DENVER, Colorado (June 5, 2002) . . . PENTAX Corporation expands its digital product line by introducing two innovative digital still cameras, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS. Following in the footsteps of the successful Optio 430 and Optio 330, these two new models inherit the same dynamic design as their predecessors in that they are so compact and stylish that you will want to carry them all the time. Each of the two new models provides high-quality images with impressive all-around performance. The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS offer the digital clarity of 4.0 and 3.2 megapixels respectively (effective pixels) and have been further enhanced with advanced and useful features not found on the original Optio 430 and 330 models.

Major Features:

A compact body with a refined, stylish design
The exterior of the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS has been stylishly crafted from stainless steel. This makes them feel surprisingly comfortable in the hand and gives them a sleek and elegant appearance. Acrylic has been used for the area surrounding the base of the lens to enhance the look of each model from a range of different angles. These cameras have achieved even more compact dimensions through the incorporation of an ultra-compact zoom lens, which retracts in two stages whenever the power is switched off. The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also employ the newly developed Multi Chip Module (MCM), which integrates the CPU, ASIC, and the memory chip for a more compact overall design.

Ultra-compact, optical 3X zoom lens
Both of these new additions to the Optio line feature an ultra compact, high-performance 3X optical zoom lens. This achieves images with high resolution and a low-level of distortion. The lens on each camera is easy to operate with the handy zoom button. Zooming performance is extended with 2X digital zoom capacity, which allows smooth zooming action and a total capability of 6X zoom when combined with the power of the lens.

Digital precision with 4.0 and 3.2 megapixels (effective pixels)
Precision imaging is, of course, not confined to the lens and zooming mechanisms. Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also excel in terms of image recording. They make use of advanced image processing technology and offer the precision of 4.0 and 3.2 megapixels respectively.

Simple operation
Through the incorporation of a newly developed image processing circuit, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS offer surprisingly simple operation. They feature an improved Easy View function which allows the simple playback of images via the central "OK" button on the four-way controller. For additional shooting ease, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are always ready to shoot. All you have to do is point and press the shutter, so there is never an excuse for missing the action. Manual selection of shooting modes has been made simple with a single dial that allows you to choose from Standard, Night Scene, Metered Manual, Movie, 3D image and Digital Filter modes. Special attention has been paid to ergonomics in the design of the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS and this is apparent in the logical and strategic placement of buttons and controls. These two cameras feature standalone buttons for the frequently used shooting and playback functions. They also offer quick delete and quick enlargement for greater convenience.

3D image mode for stereoscopic shooting
Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS add a new dimension to digital photography with the innovative 3D image mode. This feature for stereoscopic shooting provides pictures that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when viewed through the special 3D viewer provided.

Digital filter mode for greater creative freedom
The Digital filter mode gives you the power to control the tone of your pictures. Achieving similar effects as conventional filters, this feature gives you a choice of monochrome and sepia shooting as well as a range of other tones (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple). The purple filter could be used, for example, to add mood to a sunset and tone down brighter elements. In addition to changing tone, subjects can also be made to look more slender through use of the Slim filter, which also offers different degrees of slimming.

Other notable features include:

Easy PC connection and USB compatibility*
A key advantage of digital photography is, of course, the ability to transmit your pictures to a PC. These cameras make this process simple through connection with a USB cable, allowing you to import your images into a wide range of common applications with speed and ease. This USB convenience also means that you can transmit a number of images simultaneously.
*System requirements: PC running Windows 98/98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Mac OS 8.6 or higher (installation of the included driver software is required, except in the case of Mac 0S 9.0 or higher). Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not guarantee USB compatibility.

Additional software included
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS each come equipped with a CD-ROM containing a USB driver as well as the popular ACDSee(tm) imaging software which is compatible with both Windows and Mac.

Built-in auto flash
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are equipped with an auto flash that discharges when shooting in low-light conditions. Flash-on, flash-off, red-eye reduction**, and Night Scene modes including slow shutter sync can also be selected.
**This feature does not eliminate "red eyes" in all instances.

