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The Pentax WS80, at $250, is expected to be one of the least expensive in the increasingly compeititive waterproof digital cameras market when it ships in September, but has plenty of features to keep snorkelers and land-lubbers happy. Protected against both water and dust, the 10MP WS80 is designed for casual outdoor activities, travel, and family photography, and at less than an inch thick, is very pocketable. It captures HD video at 720p at full 30 frames per second, has face detection that recognizes up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, smile capture and blink detection, shake reduction for still and movies, and a 35-175mm optical zoom lens. Interesting new feature: Small Face filter will reduce a subject’s face slightly so it appears smaller in proportion to the body, which Pentax says is more flattering.<\/p>\n
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Pentax today also announced a pair of basic cameras for the point-and-shoot crowd. The more advanced, 12MP P80 ($199.95) offers cutting edge technology such as shake stabilization, face detection that recognizes up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, HD Video at 720p, smile capture and blink alert, and auto picture mode (which chooses the best scene mode for a give shooting situation). The 10MP E80 ($129.95) also has face detection and 720p HD video capture, but not the fanicer stuff. Both cameras will be available in September and will come in a variety of colors.<\/p>\n
For details, read the Pentax press releases:<\/p>\n
PENTAX UNVEILS NEW WATERPROOF COMPACT WS80: Dunkable, Affordable Optio WS80 Sports Bold Colors<\/p>\n
GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)\u2026A bold, new waterproof digital camera jumped into the swimming pool today. PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio WS80, the newest contender in the durable, affordable digital camera category.<\/p>\n
Available in two bold, his-and-her\u2019s designs, the water and dustproof Optio WS80 is a perfect choice for travel, outdoor activities and families. Featuring a 10 megapixel CCD and a 5X internal optical zoom housed in a slim, palm-sized body that is less than an inch thick, the Optio WS80 has a large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for easy composition. With waterproof construction that can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 meters), the Optio WS80 captures underwater photos and video including high resolution, widescreen, HD video up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second.<\/p>\n
Other features include:
\n\u2022 Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second for easy portrait photography.
\n\u2022 Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject\u2019s eyes are closed during the exposure.
\n\u2022 PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
\n\u2022 PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
\n\u2022 Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.<\/p>\n
Available in two eye-catching color options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $249.95 USD.<\/p>\n
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.<\/p>\n
PENTAX Optio WS80 Major Features<\/p>\n
Exceptional waterproof performance for underwater shooting and adventure
\nThe palm-sized Optio WS80 assures reliable waterproof performance that allows underwater photography up to five feet for up two hours (JIS Class 8 standard). The WS80 also features the PENTAX-exclusive, highly water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass panel that covers the zoom lens. As a result, the Optio WS80 may be rinsed clean with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand. Coupled with remarkable dustproof capabilities equivalent to JIS Class 6, the Optio WS80 may be used without worry in many different situations where water or dirt is a major concern.<\/p>\n
High-quality images delivered by 10.0 effective megapixels
\nCombining 10.0 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio WS80 produces brilliant, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness even when images are enlarged.<\/p>\n
High-performance optical 5X zoom lens
\nThe slim, palm-sized Optio WS80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 35mm to 175mm in the 35mm format. The camera offers an Intelligent Zoom function that extends the zoom range up to approximately 28.5X for even tighter zooming in on the subject.<\/p>\n
High-quality, widescreen, HD movie recording
\nThe Optio WS80 captures beautiful, flawless HD movie clips at 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720 pixels)* at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The camera also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly features designed to facilitate movie recording: the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates for camera shake during movie shooting; and the Underwater Movie mode, which automatically optimizes color settings for underwater movie shooting.
\n*When the Optio WS80\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
High-speed Face Detection, with a range of user-friendly features
\nThe Optio WS80\u2019s advanced Face Detection AF & AE function captures 32 faces in sharp focus and perfect exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds. It also accurately detects a subject facing the camera at an angle or with a tilted head. The Optio WS80 offers other user-friendly features, including:
\n\u2022 A Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject\u2019s smile.
\n\u2022 A Blink Detection function warns the photographer when a subject\u2019s eyes close at the time of shutter release.
\n\u2022 A Small Face filter helps reduce a subject\u2019s face so that it appears smaller in proportion to the body to produce more flattering well-balanced portraits.<\/p>\n
Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
\nPixel Track SR mode
\nWhen recording still images, the Optio WS80\u2019s Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images.
