GOLDEN, CO. (February 21, 2007)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two compact digital cameras in advance of the Photo Marketing Association International Trade Show (PMA 2007).

The PENTAX Optio A30 features 10.0 effective megapixels, a 1/1.8 inch CCD with a wide dynamic range for superior tones, an smc PENTAX zoom lens and an image processing engine that gives a rich color reproduction. The PENTAX original Shake Reduction (SR) technology in the A30 has been improved by adding both Digital and Movie SR for improved image capture in low-light settings and telephoto capture. A unique Face Recognition AF & AE function offers better results in photographs by automatically detecting faces, and then adjusting exposure and focus to properly capture portraits.

The Optio A30 is the sixth DivX Certified digital camera manufactured by PENTAX in the past 18 months. As a DivX Certified digital camera, the Optio A30 makes it easy for users to create their own media for both business and social purposes. With the push of a button, users can instantly record high-quality DivX video and discover simple playback on any of the 50 million DivX Certified consumer electronics devices available today. DivX also enhances the ease and quality of video clips posted to popular broadcast sites such as www.stage6.divx.com.

PENTAX also announced the PENTAX Optio W30, the fifth model in the manufacturer’s waterproof digital camera line. With an enhanced waterproof design, the Optio W30 performance capacity has more than doubled and now allows photographers to capture images underwater up to 10 feet for 2 hours. The generous 2.5 inch LCD monitor offers an LCD Bright Mode that can adjust the brightness of the screen as necessary for improved viewing in the sunlight. Ever the perfect camera for capturing adventure in the outdoors, the Optio W30 also features both Digital and Movie SR modes to reduce blur in both image and video capture. The Optio W30 also features the Face Recognition function and Macro Photography mode to allow image capture at under half an inch for stunning close-ups of photography subjects such as flowers, insects, jewelry and much more.

Both models will be featured along with the entire line of PENTAX digital compact and SLR cameras and lenses in Booth G151 at PMA 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 8 – 11, 2007. Priced at US $349.95, the Optio A30 will ship in late March 2007, while the Optio W30 will ship the same month for US $299.95.

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.

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PENTAX OPTIO A30 FACT SHEET

High-quality images
With 10.0 effective megapixels, the Optio A30 achieves one of the highest image quality levels in a compact digital camera. The 1/1.8 inch CCD features a wide light-sensitive area for superior tone reproduction. The camera features an smc PENTAX zoom lens renowned for high resolving power, an image processing engine that makes a rich color reproduction possible, and three Shake Reduction functions.

Shake Reduction Enhancements
Shake Reduction
The new shake detection accuracy of the Optio A30 is achieved incorporating a high-accuracy gyro sensor and a control algorithm used for SR technology in PENTAX digital SLR cameras, which consists of an exclusive shifting CCD system. This allows highly corrective effects, equivalent to shutter speeds of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 steps to be achieved when shooting still images.
Digital Shake Reduction*
The Digital SR mode automatically alters sensitivity according to the brightness of the subject, and effectively reduces camera shake and subject blur. For the Optio A30, the maximum sensitivity has been improved to ISO 3200 to allow faster shutter speeds and more blur free photography.
* Image recording size is fixed to 5 M (2592 x 1944 pixels) when the Digital SR mode is selected.
Movie Shake Reduction*
An electronic shake reduction function exclusively for capturing movies, which effectively corrects distortions in images due to camera shakes through software.
* When using “Movie SR,” the field of view is narrower than that during normal video recording.

New, brighter, easier-to-view LCD monitor
The Optio A30 features a high-intensity LCD monitor with an LCD booster function that improves screen brightness on demand. The monitor is easier to view outdoors even in bright sunlight, and with a 2.5 inch screen size and a high resolution of 232,000 pixels, confirming picture compositions and focus is easy. The screen also offers wide-angle viewing of 160 degrees, since there is little change in brightness and colors even when looking at the monitor diagonally.

Face Recognition AF & AE focuses on faces
The Optio A30 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 adjusted so that the areas with faces are not darkened even if there is backlighting.
*Available when the photography mode is “Portrait” or “Kid” and the camera is directed at people from the front. This camera’s Face Recognition AF & AE function uses the Face Tracker face-recognition technology from FotoNation.

Swift operation speeds
Photography and playback operation speeds are enhanced on the A30 for all-around improved results especially in action settings. In addition to a 0.02 second release time lag, focus and start-up times have been improved.