Precision LCD monitor
The high resolution, 1.6 inch LCD monitor offers a 100% view of the frame for precise composition. It is also handy for viewing images you have just taken.

Optical Viewfinder
The viewfinder of the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS offers actual image zoom. It lets you conserve power by switching off the LCD monitor and also allows diopter adjustment.

Digital zoom
Not only are the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS capable of optical 3X zoom, they also provide the additional power of 2X digital zoom for a combined capacity of 6X zooming.

Nine-image display and Zoom display
Nine recorded images can be simultaneously displayed on the screen to make the search for recorded images quick and effortless. The screen is also capable of displaying images with 4X magnification, which means that you can check the focus and inspect small details on recorded shots.

A selection of shooting modes
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS have a range of shooting modes that can be selected with the turn of a dial. Movie mode*** lets you record movie clips of up to 30 seconds in length at 15 frames per second, with 320 X 240 recorded pixels. These clips are recorded in AVI format for the added convenience of simple playback on PC. The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also offer the versatility of Standard, Night Scene, Metered Manual, 3D image and Digital Filter modes, which allow the cameras to deliver pleasing performance in a range of different situations.
***System requirements for use of the Movie function:

PCs running Windows 98/98SE or Windows 2000 operating systems which came with Windows Media Player attached and have DirectX 8.0 or higher installed. PCs running Windows Me or Windows XP operating systems featuring Windows Media Player or Quick Time 3.0 or higher. Macintosh machines running operating systems, which came with Quick Time 4.0 or higher attached.

Convenient self-timer
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are equipped with a convenient self-timer that allows you to get in the shot and helps to avoid camera shake during longer exposures.

Optional remote control
For even further convenience, there are two optional remote controls available for the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS. The Remote Control E and the Remote Control F allow three-second shutter release as well as immediate shutter release.

Continuous shooting
A function for continuous shooting allows you to take multiple frames of action scenes in quick succession. It can be used to capture an entire chain of events or simply provide you with a range of shots to choose from.

Interval shooting
This fun feature allows you to set the start time, the interval between shots, and the number of frames, in order to record events or processes that occur over a long period of time. For example, this feature is ideal for taking a series of shots that capture the action of a flower blooming.

Time-lapse Movie
Based upon interval shooting, this creative mode runs all of the frames in order as though viewing a short film. This time-lapse photography effect can be used to create scenes of clouds rushing across the sky or to exaggerate scenes of rush hour traffic, for example. With this handy function, the creative possibilities are infinite and there is even a selection of settings that allows you to play the video at different speeds - simply choose from X2, X5, X10, X20, X50, or X100.

Infinity-landscape mode and macro shooting mode
Infinity-landscape mode is ideal for shooting scenic landscapes and even achieves appropriate focus when shooting through windows. Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also possess macro shooting modes, which allow shots to be taken from a distance of just 0.46ft (0.14m) in the wide angle position.

Manual focus
There are times when it is difficult to achieve precise focus on your subject, and that's when it is best to choose manual focus. This function also allows the central part of the frame to be enlarged on the LCD monitor so that you can achieve the sharpest degree of focus possible.

Choice of autofocus
Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS offer a choice of autofocus settings. Seven-point autofocus allows you to place greater focal emphasis on the subject by making a subtle reduction in the sharpness of the background. There is also Spot AF, which provides you with greater compositional freedom by letting you place the center of the focus anywhere in the frame.

LED indicator
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS both feature a small LED. This indicates the activation of the shutter when using the self-timer and acts as an autofocus assist when shooting in low-light conditions.

White Balance Mode
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are capable of dealing with various kinds of light without compromising quality. This is because they are equipped with White Balance Mode which allows the selection of settings for Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten Light, and Fluorescent Light, preserving natural colors in each set of circumstances. There is also a manual setting which gives you more creative freedom to experiment.

Histogram display
Light levels can be checked with accuracy, thanks to a detailed histogram display. It can be used during both playback and shooting to verify exposure in the histogram format and is great for letting you know when to recompose and shoot again before leaving a scene.

Metering options
The type of metering can be changed to accommodate different shooting situations or personal preferences. This versatile feature gives you the choice of Multi-segment metering, Center-weighted metering, and Spot metering.

Light sensitivity
Light sensitivity can also be adjusted with ease. The Optio 430RS offers a selection of settings for ISO100 and ISO200, while the Optio 330RS offers the choice of ISO125 and ISO250. Both cameras also feature an auto setting.

Exposure compensation
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are capable of exposure compensation across a range of ±2EV in steps of 1/3EV. This makes it much easier to obtain shots the way you desire.

Settings for sharpness, saturation, and contrast
In order to give you even greater control over the outcome of each shot, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS allow sharpness, saturation and contrast to be set the way you wish with three grades for each.

Image Protection
With digital photography it can be very easy to delete images accidentally with the touch of a button. The Image Protection function helps you make sure that you only delete the shots you intend to and ensures that your favorite pictures remain safe.

Mode Memory function
The useful Mode Memory function lets you save a combination of settings at once. Simply select the settings that produce results you like and then return to them automatically the next time you switch the power on.

World Time function
Both of the new Optio models have a handy World Time function. This is extremely convenient when you want to take these compact cameras on trips as they can display the time in 62 cities around the world. The camera also records the time each shot was taken, allowing easy organization upon your return.

Alarm clock
As the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS were designed with convenience in mind, it made sense to provide each of them with an alarm clock. An image can be set to display when the alarm sounds, allowing the user to awake to the face of a family member, or a picture of something related to your schedule.

DPOF function
When used in combination with DPOF-compatible printers****, this handy function lets you take control over the number of printouts and the date function.
****Some printers may not support the above functions. Please consult the supplier of your printer for more information.

Exif Print (Exif2.2) and PRINT Image Matching II***** compatibility
The Optio430RS and the Optio330RS offer the convenience of printer affinity. What's more, they provide even greater quality printouts when used with Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching II printers.
*****This product supports PRINT Image Matching II. When used in combination, PRINT Image Matching II enabled printers and software, help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions.

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.

11MB Built-in memory
With 11MB of built-in memory, both of these models give you the added convenience of being able to store images without the need for additional recording media.

CompactFlash™ compatibility
Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are CompactFlash compatible. It is also easy to transfer images between CompactFlash media and the built-in memory.

File size adjustment
In order to free up memory space, recorded images can be adjusted at a later time to become smaller files. The number of recorded pixels can be altered, the level of quality can be reduced, and more images can be stored as a result.

Image cropping
Images can be cropped or parts of images can be selected on their own and stored as completely different files.

Start-up screen customization
You will grow so attached to the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS that you will soon want to personalize them. That's when you will find how easy it is to select one of your favorite shots for use as the start-up screen.

Power sources
The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS can be powered by an exclusive rechargeable lithium-ion battery or by an optional AC adapter.

Multilingual operation
Convenient multilingual operation allows all menus and messages to be displayed in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Japanese.

Waterproof Case O-WP1 ****** (Optional)
The Waterproof Case O-WP1 case lets you relax whenever you are on the beach or taking shots near or in water. It is made from a tough polycarbonate resin and guards your Optio 430RS and Optio 330RS camera against damage from water. The case also allows the camera to be submerged and withstand pressure up to a depth of up to 132 feet (40m), so you can even use it while snorkeling or scuba diving!
******Also suitable for use with the Optio 330 and the Optio 430.

PENTAX Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Optical Company, Ltd., of Japan. Corporate headquarters are located in Englewood, Colorado. PENTAX markets cameras, lenses, sport optics, surveying equipment, closed circuit television lenses, and a wide range of specialized lenses and accessories.

# # #