Pentax announces new Digital Camera, the X70 and the DA 15mm Limited.

Visitors to this page also liked: See "Recommended Reading" on the right column.
We honor reciprocal links.

Hi Pentaxian friends.

Pentax announces a new Digital Camera. First, here are the photos of it:

KEY FEATURES:

* 24X optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 26-624mm) fills the frame with even the most distant subjects.
* 12 megapixel CCD sensor for detailed images and large prints.
* High resolution 2.7 inch LCD screen with advanced anti-reflective coating for easy image review even in strong lighting.
* Compact, lightweight design makes the X70 very comfortable to use and travel with.
* Triple Shake Reduction technology includes Mechanical SR via CCD shift mechanism, Digital SR via high ISO, and Movie SR.
* High speed continuous shooting at 11 FPS ensures the perfect shot in fast action.
* High speed face detection sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 seconds.
* Flexible movie capture options include HD 720p15 (1280x720, 15 FPS), 848x480, VGA, and QVGA resolutions.
* Close up macro mode focuses as close as 1 cm for detailed images of the smallest subjects.

SPECIFICATIONS:

CAMERA HARDWARE

MODEL: X70
TYPE: Megazoom Digital Camera
PRODUCT CODE: 17491, UPC: 027075149861

SENSOR
Type: 1/2.33” interline transfer CCD w/ primary color filter
Effective pixels: 12.0
Total pixels: 12.7
Recorded resolutions
Still: 12M (4000x3000), 3:2 (4000x2672), 16:9 (4000x2256), 1:1 (2992x2992), 7M (3072x2304), 5M (2592x1944), 3M (2048x1536), 1024 (1024x768), VGA (640x480)
Movie: HD 720p15 (1280x720), 848p30 (848x480), VGA (640x480), QVGA (320x240)
Quality levels: ««« (best), «« (better), « (good)

LENS
Type/construction: PENTAX zoom lens, 14 elements, 11 groups (4 aspherical elements, 3 ED elements)
Optical zoom: 24X
Focal length (equiv.): 4.6-110.4mm (26-624mm)
Digital zoom: 6.25X
Combined zoom: 150X
Intelligent zoom: Approx 31.3X at 7M to 150X at VGA
Aperture: F2.8-5.0

LCD/VIEWFINDER
LCD screen: 2.7” TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating
LCD resolution: 230,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: n/a
Viewfinder: YES, electronic, 200,000 dots

FOCUS SYSTEM
Type: TTL contrast detection autofocus
Focus modes: 9 point AF, Spot AF, Auto Tracking AF, Macro, Super Macro, Infinity Landscape, AF Point Selection
Manual focus: YES
Macro focus: YES, Macro and Super Macro available
Focus lock: YES, by pressing the shutter release button half way
Focus rangeNormal: 1.31’ to infinity (wide), 5.6’ to infinity (tele)Macro: 0.33-1.64’ (wide, mid zoom)Super Macro: 0.03-0.98’ (mid zoom)

FLASH
Type: Retractable popup series-control auto flash
Flash modes: Auto, flash on, flash off, redeye, slow sync, slow sync w/ redeye
Effective range: 29.9’ (wide, auto ISO), 16.7’ (tele, auto ISO)

STORAGE MEDIA
Internal memory: 33.6 MB
Removable memory: SD, SDHC
INTERFACES
Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, DC in
Video out: NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a
POWER SUPPLY
Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI92
Recordable images: Approx 170
Playback time: Approx 200 min
Movie recording time: Approx 70 min
AC adapter available: YES (optional)

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.9”
Weight
Without battery or removable memory: 13.8 oz
Loaded and ready: 14.5 oz
Construction material(s): Polycarbonate
Operating temperature: 32-104°F

TIMING
Startup: 1.6 sec
Release lag: 0.031 sec

LANGUAGE SUPPORT
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Simplified/Traditional Chinese

KIT COMPONENTS
X70, USB Cable I-USB7, AV Cable I-AVC7, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI92, Battery Charge Cradle D-BC92(A), AC Plug Cord, Strap O-ST92, Lens Cap O-LC92, Software CD-ROM S-SW87

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
AC Adapter Kit K-AC64U, Battery Charger Kit K-BC92U, Megazoom Case, Optio Extended Warranty (+2 year)

IMAGE CAPTURE

IMAGE STABILIZATION
Still: Mechanical SR (sensor-shift), Digital SR (high ISO, 5M)
Movie: Movie SR

METERING SYSTEM
Type: TTL
Multi-segment: YES
Center weighted: YES
Spot: YES
Exposure compensation: +/- 2 EV (1/3 steps)

ISO SENSITIVITY
Auto: 50-6400, auto range adjustable (ISO 3200-6400, 5M)
Manual: 50-6400 (ISO 3200-6400, 5M)

