GOLDEN, CO. (January 23, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced three new compact camera models and confirmed the Optio A40 is scheduled to ship in February 2008.

The PENTAX Optio M50, with a 5X optical zoom housed in an ultra compact body with fun color options, is the ideal combination of style, function and price for both customers looking to update their camera and new digital users. The camera features a unique Smile Capture function, which distinguishes smiles on a subject and automatically releases the shutter. Available in three color choices including silver, light blue and pink, the Optio M50 will ship in March 2008 for US $229.95.

The PENTAX Optio S12 is the smallest, most stylish 12MP camera in its class. An ideal choice for the experienced digital camera user looking for an extremely compact camera with advanced features, the PENTAX Optio S12 is scheduled to ship in April 2008 for US $279.95. The Optio S12 will be available in silver and black.

The PENTAX Optio E50 has advanced functions and high resolution with simple operation that appeal to customers looking for the maximum features and a minimal price - making it an ideal gift. The Optio E50 is also an excellent travel camera due to compatibility with easy to find AA batteries. This camera will ship in March 2008 for US $149.95.

The PENTAX Optio A40 appeals to the advanced digital user who wants the most from their compact camera including a high resolution sensor, mechanical Shake Reduction system, and advanced capture settings. Previously announced in the fall of 2007, the Optio A40 will ship in February 2008 for US $299.95.

“ PENTAX’s goal with our compact digital cameras is to offer customers advanced features in the most compact bodies at a reasonable price,” said Ned Bunnell, President, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Every compact offering from PENTAX includes the popular face recognition feature, Digital Shake Reduction, PENTAX’s own Auto Picture mode and high quality design.”

All of these latest PENTAX compact digital products will be displayed at PMA 2008 Trade Show from January 31 to February 2 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.

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PENTAX Optio M50 FACT SHEET

High-quality Images
With a high resolution of 8.0 effective megapixels and a high-performance PENTAX lens, the Optio M50 offers clear images.

5X optical zoom lens
The PENTAX Optio M50 is equipped with a 5X optical zoom lens (angle of view equivalent to 36 to 180 mm lens in 35 mm format). A perfect zoom for portraits, landscapes, and other settings, the camera also features a digital zoom function (approx. 1X to 5.1X) for a maximum zoom equivalent to 25.5X.

Three Color Options
The Optio M50 will be available in the United States in a choice of three colors: silver, pink and blue.

Generous 2.5 Inch LCD Monitor With Wide Viewing Angle
The Optio M50 features a large, 2.5 inch IPS LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots resolution for easy viewing of the screen during photography, playback and for easier camera operating and setting. With a wide viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees from all directions, the monitor also makes it easy to confirm images even from the side or when viewing images in a group.

Face Recognition AF & AE
Featuring Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, the M50 can automatically detect and focus on up to 15 faces and set the optimum exposure. In addition, a Smile Capture function distinguishes smiles on a subject and automatically releases the shutter.

Evolved Auto Picture
Unique to PENTAX cameras, the Auto Picture mode allows the camera to automatically determine the shooting conditions and program settings for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Normal, Flower and Sports mode.

Digital Shake Reduction
Digital Shake Reduction mode reduces camera shake and blur by adjusting sensitivity automatically to as high as ISO 6400 to match the brightness of the subjects. This feature allows photography at faster shutter speeds with less blur.

Additional Features

• Movie recording function with shake reduction enabling high image quality rivaling camcorders
• Mode palette provides quick access to 16 shooting conditions and 15 playback modes
• Panorama mode for stitching three photographs into 1 panoramic picture
• Auto-Macro allows for close-up photography as near as 5 inches (10cm) without changing the normal focusing mode
• Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
• Date imprint function for easy image categorizing
• Approximately 51.1MB of built-in memory
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
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
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries
Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice

PENTAX OPTIO S12 FACT SHEET

Ultra-compact, Stylish Design
With a stylish, compact body, the PENTAX Optio S12 is one of the smallest and lightest models with approximately 12.0 effective megapixels.

