Press

March 02, 2009

PENTAX INTRODUCES THE PENTAX X70 MEGAZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

GOLDEN, CO. (March 2, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announcedthe PENTAX X70 Megazoom digital camera featuring a high magnification 24X opticalzoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coveragehoused in a highly portable, compact, lightweight body.  With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexibleexposure modes, the PENTAX X70 is a true bridge between compact digital camerasand digital SLRs. The X70 is the ideal camera for the intermediate to advancedshooter who wants to step up in form and function from digital compactofferings without the size, weight, and expense of a true DSLR camera. The X70offers photographers the ease-of-use of a compact camera with powerful shootingoptions traditionally found on a DSLR, such as aperture/shutter priority andmetered manual modes, true hardware sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fastoperation, and a high quality zoom lens. This  new model performs superblyand effortlessly in a variety of photographic situations from casual day-to-daysnapshots to travel and sports photography.

            Also announced is the smc PENTAX DA 15mmF4 ED AL Limited ultra wide-angle lens for PENTAX Digital SLR Cameras.  This latest model in PENTAX’sacclaimed Limited Lens series inherits all the attributes of this renowned productline including high quality image reproduction and high grade aluminum lens barrelfinish, while providing users with a unique ultra wide-angle perspective. Thelens will ship in April 2009 for $649.95 USD, while the PENTAX X70 will ship inApril 2009 for $399.95 USD.

ThesePENTAX products will be displayed at PMA – The Worldwide Community of ImagingAssociations Trade Show from March 3-5, 2009 in Las Vegas. More information isavailable here: www.pentaximaging.comand product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html. 

PENTAXImaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR andcompact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces.  For almost 90 years, PENTAX has developeddurable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers andbusinesses.  With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Companyis a division of Hoya Corporation.

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Media contact:

Michelle Martin

303.728.0224

Michelle.martin@pentax.com

Consumers: 

pentaxinfo@pentax.com

1-800-877-0155

PENTAX X70FACT SHEET

Versatile 24X opticalMegazoom lens accommodates a range of subjects

Within a compact,lightweight body, the X70 features a high magnification optical 24X zoom lensoffering a focal-length coverage between a wide-angle 26mm to a super telephoto624mm (in the 35mm format). This is ideal for wide-angle scenic shots or groupphotos, as well as getting closer to the action at a sporting event.  Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function,the X70 zoom range may be extended to approximately 150 times (for a focallength of an astonishing approximately 3900mm in the 35mm format) withoutcompromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.

High image quality

With 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the highquality PENTAX Megazoom lens, the X70 delivers superclear, high quality images in any shooting mode. Images at 12.0 megapixels arealso suitable for printing at most large print sizes including 8x10, 11x17 andeven larger poster size prints.

Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCDmonitor

The PENTAX X70 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor withapproximately 230,000 dots of resolution. An Anti-Reflection coating helps minimizeglare from sunlight for more effective outdoor viewing. Also, the X70 comeswith an electronic viewfinder for easy image composition and review in thebrightest lighting conditions. You can also access the camera’s menus and otherfunctions via the electronic viewfinder, so you will always be able to changesettings no matter how bright it is outdoors.

Compact, lightweight design

The compact, lightweight designof the X70, one of the smallest and lightest cameras in it’s class, make it easy to transport anduse.  However, the small size does notmean features are compromised.  The X70includes a full range of automatic and manual features and functions.

Reliable Shake Reduction for sharp,blur-free images

TheX70 incorporates an “image sensor shift” Shake Reduction system to assuresharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographicconditions  such as when shooting at fulltelephoto or when shooting a sunset or indoor scenes with very low light. Byaccurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyrosensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at highspeed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect,equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.

High-speed Continuous Shooting mode to capture the decisive moment

The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at amaximum speed of approximately 11 images per second and up to 21 images insuccession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-movingsubject in focus all the time, the X70 is sure to capture that once in a lifetime,decisive moment in sharp focus. The X70 is perfect for shooting sports actionand active children and pets.

*When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M(2592 x 1944 pixels).

Fast Face Detection AF&AE capturesup to 32 faces in focus in approx. 0.03 seconds

The X70 Face Detection functionis effective for capturing casual snapshots of people by optimizing thefocusing and exposure of up to 32 faces in a single image in approximately 0.03seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions including SmileCapture which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects thesubject’s smile, and Blink Detection which warns the photographer when thesubject’s eyes are closed at the moment of capture.

Movie capture in high-definition TVimage quality with anti-shake protection

The X70 captures high qualitymovie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x720 pixels) at 15 frames per second. The X70 also features Movie SR mode,** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake duringmovie capture. The X70 can also record video at 848x480, VGA and QVGAresolutions at 30 frames per second, for full video capture flexibility. As aresult, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting withminimal effort.

**When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower thannormal shooting.

Multi-mode exposure system

The X70 offers a choice of fourexposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects theoptimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject andAperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE and full Metered Manual modes, inwhich photographers are free to select either (or both) aperture and shutterspeed to suit their photographic needs.

Auto Picture mode for the automaticselection of seven different shooting modes

The X70 features the advanced PENTAXAuto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting modefor a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting, movement andother conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choicefor the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night ScenePortrait, Flower, Sport and Standard modes), but also features an Auto Macromode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro inclose-range applications.

Auto sensitivity control up to a high ISO of 6400

The X70 comes equipped with an Auto Sensitivity Control function,which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’slighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows thephotographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as nightscenes or indoor sports events to effectively minimize camera shake and subjectblur. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and ISO 6400,and is range adjustable.

Additional Features   

·        Image Format Choice proportions of 4:3, 3:2,16:9 or 1:1.

·        Scene mode palette for easy selection from 20 scenes,including a new Baby mode for accurate exposure and skin tones when takingpictures of babies.

·        Overexposure compensation function to prevent blownout (or clipped) highlights.

·        A Super Macro mode may be used to shoot as closeas 0.4 inches (one centimeter) away from a subject for stunning close-up details.

·        Digital Wide mode quickly stitches 2 imagestogether for an extra wide-angle image (equivalent to 20mm in the 35mm format).

·        World time clock displays standard time in 75cities in 28 time zones around the world for extra convenience when on the road.

·        Frame Composite mode (with 90 built-in imageframes) offers fun and creative ways to style up your shots.

·        Approximately 33.6MB of built-in memory. Also compatiblewith SD and SDHC memory cards.

·        Red-eye reduction function corrects for red eyesas the result of flash photography. Red-eye reduction can be applied duringcapture, or as a post-capture filter.

PENTAX is a trademark of HOYACORPORATION.

All other brands or product names aretrademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT ImageMatching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software helpphotographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Somefunctions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching IIIcompliant.

Copyright 2001 Seiko EpsonCorporation. All Rights Reserved.

Print Image Matching is atrademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Design and Specifications is subject to change withoutnotice.

smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL LimitedFact Sheet

Ultra wide-angle perspective

This new lens offers a 23mm angle of view (in the 35mm format) foreye-catching wide-angle images. Enjoy visual effects unique to ultra wide-anglelenses such as enhanced perspective and an expanded depth of field.  This lens is perfect for capturing sweepinglandscapes, magnificent architecture and confined interiors.

Limited Lens series quality

The PENTAX Limited Lens series is designed for the ultimate inimage reproduction. True to the Limited lens tradition, this new lens not onlyassures excellent image quality, but also produces sharp, clear images with minimaldistortion and outstanding contrast even at the maximum aperture. The opticaldesign has been optimized for digital photography, and the barrel, built-in hood,and cap are all made of a high-grade aluminum material that is shaped forperfect proportions.

High-performance optics

This lens incorporates ahybrid aspherical (AL) lens and anextra-low-dispersion (ED) glass optical element to assure high-quality images withminimal aberrations, including lateral chromatic aberration. Compared with otherultra wide-angle lenses, image distortion is also extremely low.

Compact, lightweightdesign

With newly developed optics,this ultra wide-angle lens design is extremely compact and lightweight.  It has no dome-shaped protrusion on theobjective element, allowing the photographer to easily mount any 49mm diameterfilters, including circular polarizing filters which are popular in landscapephotography.

Additional features

·        Built-in flower-shapedlens hood, with extendible design for easy carrying

·        Minimum focusing distanceof 0.5 feet (18 centimeters) for close-up photography

·        PENTAX-developedQuick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation afterthe subject is acquired by the AF system

·        PENTAX-original SuperProtect (SP) coating on front surface of the lens makes it easy wipe away fingerprints,cosmetics and other stains and smudges

PENTAX, and smcPENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

Design and Specifications is subject to changewithout notice.