WHITE BALANCE
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent (W, D, N)
Manual mode(s): YES

SHUTTER
Type: Programmed AE electronic lens shutter with CCD electronic shutter
Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec in Tv, Av, M, and Night Scene modes)

CAPTURE MODES
Mode selection: Auto Picture (Standard, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Flower), Sport, Digital SR (5M), Movie, User, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Scene (Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Backlight, Half Length Portrait (3M), Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Stage Lighting, Surf & Snow, Baby, Kids, Pet, Food, Fireworks, Frame Composite (3M), Party, Museum, Sunset, Digital Wide (5M), Digital Panorama (2M per frame)), Green
Green simplified mode available: YES
Face detection available: YES, up to 32 faces in 0.03s, Smile Capture, Blink Detection
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M
Date stamp: YES, date, date-time, time (not available in Green mode)
Digital filters (capture): n/a
Dynamic Range Adjustment: n/a

DRIVE MODES
Mode selection: One Shot, Continuous (L, M, H), Self Timer, Interval, Auto Bracket
Continuous FPS: 11 FPS for 21 frames (H), 6.3 FPS for 7 frames (M), 4 FPS for 7 frames (L)
Self-timer: YES (10s, 2s)
Remote control: n/a

PLAYBACK MODES
Mode selection: One Shot, Index (4 or 9 thumbnails), Magnification, Movie Playback, Sound Playback, Histogram, Folder, Select & Delete, Calendar
Mode pallet: Slideshow, Digital Filter, Frame Composite (3M), Resize, Cropping, Image & Sound Copy, Image Rotation, Movie Edit, Redeye Edit, Voice Memo, Protect, DPOF, Image Recovery, Startup Image, Face Zooming
Magnification: YES, up to 10X, scrollable
Digital filters (playback): B&W, Sepia, Color Filters (6), Color Extract (3), Soft, Fisheye (3 levels), Brightness
Movie edit: Save as Still Image, Movie Divide

FILE FORMATS
Still: JPG (EXIF 2.2), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III
Movie: AVI (Motion JPG) with sound
Sound: WAV (PCM), monaural

COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS*
*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.
Windows: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, USB port
Mac: MacOS-X 10.1.2-10.5, USB port

------------------------------------------------------------------------

PENTAX INTRODUCES THE PENTAX X70 MEGAZOOM
DIGITAL CAMERA

GOLDEN, CO. (March 2, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX X70 Megazoom digital camera featuring a high magnification 24X optical zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage housed in a highly portable, compact, lightweight body. With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexible exposure modes, the PENTAX X70 is a true bridge between compact digital cameras and digital SLRs. The X70 is the ideal camera for the intermediate to advanced shooter who wants to step up in form and function from digital compact offerings without the size, weight, and expense of a true DSLR camera. The X70 offers photographers the ease-of-use of a compact camera with powerful shooting options traditionally found on a DSLR, such as aperture/shutter priority and metered manual modes, true hardware sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fast operation, and a high quality zoom lens. This new model performs superbly and effortlessly in a variety of photographic situations from casual day-to-day snapshots to travel and sports photography.



Also announced is the smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited ultra wide-angle lens for PENTAX Digital SLR Cameras. This latest model in PENTAX’s acclaimed Limited Lens series inherits all the attributes of this renowned product line including high quality image reproduction and high grade aluminum lens barrel finish, while providing users with a unique ultra wide-angle perspective. The lens will ship in April 2009 for $649.95 USD, while the PENTAX X70 will ship in April 2009 for $399.95 USD.


These PENTAX products will be displayed at PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations Trade Show from March 3-5, 2009 in Las Vegas. More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html.


PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For almost 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of Hoya Corporation.
# # #

Media contact:
Michelle Martin
303.728.0224
Michelle.martin@pentax.com

Consumers:
pentaxinfo@pentax.com
1-800-877-0155
PENTAX X70 FACT SHEET

Versatile 24X optical Megazoom lens accommodates a range of subjects
Within a compact, lightweight body, the X70 features a high magnification optical 24X zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between a wide-angle 26mm to a super telephoto 624mm (in the 35mm format). This is ideal for wide-angle scenic shots or group photos, as well as getting closer to the action at a sporting event. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70 zoom range may be extended to approximately 150 times (for a focal length of an astonishing approximately 3900mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.

High image quality
With 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the high quality PENTAX Megazoom lens, the X70 delivers super clear, high quality images in any shooting mode. Images at 12.0 megapixels are also suitable for printing at most large print sizes including 8x10, 11x17 and even larger poster size prints.

Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCD monitor
The PENTAX X70 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. An Anti-Reflection coating helps minimize glare from sunlight for more effective outdoor viewing. Also, the X70 comes with an electronic viewfinder for easy image composition and review in the brightest lighting conditions. You can also access the camera’s menus and other functions via the electronic viewfinder, so you will always be able to change settings no matter how bright it is outdoors.

Compact, lightweight design
The compact, lightweight design of the X70, one of the smallest and lightest cameras in it’s class, make it easy to transport and use. However, the small size does not mean features are compromised. The X70 includes a full range of automatic and manual features and functions.

Reliable Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images
The X70 incorporates an “image sensor shift” Shake Reduction system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions such as when shooting at full telephoto or when shooting a sunset or indoor scenes with very low light. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.

High-speed Continuous Shooting mode to capture the decisive moment
The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second and up to 21 images in succession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-moving subject in focus all the time, the X70 is sure to capture that once in a lifetime, decisive moment in sharp focus. The X70 is perfect for shooting sports action and active children and pets.
* When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).


Fast Face Detection AF&AE captures up to 32 faces in focus in approx. 0.03 seconds
The X70 Face Detection function is effective for capturing casual snapshots of people by optimizing the focusing and exposure of up to 32 faces in a single image in approximately 0.03 seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions including Smile Capture which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile, and Blink Detection which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes are closed at the moment of capture.


Movie capture in high-definition TV image quality with anti-shake protection
The X70 captures high quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels) at 15 frames per second. The X70 also features Movie SR mode,** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake during movie capture. The X70 can also record video at 848x480, VGA and QVGA resolutions at 30 frames per second, for full video capture flexibility. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

PENTAX X70 FACT SHEET (cont)

Multi-mode exposure system
The X70 offers a choice of four exposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject and Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE and full Metered Manual modes, in which photographers are free to select either (or both) aperture and shutter speed to suit their photographic needs.

Auto Picture mode for the automatic selection of seven different shooting modes
The X70 features the advanced PENTAX Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting, movement 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 and Standard modes), but also features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-range applications.

Auto sensitivity control up to a high ISO of 6400
The X70 comes equipped with an Auto Sensitivity Control function, which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’s lighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows the photographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as night scenes or indoor sports events to effectively minimize camera shake and subject blur. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and ISO 6400, and is range adjustable.


Additional Features
· Image Format Choice proportions of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1.
· Scene mode palette for easy selection from 20 scenes, including a new Baby mode for accurate exposure and skin tones when taking pictures of babies.
· Overexposure compensation function to prevent blown out (or clipped) highlights.
· A Super Macro mode may be used to shoot as close as 0.4 inches (one centimeter) away from a subject for stunning close-up details.
· Digital Wide mode quickly stitches 2 images together for an extra wide-angle image (equivalent to 20mm in the 35mm format).
· World time clock displays standard time in 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world for extra convenience when on the road.
· Frame Composite mode (with 90 built-in image frames) offers fun and creative ways to style up your shots.
· Approximately 33.6MB of built-in memory. Also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
· Red-eye reduction function corrects for red eyes as the result of flash photography. Red-eye reduction can be applied during capture, or as a post-capture filter.


PENTAX is a trademark of HOYA CORPORATION.
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited Fact Sheet

Ultra wide-angle perspective
This new lens offers a 23mm angle of view (in the 35mm format) for eye-catching wide-angle images. Enjoy visual effects unique to ultra wide-angle lenses such as enhanced perspective and an expanded depth of field. This lens is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, magnificent architecture and confined interiors.

Limited Lens series quality
The PENTAX Limited Lens series is designed for the ultimate in image reproduction. True to the Limited lens tradition, this new lens not only assures excellent image quality, but also produces sharp, clear images with minimal distortion and outstanding contrast even at the maximum aperture. The optical design has been optimized for digital photography, and the barrel, built-in hood, and cap are all made of a high-grade aluminum material that is shaped for perfect proportions.
High-performance optics
This lens incorporates a hybrid aspherical (AL) lens and an extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass optical element to assure high-quality images with minimal aberrations, including lateral chromatic aberration. Compared with other ultra wide-angle lenses, image distortion is also extremely low.
Compact, lightweight design
With newly developed optics, this ultra wide-angle lens design is extremely compact and lightweight. It has no dome-shaped protrusion on the objective element, allowing the photographer to easily mount any 49mm diameter filters, including circular polarizing filters which are popular in landscape photography.

Additional features
· Built-in flower-shaped lens hood, with extendible design for easy carrying
· Minimum focusing distance of 0.5 feet (18 centimeters) for close-up photography
· PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is acquired by the AF system
· PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating on front surface of the lens makes it easy wipe away fingerprints, cosmetics and other stains and smudges

PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.