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Pentax Optio LS1000 / LS1100
Pentax has unveiled two new compact cameras with 720p HD movie recording capability. The 14-megapixel Pentax Optio LS1000 and Optio LS1100 feature an unusually boxy design, 3-inch LCD screens, 4x zoom lenses starting at a focal length of 27.5mm (in 35mm terms), Auto Picture mode and face detection with Smile Capture. Both cameras are listed on the Pentax UK website, but so far we have only been able to spot a few minor cosmetic differences between the two models. The price is £79.99.
Press Release
Optio LS1000
Simple and Efficient
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio LS1000 digital compact camera. In a very compact and lightweight body, this entry-level camera offers very comprehensive features and performances at a reasonable price.
Not only does the Optio LS1000 deliver high-resolution images produced by 14 effective megapixels, it also features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle, a simple, user-friendly operation, and a HD video function. Encased in a lightweight, credit-card-sized body, it is compact enough to carry anywhere for every occasion.
Major Features
1. Exceptional image quality
Featuring 14 effective megapixels assuring exceptional image resolution, a state-of-the-art imaging engine with superior noise reduction and the high-performance smc PENTAX optical zoom lens, the Optio LS1000 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.
2. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor
Despite its compact body, the Optio LS1000 features a large 3.0-inch high-brightness color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. Since this monitor provides large, detailed images and menus, the user can check them with just a quick glance, and easily and instantly make the desired settings and adjustments.
3. Optical 4X zoom lens with 27.5mm wide-angle coverage
The Optio LS1000 comes equipped with a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to 27.5mm wide angle to 110mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Optio LS1000 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes, majestic architecture and group shots within confined spaces, to tightly cropped snapshots from a distance. When coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows for even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 26.8 times.
4. Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
The Optio LS1000 features the new-generation Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. This user-friendly mode instantly and unfailingly selects one of the 15 shooting modes (eight conventional modes, plus seven new modes including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results with minimal effort by the photographer.
5. Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots
The Optio LS1000 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects human faces within the image field, then optimizes focus and exposure settings — all automatically. The Optio LS1000 also comes equipped with other convenient features to assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, including the Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, and the Natural Skin mode that captures subjects with smooth, healthy skin tone.
6. High-quality HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio LS1000 captures beautiful, high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software, making it possible for everyone to enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.
* When the Optio LS1000’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal-image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
7. An assortment of digital filters for creative expression
The Optio LS1000 offers nine different digital filters, including Toy Camera, Retro and Sepia, to add various visual effects to recorded images without requiring a computer. The user can even apply multiple filters to a single image for more inventive visual effects.
8. Other features
(1) Digital Blur Removal function to effectively compensate for camera shake during still-image shooting
(2) Burst Shooting at a speed of 16 images in two seconds (fixed at 640 x 480 pixels)
(3) Auto-tracking AF mode to keep constant focus on a moving subject
(4) Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
(5) Green mode to automatically optimize exposure and sensitivity settings for a given subject or scene
(6) Frame Composite function (with 20 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
(7) MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX software for image viewing, editing and filing applications (compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)
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#1 Mark
Nice design. Very minimalist.
11:15 am - Thursday, September 30, 2010
#2 Steev
Bought one of these for just £49 at ASDA a few days ago for keeping in my pocket (normal kit bag is a whole ruck sack of gear). Haven't played with it all yet but the auto panorama (limited to 3 shots) is brilliant.
The only down side I can see is the dedicated camera pack which means sourcing an extra one rather than having some AAs in the bag.
9:21 am - Sunday, February 20, 2011
#3 Ettamarie Peterson
It is the most user friendly camera I've owned! Now I need to find the plug for USA for the battery charger as I bought it in Italy and it has the European plug. Any advice where to get the plug?
7:09 pm - Sunday, March 13, 2011
#4 Dougie Fresh
Just bought one and so far it's great. Each photo is roughly 2-2.5MB in size. One odd thing is that I can't find any setting to adjust compression. The only thing you can adjust is the megapixels of the sensor (which results in smaller photos, both in MB and dimensions).
