The Pentax Optio I10 is an old-fashioned & retro camera from Pentax just announced at PMA 2010.
The Pentax Optio I10 comes with a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor and a 5x optical zoom. This old-Fashion Point-and-shoot camera has up to 6400 ISO sensitivity, gyro-based image stabilizer and features an HD Video recording in 1280×720 resolutions. Integrated with a 2.7-inch LCD display, a 26.7MB internal memory, and expandable with SD/SDHC memory card. Other features a Pet Detection mode and Face Detection. Measuring 100.5×65×28 mm and weight 153g. The Pentax Optio I-10 is available in white and black colors.

Retro look but plenty of features!

SLR-inspired design
The nostalgic, eye-catching design of the Optio I-10 resembles classic film SLR cameras. Pentax positioned the flash unit and speaker in the upper mid-section of the camera body to create this original SLR-shaped body, and the leatherette texture and classic 20th century Pentax logo add elegance to the camera design.

Optical 5x wide angle to telephoto zoom lens
The Optio I-10 features an optical 5x zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 5.1mm to 25.5mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto). This wide zoom range allows the Optio I-10 to capture a wide variety of subjects and scenes from breathtaking landscapes, majestic architecture and group shots in a confined space, to tightly cropped photos shot from a distance. An Intelligent Zoom function allows even tighter zoom on subjects and extends the digital zoom range to approximately 31.3x.

12.1 effective megapixels for exceptional image quality
With 12.1 effective megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the camera’s high performance Pentax zoom lens, the Optio I-10 delivers brilliant, high quality images with well-defined details. Even when enlarged, the images deliver sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

Improved Face Detection recognizes dogs and cats
The Optio I-10 features an improved Face Detection AF & AE function that detects up to 32 faces in the image field and captures them all in sharp focus with optimal exposure in just 0.03 seconds. This upgraded Face Detection technology now allows users to adjust the camera to detect dogs and cats. Users may program the camera to automatically release the shutter the moment the subject faces the camera, which is especially helpful for pet photography.

The Pentax Optio I10 sports triple anti-shake protection

CCD-shift-type SR mechanism
The Optio I-10 incorporates an advanced CCD-shift-type Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism that compensates for camera shake by shifting the camera’s image sensor (CCD) horizontally and vertically in relation to the amount of shake detected by the high-accuracy gyro sensor. This offers outstanding camera-shake compensation equivalent to up to 2.5 shutter steps even when shooting telephoto or in lowlight settings such as sunsets or indoors.

The Pentax Optio I10 is available now for US $274.36.

The Pentax K-7 is the new jewel in the company’s crown, with a long list of specs well beyond any previous Pentax DSLR. Existing Pentax users will be pleased to finally see a much-wanted pro-level upgrade, whereas those familiar with other manufacturers’ systems may also be drawn in thanks to an all-encompassing features list.

The Pentax K-7 has been built from the ground up by Pentax and, unlike the K20D and K10D which had Samsung GX20 and GX10 equivalents, is a standalone venture. The build quality is a key sell; ruggedly made, but following Pentax’s ultimately ‘classic’ design, the body is made from a magnesium alloy that’s both dust and weather-sealed at 77 points. Shooting in sand, getting splashed with rain or other treacherous conditions need not be a bother and, despite this upgrade, the whole camera is even marginally smaller and lighter than the previous K20D. The featured 18-55mm kit lens follows suit, as does the optional D-BG4 battery grip (which offers both AA and li-ion battery options) to complete a fully weather-and-dust-sealed unit in its entirety.

A high-resolution 14.6MP CMOS sensor is at the heart of the K-7’s body, which whilst not a step up over the K20D in terms of resolution, does double the number of output channels. The result? More information can speed through the K-7’s buffer for faster continuous shooting than ever before – a firm 5.2 frames per second sees the K20D’s 3fps barrier officially trounced; ideal for those looking to shoot sports or action photography.

Unlike its key competitors – namely the Nikon D300 and Canon 50D – the Pentax K-7, like many Pentax DSLRs before it, incorporates Shake Reduction (SR) into the camera body itself. Crucially this means even old K-mount bayonet-fit lenses can benefit from this function, and new lenses will not cost as much as their (hypothetical) stabilised counterparts.

