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January 05, 2009

PENTAX ANNOUNCES COLORFUL, COMPACT OPTIO P70 AND OPTIO E70

GOLDEN, CO (January5, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two stylish, colorful, compact digitalcameras: the Optio P70 and Optio E70. The ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P70 digital compact camera is ahigh-performance model featuring fast, advanced functions to make high-qualitydigital photography simple and effortless. With 12 megapixels for large, detailed images, a 4X optical zoom  (equivalent to 27.5-110mm), plus a wide angle28mm lens that is ideal for landscape, indoor and  group photos, the fashionable Optio P70 metalbody is available in multiple stylish colors. Additional features include a 2.7inch high resolution, wide-angle view LCD panel, and new Pixel Track ShakeReduction technology to assure sharp images with low noise even in poorlighting.  The Optio P70 also offersAdvanced Face Recognition that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, and bothSmile Capture that automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile, andBlink Detection to alert you if your subject’s eyes are closed. Digital ShakeReduction sets the sensitivity up to ISO 6400 to prevent subject blur, HD moviecaptures vivid video in widescreen 720p at 15 FPS, and a Vertical Snap modeallows image capture with the ease of a cell phone camera.   

PENTAXalso announced the latest model in the PENTAX easy-to-use, affordable compactdigital E series: the Optio E70.  Designed for new digital users, the Optio E70offers simple operation with large control buttons in a compact, ultra-slimbody.  With a 10 megapixel CCD and a 3Xwide zoom lens (equivalent to 35mm- 105mm), the OptioE70 features a 2.4 inch color LCD monitor to easily frame and review yourimages and video.  Perfect for travelers,the Optio E70 is compatible with AA batteries that are easy to find in nearlyevery destination.  PENTAX Auto Picturemode automatically selects from seven shooting modes for the best picture inany situation.  The OptioE70 also features Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology, Advanced FaceRecognition (32 faces in 0.03 seconds), Smile Capture and Blink Detection forbeautiful, detailed images from an affordable camera. 

ThePENTAX Optio P70 will be available for $199.95  in a choice ofthree colors: white, red and silver.  ThePENTAX Optio E70 will be available in champagne gold, deep blue and red for$139.95 USD.  Both cameras will ship inFebruary 2009.   

Moreinformation is available here: www.pentaximaging.com  andproduct images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

PENTAX Imaging Company is aninnovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses,flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For almost 90 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliableproducts that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.  Withheadquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of HoyaCorporation.

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Media contact:

Michelle Martin

303.728.0224

Michelle.martin@pentax.com

PENTAX OptioP70 FACT SHEET

Highimage quality

Featuring 12effective megapixels producing super-high-resolution images, the Optio P70features a high-performance imaging engine assuring true-to-life colorreproduction, and a renowned smc PENTAX lens.  The camera also records movie clips inwidescreen HD at the size of 1280 x 720 pixels at 15 FPS.

Optical4X zoom lens with wide-angle coverage

With a compact,ultra-slim body, the Optio P70 incorporates an optical 4X zoom lens covering afocal length from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approx. 27.5mm to 110mm in35mm format). This versatile lens is designed to cover a wide range of subjectsand scenes - from wide-angle images of landscape scenery, architecture andgroup shots in confined locations to telephoto images with fine details. Forhigher-magnification photography, the camera features an Intelligent Zoomfunction that extends the digital zoom range to approximately 25X withoutcompromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.

Large,easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCD monitor

Despite compactdimensions, the Optio P70 features a large 2.7 inch high-brightness color LCDmonitor. The bright screen makes image viewing easy both during shooting andplayback and facilitates menu reading and mode setting.

Compact, ultra-slim body

The Optio P70 featuresa compact, ultra-slim, metal body measuring as thin as just over one-half inchin some sections (16.5 mm).   Availablein three colors (silver, red and white), this compact body design features anewly designed “Sliding Lens system”*  and downsized components with high-densitymounting technology.  The Optio P70 iscompact enough to pocket and carry just about anywhere.