12.0 Megapixels
With 12.0 megapixels, the camera offers high image quality and higher performance through the 1/1.7-inch CCD that features a wide light receiving area and superior tone reproduction. The high-performance image engine with excellent color reproduction and smc PENATX lens adds to the image quality.

3X Optical Zoom
The Optio S12 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37.5-112.5mm lens in 35 mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits.

Bright, Easy-to-view LCD Monitor
The high-intensity LCD monitor features an LCD booster function to increase the brightness of the screen. The LCD cover is coated with an Anti-Reflection coating that reduces glare. With a screen size of 2.5 inches and a high resolution of 232,000 dots, it is also easy to confirm the picture composition and the focus. Also, as the screen has a wide viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees in the horizontal and vertical directions, images may be viewed easily even from the side.

Face Recognition Function*
The Optio S12 is equipped with a Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure function that automatically recognizes up to 15 faces, adjusts focus and sets the optimum settings. A new Face Selector function also enables users to select one person’s face from among multiple recognized faces.
*The face recognition technology Face Tracker developed by FotoNation is used for the Optio S12’s Face Recognition AF & AE.

New Dynamic Range Adjustment Function
The Optio S12 is newly equipped with the Dynamic Range Adjustment function that suppresses the generation of white- outs and black-outs by correcting the tones for the highlighted areas and shadowed areas of subjects with significant differences in contrast. Through a link with the Face Recognition function, this feature helps highlight subject even in backlit settings while background tones are automatically retained. In addition, it is possible to change settings in accordance with the photography conditions.

Digital Shake Reduction
Digital Shake Reduction mode reduces camera shake and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high as ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subjects. This enables photography with fast shutter speeds, and images with less blur.

Movie Recording Function Enabling High-quality Recording
The Optio S12 smoothly captures movies at 30fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640x480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Since it employs the DivX®(MPEG-4) movies format,* the Optio S12 can record long, high-quality movies. * The Optio S12 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems

Additional Features

• Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best setting for the shooting conditions
• Mode palette provide quick access to 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• An “Intelligent zoom” function which enables images to be magnified even larger and stored, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom
• A Green button enables users to assign functions that are frequently used, and recall then in just one touch
• Date imprint function for easier image categorizing
• Approximately 21.0MB of built-in memory
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX Optio and smcPENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
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 right 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© 2003-2006 FotoNation Inc. Face Tracker software ©2005-2006 FotoNation Inc. In Camera Red Eye—covered by U.S. Patent No. 6,407,777 and 7,042,505. Other patents pending.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries
Mac OS and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered marks of their respective companies.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice

PENTAX Optio E50 Fact Sheet

High Quality Images
Featuring 8.1 effective megapixels, the Optio E50 features a new image processing engine with increased processing performance and a high-performance PENTAX lens.

3X Optical Zoom And 4X Digital Zoom For Maximum Of 12X Magnification
The Optio E50 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37.5-112.5mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits. Combined with a 4X digital zoom, the Optio E50 achieves a total of about 12X zoom capability.

Face Recognition AF & AE
The Optio E50 is equipped with Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure function* for easy, high quality portraits. This convenient function automatically detects faces, adjusts focus, and sets the optimum exposure regardless of where subjects appear the screen. A maximum of 10 people may be recognized at once and the faces are highlighted even in settings with backlighting. *Available when the photography mode is "Auto Picture", "Program", "Portrait", and "Kids" and camera is directed to the people from the front.

Digital Shake Reduction
Designed to reduce camera shake and subject blur when photographing still images, this mode adjusts sensitivity automatically to as high as ISO 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. This allows photography with fast shutter speeds and images with less blur.

Auto Picture Mode
With the Auto Picture mode, the Optio E50 will automatically determine the optimum settings for various shooting conditions and subjects such as Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal modes. This PENTAX original function makes photography easier for newer users as it eliminates the need for individual settings.

Green Mode
The Optio E50 also features a Green mode to automate camera setup especially for digital camera beginners. Press the Green mode button to automatically set exposure, sensitivity, white balance, and other parameters according to the shooting conditions. This function is useful when users allow others to take a picture or when users lose track of camera settings.

