The Pentax OptioS60 digital camera has been announced. The Pentax Optio S60 is a 6.36 megapixel model with a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-106mm in 35mm format. The Pentax S60 has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, uses AA batteries and offers 12 different scene modes. Price and availability of the Pentax OptioS60 to be announced.

Pentax UK Press Release

Solving the Christmas Gift Dilemma - the Pentax OptioS60 - The perfect introduction to digital photography this Christmas

The latest addition to the award-winning range of Optio digital compact cameras, the OptioS60 offers high-quality imaging performance with 6.0 effective megapixels and 3x optical zoom. Simple to use, yet offering superior image capabilities, it’s ideal for the beginner and slightly more experienced photographer alike. The Auto Select mode selects the most suitable shooting mode for the environment, making it even easier to take digital photos. Retailing for less than £250, the OptioS60 is the perfect gift for budding photographers this Christmas.

The OptioS60 is also compatible with AA batteries, which, combined with its lightweight body, makes the camera a great choice for the discerning traveller.  The camera also features a large, 2.5 inch LCD monitor, making shooting and playback simple and your result easy to view.

Major features
1. A mode dial to support simple mode selection
Using the convenient mode dial, users can access a wide variety of shooting modes. Offering a choice of six still-image shooting modes, movie shooting, voice recording and even fun digital effects, it makes it easy for virtually anyone to achieve great results with ease.

2. Beginner-friendly ‘Auto Select’ mode
Auto Select mode makes it simple for inexperienced users to take digital pictures. All the user has to do is select Auto Select mode on the mode dial and the camera automatically activates the best shooting mode for the scene at hand from a choice of Programme, Portrait, Landscape and Night Scene. It also provides access to the Help function that displays simple explanations on the LCD monitor for various shooting and playback functions. This mode selects the optimal settings for white balance, AF area, exposure metering and sensitivity.

3. Excellent 6.0-effective megapixel image quality
Pentax has equipped the OptioS60 with a 1/2.5-inch, primary color CCD boasting 6.36 total megapixels. To take imaging excellence even further still, the camera also features a smc Pentax lens that delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimised ghosting and flare. The OptioS60 also incorporates a 12-bit A/D converter for the accurate reproduction of dark to light gradations as well as a noise reduction function that produces better results in low-light conditions.

4. 3x optical zoom within highly portable body dimensions
Despite having such compact dimensions for portability, the OptioS60 incorporates a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 35-106mm lens in 35mm format. Such capability makes it easy to zoom in for tight portraits, or zoom out to capture attractive landscapes, for example.

5. Compatible with widely available AA batteries
The OptioS60 is compatible with widely available AA batteries, making it easy to recharge the camera practically anywhere in the world. The camera can also run on a single CR-V3 lithium battery, giving the user further choice.

6. Large, easy-to-view, 2.5-inch LCD monitor
The OptioS60 may be small, but it boasts a large LCD screen. Measuring 2.5 inches across, it makes image confirmation easy during both shooting and playback. It also complements the camera’s easy operation by supporting the large, easy-to-see menu for smooth setup and function navigation.

7. 12 picture modes give great results in a wide range of shooting situations
Picture modes can be selected to suit the scene at hand via the mode dial or the LCD monitor. All in all, there are an impressive 12 picture modes to choose from, including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene and Flower - enabling the user to shoot a wide range of different scenes while the OptioS60 takes automatic control to make the most of the subject at hand.

8. A stylish design
The OptioS60 has a stylish and elegant appearance. High-quality aluminum alloy has been used extensively for the exterior and a unique blast process has been used to achieve an understated texture that contrasts beautifully with the lustrous plated parts around the camera lens.

9. A grip designed for greater shooting confidence
A sense of depth on both sides of the body works in combination with the design of the right-hand grip to impart an overall sense of confident shooting comfort.

10. Convenient image playback on TV
By connecting the OptioS60 to a TV via the standard AV cable, anyone can enjoy dynamic image playback on a TV along with recorded audio. There’s also a remote control unit that’s available as an option, allowing playback to be controlled from anywhere within range.

11. Other features
- Magnification function enlarges text on the menu screen
- SD memory card compatibility, 11MB (approx.) built-in memory
- Standard image viewer, ACDSee for Pentax software
- Function customisation allows frequently used functions to be assigned to the left and right positions of the four-way controller for swift, shortcut access
- Up to 2.6x (approx.) digital zoom
- Super macro mode lets the user shoot as close as 6cm from the subject
- A selection of digital filters can be applied to recorded images, in-camera
- Movie with audio and voice recording function up to the available capacity of memory card
- PictBridge compatibility
- World time function for 62 cities worldwide
- DPOF function, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility