Press
Release,
August 24, 2004: PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the
new Optio X digital camera featuring a new twist in design
innovation. Offering twice the versatility in digital imaging,
the PENTAX Optio X opens with just a twist of the hand and
positions the lens on one side for shooting freedom and the
generous LCD monitor on the other side for viewing ease. With
5.0 effective megapixel clarity, a 3X optical zoom and a unique
design that allows both above-the-head and hip-level shots,
the Optio X also features a high-performance, 2.0 inch, low-temperature
poly silicon TFT color LCD monitor.
Optio X
users will not sacrifice size for innovation. The Optio X
body is a mere .7 inch thick making it the thinnest model
in the entire Optio series. The Sliding Lens system —
a unique PENTAX feature that allows the lens to be completely
retracted inside the body as soon as the power is turned off
— makes the Optio X so easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
Along with
the 5.0 megapixel clarity, a newly developed ASIC (Application
Specific Integrated Circuit) improves image quality and enhances
processing speed. The Optio X also features a new "My
Menu" function, which allows users to group together
frequently used functions for easy future access. With such
wide-ranging capabilities and customized functions, the Optio
X is a comprehensive personal digital imaging tool designed
to be carried everywhere.
PENTAX will
unveil the Optio X and other new and exciting digital products
on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York
City.
As with
all newer PENTAX Optio digital cameras, the Optio X includes
the latest version of ACDSee™ 5.1 software. With a $150
value, ACDSee™ digital camera software makes it easy
to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital
photos.
The Optio
X will ship along with the software to major camera retailers
in September 2004.
Major
Features of the Optio X
Shoot
while confirming images, even when composing above the head
or shooting from the hip
Revolving
the lens side of the camera while keeping the large LCD monitor
side in clear and stable view, the Optio X lets you compose
shots with confidence while shooting from within a crowd or
taking pictures of flowers or a baby, for example.
The slimmest
of the Optio series
With
a width of just .7 inch, the Optio X features the slimmest
body of all of the cameras in the Optio series. This is partially
due to the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens System that reduces
the length required by the lens cylinder by housing the lens
in two parts. The innovative design of the Optio X as a whole,
which separates the body in two, also plays a role in achieving
such a slim design. When the power is turned off, the lens
retracts to become totally flush with the surface of the body,
making it easy to carry anywhere or slip in and out of a bag
or pocket.
Generous
LCD monitor
Despite
its compact and slim design, the Optio X features a large,
2.0 inch high-precision LCD monitor for more confident composition,
easier focusing, and convenient image confirmation after shooting.
The monitor also makes menu displays much easier to read.
Newly
developed ASIC delivers enhanced image quality and processing
speed
With
the incorporation of the newly developed ASIC and a finely
tuned image processing algorithm, the Optio X offers optimal
image quality. The camera reproduces more natural gradations
and more meticulous color compensation. The processing speed
of the CPU inside the ASIC is 1.5X faster than conventional
PENTAX systems, allowing the Optio X to process a much larger
volume of data at a significantly faster speed.
High
image quality
The
smc PENTAX lens is renowned for its excellent performance
and assures the user of the ability to bring out the finer
details of subjects. The Optio X also features 5.0 effective
megapixels to achieve high-precision imaging and incorporates
a primary color filter as well as the new ASIC that together
assure the user of superior PENTAX quality.
Standalone
buttons for still shooting, movie shooting and voice recording
Because
the Optio X features separate buttons for still shooting,
movie shooting and voice recording, users may directly access
these modes with just the press of a button. This eliminates
the need to display the menu on the monitor and switch easily
among the three modes with the press of a button.
Still
shooting during movie or voice recording
Still
image shooting at a desired image size is possible even when
shooting a movie or recording audio. The Optio X may also
record audio and perform still shooting at the same time,
making it exceptionally useful in a wide range of situations.
Quick
menu
The
Quick menu function offers quick access to different functions
without the need to call up the menu screen. A simple touch
of the stick lever positioned just below the LCD monitor displays
the Quick menu, providing access to REC start, Shooting settings
clear and Key lock when shooting still images, and to Still
image shooting and Key lock when shooting movies.
Real-time
warnings for washed-out or blacked out areas
The
Optio X displays washed-out and blacked-out areas by indicating
those areas in real time while shooting. This allows the user
to know which parts of the image may be under- or overexposed.
Key lock
This
function locks-in programs when others take control of the
Optio X or view stored images. The function locks and deactivates
most buttons except the power, zoom lever, center key and
shutter release button during still shooting and the power
button, stick lever and center key during movie shooting.
My Menu
In
addition to the conventional three menu items of Shooting,
Playback and Detailed settings, the My Menu has been added
as the fourth menu. This menu functions as a shortcut for
direct access to frequently used functions that have been
pre-registered in My Menu. Once functions have been registered
in My Menu, they are then displayed as a priority.
16 shooting
modes to match different situations
The
Optio X is equipped with 16 shooting modes for added user-friendliness.
In shooting conditions where exposure and white balance can
be tricky, all the user has to do to achieve a desired image
is to select the mode that matches the situation at hand.
Mode selection is also made easier with the Mode Pallet that
displays all the mode icons on the LCD monitor at once. This
enables the user to select the most appropriate mode from
many in absolute minimal time.
PC camera
function
The
Optio X is also equipped with a PC camera function that allows
the user to video chat in real time. Using Windows Messenger
5.0 with Windows XP SP1 or later, the user can use and enjoy
the Optio X just as they would a videophone.
Other
features
