Pentax's pleasing point-and-shoots
By Aimee Baldridge (February 11, 2004)
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Pentax has added a model to its ultracompact Optio S line, updated the Optio S4, and introduced a new 3-megapixel point-and-shoot. All three cameras are slender, packed with features, and competitively priced. The company also unveiled its first still/video combo, which offers a unique design and a 10X optical zoom. |
 Pentax Optio 30 |
$200 |
April 2004 |
3.2-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3X zoom lens; 16MB of internal memory and SD/MMC media |
Pentax gives point-and-shooters a broad range of features for their money. For example, advanced photographers get a live histogram, while simpler selections include the new Pet mode. |
 Pentax Optio MX |
Less than $400 |
June 2004 |
3.2-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; records high-res VGA in MPEG-4; 10X zoom lens; SD media |
Meet Pentax's first still/video combo, which features a unique grip handle and a swiveling LCD. The company plans to offer an accessory wide-conversion lens to go with the camera. |
 Pentax Optio S40 |
Less than $300 |
April 2004 |
4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3X zoom lens; 11MB of internal memory and SD/MMC media |
Appealing to snapshooters tired of squinting and fumbling with tiny cameras, Pentax put larger controls on this 5-ounce addition to its ultracompact Optio S line. And the new Help mode will guide you through the S40's huge feature set. |
 Pentax Optio S4i |
Less than $400 |
April 2004 |
4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3X zoom lens; 10MB of internal memory and SD/MMC media |
This 4-ounce, aluminum-alloy model has a staggering number of settings for a snapshot camera (Food mode, anyone?), but if they're too much for you, you can throw the S4i into the new Green mode for totally automatic shooting. |
REPORTS FROM THE SHOW
GEAR FOR '04
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