CES 2007: The first new camera of 2007 is the entry-level Pentax Optio E30 digital compact, with 7.1 megapixels, 2.4 inch LCD monitor and powered by AA-size batteries. The Pentax E30 will be available from February, price to be confirmed.

Pentax UK Press Release

4th January 2007 - Pentax introduces the new Optio E30, an entry-level compact which delivers high-resolution pictures. The camera offers a 7.1 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens and is designed to be high performance, yet simple to operate. The Optio E30 features a Green mode which automates settings and offers users a quick and intuitive way to begin shooting, making the Optio E30 the ideal choice for novices. The Optio E30 is the newest addition to Pentax’s Optio E series range offering world leading optics and a premium photographic experience, in an easy to use package at a competitive price.

In addition the camera includes 11MB of built-in memory and provides support for both SD and SDHC memory cards. The camera, like previous models, uses AA batteries so users can again easily buy replacements no matter where they are in the world to take high quality photos anytime or anywhere. Featuring a large 2.4-inch LCD monitor the camera will be on sale from February.
 
Major Features

1. 7.1 effective megapixels for standout quality photos
The upgraded 7.1 effective megapixels, is the most amount of megapixels currently available in the entry-level series. It enables users to take pictures with outstanding resolution.

2. Compatibility with widely available AA batteries
Since the camera accepts widely available AA-size batteries, users will have no issues in obtaining new batteries either at home or abroad. Furthermore, the camera has been designed specifically to use less power so that you can take approximately 200 photos when running on alkaline batteries.

3. Equipped with the Green mode for automated setup
The Optio E30 is equipped with a Green mode, which automates the camera setup when shooting still images, that allows even complete digital-camera beginners to enjoy picture-taking effortlessly. A single press of the button automatically sets the exposure, sensitivity, white balance, and other parameters according to the shooting conditions. This function is useful when asking another person to take your picture or when you’ve simply lost track of the camera settings.

4. Mode Palette displays intuitive icons
Selection of shooting and playback modes is made much easier with the Mode Palette, Pentax’s original mode-selection function that lists mode icons on the LCD monitor. By arranging 15 shooting modes, including Landscape, Pet, and Food, and 8 playback modes, the Mode Palette speeds up mode selection with its straightforward display and guide function.

5. 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification
The Optio E30 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range that cover angles of view equivalent to that of a 36-108mm lens in 35mm format. This is ideal for taking pictures of a broad range of subjects from landscapes, through sightseeing photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of 12X zoom capability.

6. Large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor
The Optio E30 manages to fit in a large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor despite its compact body dimensions. Not only does the monitor’s size make it easier to compose and play back images, it also permits easier operation and setup thanks to its large, easy-to-read menu display.

7. Compatibility with the ImageLink printing system
The Optio E30 is compatible with the ImageLink printing system. By simply placing the Optio E30 on the printer’s dock of ImageLink-compatible printers, the user can take advantage of printing of recorded images, without requiring a personal computer.

8. Other features
(1) Supports the new SDHC memory cards in addition to conventional SD memory cards
(2) Approximately 11 MB of built-in memory
(3) Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction function
(4) Records movie at sizes up to 640 ´ 480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders
(5) Frame composite function allows you to add a decorative frame around the image when shooting
(6) Compatible with PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

About Pentax
Pentax U.K. Limited was formed in 1979 and is a subsidiary of the PENTAX Corporation of Japan. The Imaging Systems Division successfully distributes its products through a number of channels, including independent camera shops and national retailers. The product range is extensive and includes state of the art digital SLR and zoom compact cameras, through to highly sophisticated professional medium format equipment. There is also a superb range of binoculars, suitable for a variety of leisure activities. Today, Pentax is a leading supplier of professional and recreational cameras and photographic equipment world-wide.

Pentax U.K. Limited, Imaging Systems Division, offers an online press lounge, designed to provide the UK media with access to an extensive library of information relating to Pentax’s range of cameras and binoculars.

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