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Pentax's Optio W80 digital camera in silver, red and blue versions. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co. Pentax announces Optio W80
By
(Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 18:00 EDT)

Pentax has today unveiled what it is referring to as its "most shock and waterproof digital camera ever", the Pentax Optio W80.

The Pentax W80 can be operated at depths of up to 16 feet for two hours, is dustproof, can withstand a drop from three feet, and functions in temperatures between 14 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Based around a 12.1 megapixel image sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide angle, the Optio W80 also includes a 2.5" LCD display, SDHC card and 33.7MB internal storage, and power from a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Other features of the W80 include "Pixel Track" Shake Reduction, 9-point contrast detection autofocusing with face detection, and a 30 frames-per-second 720p movie mode with monaural sound. Connectivity options in the Pentax W80 include USB 2.0 High-Speed data and NTSC / PAL standard-definition video.

The Pentax Optio W80 goes on sale from July 2009, with pricing set at about $300. For more details, read our Pentax W80 preview.

Pentax Optio W80
Pentax's Optio W80 digital camera. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerPentax
Model NumberW80
Dimensions3.9 x 2.2 x 1.0"
99.0 x 56.0 x 25.4mm
Planned Price$299.95
Planned Availability 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3" CCD
12.39 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2672 (10.7 megapixels)
4000 x 2256 (9.0 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypePentax zoom lens, 11 elements in 8 groups, 5 aspherical elements
5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 25.0mm (actual)
28 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/5.5 (tele) - ???
Focusing System9-point Contrast Detection with face recognition, spot, pan, and auto tracking modes with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 12" (1 cm - 30 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (64-1600), Digital SR (64-6400), Manual (64-6400), ISO 3200/6400 limited to 5mpix
Shutter Speed4 - 1/1500 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent , Manual, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, Soft flash
Range: TBD
Creative
Scene ModesNight Scene, Movie, Underwater, Underwater Movie, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Digital Wide, Surf & Snow, Digital SR, Kids, Pet, Half Length Portrait, Sport, Fireworks, Candlelight, Night Scene Portrait, Text, Food, Digital Panorama, Frame Composite, Report
Digital ZoomUp to 6.25x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time LapseYes
Movie FormatAVI (QuickTime Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary D-LI78
Product Bundle
SoftwareSoftware S-SW87 (CD ROM)
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary D-LI78 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory33.7MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Pentax's Optio W80 digital camera. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio W80 digital camera. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio W80 digital camera. Photo provided by Pentax Imaging Co. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Pentax Announces Its Most Shock And Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Ever: The Optio W80

GOLDEN, CO (June 24, 2009)…The manufacturer that builds digital cameras to go boldly where none have gone before has announced the PENTAX Optio W80.  More adventure-proof than ever, this latest PENTAX digital camera is waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than three feet (one meter).

PENTAX first introduced dunkable digital cameras in 2003 to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and families everywhere.  Today, the PENTAX Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video for up to two hours.  On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills.  Also featuring 12.1 megapixels, a 5X internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim one inch body, and a wide angle 28mm lens, the Optio W80 offers an expanded perspective that is ideal for landscape, group and more confined shots.  With a PENTAX-developed imaging engine and a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details.  A Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the mineral crystal cover of the internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime and finger marks. 

Other important features in the Optio W80 include a:

  • Coldproof design that allows the camera to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

  • 2.5 inch LCD monitor that features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight.

  • Widescreen, HD movie capture that records resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second.

  • Fast Face Detection technology that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots.

  • Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) that ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. Digital SR and Movie SR are also available.

  • Close focusing, Super Macro mode that brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm (less than one inch).

Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $299.95 USD.  To help keep the Optio W80 fresh and at hand, PENTAX offers a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95 USD) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($20.00 USD).  More information about the Optio W80 and these accessories is available at: http://www.pentaximaging.com.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces.  For 90 years, PENTAX 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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