Pentax announces OptioWP digital camera
By
Mike Tomkins
(Tuesday, January 4, 2005 - 19:16 EST)
Pentax USA has today announced a new digital camera in the runup to the annual Consumer Electronics Show, due to commence on Thursday Jan 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Pentax OptioWP sits alongside the existing Optio33WR and Optio43WR models in Pentax's lineup. Where those models are designed to be water-resistant though, the OptioWP is certified as a "JIS Class 8" camera - meaning it can actually be used to shoot photos up to three feet underwater for durations up to thirty minutes, without the need for a separate underwater housing. Other features of the OptioWP include a five megapixel CCD imager, 3x optical zoom lens, startup time of just 0.6 seconds, shutter lag claimed to be just 0.05 seconds, and a 30 frames per second movie mode that includes audio and has no limits on clip length (other than available memory and battery life, of course). Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and are reviewed / previewed on a 2.0" LCD display. Connectivity includes both USB and NTSC / PAL video, and power comes from a D-LI8 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. The Pentax OptioWP will go on sale in March 2005 at a price of approximately $400. | Pentax OptioWP |  | | Camera Type | Compact-type digital still camera with built-in zoom lens, autofocus, auto exposure and auto flash, JIS Class 8 waterproof - depth 4.92 ft (1.5m), 30 minutes | | Effective Pixels | 5.0 megapixels | | Image Capture Device | | Type | 1/2.5 inch interline transfer CCD with a primary color filter | | Total Pixels | 5.19 megapixels | | Color Depth | 10 bit x 3 colors | | Recorded Pixels | | Still | 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2304 x 1728 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1600 x 1200 pixels, 1024 x 768 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels | | Movie | 320 x 240 pixels, 160 x 120 pixels | | | | Focus System | | Type | TTL contrast detection autofocus system | | Autofocus | 9 point AF, Spot AF, Manual | | Focusing Range | | Autofocus | Normal: 1.31 ft (0.4m) to Infinity; Macro: 0.4 inches (0.01m) to 2.0 ft (0.6m) (wide), 19.7 inches (0.5m) to 2.0 ft (0.6m) (tele) | | Manual Focus | 0.4 inches (0.01m) to Infinity | | | | Lens | | Type | PENTAX power zoom | | Focal Length | 6.3mm – 18.9mm | | 35mm Equivalent | 38mm - 114mm | | Aperture Range | F3.3 - F4 | | Construction | 11 elements in 9 groups (3 aspherical elements) | | Optical Zoom | 3X | | Digital Zoom | 4X | | Combined | 12X | | (1 single-sided aspherical element and 2 dual-sided aspherical elements) | | | Exposure Control | | Light Metering Method | TTL Multi-segment metering | | Sensitivity | Auto, or User select ISO 50, 100, 200, 400 | | Exposure Control Method | Program AE | | Exposure Modes | Green, Program, Picture, Movie, Voice recording, Synchronous sound recording | | Exposure Compensation | +/-2 EV (1/3 steps) | | Shutter | Type: Programmed AE electronic lens shutter with CCD electronic shutter | | Shutter Speed | approx. 1/2000 - 4 seconds | | White Balance | White balance control: Auto, Pre-set, Manual white balance; Available Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light | | Manual Flash | Built-in series-control auto flash, Auto discharge under low light conditions in auto mode | | Operation Modes | Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction, Soft | | Flash Range | TBD | | | Shooting Specs | | Picture Modes | Program, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Night scene, Panorama assist, Surf & snow, Self-portrait, Food, Museum, Sport, Underwater, Pet, Candle, Soft, Natural skin tone | | Digital Filter | Playback: Black & White, Sepia, Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Soft, Brightness | | Drive Modes | Single-shot, Continuous (Standard, High speed), Self-timer (2sec, 10sec) | | Movie Mode | Shooting Time: from Approx. 