Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in "his-and-her designs" with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400.

As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.

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PENTAX UNVEILS NEW WATERPROOF COMPACT WS80:
Dunkable, Affordable Optio WS80 Sports Bold Colors

GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)...A bold, new waterproof digital camera jumped into the swimming pool today. PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio WS80, the newest contender in the durable, affordable digital camera category.

Available in two bold, his-and-her's designs, the water and dustproof Optio WS80 is a perfect choice for travel, outdoor activities and families. Featuring a 10 megapixel CCD and a 5X internal optical zoom housed in a slim, palm-sized body that is less than an inch thick, the Optio WS80 has a large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for easy composition. With waterproof construction that can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 meters), the Optio WS80 captures underwater photos and video including high resolution, widescreen, HD video up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second. Other features include:

• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second for easy portrait photography.
• Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject's eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.

Available in two eye-catching color options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $249.95 USD.

More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com.

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PENTAX ROLLS OUT NEXT GENERATION OF POPULAR OPTIOS: P80 AND E80 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS ANNOUNCED

GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the latest models of two of its most popular, feature-rich, wallet-friendly compact digital cameras. The ultra-slim and stylish PENTAX Optio P80 digital camera features a lightweight design in three fashionable colors including Black, Pearl, and Mint. The new entry-level PENTAX Optio E80 features a large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch LCD monitor, beginner-friendly controls and high resolution widescreen HD video capture.

PENTAX Optio P80

The new Optio P80 is the latest model of the popular Optio P series of digital compact cameras, and features a slim, lightweight body with advanced features including:
• 12.1 megapixel CCD for detailed images, large prints, and cropping flexibility.
• PENTAX 4X wide angle optical zoom is equivalent to 27.5-110mm focal length.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for accurate composition and playback of still images and video.
• High resolution, widescreen, HD video capture up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR to stabilize images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 seconds for easy portrait photography.
• Smile Capture automatically captures pictures when your subject smiles, and Blink Detection alerts you if your subject's eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.

PENTAX improved the Face Detection AF & AE function on the P80 to now capture subject faces from an angle. And, a more responsive version of the Auto-Tracking AF function helps keep an active subject in constant focus.
PENTAX Optio E80

The PENTAX Optio E80 comes equipped with a host of user-friendly features and functions to make high-quality digital photography effortless even for first-time digital camera users. These include easy-to-press, large control buttons, the PENTAX original Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene and world-standard AA-size batteries as a power source. Optio E80 features include:

• 10 megapixel CCD for detailed images, large prints, and cropping flexibility.
• Large 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot LCD for accurate composition and review of still images and video.
• PENTAX 3X wide angle optical zoom lens is equivalent to 32-96mm focal length.
• High resolution, widescreen HD video capture at 720p at 15 frames per second with sound.
• ISO sensitivity up to 6400 speeds up shutter response to freeze subject movement, providing sharp images even in very dim lighting.
• Easy to read camera menus may be customized with many different language options.
• Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed portraits.

Available in the Black, Pearl, and Mint, the Optio P80 will be available in September 2009 at $199.95 USD. Available in Silver or Black, the Optio E80 will be available in September 2009 at $129.95 USD.

More information is available at: www.pentaximaging.com.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX 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.