A notable – and very much ‘flavour of 2009’ – feature is the inclusion of a 720p HD movie mode, plus the inclusion of a superior 1536×1024 capture that can be output at 1080i, though this is not ‘Full HD’ capture. Mono sound is recorded from the camera’s body, or there is the option to use the 3.5mm jack socket to plug in a microphone and record in stereo. Aperture can be set as fixed via the camera body for recording or there’s an automatic variable aperture mode, which adjusts the aperture according to the amount of light available throughout recording. Whilst in-camera shake reduction can also be used to full effect, it is not possible to autofocus whilst recording – though it is entirely plausible this will be possible in the future, if the clever bods at Pentax fix up the necessary firmware.

In keeping up with the competition, the Pentax K-7 adorns a 920,000 dot high resolution 3in LCD screen. Whilst it’s not a tilt and swivel screen as seem to be creeping into a number of camera bodies of late, it does auto-rotate images on the screen itself and, in keeping with orientation, has a virtual horizon level too – a really nice touch when in live view mode.

With customisable white balance settings, a shutter speed up to 1/8000th second, 77 segment metering system, the new SAFOX VIII+ 11-point AF system with AF illuminator lamp, in-camera HDR, and D-Range shadow and highlight adjustment options, the features list is certainly bulging. The K-7’s viewfinder has the much-sought after 100% field of view too, ensuring what you see is exactly what you’ll capture.

Now it’s your choice: which bargain are you going to take?
It’s either a Pentax K-7 with DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant Lens bundle priced at US $1,104.99 (saving up to 47% over regular price, that’s $979.11!) or the body-only Pentax K-7 priced at $979.00 that’s $320.95 (-25%)!

Another winner from Pentax announced just before this summer: the Pentax K-7, is now available with a substantial price saving - up to 44% off!

The Pentax K-7 entered the Pentax range as a high-end model targeted at photo enthusiasts because its complexity made it most suitable for experienced SLR photographers.
Featuring a solid metal body, weatherproof sealing and a wide range of user-adjustable controls, it also supported high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5.2 frames/second and HD video recording at 30 frames/second.

The low-down: This 14.6-megapixel camera came fitted with the Pentax 18-55-millimetre lens. This is at the top of the company’s camera range. It has a magnesium-alloy body and is smaller than the K20D. It is weather-sealed and sports an excellent 920,000-dot LCD and 100 per cent viewfinder. It has an HD movie mode. Image stabilisation is by sensor shift. There are body-top and LCD information displays. All important controls are immediately accessible on the camera body, including a nifty white balance adjustment tool. This white balance tool itself is not unique to Pentax but the accessibility is. Among all the desirable features for serious photography is a killer innovation: true in-camera HDR (high dynamic range) processing.

Like: The in-camera HDR processing works by taking three exposures at widely spaced exposure values and then merging them into a single jpeg. Of course, it can really only work with the camera tripod mounted but that is true of any HDR sequence. The results from the Pentax K-7 are splendid and, unlike some HDR output from Photomatix or Photoshop, completely realistic.

High-quality movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second
The Pentax K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make the subject stand out, or use different lenses to create distinctive visual effects. Beautiful movie clips can recorded at different sizes–640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions)–at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HDMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal for high quality sound to match your videos.

Pentax K-7 Technical Details

• High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body
• Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C)
• Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings
• 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Pentax K-7 is available now (body only) for US $1,031.89
This means you save $822.12 (that’s 44% off regular price!)

The new colorful digital SLR camera Pentax K-x combine solid photography performance like Live View function, high quality movie recording, high quality DSLR photographic for all users.

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.
Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

Pentax K-x Features & Highlights

• High-resolution 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
• Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
• Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7fps capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
• Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
• Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

The Pentax K-x is available now for US $ 649.95!

Pentax has launched its latest waterproof camera promising to let you “go boldly where none have gone before.”

Called the Pentax Optio W80, the update to the Optio W60 will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras.