One other thing some might miss is a dedicated view port which means you're stuck with looking at the LCD which might suck during high light conditions. I haven't had a problem. The LCD can be set sufficiently bright but note that the viewing angles aren't particularly good. At least the LCD is large. The minimal controls are a plus too. The camera itself looks great. Not too thin (but quite thin nonetheless) but very light.
Great for the money.
7:49 pm - Wednesday, March 30, 2011
#5 david ennew
I just won this camera .Its simple small enough to fit in my pocketeasy to use .and FREE ,I love it
3:22 am - Saturday, April 2, 2011
#6 Rob
I too bought this brilliant Pentax camera at ASDA for £49.00 plus £7 for a fast PNY 4gig memory card. I cannot praise this brilliant little camera enough. Small in size it maybe, but its big on features, its optics are of course superb,it has a double macro setting so you can get really close to a subject and get pin sharp results. I agree with other blogs here there is no EVF (Electro View Finder) and yes is over bright conditions the screen can be nearly useless. However thats the only downside, as many other top brand cameras in this group are the same. The 3 shot panarama setting is brilliant and very accurate, I've produced some brilliant shots with this setting. There are numerous other settings to use too, all the usual plus some serious settings you can alter. Over all I would give Pentax Optio LS1100 9 out of 10, it would have been a 10 but for the lack of a proper view finder. Get down to ASDA now and buy this brilliant camera and a silly price (cheaper than any one in the land).
Cheers Rob.
7:36 pm - Tuesday, April 19, 2011
#7 andy
bought the camera today fram asda, have only just got to play with it but wow, great little camera with so many great features as standard. what can i say, go treat yourself and buy one!
7:52 pm - Thursday, April 21, 2011
#8 Paul-USA
I'm in Provence, France, and picked up the Opto LS1000 while on holiday after rain destroyed the Kodak. Agree with negative with lack of view finder and positive about panoramic shots. My problem is getting a 2:3 ratio picture (regardless of resolution) that will transfer easily to a U.S. 4x6 inch print. I have to compensate for camera's ratio during the shoot, then crop appropriately before printing. Anyone know how to accomplish this? Thanks.
9:09 pm - Friday, July 22, 2011
#9 Richard
Paul, try Google's Picasa software, down load for free from Google
4:55 pm - Tuesday, August 16, 2011
#10 PAUL-USA
Thanks, Richard. Yes using Picasa on laptop and Photoshop on desktop to do that, but have to remember to leave "cropping space" around subject during actual shoot. I had a Kodak which has a setting to do the 2x3 ratio in the camera and show resultant frame in view finder screen. As it stands now, every shot has to be "touched" by Picasa or Photoshop. No longer "point and shoot.". Thanks for your interest.
7:33 pm - Tuesday, August 16, 2011
#11 Rob
I've been using my Pentax Optio now for several months.I cannot praise it enough. The Picture quality is top drawer. Each time I use the Optio, people comment on it, probably because its not silver in colour, black alays looks more professional. "Oh its so light" is the next comment I usually get. But its mainly when people use it (yes I let others use it!!) they find the "ease of Use" cliche, valid, it is easy so so easy to use, well done Pentax, you have produced a brilliant, unassuming, quality camera. I don't think Asda have any Optio's on offer, they all been snapped up! (sorry).
Rob (UK)
8:12 am - Tuesday, September 20, 2011
#12 clive
Bought this little marvel when i broke my sony, wish id bought this in the first place, easily beats the much nore expensive sony! luv it !!!
11:51 pm - Tuesday, November 15, 2011
#13 azeem
its just superb item nice to handle easy to use
10:10 am - Thursday, January 5, 2012
#14 Hilmi Tezgel
Compact olmasına rağmen harika bir makine. Bir çok büyük compact makine ile yarışabilir. Macro çekim çok güzel. Tüm çekimler olağanüstü.
1:30 pm - Tuesday, April 10, 2012