Pentax Announces Affordably Priced optio 330GS

September 18, 2002 . . . PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. expands its digital camera line with the affordably priced and full featured Optio 330GS digital camera. Following in the footsteps of the successful Optio 230, this stylish compact digital camera delivers sharp, satisfying images, yet remains simple and fun to use. In addition to possessing the same advantages as the Optio 230, the Optio 330GS has been enhanced further in terms of operational ease. Resolution has also been elevated with the power of 3.2 effective megapixels.

Major Features:

3.2 effective megapixels for high-quality results
Thanks to the power of 3.2 effective megapixels, the Optio 330GS delivers precise images with an impressive level of quality that extends beyond mere snapshots. Such quality begins with accurate recordings on a 1/2.7-inch CCD. Data is then converted into digital form through use of the 12-bit A/D converter. Then, through the incorporation of advanced image processing technology, images are enhanced with a greater dynamic range, finer gradation, and high-resolution for overall high-quality.

A refined, stylish compact design
With compact dimensions of just 4.0" (103.5mm) x 2.5"(63.5mm) x 1.5" (42mm) (width x height x depth) and a weight of only 6.3 oz. (180g), the Optio 330GS is truly convenient. Such compact dimensions are combined with a design that lends a sense of style and feels comfortable in the hand.

The sophisticated design is further enhanced with a silver casing and is embossed with the gold Optio logo on the grip.

A high performance optical 3X zoom lens
The high-performance 3X zoom lens of the Optio 330GS is equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format and combines high quality and high resolution with a low level of image distortion that is seldom possible within such compact proportions. For even further convenience, the zoom lens is easily operated with a simple lever that allows for swift composition.

Easy to operate
Simple, stress-free operation is achieved through the incorporation of a newly developed image processing circuit. Images can be played back easily with a touch of the central "OK" button on the handy four-way controller. The camera is always ready for shooting, even during the playback of images. For a higher level of versatility, the Optio 330GS offers a range of shooting modes. Simply turn the well-proportioned mode dial and select from Standard, Picture, Night Scene, and Movie, as well as 3D image modes. The Optio 330GS even boasts individual buttons for frequently used functions in the composition and playback of images.

Self-portraits made simple with a handy 180° swing-out screen
There are times when you may wish to take a picture of yourself or join someone else in the same photo. That's when the 180° swing-out screen of the Optio 330GS comes in particularly handy. It has a high-resolution 1.6-inch LCD monitor and assists you greatly with composition, allowing you to see exactly how you appear in the frame prior to taking the picture. The same handy screen can also be used to check the results after you've taken the shot, so you know when you need to recompose and shoot again.

Innovative 3D image for Stereoscopic shooting
With an innovative stereoscopic shooting mode, the Optio 330GS produces images that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided.

An array of picture modes
With a selection of seven picture modes, the Optio 330GS prepares you for a plethora of different situations and circumstances. Simply select from Landscape, Close-up, Portrait, Self-portrait, Soft, Surf & Snow, and Sunset modes on the LCD monitor and allow the Optio 330GS to automatically control exposure, focus, and white balance to achieve the optimum results for each given situation.

Other notable features include:

Mass Storage Class compatibility for easy connection to PCs
Thanks to compatibility with the USB Mass Storage Class, the Optio 330GS is able to transfer photographic data direct to PCs via the USB cable provided. Such convenience provides tremendous versatility as photos can be easily imported into a wide range of common applications.

*System requirements: PC running Windows 98/98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Mac OS 8.6 or higher (installation of the included driver software is required, except in the case of Mac 0S 9.0 or higher). Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not guarantee USB compatibility.

USB driver and ACDSee software included
The Optio 330GS comes with a CD-ROM. This CD contains the handy USB driver as well as the popular ACDSee image viewing / management software program (compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems).

Built-in auto flash
Auto flash discharges when the light is low or to highlight objects in front of excessively bright backgrounds. The Optio 330GS also gives you the freedom of flash-on, flash-off, and red-eye reduction modes. There's even Slow Shutter sync mode, which can be selected when using Night Scene mode.

Optical viewfinder with actual image zoom
The viewfinder of the Optio 330GS offers actual image zoom. This allows you to conserve battery power by switching off the LCD monitor when shooting, yet still maintain compositional accuracy.

Digital zooming versatility
The Optio 330GS offers the versatility of 2.7X digital zoom. This leads to a total capacity of 8X zooming when combined with 3X optical zoom and gives you the freedom to crop and compose images exactly as you please.

Nine-image display / zoom display
Nine recorded images can be displayed simultaneously on the handy LCD screen of the Optio 330GS during playback. This speeds up the search for specific images considerably. Images can also be played back with 12X magnification, allowing you to check clarity and exposure with greater accuracy.

Slide Show
With Slide Show, recorded images can be simply and automatically displayed one after the other on the LCD monitor. Through simple connection to a TV screen or an LCD projector, the same function can be used to deliver effective presentations.

A variety of shooting modes
The Optio 330GS offers a comprehensive range of shooting modes to achieve the most appropriate settings for your subject. Simply select from Standard, Picture, Night Scene, Movie, and 3D image with a turn of the mode dial. Additionally, the Optio 330GS features Auto bracketing, giving you a range of results to choose from. Standard mode allows you to achieve exactly the results you desire by taking control of a combination of functions. Picture mode includes seven convenient selections (Landscape, Close-up, Portrait, Self-portrait, Soft, Surf & Snow, and Sunset). Night Scene mode captures evening or night scenes with clarity and adds detail to the foreground wherever necessary.

