Pentax debuts 2 Optio compact cameras: E70, P70

Ahead of CES, Pentax on Tuesday announced two compact digital cameras: the Optio P70 and Optio E70. The ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P70 digital compact camera offers 12 megapixel resolution, a 4X optical zoom (equivalent to 27.5mm-110mm), and a wide angle 28mm lens; The Optio P70 features metal body and is available in multiple colors. Other features include a 2.7 inch high-res, wide-angle view LCD panel, and new Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology decrease shake in low lighting. The Optio P70 also offers Advanced Face Recognition that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds as well as both Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile and Blink Detection to provide alerts when subject’s eyes are closed.

Penxtax says that Digital Shake Reduction sets the sensitivity up to ISO 6400 to prevent subject blur and the HD movie mode captures video in widescreen 720p at 15 FPS; in addition, a Vertical Snap mode allows image capture with the ease of a cell phone camera.

PENTAX also announced its latest camera in the line of affordable compact digital E series: the Optio E70. Designed for new digital users, the Optio E70 offers simple operation with large control buttons in a compact, ultra-slim body. It also offers 10 megapixel resolution, a 3X wide zoom lens (equivalent to 35mm-105mm), and a 2.4 inch color LCD monitor; it is compatible with standard AA batteries and offers features such as PENTAX Auto Picture mode (automatically selects from seven shooting modes for the best picture in any situation), Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology, Advanced Face Recognition (32 faces in 0.03 seconds), Smile Capture and Blink Detection.

The PENTAX Optio P70 will be available for $200 in a choice of three colors: white, red and silver, while the PENTAX Optio E70 will be available in gold, blue and red for $140. Both cameras will ship in February 2009.