Meet the latest entrant in the Pentax Digicam Family. The Pentax Optio E30 is yet another point and shoot to grace us with its presence and you can catch a glimpse of the E30 at the upcoming CES 2007!

The Optio E30 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera and features a 3X optical zoom lens (36-108mm lens in 35mm format) with a 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification. As you can see from the picture, the digicam looks pretty much like the Standard Optio E Series and one comes across an all metallic silver housing.

The digicam is outfitted with a 2.4 LCD and draws it juice from AA batteries. The Optio E30 claims to have a power-saving design which translates to 200 photos from one set of alkaline batteries or 760 shots on a set of lithium AA batteries.

The camera supports new SDHC memory cards in addition to conventional SD memory cards and the on board movie mode can capture footage at 640 x 480 pixels. Other feature include; PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching II compatibility,Green mode which automatically sets the exposure, sensitivity, white balance etc and compatibility with ImageLink printing system.

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Pentax Russia has released a new Pentax model which for now will only be available in Russia. The new Pentax L20 sports a slim design and is equipped with a 7.0 megapixel image sensor along with a 3X internal optical zoom lens. The camera features the new Pentax Sliding Lens System and high-density mounting technology which makes a zoom lens possible on such a slim digicam.

The L20 has all the features one would expect in a digicam. There is Blur Reduction mode which combats camera shakes and produces swanking sharp images. Then there is the current favorite Face Recognition AF & AE function which is capable of automatically detecting the position of the subject’s face and then setting the exposure and focus accordingly.

The new Pentax L20 has an internal memory of 23 MB and the camera has Secure Digital flash memory support. The onboard 2.5 inch LCD promises excellent visibility even outdoors and the camera supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching. Another nifty feature is the Mode Palette which gives one quick access to 16 shooting modes and 15 playback modes. No word on pricing or availability.

Via Lets Go Digital

Another new digital camera to be unveiled by the folks at Pentax is the Optio M20, which is more pocket friendly and has been designed keeping in mind the casual shooter. However Pentax assures that this compact digicam is not lacking in anyway and will produce detailed sharp images which are usually associated with the Optio M Series.

The yet to be released M20 will sport a seven megapixel resolution which is enough to produce sharp and detailed large size prints. It is also equipped with the renowned smc 3X optical zoom lens with a focal length from 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film. The M20 sports a 2.5 inch LCD monitor, which displays subjects' movement quickly (60 fps), however it is the battery life which will garner a lot of critical acclaim. The M20 thanks to its energy-saving design is capable of approximately 220 images with AA alkaline batteries or approximately 700 images with AA lithium batteries!

The Pentax Optio M20 features the High ISO Blur Reduction mode where sensitivity is adjusted up to ISO 1600 in accordance to the brightness of the subject and pictures can be taken as faster shutter speeds. It is also equipped with the now mandatory Face Recognition AF & AE* function which automatically detects the position of the subject in the frame and then focuses accordingly. Then there is the Auto-tracking AF, which helps in maintaining focus even when the subject is unpredictable, case in point, little kids and our beloved pets!

The onboard Movie Mode of the M20 captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at resolutions up to 640 x 480 pixels. Via the Anti-Shake feature one is assured of sharp videos even when the lightning conditions are poor or when there is camera shake. If the onboard 21 MB of memory isn’t enough, then you can also use SD memory cards and the new SDHC memory cards. The digicam is compatible with ImageLink printing system, which allows wireless connection of a digital camera to ImageLink-compatible printers and also supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III. The M20 should see a September release and would retail for under US $200. For more info visit the Press Release.
Press Release.

Via DC Views

PENTAX has unveiled the successor to the Pentax Optio A10. The new Pentax Optio A20 is the latest addition to the company’s successful line of the Optio A series. The most striking feature is no doubt its not one, but three anti shake modes which include, Shake Reduction, Blur Reduction High ISO mode, and a Movie Anti-shake. This mean that no matter how bad the lightening conditions are, or how fidgety you are, Pentax promises sharp and detailed images!