Movie mode provides the ability to record up to 30 seconds of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 X 240 recorded pixels. As an additional benefit, clips are recorded in AVI format for easy playback on PCs. 3D image mode takes two shots following simple instructions to create images that have a real sense of depth and perspective when you look at them through the special viewer provided. And finally, the Auto bracketing function allows you to take shots that vary exposure, white balance, sharpness, saturation, and contrast in three steps for optimal results.

System requirements for use of the Movie function: PCs running Windows 98/98SE or Windows 2000 operating systems which came with DirectX 8.0 and Windows Media Player pre-installed, or have QuickTime 3.0 or higher installed.

PCs running Windows Me or Windows XP operating systems featuring Windows Media Player or QuickTime 3.0 or higher. Macintosh machines running operating systems, which came with QuickTime 4.0 or higher pre-installed.

Self-timer
The Optio 330GS has a convenient self-timer function, allowing you to get in the frame with friends or take a self-portrait.

Continuous shooting capability
Sometimes one shot is not quite enough to capture all the action. Fortunately, the Optio 330GS offers continuous shooting, allowing you to take shot after shot by simply holding down the shutter button.

Macro shooting / Infinity-landscape modes
Macro shooting mode gives you the ability to compose shots at a distance of only 0.33 ft. (0.1m) from your subject, and to zoom in and out as you please. The Infinity-landscape mode lets you capture stunning landscapes and scenery, even when you are shooting through windows.

Manual focusing
Focus can be a matter of personal taste. That's why the Optio 330GS offers the versatility of manual focus. It allows you to view composition on the LCD monitor while choosing the exact degree of focus you desire. The Optio 330GS even allows you to zoom in on one part of the shot in order to achieve pinpoint sharp focus.

Autofocus areas
Automatic focusing becomes more accurate with the selection of Spot AF. The Optio 330GS also has the advantage of 5-point autofocus, allowing you to place greater focal emphasis on your subject while reducing the sharpness of the background.

Useful LED indicator
The Optio 330GS is equipped with a small LED which indicates the activation of the shutter when using the self-timer function. This LED also functions as an AF spotbeam, assisting autofocus when shooting in low-light conditions.

A range of settings for white balance
With White Balance Mode offering selections for Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, and a Manual setting, the Optio 330GS ensures an appropriate balance of color when shooting across a range of different lighting conditions.

Handy histogram display
The convenient histogram function allows you to check light levels with a high degree of accuracy. What's more, this function can be used regardless of whether you are composing your shot or playing back your results.

Options for metering
Shots of different subjects can often require different kinds of metering in order to attain the right kind of exposure. Choose from Multi-segment metering, Center-weighted metering, and Spot metering.

Selectable light sensitivity
Sensitivity to light can be set to auto, or manually set to ISO100, ISO200 or ISO400, allowing shots in different intensities of light.

Exposure compensation
Exposure compensation has a range of +2EV in 1/3EV steps.

A choice of three color modes
Get creative with a range of color modes. Experiment with a choice of color to create different moods. Select from color, black and white, or sepia.

Settings for sharpness, saturation and contrast
In order to help you achieve results more finely attuned to your desires, the Optio 330GS allows you to set sharpness, saturation, and contrast in three different grades.

Image protection
With some digital cameras, images can be accidentally deleted fairly easily. Image protection, however, ensures that this does not happen with the Optio 330GS.

Mode memory function
The mode memory function can be extremely handy in many situations. It allows you to save a combination of settings in accordance with your personal preferences. You can choose to return to these individualized settings automatically the next time the power is switched on.

World Time function
With a World Time function, the Optio 330GS makes the ideal travel companion. It can display the time in 62 different countries around the world and also records the time each shot was taken, allowing easy organization upon your return.

DPOF
When used in combination with compatible printers, the DPOF function of the Optio 330GS allows you to take control over the number of printouts and the date function.

Some printers may not support the above functions. Please consult the supplier of your printer for more information.

Exif Print (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching II
The Optio 330GS provides prints of an even higher quality when it is connected to Exif Print or PRINT Image Matching II compatible printers.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching II. When used in combination, PRINT Image Matching II enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions.

CompactFlash compatibility
The Optio 330GS boasts the convenience of CompactFlash compatibility. Just one 16MB CompactFlash card is capable of storing approximately 16 images 2048 X 1536 recorded pixels in the "Better" quality setting, and a maximum of 128 images with 640 X 480 recorded pixels in the "Good" quality setting.

Video output terminal
For simple viewing, or for displaying shots to family and friends, the Optio 330GS can be simply connected to a TV via video cable.

Power sources
The Optio 330GS can be powered by two AA batteries (lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable Ni-MH). It is also compatible with one CR-V3 lithium battery pack which can take approximately 500 images continuously. An optional AC adapter is also available to operate the Optio 330GS.

Multilingual operation
Not only is the Optio 330GS ideal for traveling, it is also multilingual! Indeed, whether your native tongue is English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Japanese, you'll find operation of the Optio 330GS straightforward and simple.

PENTAX on the Web: www.pentaxusa.com