AA Battery Power
Powered with AA batteries, the Optio E50 makes a perfect travel camera. Battery life has been improved to allow up to 250 photographs* per set of alkaline batteries. *Based on measurement conditions conforming to CIPA specifications.

Additional Features

• Panorama mode for stitching three photographs into one panoramic picture
• Large and easily viewable 2.4 inch monitor, with approximately 110,000 dots
• Recording movies at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels with images quality rivaling camcorders
• Date imprint function for easy image categorizing
• Full-flat design, when power is off, realizes convenient and great portability
• 16-frame continuous shooting that enables for 16 images (640 x 480 pixels/image) to be shot continuously and recorded in 2 seconds
• Approximately 10MB of built-in memory allows internal image storage even when the memory card is full
• Frame composite function allows you to add a decorative frame around the image when shooting
• FotoNation’s red-eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 viewer/image management software that supports Windows VistaTM
• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
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
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice

PENTAX OPTIO A40 FACT SHEET

Three Types Of Shake Reduction

Mechanical Shake Reduction
The Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism is unique to PENTAX, and corrects camera shake when photographing still images by shifting the image sensor (CCD) horizontally and vertically in relation to the amount of shake that the high-accuracy gyro sensor detects. Shake Reduction technology used in PENTAX's digital SLR cameras is applied to the Optio A40 for highly corrective effects that are equivalent to shutter speeds of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 stops.

Digital Shake Reduction
Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically adjusts sensitivity to an ultra-high sensitivity of ISO 3200 according to the brightness of the subject, and effectively reduces camera shake and subject blurring when photographing still images. With fast shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is available.
*Recording size is fixed at 5M (2592x1944 pixels) when “Digital SR” is selected.

Movie Shake Reduction *
The Movie SR function electronically reduces camera shake exclusively during the shooting of movies. This function uses software to effectively correct distortions in images caused by camera shake during the capturing of movies.
*When using “Movie SR”, the field of view is narrower than during normal recording.

Face Recognition AF&AE Function
The Optio A40 is equipped with a Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure function* that automatically detects and focuses on faces. In addition, the Optio A40 also comes with new functions that apply face recognition technology, such as “Natural Skin Tone” mode, which smoothly captures skin texture based on the detected information, and “Half-length Portrait” mode,** which automatically takes a head and shoulders photograph of people recognized in photo frame.
*This camera's “Face Recognition AF&AE” function uses the Face Tracker face recognition technology from FotoNation.
**Recording size is fixed at 3M (2048x1536 pixels) when “Half-length Portrait” is selected.

New Dynamic Range Adjustment Function
The Optio A40 is newly equipped with a Dynamic Range Adjustment by correct tones for highlight or shadowed areas of a subject with significant differences in contrast. Even when photographing people with sun in the background, the new function highlights subjects and maintains background tones.

Bright LCD monitor
This LCD monitor is a high intensity type equipped with an LCD booster that adjusts the brightness of the screen even when viewed outdoors. The 2.5 inch size and high resolution of approximately 232,000 pixels makes it easy to confirm picture composition and focus quality. With a wide viewing angle, the screen may be viewed easily since there is little change in brightness and colors even when looking at the monitor diagonally.

3X optical zoom and 6X digital zoom for a maximum of 17.9X magnification
The Optio A40 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37-111mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits. The zooming power increases to 17.9X zoom capability when combined with 6X digital zoom. 

Video Recording Function With High-quality Recording For Extended Capture
The Optio A40 smoothly captures movies at 30fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640x480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders.  Equipped with DivX® (MPEG-4) movie format,* the Optio A40 records long, high-quality movies.
*The Optio A40 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems.  

Additional Features

• Users can freely choose Shutter-Priority AE mode and Manual Exposure mode, depending on the effect they are aiming to achieve
• An Intelligent Zoom function enables images to be magnified, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom
• Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
• Mode palette provides quick access of 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
• Approximately 21.0 MB of built-in-memory
• Compatible with SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
• FotoNation's red eye compensation function for flash shots
• Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that support Windows Vista™
• Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX and Optio and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
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
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries
Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies   
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice