Pentax Optio A10 and Optio E10

[Photo-John]

PENTAX UNVEILS OPTIO A10 AND OPTIO E10 AT CES 2006

Golden, CO (January 3, 2006) - PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two compact digital cameras in advance of the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show opening Thursday, January 5, 2006 in Las Vegas.

The Optio A10 camera is the first PENTAX compact digital with an 8.0 effective megapixel CCD packaged in the signature slim, lightweight, stylish design of the Optio digital camera line. PENTAX also introduces an innovative Shake Reduction system in the A10 to help ensure sharper images.

"The A10 represents a complete upgrade and overhaul of our digital camera series and will be the first model of our high-end Optio series," said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. "With 8 megapixels, shake reduction and a new smc PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio A10 is our flagship model," added Bunnell.

PENTAX developed Shake Reduction to eliminate situations where camera shake typically causes blurred images such as telephoto or indoor shots without a flash. The Shake Reduction mechanism is made possible by two internal gyro sensors that detect camera shake while a dedicated CPU calculates the required correction to compensate for the level of camera shake while focusing. In turn, a proprietary mechanism adjusts the CCD automatically based on the calculation and compensates for the camera shake to help deliver sharper images.

PENTAX also announced the Optio E10, an affordable, entry-level compact digital camera with a 6.0 effective megapixel CCD and a 3X optical zoom lens. The Optio E10 features a Mode dial that permits a Simple mode selection and is packaged in a slim, lightweight body aimed at beginning photographers.

Both digital cameras use a new model naming system for PENTAX cameras based on a letter and model number description rather than the number of megapixels. The Optio A series, for example, designates a new high-end product line, while the Optio E series indicates easy-to-use products.

"Our aim with the new naming system is to make it easier for customers to understand our product line, from entry to high-end and allow us much more flexibility in expanding our product line as we move forward with these and other new digital cameras," added Bunnell.

Both models will be on display in the PENTAX Imaging Booth number 35335 in the South Hall 4 during CES. The PENTAX Optio A10 will ship in February 2006 for under $350 US, and the Optio E10 will ship that same month for under $200 US.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of compact and digital SLR cameras, binoculars, lenses, eyepieces, mobile printers, scanners and Internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology 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.

[Photo-John]

PENTAX OPTIO E10 FACT SHEET

Mode Dial For Straightforward Mode Selection
The Optio E10 Mode dial, located on the top of the body, allows quick, clear-cut selection of the cameras eight versatile modes - six still-image shooting modes, a movie mode, and a setup mode.

Simple Mode For Beginners
A Simple mode takes the guesswork out of taking pictures for first-time digital photographers. Turning the Mode dial to Simple mode automatically sets all still-image photo settings except for Size and Quality.

6.0 Effective Megapixels
Enoy the top-quality photography of the Optio E10 delivered from its 1/2.5 inch CCD with 6.36 total megapixels. In addition to the high definition of 6.0 effective megapixels, the primary-color filter produces more natural, vivid colors while the 12-bit A/D converter evenly reproduces all tones from dark to light.

3X Optical And Up To Approx. 12X Total Zoom Magnification
The Optio E10 comes with a 3X optical zoom lens equivalent to a 34-102mm lens in 35mm format. When the optical zoom is paired with the digital zoom function (1X to approx. 4X), the camera can attain up to approximately 12X effective zoom magnification.

Large, 2.4 Inch LCD Monitor
The Optio E10 manages to fit in a large, 2.4 inch LCD monitor despite its compact body dimensions. Not only does the monitor's size make it easier to compose and play back images, it also permits easier operation and setup thanks to its larger, easier-to-read menu display.

AA Battery Compatible
The camera can be powered with widely available AA batteries (perfect for travel).

Other Features

• Supports SD memory cards; approximately 10MB of built-in memory
  
• AV output terminal for playback on televisions (supports both NTSC and PAL)
  
• Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction*
  
• Macro mode allows close-up photography as near as 5 cm at full wide-angle setting
  
• USB mass storage class compliant
  
• ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
  
• DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III compatible
  
• PictBridge compatible

* This mode may not eliminate "red eye" in all instances.

PENTAX, Optio are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.