PENTAX Announces New Waterproof Optio WS80

PENTAX just unveiled their latest waterproof digital camera, the Optio WS80. This 10 megapixel camera features a 5X internal optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD and is less than an inch thick. Photos and HD video can be taken up to five feet (1.5 meters) underwater.

The WS80 has a water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass panel that covers the zoom lens. Because of this, the camera can be rinsed with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand.

Other features include:

• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second
• Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject's eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for blur-free results.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.

The Optio WS80 will be available in September 2009 for $249.95 in two colors, black with orange accents and white with purple accents. More information is available at www.pentaximaging.com.