Pentax Optio S60 Announced

Golden, CO (August 21, 2005)....PENTAX announced today another 6.0 megapixel digital camera that is an excellent choice for new digital users. The Pentax Optio S60 digital camera emphasizes easy and enjoyable digital photography with helpful features including a handy Simple mode that allows users to concentrate on the subject while the Optio S60 selects the optimal settings automatically. In addition to a 3X optical zoom, the Optio S60 also features a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor and an optical, actual-image zoom viewfinder with diopter adjustment that enables easier operation especially for users with limited eyesight. The Optio S60 also is compatible with AA batteries to make it a great choice for traveling. The Optio S60 will be available in October 2005 for under $300 US.

Major features

A mode dial supports simple mode selection

Turn the convenient Mode dial to access a wide variety of shooting modes including a choice of six still image Shooting modes, Movie shooting, Voice recording and exciting digital effects.

Beginner-friendly Auto Select mode

Auto Select mode makes simplifies photography for new digital users. Just choose 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 Program, Portrait, Landscape and Night scene. A handy Help function displays simple explanations on the LCD monitor for various shooting and playback functions. This mode also selects optimal settings for White balance, AF area, Exposure metering, sensitivity and more for carefree shooting anytime.

Excellent 6.0-effective megapixel image quality

PENTAX has equipped the Optio S60 with a 1/2.5-inch, primary color CCD boasting 6.36 total megapixels. The camera also features a renowned smc PENTAX lens that delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimized ghosting and flare. The Optio S60 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.

3X optical zoom within highly portable body dimensions

Despite compact dimensions, the Optio S60 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 right out to capture attractive landscapes, for example.

Compatible with widely available AA batteries

The Optio S60 is compatible with AA batteries, making it easy to replenish the power practically anywhere in the world. The camera also runs on a single CR-V3 lithium battery.

Large, easy-to-view, 2.5-inch LCD monitor

The Optio S60 features a large LCD screen measuring 2.5 inches across to confirm images confirmation during shooting and playback. The LCD complements the camera's easy operation by supporting the large, easy-to-see menu for smooth setup and function navigation.

12 picture modes give great results in a wide range of shooting situations

Picture modes may be selected to suit the scene at hand via the mode dial or the LCD monitor. Look for 12 picture modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night scene and Flower to enable users to shoot a wide range of different scenes while the Optio S60 takes automatic control to make the most of the subject at hand.

Stylish design and an attractive texture

The Optio S60 features a stylish and elegant appearance with 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.

A grip designed for greater shooting confidence

The S60 offers a right-hand grip for a more secure camera grip.

Convenient image playback on TV

Connecting the Optio S60 to a TV via the standard AV cable for dynamic image playback compete with recorded audio. There's also a remote control unit* that's available as an option, allowing playback to be controlled** from the comfort of your armchair.
* Remote Control F enables image advance; Remote Control E enables image advance and rewind.
** Remote control does not control playback start for movies, still images with audio, nor voice recording.

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 customization 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