL OPTIO M50, TINY OPTIO S12,
TRAVEL-READY OPTIO E50; OPTIO A40 TO SHIP
GOLDEN, CO. (January 23, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced three new compact camera models and confirmed the Optio A40 is scheduled to ship in February 2008.
The PENTAX Optio S12 is the smallest, most stylish 12MP camera in its class. An ideal choice for the experienced digital camera user looking for an extremely compact camera with advanced features, the PENTAX Optio S12 is scheduled to ship in April 2008 for US $279.95. The Optio S12 will be available in silver and black.
The PENTAX Optio M50, with a 5X optical zoom housed in an ultra compact body with fun color options, is the ideal combination of style, function and price for both customers looking to update their camera and new digital users. The camera features a unique Smile Capture function, which distinguishes smiles on a subject and automatically releases the shutter. Available in three color choices including silver, light blue and pink, the Optio M50 will ship in March 2008 for US $229.95.
The PENTAX Optio E50 has advanced functions and high resolution with simple operation that appeal to customers looking for the maximum features and a minimal price − making it an ideal gift. The Optio E50 is also an excellent travel camera due to compatibility with easy to find AA batteries. This camera will ship in March 2008 for US $149.95.
The PENTAX Optio A40 appeals to the advanced digital user who wants the most from their compact camera including a high resolution sensor, mechanical Shake Reduction system, and advanced capture settings. Previously announced in the fall of 2007, the Optio A40 will ship in February 2008 for US $299.95.
“PENTAX’s goal with our compact digital cameras is to offer customers advanced features in the most compact bodies at a reasonable price,” said Ned Bunnell, President, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Every compact offering from PENTAX includes the popular face recognition feature, Digital Shake Reduction, PENTAX’s own Auto Picture mode and high quality design.”
All of these latest PENTAX compact digital products will be displayed at PMA 2008 Trade Show from January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas.
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
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
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
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