1 sec. to memory card capacity | | | Time | | Modes | dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy, yy/mm/dd | | World Time | Displays the time in 70 cities (28 time zones) | | | Image Storage | | Storage Media | SD memory card removable, Built-in memory (approx. 10.5MB) | | File Formats | | Still | JPEG (Exif 2.2), DCF (Design rule for Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), PRINT Image Matching III | | Movie | MOV (Motion JPEG) approx. 30fps/15fps with sound | | Sound | WAV (ADPCM), Monaural Recordable time depends on the remaining capacity of the memory card | | | Storage Capacity | | Best, Better, Good with 128MB Card | Still Mode
| | *** | ** | * | | 2560 x 1920 | 37 | 72 | 122 | | 2304 x 1728 | 49 | 94 | 135 | | 2048 x 1536 | 62 | 111 | 163 | | 1600 x 1200 | 103 | 174 | 237 | | 1024 x 768 | 217 | 391 | 489 | | 640 x 480 | 460 | 712 | 870 | | Movie Mode
30fps 15fps | | | | LCD Monitor | | Optical Viewfinder | Not available | | LCD Monitor | 2.0 inch, low reflection TFT color LCD - with Histogram display | | LCD Coverage | TBD | | LCD Resolution | Approx. 85,000 pixels | | | Playback Specs | Playback Modes
| File | Single, Index - Nine image | | Magnification | Maximum 4x | | LCD Function | Scroll, Image rotation, Slide show, Movie playback (w/ sound), Resize, Trimming, Digital filter, Movie edit, Picture frame, Red-eye removal | | Erase and Image Protect Modes | Single, All | | | Pictbridge | One image printing, All image printing, DPOF auto print, Paper size | | Language | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Swedish, Dutch, Korean, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Japanese | | Interfaces | | Type | AV output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal | | Video Output | Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats (monaural sound) | | | Power Supply | Rechargeable Lithium-ion D-LI8 battery, Optional AC adapter available | | Physical Specs | | Operating Temperatures | 32 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius) | | Camera Casing | Plastic | | Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.0 x 2.0 x 0.9 Inches (102 x 51 x 22mm) | | Weight | 4.2 oz. (120g) without battery and SD memory card; 4.8 oz. (135g) loaded and ready | | | Computer System Reqs | Mac Requirements - OS: Mac OS 9.2 or later, standard equipped USB port PC Requirements - OS: Windows 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, XP Home edition, XP Professional, standard equipped USB port (USB Driver install required for Win 98/98 SE) | | Additional Information | | Movie | 8 bit, 8 kHz | | Voice Recording | 8 bit, 8 kHz | | Boot Up Time | 0.6 sec. | | EV Metering Range | 1-2.5 (wide), TBD (tele) | | Shutter Release Time | 0.05 sec. | | Continuously Taken Pictures | 3 fps (high speed mode, max 3 pictures) | | | More Photos |  |  |  |  |  | | . |
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Original Source Press Release:
| AMPHIBIOUS PENTAX DIGITAL CAMERA TO LAND IN LAS VEGAS Stylish OptioWP Launches At CES 2005 Golden, CO. (January 4, 2005)…The leader in waterproof digital, PENTAX Imaging Company has outdone itself with the introduction of the amphibious OptioWP digital camera. With a sleek, elegant exterior, 5.0 megapixels and a 3X zoom, the PENTAX OptioWP captures high quality images both on land and underwater.* The OptioWP is the perfect digital camera for active people who snorkel, ski, sail, surf, participate in a variety of outdoor activities or simply find themselves in a monsoon.
* The OptioWP captures high quality images up to three feet underwater without an additional underwater housing unit. Well-known for delivering tiny digital, PENTAX keeps the OptioWP dimensions to a mere 4x2x0.9 inches and only 4.2 ounces.* Despite the diminutive size, the OptioWP features a generous 2.0 inch low reflection LCD, 10MB built-in memory, quick start-up, an ultra fast nine point autofocus, and it captures movies at 30 frames per second in JPEG format.