On the tough specs, the Pentax Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 5 metres, letting you shoot photos and video for up to 2 hours underwater. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 1m. That coldproof badge means the camera can to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).

On the camera specs you get 12.1 megapixels, a 5x internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim body and a wide angle 28mm lens. There’s also a 2.5-inch LCD screen and HD movie capture capabilities that record resolutions up to 1280 x 720 pixels at full-speed 30fps.

There is also fast face detection that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with smile capture and blink detection, for perfect portrait shots.

Available in cardinal red, azure blue and gunmetal grey, the Pentax Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for US $299.95 in the US with an expected UK price of around £170 and is available now for pre-order.

Tough and rough yet pretty nice: this is what the Pentax Optio W60 it’s all about!

Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Optio W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing.

Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5x optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Pentax Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). This range allows the camera to capture a wide variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. A Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format).

The Pentax Optio W60 also accompanies users to new aquatic depths. With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous Pentax waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).

The Pentax Optio W60 feature list it’s photo-amateur-proof too:

• 10.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
• Waterproof to 13 feet; coldproof to sub-zero temperatures
• 5x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD screen
• 720p HD movie capture (15fps)
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Now even less than the suggested retail price (US $ 299) so check the final price by clicking here!

Ultrazoom compact cameras have come a long way, really long if you consider that two out of three of these sport a 24x zoom lens.

This means, in 35mm jargon, an equivalent 26-624mm zoom. The Olympus SP-590UZ, goes even further, up to 26x (676mm equiv.)!

All three have image stabilization and vibration reduction features; they all reach the 12 megapixel peak and may give you something to think about when choosing your next camera: an ultrazoom compact with DSLR-level features.

Which is the best? Fair bet… each one has its own strong points, so check out for yourself!

The Olympus SP-590UZ: with a 26x optical zoom lens covering a remarkable 26-676mm focal length range, 10fps sequential shooting, and a 12 Megapixel CCD, nothing can escape the scrutiny of the SP-590UZ.
Photographers using the latest Olympus Ultra Zoom can further increase the power of its lens to 130x using the optional TCON-17N Teleconverter.
Luckily, Dual Image Stabilisation is on hand to protect photos from blur caused by camera shake, and Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to bring out details hidden in darker areas of the picture.
So when photographers view their results on the camera’s 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, they know that they’ll be picture perfect.

The Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD is an all-purpose digital compact camera featuring a high-magnification optical 24x zoom and 6.25x digital zoom lens.
The camera has approximately 12 effective megapixels and utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor.
Its lens focusing distance is 4.6 - 110.4mm (approx. 26-624mm in 35mm format) with an aperture range of F2.8(W)-F5.0(T). The X70 is able to record up to 1280 resolution video and has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.
It has Motion Blur Reduction, Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR), and Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR).
The camera has a 33.6 MB built-in memory with support for SD/SDHC Memory Card expandibility.
The Pentax X70 has a 2.7-inch 230K AR coating LCD display and an electronic viewfinder (200K dots) and auto and manual focus, macro shots, exposure control, exposure compensation, scene mode, playback mode, shutter speed of 1/4000-1/4 seconds, built-in flash and “Red-eye” reduction. The Pentax X70 is powered by a rechargeable D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, measures 110.5×82.5×89.5mm and weighs 390g (without battery and SD memory card).

The Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the Nikon P90 utilizes motion detection (which detects subject motion and adjusts shutter speed and/or ISO accordingly), reduced-res high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400, and Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (which “automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image”).

Shooting Modes for All
Two new shooting modes on the P90 seek to expand the camera’s utility for different user groups. Aimed at soccer moms and serious shooters alike, the Nikon P90’s Sport Continuous mode captures up to 45 reduced-resolution shots at an outrageously fast 15 fps. Family photographers are also served by a new Smart Portrait System, grouping several auto exposure technologies (including blink detection, smile detection, face detection, and red-eye reduction) for easier access when taking shots of friends and family.
In the interest of enthusiast appeal, the P90 also packs in the typical P/A/S/M manual exposure modes, as well as an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon P90 weighs in at just over a pound so it didn’t feel like we were shackled to a mid-level DSLR. The weight reduction can be attributed to the Nikon P90’s plastic body. It was obvious that Nikon sacrificed a little structural integrity in exchange for additional controls and features.

