Pentax Optio S6 and Pentax Optio WPi Digital Cameras Announced

Pentax has announced two new cameras, the Pentax Optio S6, their slimmest camera, and the Pentax Optio WPi, the successor the their previous waterproof camera, the Optio WP.  The Optio 6 is a 6 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom, and 2.5 inch LCD in a camera that’s 0.7 inches thick.  Not the thinnest on the market, but still slim.  The S6 wil be available in October for $350.

The Optio WPi is a follow up to the WP, which has been on the market since April 2005.  The WPi shoots at 6 megapixels, is waterproof to 5 feet, has a 2 inch LCD and quick start up time.  The Optio WPi will be available in October for $350.

For more details, check out the Pentax website.

Pentax Optio S6 Press Release

GOLDEN, Co. (August 31, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the slimmest member of the Optio S series of stylish digital cameras.  The Pentax Optio S6 digital camera features 6.0 megapixels, an innovative powerful 3X zoom Sliding Lens system, and the slim dimension of just 7/10 of an inch thick.    

“Slim is still in, and the Optio S6 offers the slimmest PENTAX digital body available,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. “PENTAX continues to pack features into the stylish Optio S series and preserve the slim, tiny design that makes these cameras small enough to fit into a breath mint tin,” added Bunnell.

An innovative design approach in the Optio S6 contributes to the camera’s compact dimensions.  Glass-molded aspherical lenses that are concave on both sides, a thinner CCD and other advances help reduce the depth of this model by a fifth on an inch. The camera also incorporates engineering expertise with high-density mounting and the strategic use of internal space so that substance and style blend perfectly in the PENTAX Optio S6.                 

While the Pentax Optio S6 dimensions have slimmed down, the camera’s generous 2.5 inch LCD monitor offers low reflection with a built-in backlighting mechanism so images may be viewed clearly even outdoors in sunny weather.  As a result, the Optio S6 makes it easy to compose shots, playback recorded images for confirmation and select functions with smooth menu navigation.

PENTAX will ship the Optio S6 in October 2005 for under $350 US. 

Pentax WPi Press Release

GOLDEN, Co. (August 31, 2005)…PENTAX announced another WP series compact digital camera that offers higher resolution for shooting performance in a variety of conditions.  The new PENTAX OptioWPi features 6.0 effective megapixels packed in a slim body that captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating.  Perfect for extreme indoor or outdoor adventure, the OptioWPi offers high resolution images with a quick start-up, a 3X zoom lens and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep your subjects sharp.

“Our OptioWP series is more than just waterproof.  These cameras are lifeproof and able to go anywhere there is likely to be a photo opportunity,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.  

The PENTAX OptioWPi also offers a 2.0 inch LCD monitor, a quick 0.6 second start-up, a recover function to retrieve erased images and overall operational ease.  The camera will ship in October 2005 for $350 US.  

PENTAX Imaging Company shipped the camera’s predecessor, the OptioWP, in April 2005 and followed with the announcement earlier this month of the limited availability of a protective, silicone Skin.  Priced at $19.95 US, the new Skins are designed to fit both the OptioWPi and the OptioWP.  Additional plans are underway to offer the PENTAX OptioWPi in the alternative colors of burgundy and cobalt as well as traditional silver.  More information about the accessory Skins and the alternative colors will be available from the PENTAX microsite: www.H2Ocamera.com