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Pentax's Optio W60 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Pentax announces Optio W60
By
(Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 18:16 EDT)

Pentax Imaging Co. has today announced its latest waterproof digital camera, following in the footsteps of 2007's Optio W30 model.

The new Pentax Optio W60 digital camera combines a ten megapixel CCD image sensor with a 5x optical zoom lens. The Pentax W60 has a compact, pocket-friendly body that's waterproof up to 13 feet, and impressively the W60 can also be used in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Changes from the W30 include the Pentax Optio W60 offering more zoom range in a slightly smaller and lighter body. There's also more resolution, a higher-res LCD and more besides to be found in Pentax's Optio W60.

The Pentax W60 ships in the US market from July 2008, priced at US$329.95. For more detailed information take a look over our Pentax Optio W60 preview. For specifications and the official press release, read on below.

Pentax Optio W60
Pentax's Optio W60 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerPentax
Model NumberW60
Dimensions3.9 x 2.2 x 1.0"
99.0 x 56.0 x 25.4mm
Weight144.6 g
5.1 oz
Planned Price$329.95
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.3" CCD
10.34 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypePentax zoom lens
5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length5.0 - 25.0mm (actual)
28 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/5.5 (tele) - ???
Focusing System9-point Contrast Detection with face recognition, spot, pan, and auto tracking modes
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 0.4" - 24" (1 cm - 60 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (50-1600), Digital SR (50-6400), Manual (50-6400), ISO 3200/6400 limited to 5mpix or below
Shutter Spee 4 - 1/1500 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent , Manual, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, Soft flash
Range: ISO Auto: Wide: 13ft (3.9m); Tele: 8.2 ft (2.5m)
Creative
Scene ModesNight Scene, Underwater, Underwater Movie, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Digital Wide Angle (5M), Surf & Snow, Digital SR (5M), Kids, Pet, Half Length Portrait (3M), Sport, Fireworks, Night Scene Portrait, Text, Food, Digital Panorama (2M per frame), Frame Composite (3M), Report (1280x960)
Digital Zoom5.7x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatAVI (QuickTime Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (Exif 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary D-LI78
Product Bundle
SoftwareSoftware S-SW81 (CD ROM)
Battery / Charger1 x proprietary D-LI78 Lithium Ion battery battery and charger
Flash Memory36.4MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Pentax's Optio W60 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio W60 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio W60 digital camera. Courtesy of Pentax, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

WATERPROOF PENTAX OPTIO W60 SHOOTS DEEPER, WIDER AND AT COLDER TEMPS

GOLDEN, CO (May 22, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio W60 compact digital camera. Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Optio W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5X zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing.

Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5X optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). This range allows the camera to capture a wide variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. A Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format).

The Optio W60 also accompanies users to new aquatic depths. With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous PENTAX waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).

Other important features and modes of the PENTAX Optio W60 include a High-Quality Movie mode with HD resolution up to 1280 x 720 pixels (comparable to a 720p HDTV) as well as Auto Picture mode, fast Face Recognition, Smile Capture, Blink Detection, an Underwater Movie mode, High Sensitivity Digital SR mode that automatically adjusts the sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and an LCD monitor with a 170 degree wide-angle view and Anti-Reflection coating to reduce glare.

A perfect companion for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts, the PENTAX Optio W60 performs well during winter and summer activities as well as in and around water and sand. The PENTAX Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for US $329.95 in a choice of two colors: Ocean Blue and Silver.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces, and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology 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.

# # #

PENTAX Optio W60 FACT SHEET

10 Megapixel Resolution
With 10 effective megapixels, the PENTAX Optio W60 delivers highly detailed photos.

5X Zoom Lens
The PENTAX Optio W60 features an internal 5X zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format) and a refraction lens that never protrudes from the camera while zooming. This system allows the camera to capture a variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. When combined with the intelligent digital zoom function (up to 5.7X) zoom magnification may be increased to 28.5X.

Enhanced Waterproof And Extreme Weather Performance
The Optio W60 operates underwater up to 13 feet (four meters) for up to two hours, which is an increase of 30 percent over the performance of previous PENTAX models that were limited to 10 feet. This performance is the result of improved construction of the shutter button and other controls and reinforced, airtight external joints. Waterproofed to the JIS Class 8 standard, the camera is dustproof to JIS Class 5 against sand and dust and operates in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor winter activities such as skiing as well as for water sports including boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.

Bright, Wide-angle LCD Monitor
The 2.5 inch high-resolution (approximately 230,000 dots) LCD monitor features an Anti-Reflection coating to reduce reflective glare and be easily viewed even in bright sunlight. The monitor’s wide viewing angle (about 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically) allows users to view images from nearly any angle.

High-Quality Movies With Shake Reduction And HD Resolution
The Optio W60 captures movies at resolutions as high as 1280 x 720 pixels, which is comparable to HDTV resolution at 720p. The camera also features Movie Shake Reduction to automatically correct camera shake and an Underwater Movie mode that optimizes color settings for recording underwater.

Auto Picture Mode
Featuring scene-recognition technology, the camera’s Auto Picture mode determines the subject’s shooting conditions and automatically selects the optimal scene mode. Optio W60 photographers also may select from seven capture modes including Flower, Sport, Night Scene Portrait, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Standard modes.

Face Recognition Function
Face Recognition AF & AE function on the Optio W60 delivers beautiful portrait shots with a single setting. This convenient function automatically sets the focus and exposure detecting up to 32 faces at one time in 0.03 seconds. The camera also features Smile Capture mode that automatically captures images when subjects smile and Blink Detection, which warns the photographer if any subject’s eyes are closed during exposure.

High Sensitivity Digital Shake Reduction
The Optio W60 features Digital Shake Reduction, which compensates for camera shake and subject blurring during still-image photography. This mode automatically adjusts sensitivity up to a maximum of ISO 6400 based on ambient lighting, which permits a faster shutter speed to capture sharp, clear images. In addition, Digital Shake Reduction for playback corrects blurring in images post-capture.

Additional Features

  • Macro focusing can focus on subjects as close as a centimeter (less than one inch) for stunning close-up shots
  • PENTAX proprietary SP (Super Protect) coating adds superior water repellency and scratch resistance to the lens’s front protective glass to prevent water droplets from forming
  • Panorama mode stitches a series of up to three shots into one wide photo
  • Intelligent zoom function extends the zoom range without compromising the optical zoom’s image quality
  • Supports SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
  • Approximately 36.4 MB of built-in memory
  • Frame composite function allows photographers to shoot and create images with decorative frames; 80 styles to choose from
  • Date and Time imprint function for easy image categorizing
  • Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software, that supports Windows VistaTM
  • Supports PictBridge, DPOF printing, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching

PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.*
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.
*PENTAX Corporation merged with HOYA CORPORATION on March 31, 2008.

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