Pentax OptioMX4 - Press Release

PENTAX Introduces The OptioMX4:
Two Cameras In One Now Offers 4 Megapixels

GOLDEN, Co. (September 13, 2004)…PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the new OptioMX4. A compact digital camera with a powerful 10X optical zoom and 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 design captures both high quality still images and movies with telephoto capability. The OptioMX4 meets consumer demand to capture distant subjects with 10X optical zoom through a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37mm-370mm lens in 35mm format. The optional wide-angle conversion lens steps up the OptioMX4 angle of view to the equivalent of a 27.75mm lens in 35mm format. Comprised of 8 groups of 12 elements, the lens of the OptioMX4 features aspherical lenses and extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimize aberration. With 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 has the power to achieve high-precision, vivid images at all zoom ranges.

Perfect for capturing family activity, the OptioMX4 captures movies in MPEG-4 format and employs a streaming recording system to record up to two hours* of continuous movies directly onto the recording media. OptioMX4 users further enjoy movie recording with 640x480 recording pixels at the rate of 30fps (frames per second) to achieve quality comparable to that of a television. The camera also offers a choice of movie recording sizes, quality and frame rates for maximum shooting flexibility. A stylish, functional palm-grip helps minimize hand shake and reduces fatigue during long-duration shooting.
*When used with an optional AC adapter.

PENTAX will unveil the OptioMX4 and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The camera will ship to major camera retailers in October 2004.

Major Features Of The Optio MX include:

The power of a 10X optical zoom lens
The OptioMX4 incorporates a 5.8mm-58mm 10X optical zoom lens offering a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37mm-370mm lens in 35mm format. This optical zooming power can also be combined with 10X digital zoom for a combined total zoom ratio of 100X. To make zoom control as smooth and easy as possible, the OptioMX4 also features two-way zoom speed control.

High-precision, sharp and vivid still images
With 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 achieves high-precision, vivid images at all zoom ranges. The renowned smc PENTAX lens is comprised of 8 groups of 12 elements that makes use of two aspherical lenses and two extra-low dispersion glass lenses to ensure chromatic and other aberrations minimized.

High-quality, long-duration movie recording
OptioMX4 users enjoy movie recording with 640 x 480 recording pixels at the smooth rate of 30fps (frames per second) to achieve quality comparable to that of a television. Because the OptioMX4 records in MPEG-4 format, it has the ability to record movies of extended duration.　The OptioMX4 also employs a streaming recording system, which records directly onto the recording media, thereby allowing the user to record up to two hours* of continuous movies. As with still shooting, users also have a choice of movie recording sizes, quality and frame rates for maximum shooting flexibility.
*When used with an optional AC adapter.

Unique styling to minimize hand shake and fatigue from extended shooting
Enabling the user to take advantage of dynamic telephoto shooting and continuous, long-duration movie shooting, the OptioMX4 employs a unique palm-grip design that is highly effective in reducing hand shake and minimizing fatigue. The OptioMX4 also incorporates an inner-zoom mechanism in the zoom lens enabling the length of the zoom lens to remain unchanged at all zoom ratios. This mechanism ensures improved balance regardless of zoom ratio. Users choose the most comfortable angle by rotating the grip to help eliminate hand share and reduce arm and wrist fatigue.

Compact body dimensions
Aspherical lenses reduce the total number of lenses required and the unique, compact mounting expertise of PENTAX has resulted in the OptioMX4 having compact body dimensions of just 2.9 x 2.3 x 4.1 inches (73 (W) x 59 (H) x 103.5 (D)mm) excluding protrusions, despite its impressive 10X optical zooming.　

High-visibility, low-reflection LCD with maximum flexibility
The OptioMX4 incorporates a low-reflection LCD monitor that actually uses externally available light to make it highly visible even in strong sunlight.　This clear 1.8 inch monitor allow users to confirm focus, composition, and other factors and ensures high versatility through its ability to rotate through 180 degrees horizontally and 210 degrees vertically for easy low- and high-angle shooting.

Diverse range of shooting modes
Upon selection of PICT (picture mode) on the mode dial, the OptioMX4 displays Landscape, Portrait, and other shooting modes on the LCD monitor. Users simply select the mode that matches the situation at han and the camera automatically adjusts exposure, white balance and other settings to suit the scene. For more creative shooting, the OptioMX4 is equipped with Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto, Metered manual, and other settings.

Digital filters
With a choice of eight filters comprising B&W, sepia, red, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow, the OptioMX4 allows users to add a color filter effect at the time of shooting. Unlike conventional filters, digital filters may be used to change the mood of shots already recorded. When used at the time of image playback for instance, the user can turn full-color images into black and white or sepia images, or emphasize certain colors of the images to create a different tone.

Built-in flash that pops up high
The OptioMX4 features a built-in, pop-up flash that extends as possible beyond the lens to help reduce "red eyes" during telephoto shooting. Even when the optional wide-angle conversion lens is used, the high flash helps eliminate* vignetting.
*When the focus mode is set to normal.

Wide-angle conversion lens (Optional)
The optional wide-angle conversion lens offers an angle of view equivalent to a 27.75mm lens in 35mm format. And with its exterior stylishly finished with aluminum, it also conveys a strong sense of sophistication.

Two carrying cases (Optional)
When the top of the O-CC17 soft case is open, it comfortably holds the OptioMX4, even if the grip is fully open. The case can be worn around the waist on a belt for further convenience. Additionally, there's also an external pocket that can be used to carry spare batteries and other small items. Another optional case is the semi-hard O-CC172, which can house both the camera and the optional wide-angle conversion lens. Two pockets are positioned inside the case to organize small items and the standard strap enables the case to be worn on the shoulder. And, the O-CC172 can also be worn around the waist on a belt.

Other features
<ul><li>USB2.0 (HI-SPEED)/connectivity to a TV via AV cable
<li>Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX and ACD Showtime! for PENTAX* movie editing software
<li>Super macro mode allows the user to shoot subjects from so close that the surface of the filter screw is actually touching the subject!
<li>Resizing/trimming of recorded images
<li>DPOF, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility
<li>PictBridge compatibility
<li>Voice recording function
<li>*ACD Showtime! for PENTAX is compatible with Windows only.
</ul>

For more information please visit, www.pentaximaging.com