The Optio A20 has a 10.0 megapixel sensor and is equipped with the high-quality smc PENTAX zoom lens. The SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism consists of two gyro sensors that detects the amount of shake and automatically compensates. Via the Blur Reduction mode, sensitivity is adjusted to up to ISO 1600 in accordance to the brightness of the subject. The Movie Anti-Shake Function as the name adjusts ensures sharp videos by combating the dreaded camera shake.

The Face Recognition feature is now being incorporated in all the current crop of digicams, and the A20 is no exception. The Face Recognition AF & AE* function automatically detects the position of the subject in the composition and then focuses accordingly. Red-eye is combated by the in-built FotoNation's red-eye correction function and the auto-tracking AF feature maintains focus on unpredictable subjects like children or pets.

Like any self- respecting digicam, the A20 also has a decent Movie Mode. Movies can be captured at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels. However the best part is no doubt its DivX capabilities as the Optio A20 is DivX® certified. The A20 has a minuscule 22 MB internal memory but the camera redeems it self by supporting the conventional SD memory cards and the new SDHC memory cards. The Optio A20 should be available by this October and would retail for under US $350. Check out the Press Release for more info:

Via DC Views

The Pentax Optio W10 was one cool camera, and an upgrade to it was quite expected. Today Pentax unveiled the Optio W20, which retains all the great characteristics of the W10, in addition to some new features. For starters, the Pentax W20 features a seven Megapixel image sensor and includes a blur reduction mode, something which wasn’t on the W10.

The Pentax Optio W20 is one of the few legitimate water-proof digital cameras and meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, which makes it able to withstand 30 minutes of usage at a depth of 1.5 meter. Thus underwater photography is possible without any special housing or casing. The W20 boasts of a seven megapixel effective resolution and a large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with non-glare coating. The Optio W20 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal length of 6.3 to 18.9mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film). Because of long zooms, camera shake is evident and the new W20 to combat this problem includes a Blur Reduction mode.

The new Blur Reduction mode lets one take sharp images at faster shutter speeds and low light conditions and also adjusts the sensitivity to as high as ISO 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. Pentax promises a great Macro Mode on the W20 and the camera can be used as close as one centimeter away from a subject. Like all self respecting digital cameras, this one too has a decent video mode where moves can be captured at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels. The Movie mode also has an anti-shake feature, which compensates for camera shakes and the Mermaid Movie mode, optimizes underwater video photography.

The latest addition in the Optio series also includes the Face Recognition AF & AE technology which automatically detects the position subject’s face anywhere in the photo frame and then decides the exposure accordingly. The camera has 25 shooting modes, 15 playback modes and an Image Recovery function which retrieves accidentally erased pictures. The W20 has an meager 21.9 MB of built-in memory and is PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III compatible. No word on pricing or availability.

Via Dpreview

The new smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 lens has a PENTAX KAF mount and has a minimum aperture of 22 and maximum aperture of 3.2.The lens is truly radical when it comes to form factor as it just weighs about 4.9 ounces (140 grams) and is only 1 inch thick. It has an Angle of view 68 degrees and the minimum focusing distance is 0.2m (0.66ft.). Diameter is of 63mm x 25mm and the lens will ship in July 2006 for $549.95.

Pentax has incorporated a large 2.5 inch LCD which sports a wide-view design for viewing both 140 degrees vertically and horizontally. The LCD has a resolution of up to 210,000 pixels and the monitor offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for better viewing and navigating. For realistic and vibrant images the Pentax K100D sports a 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD image sensor which is capable of 6.1 resolutions. One can also opt for any of the two finishing touches of “Natural” or “Bright and take full advantage of the 1/4000 second shutter speed. The DSLR also features a penta-mirror viewfinder which is an amalgamation of both PENTAX finder optics and a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen.

The Pentax K100D thanks to the Shake Reduction (SR) system promises amazing results even in high ISOs and low lighting conditions by reducing camera shake. This feat is achieved thanks to the unique architecture which is able to swing the CCD image sensor by magnetic force in high speed and then adjusts the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. For beginners the auto system will come in handy which include the SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus accurately even when it is positioned off center. The AF system includes two modes the conventional single AF, and the continuous AF, which focuses on the moving subject till the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.

