Pentax OptioS45 and Pentax OptioS55 are introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S55 is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations. The Optio S45 has 4 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 will cost £229.99 in the UK and be available in June. The Optio S55 will cost £169.99 in the UK and be available in June/July.

Pentax UK Press Release

Digital photography just got even easier

Pentax introduces two entry-level compact digital cameras

Pentax is delighted to announce the launch of two entry-level digital compact cameras, the OptioS45 and the OptioS55. Both feature a large, easy-to-view LCD monitor, making composition simple. Each offers all-round functionality that will appeal to any user, regardless of their experience or budget. The cameras also feature 3x optical zoom and 12 picture modes to ensure all picture environments can be supported.

The OptioS45 is 4.0 effective megapixels and costs £149.99. The OptioS55 is 5.0 effective megapixels and costs £199.99.

Major features of the OptioS45 and the OptioS55

1. Large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor
Despite compact body dimensions, both the OptioS45 and the OptioS55 are equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor, which makes it easy to compose images and play them back anywhere. Such an impressively large screen also makes operation simpler too by making the function menu so much easier to see and use.

2. Mode dial makes for simpler mode selection
Both cameras offer diverse digital functions with very simple operation - the selection of shooting modes is a good example. All the user has to do to access such modes is simply turn the handy mode dial to select from icons representing a choice of six still image shooting modes, movie shooting, voice recording and even digital effects.

3. Easy mode is ideal for beginners
The Easy mode makes photography simple for those not used to taking pictures. Selectable from the mode dial, it gives users access to the Auto Select function that automatically selects the best shooting mode for the scene at hand from a choice of Program, Portrait, Landscape and Night Scene. Furthermore, it also provides optimal settings for white balance, AF area, exposure metering, sensitivity and more. Promoting even easier operation, they both feature a handy Help function that displays explanations of button functions on the screen for shooting and playback too, making it easy to understand and operate the camera even without the manual.

4. 12 picture modes suit a wide range of shooting situations
Picture modes can be selected by choosing an icon via the mode dial or the LCD monitor to suit the scene at hand. All in all, there are 12 picture modes to choose from, including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene and flower - enabling the user to shoot virtually any kind of picture while the cameras take automatic control over settings to produce the best possible results for the conditions of each scene. 

5. 3x optical zoom within compact body design
Both the OptioS45 and the OptioS55 incorporate a 3x optical zoom smc Pentax lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 35.6-107mm lens in 35mm format - a range that opens up an array of compositional capabilities.

6. Excellent image quality
Both cameras achieve high-precision imaging. The OptioS45 offers a 1/2.5-inch, primary colour CCD boasting 4.23 total megapixels. The OptioS55 achieves high-precision imaging with a 1/2.5-inch, primary color CCD boasting 5.36 total megapixels.  Imaging performance is taken even further through use of a renowned smc Pentax lens that delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimised ghost and flare. The OptioS45 also incorporates a 12-bit A/D converter for the accurate reproduction of dark to light gradations and features a noise reduction function that produces better results in low-light conditions.

7. Stylish design
Pentax has achieved a stylish, bold design for the OptioS45 and the OptioS55 through the extensive use of a high-quality aluminium alloy for the exterior with a textured matt finish that gives it a tactile quality. 

8. A grip that simply feels better
Both have been designed with a comfortable sense of depth on both sides of the body, which works in combination with the newly designed right-hand grip to impart a more confident shooting feel.

9. AA battery compatibility
Both cameras are compatible with widely available AA batteries, making it easy to replenish the power practically anywhere in the world. Alternatively, the user can choose to use a single CR-V3 lithium battery as they like.

10. AV output terminal supports image playback on TV
Not only can users enjoy playing back images on the LCD screen or printing them out at will. The OptioS45 and the OptioS55 can also be connected to a TV via the standard AV cable enabling more impressive playback with audio capability.

11. Other features
§ Magnification display function enlarges the text on the menu screen
§ SD memory card compatibility; 11MB (approx.) built-in memory
§ Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX software
§ Function customization allows frequently used items to be assigned to the left
§ and right positions of the four-way controller for swift, shortcut access
§ Up to 2.6x digital zoom
§ Super macro mode lets the user shoot as close as 6cm from the subject
§ Digital filters that can be applied to recorded images, in-camera
§ Voice recording function
§ PictBridge compatibility
§ World time function
§ DPOF function, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching compatibility

Both cameras will be available from June 2005 onwards.