BenQ intros two Pentax-lensed compact cams

Freshening its compact DC-series cameras, BenQ has just launched a pair of successors to a pair of its point-and-shoot models. The 8-megapixel E820 is a direct replacement for the 7-megapixel E720 and adds face detection for better portraits plus a forced high-ISO mode that shoots at ISO 1600 for dark scenes; the C740i is a subtler upgrade that keeps an existing 7-megapixel sensor but adds the same face detection and ISO 1600 to the existing formula.

The two share a higher-grade Pentax lens with 3X optical zoom and include MPEG-4 video recording while zooming in, including a 720x400 widescreen mode for capturing video in a DVD-friendly ratio suitable for editing. Each also bridges between hands-off compact cameras and SLRs by offering full manual control over aperture, exposure, and shutter speed.

Neither pricing nor availability has been announced, though both cameras should be available soon in areas where BenQ sells its camera range.