The K100D cameras hopes to capture a wider demographic which would include both serious and beginner photographers. Thus care has been taken t include features which will appease both the groups. The K100D has the highest auto sensitivity setting in its class, an impressive ISO 3200 which will results in exceptional result even in poor lightening conditions. Picture modes include old time favorites like Portrait, Landscape and Macro and the included software consists of PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 that features the reliable SILKYPIX image-processing engine (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) for RAW data processing, and the PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3.

The Pentax K100D Camera is priced around $699 (USD) and is expected to hit stores in July of 2006.

The Pentax K110D has been designed to be durable and the housing is made of materials like stainless-steel chassis so that it can withstand any kind of dynamic environment. It sports a large 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD as its image sensor which is capable of 6.1 effective resolutions. Thus users are assured of true to life realistic images even in not so perfect conditions. If you want to be different then you can always opt for the two finishing touches provided by Pentax. If you like things to be understated go for the Natural option but if you want things to be a little jazzed up opt for the “Bright” option.

The Pentax K110D is powered by AA batteries and also runs on CR-V3 lithium batteries. It includes the all important viewfinder which sports the trademark penta-mirror design and can deliver subject images with a 0.85X magnification and a 96 percent field of view. The on board 210,000 pixels 2.5 inch LCD can be rotated up to 140 degrees both vertically and horizontally for easy viewing and navigation. The K100D has the highest auto sensitivity setting in its class, an impressive ISO 3200 which will results in exceptional result even in poor lightening conditions. Picture modes include old time favorites like Portrait, Landscape and Macro and the included software consists of PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 that features the reliable SILKYPIX image-processing engine (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) for RAW data processing, and the PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3.

The Pentax K110D also features a SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus accurately even when it is positioned off center. It would be available by August for about $599.95 US.

Pentax Japan, known for its top notch photography equipment has announced the tentatively named PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Lens. Pentax showcased their latest product at the PHOTO IMAGING EXPO 2006 show at Tokyo Big Site in Ariake, Tokyo. The latest lens by Pentax has been exclusively designed for the Pentax DSRL’s including the Pentax *istD-series.

The Pentax DA 70mm F2.4 interchangeable uni-focal telephoto lens is a fast lens and like all Takumar SMC lenses, this one also promises great performance and is built from the finest of lens elements. This telephoto lens has a wide perspective coverage with a 23-degree angle of view which when compared to a 35mm format is equal to 107mm in focal length. The lens has been designed in mind keeping the ergonomics of the *istD and thus is extremely lightweight and compact. A feature which would be appreciated no doubt by all photography buffs. The PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 has the trademark PENTAX-original KAF lens mount and would most likely be available by October 2006.

If you are in Tokyo between 23 - 26 March, don't miss the Photo Imaging Expo 2006, one of Asia's biggest trade fairs for the digital imaging world.

Pentax will be here, showcasing some of their cool new products, including:

Pentax Digital SLR Camera:
This 10-megapixel camera is targeted for a fall 2006 release, and as yet hasn't been named. The lens can be changed as with many other SLR cameras out there.

Pentax-DA 21mm, F3.2AL Wide-angle Lens:
Designed for digital SLR cameras, this is extremely light-weight and comes in a small form-factor, but is definitely big on features, offering 68° viewing angle.

Compatible with the Pentax *ist-D series, it is scheduled for a June 2006 release.

Pentax-DA 70mm, F2.4 Telelens:
Another light-weight wonder from Pentax, this time it's a telelens with 23° viewing angle.

This one will see the light of day in October 2006, guys - so it's a long way away.

Pentax645 Digital SLR:
An 18-megapixel digital SLR from Pentax. I really like this camera's design. The Pentax645 employs a completely new large-size CCD developed by Kodak.

Details on the expo are available from PIE 2006 website, while info about the Pentax cameras and lenses are available from Pentax's website.