Intelligent Zoom function
The Optio A30 is equipped with a new Intelligent Zoom function, an evolved form of digital zoom, enabling users to digitally magnify images and maintain the image quality of optical zoom.

Video Recording mode enables high-quality recording for longer time periods
The Optio A30 captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Equipped with DivX® (MPEG-4 compliant) movie format,* the Optio A30 captures longer, high-quality movies in smaller files.
* The Optio A30 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems.

A wide range of exposure setting modes
With Programmed Exposure mode, the Optio A30 automatically determines shutter speed and aperture. The camera also includes Shutter-Priority AE mode and Manual Exposure mode, which users may set for desired effects.

Compact, lightweight body
Despite a large CCD, an SR system and a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format, the Optio A30 features a slim, light body with a unique Sliding Lens System* and high-density mounting technology.
* A PENTAX proprietary lens system where the central lens group slides upward and away from the optical axis. Housing the lens in two steps in the lens cylinder reduces overall lens thickness, thereby minimizing body depth.

Other Features

• Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
• Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
• Mode Palette provides quick access to 15 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• A “Green button” enables users to assign functions that are frequently used and recall them in just one touch
• Approximately 22MB of built-in memory
• Calendar Display function allows image retrieval based on the capture date
• Easy searching and organizing of images on a PC using the Date Folder function
• FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for correcting red eye after shooting, which occurs easily when photographing with flash
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
• Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX, Optio and smc PENTAX 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. Red Eye software (c) 2003-2006 FotoNation Inc. Face Tracker software (c)2005-2006 FotoNation Inc. In Camera Red Eye -- covered by U.S. Patent No. 6,407,777 and 7,042,505. Other patents Pending.
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

PENTAX Optio W30 FACT SHEET

Enhanced waterproof function
With an enhanced design, the Optio W30 waterproof performance capacity has more than doubled and now allows photographers to capture images underwater up to 10 feet for 2 hours. Improved construction of the camera incorporates metal front and back covers for added durability. Protective glass on the lens is treated with a Super Protect (SP) coating, developed exclusively by PENTAX for superior water repellency. In addition to a JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, the Optio W30 features JIS Class 5 dustproof standard that protects the camera even more in outdoor settings.

Bright, new LCD monitor is easy-to-view
The Optio W30 is equipped with a high-intensity 2.5 inch LCD monitor with an LCD Bright Mode that adjusts the brightness of the screen, making it easy-to-view even outdoors in strong sunlight. An Anti-Reflection (AR) coating on the monitor helps make the screen even more visible outdoors.

Face Recognition AF & AE mode is convenient when photographing people
The Optio W30 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 shooting mode is “Portrait” and the camera is directed at people from the front.

Digital Shake Reduction (SR)
The Digital SR mode helps reduce camera shake and subject blur in still photography by adjusting sensitivity automatically to as high as the sensitivity of ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subject. This enables photography with fast shutter speeds.

High-quality movies with Shake Reduction function
The Optio W30 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. The Optio W30 also features Movie SR mode *, which automatically corrects camera shake, and an Interval Shooting mode that records images during each specified time interval as a movie for more creative options.
* Using the “Movie SR" function results in a narrower field of view than that during normal video recording.

Macro photography
The Optio W30 can focus on objects at just under half an inch away for stunning close-up photography of subjects such as flowers, insects, or jewelry.

3X optical zoom lens and 7.1 effective megapixels deliver outstanding pictures
The Optio W30 includes a 3X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 18.9 mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film) and features a refraction lens system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. By harnessing the full power of the 7.1 effective megapixels, the Optio W30 produces extremely high-quality prints with crisp detail even when the photo is greatly enlarged.

Auto Picture mode automatically determines best settings for shooting conditions
The Auto Picture mode helps the Optio W30 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 a breeze for beginners since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

Other Features

• New auto-lock mechanism automatically locks the battery cover when closed.
• Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
• Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
• Mode Palette provides quick access to 25 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• Image Recovery function lets you retrieve accidentally erased pictures
• Soft flash function avoids overexposure during close-up flash photography
• Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
• Digital Filter function that lets you enjoy editing photographed images
• FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for correcting red eye after shooting, which occurs easily when photographing with flash
• Approximately 21.9 MB of built-in memory
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
• Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX and 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.
Features Automatic Red-eye Compensation function of FotoNation Inc. for red-eye compensation when shooting with a flash.
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.