PENTAX Launches the World's Smallest 4-Megapixel Digital Camera

Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- PENTAX Corporation, a long time innovator in the photo industry, launches the Optio 430 digital camera. It becomes the world's smallest and lightest 4.0 megapixel, 3X optical zoom digital camera available on the market.* It features a sleek stainless steel exterior and is packed with an impressive list of capabilities. It will be available through authorized PENTAX dealers at the end of October. (*This information was correct as of September 17, 2001 and compares the Optio 430 with other digital cameras with 4 megapixels or more and 3X optical zoom lenses.)

The Optio 430 measures just 3.6" (92mm) wide, 2.3" (59mm) high, and 1.2" (31mm) deep and weighs only 7.2 ounces (205g). Precise imaging is achieved with the powerful 4.13 megapixel (total pixels) primary color filter CCD and a superior PENTAX 3X zoom lens (equivalent to 37.5-112.5mm in 35mm format) which provides high-resolution images and low image distortion. This lens combines two dual-sided aspherical elements and employs a new lens barrel retraction mechanism, which contributes to the camera's overall compact dimensions.

Not only is the Optio 430 capable of 3X optical zooming, it also provides 2X digital zoom for a combined capacity of 6X zooming.

Smooth, stress-free operation is achieved with simplified image processing circuit and software. A turn of the conveniently located mode dial controls the selection of shooting and playback modes (Standard, Night Scene, Metered Manual, Movie, multiple exposure and Playback). DPOF and protection settings can be adjusted and images can be deleted with direct key operation. A variety of other operations can be done with ease using the four-way controller and its central "OK" button. Viewing and composing images on the spot is convenient and simple via the high resolution, 1.6 inch LCD monitor.

The Movie mode is capable of recording video up to 30 seconds in length at 15 frames per second with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. And because the clips are recorded in AVI format, they can be easily played back on PC.

Accurate exposure can be attained with a choice of six-segment metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering. Exposure compensation is available with a range of +/-2EV in 1/3EV steps. Exposure levels can be easily viewed in histogram format during shooting and playback. This allows levels to be checked with more accuracy than when using the LCD monitor alone.

The Optio 430 offers a choice of autofocus settings including Seven-point and Spot autofocus mode which provides greater compositional freedom, allowing you to place the center of focus anywhere within the frame that you choose.

Six different white balance modes are available, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light and Manual. Selection of the manual option allows balanced color to be maintained as you please, free from the influence of artificial light.

Infinite creative possibilities are opened through simple connection to a computer. The Optio 430 is equipped with a USB port that supports the USB standard. This allows easy transmission of photographic data via USB cable to a PC or Mac equipped with a USB port. Once your images are loaded to a computer, they are easy to view, manipulate and share thanks to the ACDSee(TM) imaging software bundled with the camera.

PENTAX has equipped the Optio 430 with a video output terminal. This does away with the need for use of a PC as it allows the user to display images on a TV screen. The video cable comes standard with the camera.

Additional convenience is realized with the Self-timer function. It allows longer exposures with reduced camera shake and allows you to get in the picture for group shots. A World Time Function and an Alarm Clock Function are also offered. The Alarm Clock function allows up to three different alarms to be set and can display an image of your choice when the alarm sounds, allowing the user to awake to the face of a family member, or a picture of something related to their schedule. A Mode Memory function allows not one, but a combination of settings to be saved. Simply save the arrangement of settings which produces a pleasing effect and return to them automatically when the power is next switched on.

The Optio 430 is compatible with CompactFlash(TM) Type I memory cards and comes standard with a Lexar Media(TM) 16MB card. It is powered by its own exclusive rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which comes standard with the camera along with a recharger. It can also be powered with an optional AC adapter.

The Optio 430 utilizes PRINT Image Matching(TM) technology, which ensures that the camera and a PRINT Image Matching-enabled printers work perfectly together to produce the best prints possible.

PENTAX Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Optical Company, Ltd., of Japan. Corporate headquarters are located in Englewood, Colorado. PENTAX markets cameras, lenses, sport optics, surveying equipment, closed circuit television lenses, and a wide range of specialized lenses and accessories.

For additional feature information and complete specifications for this or other recently introduced PENTAX products, visit www.pentax.com/about/news/news_current.cfm.

PENTAX on the Web: http://www.PENTAXUSA.com

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SOURCE PENTAX Corporation