As mentioned before the LCD of the Pentax T10 is very promising and 30,000 pixel 3.0 inch touch-panel makes it ultimate for activities like capturing, editing, and sharing ones precious images. The T10 has an instinctive touch-panel something which has always been ignored by most camera giants and this makes for a great using experience. Operation is simple and trouble free and for trouble free navigation one use the included stylus. My favorite part of the T10 is the SMC Lens as Takumar lenses are renowned for its sharp images and durability since decades.

The Pentax T10 also lets you have fun and lets you explore the creative genius hidden inside you. It has a number of experimental modes like Drawing Function, Stamp Modes, Image cut-out and built-in Picture frames which makes it an extremely entertaining camera and not just another boring digicam.But it’s not all bout fun and games and Pentax has provided with everything needed for the Perfect Image. The focus system includes a TL contrast detection auto focus system making life convinnt and trouble-free for the user.
Also user can set the camera on automatic mode which sets exposure, shutter speed and even white balance. Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Manual Flash are the available settings present on the T10.

The Pentax T10 has a storage capacity of 12MB which can further be expanded by using any SD Card. There is a feature for Monaural recording too which depends on the capacity of the memory card. The T10 runs on Rechargeable Lithium-ion D-LI8 battery and an optional AC adapter can also be availed for. It is priced around $350 and no word on availability yet.

Check out the official website for more details.

One such product is the user-friendly and entry level Pentax Optio M10 which doesn’t compromise on its functionality. The M in the Pentax Optio stands for the mid range market and is touted as a reliable and a solid digi cam. The Pentax Optio M10 is a 6MP camera with a 3x Optical Zoom which incorporates a 2.5inch LCD. The optical zoom offers an angle-of-view coverage and captures an array of subjects including landscape, snapshots, portraits etc etc.The M10 also scores on its LCD and Pentax haven’t compromised on it despite its small size. It has a great auto LCD dimmer function which lets one adjusts backlight brightness according to the incident-light level and one can view the screen comfortably no matter what the lightening conditions are.

The Pentax Optio M10 also has a great battery due to the M10’s energy-saving design and can take upto 900 images with AA-size lithium batteries and 220 images with AA-size alkaline batteries. Another plus point being that any AA-size batteries can be used so the user doesn’t have to worry about such a trivial issue. The AF Mode also doesn’t disappoint and has a tracking AF mode which follows subject as it moves around in the image field .This mode can be accessed by selecting Sport, Pet and Kids shooting modes. The M10 is perfect for the average shooter and also offers a fantastic Green Mode which automatically sets exposure, sensitivity and white balance thus making it a great point and shoot camera.

The Pentax Optio M10 works with the Image Link printing system and thus users don’t even need personal computer. Its 22 MB memory can also be expanded by using a SD card. It will be priced at around 229.95 $ and will hit the stores in March this year.

Check out their website for more details

If you haven't heard about the Optio Wpi here's a quick briefing. It's got 6 megapixels onboard, a 2.0 inch LCD monitor, 3x optical zoom, quick start-up times, and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep subjects sharp. The Wpi captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating. It's the perfect companion to live with. If that's not enough to convince you, get the complete specification in this PDF.

The Wpi can be yours for US$349.95. There's a $30 rebate as well.
You have to be quick though. Quicker, if you want the red and blue beauties, because they are a LIMITED EDITION only. While the traditional silver model is available from a variety of dealers, the red and blue versions are available exclusively at
www.h20camera.com. Orders must be placed by February 7, 2006 to ensure delivery by February 14, 2006.

I can't believe that you are still reading this! Go place your order now.

Product website: Pentax Optio Wpi

According to Ed Lee director for Consumer Services this price drop comes as a result of consumer's looking for for a well priced, feature-packed DSL, "Consumers wavering between a higher-end compact digital and a digital SLR will take note of this new PENTAX pricing as will consumers who have been considering an upgrade to a digital SLR."

The price drop comes a couple of days after Pentax announced the Pentax *ist DL2 (for details see this MobileWhack story). We assume this is the reason for the sudden change in pricing.