* Without battery and memory card. How does the OptioWP outdo other water resistant digital cameras in the marketplace? The design of the new OptioWP is not only stylish, it’s innovative. Every seam in the camera is protected with rubber sealant and an interlocking design to resist the enemies of all electronics including dust, pressure and moisture. Inside, a powerful internal 3X optical zoom captures images as close as 0.36 inches without ever protruding from the camera body. A special water-tight locking mechanism fully secures the camera’s rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and SD memory card slot. These technological design advances help qualify the PENTAX OptioWP as the first 5.0 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera with a JIS Class 8 water resistant rating. “Our latest camera blends digital elegance into outdoor lifestyles,” said Michelle Martin, Public Relations Coordinator. “The beautiful, high quality PENTAX OptioWP appeals to anyone who wants a powerful digital camera they will be proud to use everywhere.” The PENTAX OptioWP will ship to major camera retailers in March 2005 for less than four hundred U.S. dollars. PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, sport optics, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan. # # # PENTAX OptioWP FACT SHEET (all specs subject to change) Slim, Stylish Design
The slim OptioWP body is less than one inch in depth, so it slips easily into a pocket or bag while the stylish aluminum alloy design offers a comfortable grip. Waterproof Performance
Go ahead and swim with the OptioWP! The camera features a rust-resistant metal interior, rubber sealants, and lens protection that opens up a new world of photographic potential. Users may shoot in rain, in snow, in the pool, or on the beach to capture outdoor scenes and adventure. The JIS Class 8 waterproof rating confirms the OptioWP will remain watertight even when the camera is used in water.*
* The OptioWP may be submerged and operated up to three feet underwaterfor up to 30 minutes. (1 meter = 3.28 feet) The Power of 5.0 Effective Megapixels and a 3X Optical Zoom Lens
Despite the elegant design, the OptioWP captures delicate detail with 5.0 effective megapixels, while the 3X zoom lens (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format) captures both expansive scenery shots and tightly composed portraits without protruding from camera body. Generous LCD Monitor
The OptioWP features a large, low reflection 2.0 inch monitor. Incorporating low reflection technology and a backlighting system, the OptioWP LCD is easy to view even in sunny, outdoor conditions. The LCD monitor also features a power saving mode to extend battery life. Quick Response
The start-up time of the OptioWP is less than a second (0.6) and the shutter release time lag is 0.05 seconds. Green Mode Standard Setting
A “green mode” button sets all camera settings to a standard combination (with the exception of the zoom setting) for easy setting. The green button also offers four short cut function combination settings from a choice of recording image size, image quality, white balance, AF area, focus limit, exposure compensation, sensitivity, sharpness, saturation, contrast and “off.” Mode Palette
The OptioWP offers a shooting Mode palette that displays icons for up to 15 shooting modes (out of a selection of 20). Also, the green button may be used to select icons and provide a text explanation of the function it represents without referring to the instruction manual. Further, the Mode palette simplifies playback modes. The palette itself is translucent, so the playback icons are displayed directly over the desired image for easy selection. Synchronous Sound Record
A Synchronous Sound Record mode, the OptioWP enables users to record up to 20 seconds of sound to accompany a still shot to record memorable moments in a much more special manner.
Note: Upon selecting Synchronous Sound Record mode, the OptioWP starts recording sound before shutter release and stops 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed. The OptioWP then attaches the resultant audio file to the still shot. Continuous AF and Tracking AF
In addition to continuous AF*, the OptioWP features a new tracking AF function available in Pet and Sport modes to automatically monitor movement of subjects within the frame and maintain sharp focus.
* Normally, focusing is achieved by driving the lens with the shutter release button depressed halfway. During continuous AF use, however, the lens continues to readjust for focus at all times. This allows optimal focus to be achieved as soon as the shutter release is pressed down fully. Digital Photo Frames
The OptioWP offers three innovative digital photo frames to recorded images for viewing and printing. Recovery Function
A new recovery function on the OptioWP reclaims any images and audio files that are erased unintentionally. Movie Editing Function
A movie editing function allows recorded movies to be edited in the camera. One frame of a movie may be stored as a still image* or a selected movie may be divided into different frames for storage in separate files. Two movies may also be combined into one. * Storable still image size depends on the recording size of a movie. Clock Mode
Pressing the OK button for an extended duration while the power is turned off, and the OptioWP displays the time on the LCD monitor to confirm current time, anytime, compatible with the World time function. Other Features - Red-eye compensation function touches up red eyes in recorded images.
- Real-time warnings indicate “washed out” and “blacked out” areas.
- Digital zooming provides up to 4X performance.
- Macro mode enables shooting from as close as 1cm from the subject.
- Full-color, black and white and sepia color modes are available for movie shooting.
- SD memory card compatibility plus approximately 10.5MB of built-in memory.
- Compatible with exclusive, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
- Complete with ACDSee for PENTAX Standard image viewer software.
- DPOF functionality, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility.
* Time taken for the camera to become ready for shooting once the power is turned on when the built-in flash, start-up screen and start-up sound settings are not activated. PENTAX, smc PENTAX, Optio are trademarks of PENTAX 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 are subject to change without notice. # # # |
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