\nHigh-Sensitivity SR mode*
\nWhen it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the Optio WS80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject motion blur under poor lighting conditions.
\nMovie SR mode**
\nDuring movie recording, the Optio WS80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake.
\n* When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
\n** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.<\/p>\n
Large 2.7 inch LCD monitor for effortless image viewing
\nThe Optio WS80 features a large 2.7 inch extra bright color LCD monitor so photographers may view on-screen images, menus and mode-settings with ease while shooting and during playback.<\/p>\n
Additional Features:
\n\u2022 Interval shooting mode, convenient for fixed-point observation of starry skies, flowers and plants
\n\u2022 High-speed 9 point AF system, with Auto-Tracking function, to maintain constant focus on a moving subject
\n\u2022 Auto Picture mode automatically selects one of eight shooting modes for the optimum results in a wide variety of shooting conditions
\n\u2022 A variety of digital filters including Toy Camera and Retro to add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
\n\u2022 Dynamic Range adjustment prevents overexposed and underexposed areas in images
\n\u2022 Digital Wide function creates a panoramic, extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 25.4mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
\n\u2022 Digital Panorama mode creates a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
\n\u2022 Style Watch function displays the time with pushbutton operation, even when the camera\u2019s power is turned off
\n\u2022 Image recovery function recovers accidentally erased images
\n\u2022 Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) shoots or composes images with decorative photo frames<\/p>\n
PENTAX ROLLS OUT NEXT GENERATION OF POPULAR OPTIOS: P80 AND E80 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS ANNOUNCED<\/p>\n
GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)\u2026PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the latest models of two of its most popular, feature-rich, wallet-friendly compact digital cameras. The ultra-slim and stylish PENTAX Optio P80 digital camera features a lightweight design in three fashionable colors including Black, Pearl, and Mint. The new entry-level PENTAX Optio E80 features a large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch LCD monitor, beginner-friendly controls and high resolution widescreen HD video capture.<\/p>\n
PENTAX Optio P80<\/p>\n
The new Optio P80 is the latest model of the popular Optio P series of digital compact cameras, and features a slim, lightweight body with advanced features including:
\n\u2022 12.1 megapixel CCD for detailed images, large prints, and cropping flexibility.
\n\u2022 PENTAX 4X wide angle optical zoom is equivalent to 27.5-110mm focal length.
\n\u2022 Large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for accurate composition and playback of still images and video.
\n\u2022 High resolution, widescreen, HD video capture up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second.
\n\u2022 PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR to stabilize images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
\n\u2022 Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 seconds for easy portrait photography.
\n\u2022 Smile Capture automatically captures pictures when your subject smiles, and Blink Detection alerts you if your subject\u2019s eyes are closed during the exposure.
\n\u2022 PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
\n\u2022 Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.<\/p>\n
PENTAX improved the Face Detection AF & AE function on the P80 to now capture subject faces from an angle. And, a more responsive version of the Auto-Tracking AF function helps keep an active subject in constant focus.<\/p>\n
PENTAX Optio E80<\/p>\n
The PENTAX Optio E80 comes equipped with a host of user-friendly features and functions to make high-quality digital photography effortless even for first-time digital camera users. These include easy-to-press, large control buttons, the PENTAX original Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene and world-standard AA-size batteries as a power source. Optio E80 features include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 10 megapixel CCD for detailed images, large prints, and cropping flexibility.
\n\u2022 Large 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot LCD for accurate composition and review of still images and video.
\n\u2022 PENTAX 3X wide angle optical zoom lens is equivalent to 32-96mm focal length.
\n\u2022 High resolution, widescreen HD video capture at 720p at 15 frames per second with sound.
\n\u2022 ISO sensitivity up to 6400 speeds up shutter response to freeze subject movement, providing sharp images even in very dim lighting.
\n\u2022 Easy to read camera menus may be customized with many different language options.
\n\u2022 Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed portraits.<\/p>\n
Available in the Black, Pearl, and Mint, the Optio P80 will be available in September 2009 at $199.95 USD. Available in Silver or Black, the Optio E80 will be available in September 2009 at $129.95 USD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Pentax WS80, at $250, is expected to be one of the least expensive in the increasingly compeititive waterproof digital cameras market when it ships in September, but has plenty of features to keep snorkelers and land-lubbers happy.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":17375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17774,17770,3],"tags":[1267,420],"class_list":["post-3787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cameras","category-photography","category-trending","tag-compact-digital-camera-1267","tag-underwater-420"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n