Pentax Optio Range Gains Optio P70 Compact Digital Camera 12 Megapixels, HD Video Recording

Pentax has announced a new, up and coming model in its range of Optio
compact digital cameras in the form of the Pentax Optio P70 which comes
with a 12 megapixel image sensor and triple anti-shake protection as
well as advanced face detection capable of recognising up to 32 faces
and HD video capture capabilities.

The new Pentax Optio P70, which sports a 2.7' LCD display and is
available in five separate colors and which is set against the likes of
Sony's Cybershot range of digital compact cameras, offers 4x optical
zoom and as well as capturing images up to 12MP effective resolution can
record movies clips at 1280 x 720 quality.

Pentax's official press release concerning its new Optio P70 compact
digital camera lists the following key features:

High image quality

The Optio P70 is designed for the highest level of performance and image
quality in its class, thanks to the combination of approximately 12
effective megapixels producing incredible high-resolution images, a
high-performance imaging engine for true-to-life colour reproduction,
and a renowned smc PENTAX lens. It even records movie clips at 1280 x
720 pixels, producing beautiful movies equivalent in quality to those of
high-definition broadcast.

Advanced 4X Optical zoom lens with wide-angle coverage

The Optio P70 uses an impressive 4X optical zoom lens covering a focal
length from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approx. 27.5mm to 110mm in
35mm format). This covers a wide range of subjects and scenes, from
wide-angle images of scenery, architecture, or group shots taken in
close quarters, to telephoto images depicting detailed subjects at great
distance. For higher-magnification photography, it is equipped with an
Intelligent Zoom function. When combined with the optical zoom lens,
this function extends the zoom range to approximately 25X without
compromising the optical performance of the lens.

Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake

Pixel Track SR mode - When recording still images, the Optio E70's new
Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera
shake by processing affected images with exclusive software.
High-Sensitivity SR mode - When it detects low-lighting conditions in
still-image shooting, the Optio E70 automatically raises its sensitivity
as high as ISO 6400 to set a higher shutter speed. This effectively
minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake.
Movie SR mode -ย During movie shooting, the Optio E70 prevents blurry
images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake using exclusive
software.

Vertical Snap mode for easy vertical-position shooting

The Optio P70's unique Vertical Snap mode simplifies vertical-position
shooting, as it allows the photographer to turn the power on and off and
zoom the lens in and out with simple pushbutton operation on the back
panel. In addition, all icons on the LCD monitor are automatically
rotated for vertical-position viewing. This new mode provides the user
with the same ease of operation as a mobile phone.

Compact, ultra-slim body

The compact design of the Optio P70 was achieved using new PENTAX
advanced technology, including the newly developed 'Sliding Lens
System.' Size and weight were further saved by downsizing all parts,
and using space-efficient high-density mounting technology.

Stylish design with a high-grade finish

Both sides of the Optio P70 are gently rounded to provide the user with
the most comfortable holding position possible, which also gives the
camera an elegant shape that attracts the eye. Exterior blemishes have
further been reduced by integrating the strap lug into the body.ย For a
high-grade finish, meticulous attention is paid to every detail of the
camera body, from the elegant, aluminium housing to chrome-coated parts
that are gently contoured to radiate shine from every viewing angle.
Additionally, to create a distinctive finishing touch, the silver model
has a fine-textured sand finish, while colour models have a
double-coating finish with a clear overcoat applied to primary colour paint.

Auto Picture mode for automatic selection from eight different shooting
modes

The Optio P70 features the advanced Auto Picture mode, which
automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given
subject or scene by detecting the subject's lighting and other
conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choice
for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene
Portrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight modes), but also
features an auto macro mode, which automatically switches the camera's
focus range to macro for close-up applications.

Super-fast Face Recognition AF & AE function to capture the subject's
face in focus in approximately 0.03 seconds

The Optio P70 features the Face Recognition AF & AE function, which is
extremely handy for taking casual snapshots of friends and family. It
optimises the focusing and exposure of the subject, up to 32 faces in a
single image, in as little as 0.03 seconds. The Optio P70 offers other
user-friendly functions as well: a Smile Capture function automatically
releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject's smile; and a
Blinking Detection function warns the photographer when the subject's
eyes close at the time of shutter release.

Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor

Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio P70 features a huge 2.7-inch
high-brightness colour LCD monitor. Its bright screen not only makes
image viewing easy while shooting and during playback, but also
facilitates easier menu reading and mode setting.

Other features

Digital Wide function to create an extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to
an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
Digital Panorama mode to compose a single panoramic picture from as many
as three images
26-mode shooting mode palette for easy selection of the most appropriate
mode, including the Party mode, for any given subject or scene
Favourites function to save reduced-size files of favourites images in
the camera and recall them at will
Image recovery function to retrieve accidentally erased images
Frame Composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot
or compose images with decorative photo frames
Approximately 33.7MB built-in memory
Red-eye reduction function to correct red eyes in recorded images during
playback
ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software
included, support for Windows VistaTM
Compatibility with PictBridge DPOF functions Exif Print, and PRINT Image
Matching III

The Pentax Optio P70 is set to begin shipping as of February and will
retail for just shy of a not uncompetitive $200 (meaning its well placed
in terms of price - as well as specifications - to give Sony's
Cybershots a run for their money).