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Pentax's Optio T30 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Pentax: Two new Optio digicams
By
(Monday, January 22, 2007 - 18:00 EST)

Pentax USA has today announced two new digital cameras that both combine seven megapixel CCD imagers with smc Pentax-branded 3x optical zoom lenses.

The Pentax Optio T30 has the higher specification of the two models. Priced at $349.95, the Pentax T30's standout feature has to be its 3.0" touch-screen LCD display with a higher-than average resolution of 230,000 pixels. The T30 also has more sophisticated metering, with choices of multi-segment, center-weighted or spot modes. ISO ranges from 64 to 400 under automatic control, with the ability to extend this to a maximum of ISO 1600 in manual mode (and ISO 3200 in what Pentax dubs "Digital SR" mode). Images are stores in 19.9MB of built-in memory, or on Secure Digital cards (including the newer SDHC types).

The Pentax M30 is more affordable at $199.95, but replaces the LCD display with a 2.5" type that doesn't have a touch screen, and is restricted to multi-segment metering only. It also has a rather less bright maximum aperture (f/3.1 to f/5.9 across the zoom range, as compared to f/2.7 to f/5.2 on the T30). Most other specifications are largely similar to the more expensive camera, however.

Both the Pentax Optio M30 and Pentax Optio T30 will both ship this March.

Pentax Optio M30
Pentax's Optio M30 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPentax
Model NumberM30
Dimensions3.8 x 2.2 x 0.7"
97.0 x 56.0 x 18.0mm
Weight136.0 g
4.8 oz
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
7.38 megapixels (total)
7.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3
Image Dimensions3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 115,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypePentax SMC zoom
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.1 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing System9-point TTL contrast detection w/ face priority
Focusing RangeNormal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 41" (5 cm - 100 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (64 - 1600), Manual (details unknown), 3200* (Digital SR mode only)
Shutter Speed4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesTTL Multi-segment
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Manual, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, on, off, redeye reduction, soft flash
Range: 18.0ft (at wide), 9.2ft (at telephoto)
Creative
Scene ModesAuto Picture, Program, Night Scene, Movie, Voice Recording, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Surf & Snow, Sport, Digital SR, Kids, Pet, Food, Frame Composite (3MP)
Digital Zoom4x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatMOV (QuickTime MotionJPEG) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in, SDHC
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 1.1
OtherDC Input
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary D-LI63
Product Bundle
SoftwareSoftware S-SW63
Battery / Charger1 x D-LI63 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory21.9MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Remote ControlNo
 

Pentax Optio T30
Pentax's Optio T30 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Pentax
Model Number T30
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.7"
94.0 x 56.0 x 19.0mm
Weight 136.0 g
4.8 oz
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
7.41 megapixels (total)
7.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3
Image Dimensions 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality 3 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom 8.0x max
Lens
Lens Type SMC Pentax zoom
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.2 - 18.6mm (actual)
37 - 112mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.7 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - ???
Focusing System 9-point TTL contrast detection w/ face priority with AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity)
Macro: 6.1" - 20" (15 cm - 50 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto (64 - 400), Manual (64 - 1600), 3200* (Digital SR mode only)
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes TTL Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Manual, Manual
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, on, off, redeye reduction, soft flash
Range: 19.7ft (at wide), 9.8ft (telephoto),
Creative
Scene Modes Auto Picture, Program, Night Scene, Movie, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Digital SR, Surf & Snow, Sport, Pet, Kids, Frame Composite (3MP), Food, Text, Voice Recording
Digital Zoom 4x
Self Timer Yes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format MOV (QuickTime MotionJPEG) with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in, SDHC
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
Video Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC Input
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary D-LI63
Product Bundle
Software Software S-SW63
Battery / Charger 1 x D-LI63 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 19.9MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Remote Control No
 

Original Source Press Release:

LATEST PENTAX DIGITAL CAMERAS OFFER NEW FEATURES AND SLIM DESIGN

GOLDEN, COLORADO (January 22, 2007)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two new compact digital cameras. The PENTAX Optio T30 is one of the thinnest digital cameras featuring a three inch LCD monitor. In addition, the Optio T30 features a touch display with a wide field of view for fun image capture and editing. This latest Optio also offers new functions such as Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure to assure properly exposed portraits and a high ISO Digital Shake Reduction mode. In addition, the innovative touch panel allows image customization with the drawing functions while a unique Mode Pallete includes Auto Picture mode to access camera settings.

PENTAX also announced the latest model in the PENTAX Optio M series. Sporting an ultra-slim body with a fresh, textured design, the affordable Optio M30 features Digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition AF and AE, and an Auto-Macro function that enables close-up photography up to two inches in Super Macro mode and less than four inches in Auto Macro mode.

Both cameras will be available in March. The PENTAX Optio T30 price will be US $349.95 and the Optio M30 will be US $199.95. The products will be displayed along with the full line of other PENTAX products in Booth G151 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Photo Marketing Association International Trade Show (PMA 2007) from March 8-11 in Las Vegas.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners.  For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology 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 PENTAX of America, Inc.

