DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Pentax Optio E30 Compact Digital Camera Introduction

GOLDEN, CO (January 3, 2007) - PENTAX Imaging Company introduced the PENTAX Optio E30 compact digital camera today in advance of the upcoming Consumer Electronics (CES) Trade Show in Las Vegas. Named for the easy-to-use line of PENTAX compact digital cameras, the Optio E30 offers 7.1 effective megapixels for exceptional high-resolution photography.

Featuring AA battery compatibility, the Optio E30 is a convenient travel companion that uses less power and captures up to approximately 200 photos with alkaline batteries or 760 shots with lithium AA batteries. A helpful Green mode allows new digital camera users to enjoy effortless picture-taking, while additional features include a large 2.4 inch LCD monitor, a 3X optical zoom, and 11 MB of built-in memory.

The PENTAX Optio E30 will be available in February 2007 for US $149.95 and will be displayed along with the full line of other PENTAX products in Booth 31577 in South Hall 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES 2007.

1. 7.1 effective megapixels for standout quality photos
   
   The upgraded 7.1 effective megapixels, one of the most in the entry-level class, enables you to take pictures with outstanding resolution.



2. Compatibility with widely available AA batteries
   
   Since the Optio E30 accepts widely available AA batteries, you can shoot with confidence when away from home or whenever you want. Furthermore, the camera has been designed specifically to use less power so that you can take approximately 200 photos when running on alkaline batteries.



3. Equipped with the Green mode for automated setup
   
   The Optio E30 comes with the Green mode, which automates the camera setup when shooting still images, that allows even complete digital-camera beginners to enjoy picture-taking effortlessly. A single button press automatically sets the exposure, sensitivity, white balance, and other parameters according to the shooting conditions. This function is useful when asking someone else to take your picture or when you've simply lost track of the camera settings.



4. Mode Palette displays intuitive icons
   
   Selection of shooting and playback modes is made much easier with the Mode Palette, PENTAX's original mode-selection function that lists mode icons on the LCD monitor. By arranging 15 shooting modes, including Landscape, Pet, and Food, and 8 playback modes, the Mode Palette speeds up mode selection with its straightforward display and guide function.



5. 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification
   
   The Optio E30 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36-108mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through sightseeing photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of 12X zoom capability,



6. Large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor
   
   The Optio E30 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, easy-to-read menu display.
   
   
7. Compatibility with the ImageLink printing system
   
   The Optio E30 is compatible with the ImageLink printing system. By simply placing the Optio E30 on the printer's dock of ImageLink-compatible printers, the user can take advantage of printing of recorded images, without requiring a personal computer.
   
   
8. Other features
   
   
   • Supports the new SDHC memory cards in addition to conventional SD memory cards
   • Approximately 11 MB of built-in memory
   • Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction function
   • Records movie at sizes up to 640 x 480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders
   • Frame composite function allows you to add a decorative frame around the image when shooting
   • Compatible with PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III