* The PENTAX-original lens storagemechanism in which central lens groups are offset from the optical axis and theentire lens is stored in two vertical steps into the lens cylinder. As aresult, the overall lens length at the fully retracted position is greatlyreduced, contributing to the reduction in body depth.

Tripleanti-shake protection

PixelTrack SR mode

When recordingstill images, the Optio P70’s new Pixel Track SR(Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing theamount of image blur with a dedicated ASIC. Pixel Track SR tracks motionblur at the pixel level and calculates blur volume in real time. Afterexposure, the recovery filter centers the motion effect aroundeach pixel to compartmentalize the blur. Then, an adjustment filter sharpens the pixels to help remove the blureffect. Pixel Track SR results in sharp images without adding high ISO noise.

High-SensitivitySR mode**

When the Optio P70 detectslow-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the camera automaticallyraises sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400 for a higher shutter speed. Thiseffectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject movement underpoor lighting conditions.

** When the High-Sensitivity SR mode isselected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels) at ISO 3200 and6400.

MovieSR mode***

During movieshooting, the Optio P70 prevents blurry video by effectively minimizing camerashake.

*** When the Movie SR mode is selected,the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

FasterFace Recognition AF & AE function to capture the subject’s face in focus inapprox. 0.03 seconds

The Optio P70features the Face Recognition AF & AE function for snapshots of people.  This optimizes focusing and exposure status ofthe subject — up to 32 faces in a single image — in approximately 0.03 seconds.The Optio P70 offers other user-friendly functions: a Smile Capture functionautomatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile anda Blink Detection function warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes closeat the time of shutter release.

AutoPicture mode for automatic selection of eight different shooting modes

The Optio P70features an advanced Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the mostappropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting thesubject’s lighting, size, movement and other conditions. This user-friendlymode chooses the optimal mode (Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night ScenePortrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight) for the shooting situation, andalso features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’sfocus range to macro in close-up applications.

VerticalSnap mode for easy vertical-position shooting

The Optio P70’sunique and handy Vertical Snap mode simplifies vertical-position shooting, asit allows the photographer to zoom the lens and snapthe picture with simple pushbutton operation of the OK button and 4-waycontroller on the back panel. In addition, all icons on the LCD monitor areautomatically rotated for vertical-position viewing. This new mode offers thesame ease of operation as a cellular phone camera.

Additionalfeatures

·        HDwidescreen video capture records beautiful and detailed movies at 720p at 15FPS

·        DigitalWide function combines an extra wide-angle image (equivalent to an image takenwith an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images

·        DigitalPanorama mode combines single panoramic picture from as many as three images

·        Theshooting mode palette offers easy selection of 26 modes including  a new Party mode for low light settings

·        AFavorites function saves reduced-size files of special images stored in the camera’sinternal memory for quick playback of your favorite images

·        Imagerecovery function retrieves accidentally erased images

·        FrameComposite function offers 90 decorative digital frame selections to embellishcaptured  images

·        Approximately33.7MB built-in memory

·        Red-eyereduction function corrects red eyes in recorded images during playback

·        ACDSeefor PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included, supportingWindows VistaTM

·        Compatibilitywith PictBridge DPOF functions, ExifPrint and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX, Optio and smc PENTAX aretrademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

All other brands or product names aretrademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This product supports PRINT ImageMatching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers andsoftware help photographers to produce images more faithful to theirintentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINTImage Matching III compliant.

Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation.All Rights Reserved.

Print Image Matching is a trademark ofSeiko Epson Corporation.

The PRINT Image Matchinglogo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Design and Specifications is subject tochange without notice.

PENTAXOptio E70 FACT SHEET

Highimage quality assured by approximately 10 effective megapixels

Available in threecolors (champagne gold, wine red and deep blue), the Optio E70 features approximately 10.0 effective megapixels.  Combined with a new imaging engine withmuch-improved processing capacity and a high-performance PENTAX lens, thisresolution assures high-quality digital images with edge-to-edge sharpness.

LargeLCD monitor and easy-to-use control buttons

The Optio E70offers an easy-to-view 2.4 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 112,000dots of resolution. 