The *ist DL features a 6.1 megapixel CCD lens, 2.5-inch monitor, SD media Storage, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 data transfer. Detailed specs after the bump. More info can also be found at PentaxSLR.com.

This is awesome! Pentax unveiled its latest digital SLR, the Pentax *ist DL2 in a compact form-factor. Targeted at beginners, this is affordably priced and offers simpler operations. Designed as a successor to its popular *ist DL model, the body of the *istDL2 is easy to handle thanks to its light weight.

The Pentax *ist DL2 features an increased number of AF sensor points and eight Scene Modes. Packaged in a portable body, it uses a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, 10-layer electronic circuit boards, high-density packaging technology, and mirror-box and shutter units designed to match the size of the CCD.

An innovative Auto Picture mode selects the most appropriate picture mode for a given subject - from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro or Action - ensuring just the right amount of aperture, shutter speed, saturation, sharpness and other image details.

Pretty much standard now, the Pentax *ist DL2 features a 2.5" color LCD preview screen offering 210,000 pixels. The menu screen is pretty intelligent enough to choose an optimum color scheme depending on the background which I think is cool. The CCD image sensor, measuring 23.5mm x 15.7mm, offers 6.1 megapixels (effective). Thanks to the Pentax image processing technology, users can look forward to high levels of gradation and saturation.

For more info on the Pentax *ist DL2, head to Pentax's website. Other great features are in the extended entry.

The Pentax A10 also features a new ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit) processor that allows the camera to attain higher level of tone reproduction and color correction.

Among the camera's other features are its 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD monitor, MPEG-4 video recording, PictBridge Direct Printing Support, 24MB of internal memory and expansion via an SD card slot. It also comes with a charging stand to charge its lithium-ion battery.

The camera goes on sale this February for under $350.

The camera belonging to the E series means it is easy to use with a simple mode selection dial that allows switching between the six different still-image shooting modes, movie mode and setup mode.

The Pentax Optio E10 also features a 2.4 inch LCD monitor, 10MB built-in memory plus an SD expansion card slot, PictBridge compatibility, and AVI movie capture. It is expected to ship this February for under $200.

Under its list of zoom lenses, Pentax has just announced the DA Fish Eye 1017-mm lens. This lens provides super wide-angle performance and will capture fish-eye imagery with a 180 degree angle of view and a focal length of 10mm.

Fish Eye lenses have a very wide field of view and allow extremely wide angle shots, the DA Fish Eye allows for an expanded perspective and creative deformation of subjects. The image circle is designed to match the image recording area used in Pentax DSLRs.

The new lens will ship in January 2006 and will be priced a little under $600. pentax.com.

The Optio 50L includes support for 5 megapixel resolutions and several manual and automatic functions. You get a nice bright 2.5 inch LCD screen in the back as well as 3x optical zoom with a focal length of 32 - 96 mm and aperatures of F 2,8 - F 4,8. The camera supports SD cards for storage space and allows users to also capture videos. Unfortunately the maximum video capture resolution is 320 x 240 at only 20 fps.

The 50L supports two AA batteries and weighs 130g. Via Livingroom.org.au.

It's main features are:
*Large, high-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor
*High-magnification glass pentaprism viewfinder for a large, clear view at every stage of digital photography from shooting to playback to editing.
*High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern metering
*Enhanced operability and maneuverability
*6 megapixel sensor (CCD)
*Weighs only 17.8 ounces

Golden, Colorado (July 21, 2005)…High resolution digital photography is simpler than ever with the new PENTAX Optio60 digital camera.  An excellent choice for digital newcomers, the PENTAX Optio60 offers 6.0 megapixel resolution and a 3X zoom lens in a compact, lightweight, and stylish design. 

     An easy-to-understand “Simple mode” deserves the credit for lowering the learning curve of the PENTAX Optio60.  Set in this mode, users are free to concentrate on photography subjects while the Pentax Optio60 automatically selects optimal focus and exposure settings for scenes at hand.  Even more, the PENTAX Optio60 incorporates Manual exposure settings plus Aperture and Shutter priority modes to allow room for users to grow their photography skills.