As revealed yesterday, Pentax have announced the 5-megapixel Optio 550 and the 4-megapixel Optio 450. Both models host a variety of features including a high resolution 1.5 inch LCD monitor, a movie mode that captures up to ten minutes of video with sound, a voice memo recording mode, a vice memo function, panorama assist, full manual control and a 5X optical zoom (20X combined). As with Nikon’s earlier announcement, there is no sign yet of an imminent DSLR release from Pentax.

Website: Pentax Press Release - Optio 450/550

Pentax have also announced a new film camera, which like Nikon’s F75 is a direct competitor to Canon’s very popular EOS 300. The bizarrely named Pentax *ist (yes, that asterix is part of the name) is supposedly “one of the world?s smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category”. I’m not sure which other cameras’ are smaller, but this doesn’t seem like a great claim to fame from Pentax.

Feature highlights of the *ist include a multi-mode exposure system with an innovative Auto Picture mode and an accessible illumination mode dial, a 16-segment multi-pattern metering system, an 11-point Auto Focus system, a 1/4000-second high-speed shutter, 17 custom functions, a large LCD panel, a multi-data LCD viewfinder indicator, and a retractable auto pop-up flash.

Website: Pentax Press Release - New Film SLR

At a time when the digital race is getting ever faster, it seems a little odd that both Nikon and Pentax have announced new low/mid-end film SLRs. I guess there must still be a big market out there for these kind of cameras. ?200 -?300 is the typical entry-level price-range for most new photographers who are looking for a film camera that’s more sophisticated than a compact. But how many of those people are still considering film? Are they paying more money, say ?500, for a digital camera that offers similar functionality to a typical film SLR, but with all the convenience that digital offers?