In addition, thecamera’s shutter release and other control buttons are larger than previousmodels to help facilitate camera operation.  Larger icons on the LCD monitor help make the Optio E70 quick andeffortless to set and confirm desired modes and functions.

Easy-to-use3X optical zoom lens

With a 3X opticalzoom lens offering an angle of view equivalent to 35mm wide angle to 105mmtelephoto in 35mm format, the Optio E70 captures a wide range of subjects,including landscapes, keepsake photos and portraits. For higher-magnificationphotography, the camera offers an Intelligent Zoom function, which extends the digitalzoom range to approximately 17.1 times without compromising the optical zoomlens image quality.

AAbattery power

Powered by a pairof standard AA size batteries, the Optio E70 makes a great travel camera and the  power-saving design records approximately 210images* with one set of alkaline batteries (approximately 620 images withlithium batteries).

* Based on measurement conditionsconforming to CIPA specifications.

AutoPicture mode for automatic selection of seven different shooting modes

The Optio E70 featuresan advanced Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriateshooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting,size, movement and other conditions. This user-friendly mode chooses the optimalmode (Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport,Standard and Candlelight) for the shooting situation, and also features an AutoMacro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro inclose-up applications.

Tripleanti-shake protection prevent different types of camera shake

PixelTrack SR mode

When recordingstill images, the Optio E70’s new Pixel Track SR(Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing theamount of image blur with a dedicated ASIC. Pixel Track SR tracks motion blur at the pixel level and calculates blurvolume in real time. After exposure, the recovery filter centers the motioneffect around each pixel to compartmentalize theblur.  Then, an adjustment filtersharpens the pixels, to remove the blur effect. Pixel Track SR results in sharpimages without adding high ISO noise.

High-SensitivitySR mode**

When the Optio E70 detectslow-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the camera automaticallyraises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400 for a higher shutter speed. Thiseffectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject movement underpoor lighting conditions.

** When the High-Sensitivity SR mode isselected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels at ISO 3200 and6400).

MovieSR mode***

During movieshooting, the Optio E70 prevents blurry video by effectively minimizing camerashake.

*** When the Movie SR mode is selected,the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

FasterFace Recognition AF & AE function

The Optio E70features faster Face Recognition AF and AE function for improved snapshots ofpeople. This function optimizes focusing and exposure status of the subject —up to 32 faces in a single image — in approximately 0.03 seconds. The Optio E70also offers a Smile Capture function that automatically releases the shutterthe instant it detects a subject’s smile and a Blink Detection function thatwarns photographers when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutterrelease.

Greenmode for worry-free shooting for all photographers

With singlepushbutton operation, the Optio E70’s Green mode selects the optimumcombination of exposure settings, ISO sensitivity and other factors for hassle-freephotography. It makes high-quality digital photography simple and effortless,even for first-time digital camera users. This mode also comes in handy whenthe photographer asks others to take a picture for them, and to preserve camerasettings.

Additionalfeatures

·        Nine-pointAF system, with Auto-Tracking AF function to maintain constant focus on amoving subject

·        AFavorites function saves reduced-size files of special images stored in the camera’sinternal memory for quick playback of your favorite images

·        Imagerecovery function to retrieve accidentally erased images

·        Recordingof movie clips at sizes up to VGA 640 x 480 pixels with movie SR

·        DigitalPanorama mode to compose a single panoramic picture from three images

·        World-timefunction to keep track of local time at 75 cities in 28 time zones around theworld

·        FrameComposite function offers 90 decorative digital frame selections to embellishcaptured  images

·        ACDSeefor PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included, supportingWindows Vista™

·        Compatibilitywith PictBridge, DPOF functions, ExifPrint, and PRINT Image Matching III

PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of HOYACORPORATION.

All other brands or product names aretrademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This product supports PRINT ImageMatching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers andsoftware help photographers to produce images more faithful to theirintentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINTImage Matching III compliant.

Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation.All Rights Reserved.

Print Image Matching is a trademark ofSeiko Epson Corporation.

The PRINT Image Matchinglogo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Design and Specifications is subject tochange without notice.