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Just in time for the Photokina event happening tomorrow in Germany, Pentax has announced its new entry-level DSLR camera - the K2000 otherwise known as the K-m for the European market. Targeting digital camera users who are about to take the leap into Digital SLRs, the Pentax K2000 comes in the form of an ultra-compact DSLR. So as not to annoy first time DSLR users and to make their transition as pleasant as possible, Pentax has put in Auto Picture modes that include Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action and Night Portrait.

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Pentax has added a new compact digital camera to its Optio line-up dubbed the Optio E60. This handy point-and-shoot model boasts of a 10.1-megapixel camera CCD and a very affordable price of $140.

For that amount you’ll get a digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens with wide angle view equivalent to 32mm to 96mm in 35mm format. This makes the E60 well suited for taking group shots, landscapes and architectural subjects. The Optio E60 also features various shooting modes which would surely give photo enthusiasts some nice photo taking experiences. These modes include auto picture, face recognition, high sensitivity digital shake reduction and a green mode that can be used for setting exposure, sensitivity and other parameters with a single touch of a button.

Other noteworthy features of this digital camera include its AA battery requirements, World Time and Date Imprint functions and an image recovery function for retrieving photos that are accidentally erased.

To be released sometime in October, the Optio E60 will sport a stylish black design.

Read [Business Wire]

• Pentax upgrades the Optio V10, intro’s the V20 with blink detection
• Pentax announces the 8-megapixel V20
• Pentax offers up the K2000 entry level DSLR

Pentax has just released the Optio V20, which is serving as an upgrade to the current V10. The new V20 comes with a few additional features, but keeps much of the same specs such as screen size. One of the main upgrades includes zoom going from 3x to 5x and Digital SR mode to ISO 3200 and ISO 6400. Additionally, the LCD screen size remains the same at 3-inches. Some additional, new, and neat features are its smile recognition software as well as blink detection. Unfortunately, this is only set to be released in Japan for now. Expect this digital camera sometime next month costing around $288 US. Keep reading for another picture of the V20, which shows off its backside.

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Pentax has recently introduced the 8-megapixel V20, a seemingly worthy addition to Pentax’s point-and-shoot camera line. The V20 boasts of a 5x zoom lens aside from the high megapixels, plus a generous LCD screen that measures 3-inches.

The V20 is a stylish and ultra-slim camera that also comes with three more innovative features: Face Recognition, Smile Capture, and the Blink Detection. Face Recognition detects faces and automatically sets the camera’s exposure to a maximum. The Smile Capture, on the other hand, enables the camera to only shoot if the subject is already smiling, just like an other new cameras now. Blink Detection impresses by alarming the camera user when subjects’ eyes are closed for a possible retake. Additional features also include Auto-Macro mode for taking photos as near as 4-inches for a better take at close-up photography and the Auto-tracking AF mode for moving subjects.

The new camera from Pentax doesn’t impress much but it’s definitely an upgrade to their older models. The Pentax Optio V20 starts shipping in May for only $279.95.

Via [Engadget]

• Pentax upgrades the Optio V10, intro’s the V20 with blink detection
• Pentax addss the budget-minded Optio E60 to its lineup
• Pentax offers up the K2000 entry level DSLR

In addition to the recently announced K20D, Pentax has also introduced the K200D, a 10.2-megapixel digital SLR. Similar to the K20D, the K200D also features a large 2.7-inch LCD monitor, improved PRIME image processor, Shake Reduction and a weather and dust resistant body. The K200 also features:

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Pentax has announced the 14.6-megapixel K20D digital SLR, which is a follow up to the current K10D. The Pentax K20D features a large 2.7-inch LCD monitor, improved PRIME image processor, Shake Reduction and a weather and dust resistant body. Other notable features of the K20D include:

• A new CMOS image sensor that brings out the optimum performance of Pentax interchangeable lenses.
• A Live View function so you can see the image on the LCD monitor while shooting and also confirm the Shake-Reduction effect on the monitor while shooting.
• Custom Image functions that will allow users to select between six preset options that include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant and B&W. Users can also further adjust image processing to include saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness.
• A Live View which allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the monitor.
• Improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function. This will allow users to find the exact location of the dust particle.
• A PC sync socket for those who use studio lighting.

“The K20D builds on the technology of the award winning K10D and is ideal for the advanced photographer seeking maximum resolution from their camera as well as complete control over how the camera captures images.“ 

The K20D will retail for $1299.95 and be available beginning in April 2008.

Product [Pentax]

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At the moment all we have to bring you are pictures of what appears to be the latest DSLR from Pentax, the K200D. The picture seems to have been posted on a Germany PR companies site that works for Pentax, so chances are this is the real deal.

I like the form factor, especially the grip connector. The forums are buzzing with what the possible features will include, particularly if it will be weather sealed or not. Time will tell of course but it does look pretty cool.

Via [Pocket Lint]

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Another strong Pentax camera is ready to join their Optio S line up.  The S series is a slim-line digital camera full of state of the art features.  The S7 is raising up to 7 megapixels, and will introduce their “Face Recognition AF & AE”.  This function isn’t what it sounds like, but it still adds a lot to the camera.  Pentax says it “simplifies portrait-taking by automatically detecting the position of the subject’s face and adjusting the focus and exposure based on the detected position.“

The Optio S7 has a 3X optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD monitor and 23 MB of internal memory.  The camera also has a MPEG-4 DivX Movie Mode and will accept both SD memory cards and SDHC cards, up to 4GB.  The camera will go on the open market in September 2006, with a price under $300.

Read [Press Release]

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The Pentax Optio W20 follows in the path of the W10.  Both digital cameras are waterproof to a depth of five feet for up to 30 minutes.  The W10 offered a 6 megapixel resolution, while the W20 ups that to 7 megapixels.  Pentax also added to the W20, a new “Blur Reduction High ISO mode that selects ISO up to 1600”.  Other features for the W20 are the same as the W10, which include a 2.5 inch-115,000 pixel LCD monitor, QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps with anti-shake technology, and .6 second start-up and 0.05 second shutter lag.  This shutter lag will make multiple picture taking virtually uninterrupted.

According to Pentax’s announcement earlier this week, the Optio W20 will ship in September 2006 and sell for under $300.  Our only advice is not to take it into the deep end of the pool…we don’t want you to drown.

Via [Livingroom.org]

Read [Pentax]

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