Articulating Screen: in this case, though, the big news is that the P90’s screen is articulating (Nikon calls it “Vari-Angle”), allowing the display to be tilted “as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward,” according to the manufacturer.

The best three ultrazoom compact cameras around: now it’s up to you to choose!

For a short period of time these two compact cameras will be available with a substantial saving off the original price.

The Canon Powershot E1 feature list include:

Pentax has announced the Pentax K-M (or K2000, in the US), a new DSLR that will compete in the now-so-crowded entry-level market.
The camera, which is built around an image stabilized 10 megapixel sensor has been designed to be small, light and easy-to-use. The two lenses available in kits with the camera have also been re-engineered to be lighter.
Slightly different from the previous K200D, the Pentax K2000 can sport these features, in a nutshell:
- 10.2-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
- Includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DA L lens and AF200FG flash
- 2.7-inch wide-view LCD panel; Shake Reduction Technology
- Dedicated, reprogrammable Help button displays information on LCD
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

The Pentax K2000 offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time. Combining Pentax-developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the Pentax K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners. Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2-megapixel CCD, a 2.7-inch wide-view LCD panel and an ultra-compact design that facilitates one-handed operation. The body also features the same Pentax-developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K-series digital SLRs. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million Pentax lenses, and delivers sharp images even when hand-held at slower shutter speeds. The Pentax K2000 also features the powerful, Pentax-developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night! Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings to guide and teach you about digital SLR photography.

PMA 2008 opens on January 31st: there’s already a host of new products, some of them unofficially introduced, a lot of web speculations and too much rumors.

Among the tech trends for 2008 we can spot for sure:

• CCDs are getting past 12/14 MP, 10 MP is now pretty commonplace, although lens quality still matters (and we mean the lenses which sometimes are part of bundle kits),

• Live View: being able to pre-view not only through the viewfinder will become common feature among DSLRs, at last,

• extended dynamic range: in a nutshell the range of luminosity the CCD is able to catch, a much better and technical explanation may be found here on CambridgeInColour.com. Many digital camera are introducing/will introduce algorithms to enhance dynamic range so we’ll have to sort out which just fits better our pictures.

Some of the new products we already know something about:

- Canon introduces EOS Rebel XSI (in Europe AKA 450D) that goes far beyond the best-seller Rebel XTi (AKA 400D) with a 12 Megapixel CCD, Live View mode, SD/SDHC card support, a 3″ display and much more: watch out for this, it’s gonna mean a lot of rock’n'roll again for Canon;
- Pentax introduces K200D and Pentax K20D: the first is an entry-level 10 MP DSLR sporting several smart features.
The Pentax K20D features Live View, raises up the ante to 14 MP (!) and extends the previous K10D with a tougher body, new lenses and (need to say?) extended dynamic range;

- Samsung presents GX-20: almost the same as Pentax’s K20D just ‘dressed’ by Samsung; aggressive pricing and kit bundling will give competitors some trouble from this prosumer DSLRs couple;
- Fujifilm announced many new compact cameras as well as the new S100fs: a high-level bridge camera (bridging compact and DSLR, that is) that takes the place for the (glorious, we still love it) Finepix S9100 (AKA S9600).
The 2/3″ CCD reaches now 11 Megapixel, focal length is now 28-400mm (previously the S9100/S9600 lens was 28-300 mm) with optical stabilizer.
Yet again the S100fs its own extended dynamic range system (more to investigate on this) and the brand new Film Simulation mode (hence the name FS) already used in the award-winning DSLR S5 Pro.
Brand new cameras are the S1000fd, self-dubbed “the smallest 12X zoom compact camera”, and the S8100fd, now with 10 MP sensor, that replaces the (still young) S8000fd.

Still many upcoming new products in the next days, both lenses, accessories and memory card.

Goin’ to Las Vegas? Check here for more info on PMA 2008.