# # #

OPTIO T30 FACT SHEET

Excellent image quality
7.1 effective megapixel resolution delivers images with exceptional definition. The camera features the smc PENTAX lens to render clear, high-contrast images, while our unique lens coating helps eliminate ghosting and other artifacts. This image processing technology produces vivid colors and creates smooth tonal expressions at all brightness levels.

Large LCD Monitor
The PENTAX Optio T30 is equipped with a high-resolution, oversized 3.0 inch LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels that enables images and menu text to be prominently displayed. The monitor also offers a wide 170 degree viewing angle from all direction that makes it easy to view images from every direction.

Thinnest Body In 3.0 In LCD Class
With a new, thin, high-performance battery design, and the PENTAX Sliding Lens System,* the Optio T30 offers the thinnest compact bodies with a 3.0nch LCD touch-screen monitor and 3X optical zoom.
*A PENTAX proprietary lens system: The central lens group slides upward from the optical axis and the front and back lens groups slip under them. Housing the lens in two steps in the lens cylinder reduces overall lens thickness, thereby minimizing body width.

Face Recognition AF and AE Function
The Optio T30 is equipped with Face Recognition AF and AE function* that automatically detects and focuses on faces regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. In addition, optimal exposure settings are automatically adjusted so that the areas with faces are highlighted even if there is backlighting.
*Available when the photography mode is “Portrait” and the camera is directed at people from the front.

Digital Shake Reduction
The digital Shake Reduction mode helps reduce image blur by adjusting sensitivity automatically to as high as ISO 3200 to match the brightness of the subject. This enables photography with fast shutter speeds and less blur.

Movie Shake Reduction*
An electronic, software-based Shake Reduction function exclusively for capturing movies effectively corrects image distortion.
*In Movie Shake Reduction mode, the field of view is narrower than that during normal recording.

Touch-display control system
With just a touch, various functions may be entered directly on the Optio T30 touch-display LCD monitor.

My Drawing mode
The fun and easy-to-use My Drawing mode helps users customize shots with a stylus pen (included). Users may sketch and write notes directly on images displayed on the monitor or add stored or original illustrations to any image with the Stamp function.

Auto Picture mode
The Auto Picture mode allows the camera to automatically determine the best shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography easier for new users.

Additional features:

  • Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
  • Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
  • Function (Fn) setting permits you to store frequently used settings and recall them from the panel with a single touch
  • Mode Palette provides quick access to 16 shooting modes and 12 playback modes
  • Deleted images recovery function that restores images erased accidentally
  • Memo pad function that enables the user to save handwritten memos and illustrations as images
  • Frame composite mode adds decorative frames to images when shooting or after shooting
  • Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
  • Approximately 19.9 MB of built-in memory
  • FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for flash shots
  • Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
  • Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

OPTIO M30 FACT SHEET

High image quality
With a high resolution of 7.1 effective mega pixels and high-performance PENTAX lens, the Optio M30 realizes clear, high-quality images. The Optio M30 also features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through sightseeing photographs, to portraits.

Sleek, New, Textured Design
The Optio M series compact digital camera exterior has been redesigned. Powered by an exclusive ultra-thin battery and featuring a miniaturized circuit board, the M30 body is a slim 0.7 inches (18mm). A high-quality aluminum alloy texture gives the camera a sophisticated design.

Digital Shake Reduction
The Optio M30 features a Digital Shake Reduction mode to adjust the camera sensitivity to as high as ISO 3200 to match the brightness of the subject. Even in low-light conditions, this feature increases shutter speed to help reduce blurring and improves image flash image capture for subjects at a distance in dark locations.Auto-macro function
The Optio M30 is equipped with a new Auto-Macro Ffunction that enables close-up photography up to a minimal distance of 4.0 inches (10 cm). The Auto-Macro function allows the camera to determine the distance from the subject, and even while in the normal focus mode, and automatically switche the focus range to macro mode.

Face Recognition AF and AE
The Optio M30 is equipped with a “Face Recognition AF & AE” function* that automatically detects and focuses on faces regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. In addition, optimal exposure settings are automatically conducted so that the areas with faces are not darkened even if there is backlighting.
* Available when the photography mode is “Portrait” and the camera is directed at people from the front.

Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography a lot easier for users since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

High-Quality Movies with Shake Reduction Function
The Optio M30 captures smooth, high-quality movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, which is comparable to movies taken with a camcorder. This model also is equipped with a Movie Shake Reduction function*, which automatically corrects camera shakes, allowing for movies to be taken more easily and without hassles.
*Using the “Movie SR" function results in a narrower field of view than that during normal recording.

Additional Features:

  • Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject
  • Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
  • World time function for 75 cities (28 time zones) worldwide
  • Calendar Display function allows image retrieval based on the capture date
  • Mode Palette provides quick access to 15 shooting modes and 13 playback modes
  • Soft flash function avoids overexposure during close-up flash photography
  • Super-Macro mode allows close-up photography as near as 2.0 inches
  • Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
  • Approximately 21.9 MB of built-in memory
  • FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for flash shots
  • Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
  • Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

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