Pentax Debuts A High-Quality Zoom Lens Digital Camera So Small That It Fits Into A Tin Of Altoids®

ENGLEWOOD, CO – Remember the classic question, “Is it smaller than a breadbox?” on the ‘50s television quiz show What’s My Line?”  In this 21st century, photographic consumers may well ask the question, “Is it smaller than an Altoids® tin?” Because the newest digital camera from PENTAX, the OptioS, is so small that it does fit into an empty Altoids® tin!

 When PENTAX debuts the OptioS January 9 at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show* (CES) in Las Vegas, they’ll be using Altoids® mint containers and decks of playing cards to show that this advanced-stage camera is smaller than both items.  CES is the marketplace where the latest in consumer equipment, gadgets and household items are unveiled to the buying public.  The OptioS is the smallest PENTAX 3.2 megapixel camera.         *Suite HB4117

The face of the OptioS is smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over ¾ inch thick, but still it is a high-quality 3.2 effective megapixel, 3X (6X combined) zoom digital camera with a sleek design and a tough aluminum alloy case.

“Don’t let the size fool you.  This is one well-built camera, which just happens to be the right size for a shirt pocket or purse,” said PENTAX marketing V.P. Jim Leffel.  “Even men with larger hands will find it easy to maneuver the buttons and set up photos.”

The OptioS, while unveiled at CES, will be shipped to major camera retailers around the end of March 2003.  Leffel expects demand to be strong because of the PENTAX reputation for quality.

How does PENTAX load so much into such a small space?  Carrying on the strong PENTAX optics tradition, the OptioS features a patented sliding lens zoom mechanism that allows the camera’s powerful 3X optical lens to fully recede into the camera housing, flush with the body frame.  This novel system helps protect the lens and helps reduce the size of the OptioS by almost  60 percent compared to the PENTAX Optio330RS.  A new Multi Chip Module in the circuit board and the redesigned chamber have further minimized free space in the OptioS.   

Despite the size, OptioS is packed with features found only on larger, higher-priced digital cameras: a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recording mode for attaching 30-second memos to selected images, a well-placed 1.6-inch LCD monitor, approximately 11MB of built-in memory and a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery. 

This little camera delivers a big punch with its variety of shooting modes, including super macro, which captures images from just under 2.4 inches away, and infinity-landscape, which is great for shooting panoramic landscapes.

 “The OptioS reflects the innovation, reliability and durability that are hallmarks of the PENTAX digital brand,” said Michelle Martin, PENTAX spokeswoman. 

 PENTAX USA is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, lenses, binoculars, mobile printers, scanners, and Internet cameras.  For over 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.  With corporate headquarters located in Englewood, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan. 

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For more information:   Michelle Martin, PENTAX USA, 35 Inverness Drive East
                                    Englewood, CO 80112  
                                    303.728.0224 

AT CES:     303.913.7829

                    mmartin@pentax.com

PENTAX on the web:  www.pentaxusa.com

# # #

OPTIO S FACT SHEET

The Smallest PENTAX 3.2 Megapixel, 3X Optical Zoom Digital Camera

Dimensions:  3.3”L x 2.0”W x 0.8”D  (83mm x 52mm x 20mm)

Weight:  3.5 oz (98g) without battery and SD memory card/4.1 oz (115g) loaded and ready

The OptioS is dramatically smaller than digital cameras with similar features.  The camera façade is smaller than an average credit or business card, while the camera overall is slightly smaller than the size of a deck of playing cards.  The OptioS fits neatly into an empty tin of Altoids®.    

                                    
3X Optical Zoom Unique Lens System (2X Digital for a Combined 6X)
Comparable to a 35mm-105mm zoom in 35mm format, the ultra compact, powerful 3X optical zoom lens on the OptioS offers high resolution and a low level of distortion.  A new ”Sliding Lens” system allows this lens to move up, away and fully flush with the camera frame to protect the lens and allow smaller dimensions. 
Super-compact Body With Sleek, Functional Design
Made of beautiful, spindle-patterned silver aluminum alloy with every control device carefully placed for quick, easy access.
Movie Mode With Sound
The OptioS records movie clips with sound up to 30 seconds in length at 12 frames per second.
Voice Recording Mode
The OptioS records sound and an index can be added during recording for easy playback.
Voice Memo Function
Up to 30 seconds of sound recordings can be added to images.
Time Lapse
Captures sequential recorded frames as a short film, such as passing clouds or construction progress, in X2 through X100 recording speeds.  
Drive Modes
Offers Single, Continuous, 10-second Self-timer and Remote Control drive modes. 
Variety Of Shooting Modes
Eight shooting modes are accessible from the Virtual Mode Dial on the OptioS LCD.
Standard
• Picture: Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Self-portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Color and Sunset
• Night Scene: Ideal for evening scenes and subjects with a dark background
• Movie: Records 30 seconds of video with sound
• 3-D: Produces images that offer a third dimension when viewed through a special viewer
• Panorama Assist: Panorama views up to 360 degrees may be stitched together with ACDSeeTM software
• Digital Filters: Offers B&W and sepia filters plus an array of color boosters and a subject slimmer 
• User: Memorizes and preserves shooting mode selections for the future
Macro and Infinity-landscape Modes
The OptioS super macro mode allows shots from just over 2.4 inches away, while infinity-landscape works well in the great outdoors. 
Seven Choice Picture Mode With Virtual Dial
Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Self-Portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Color and Sunset modes may be selected from a virtual dial displayed on the LCD.
TTL* Metering and Light Settings
The OptioS offers three metering choices comprised of multi-segment, center weighted, and spot.  It also offers exposure compensation as well as TTL auto white balance, daylight, shade, tungsten light, fluorescent light,  and manual settings.           *Through-The-Lens

Generous LCD and Actual Image Viewfinder
The generous 1.6 inch, TFT* color, 100 percent coverage LCD monitor offers image capture and review along with an actual image viewfinder.        * Thin Film Transistors
World Time and Alarm Feature
The OptioS features 28-zone, 62-city, world time with a three image-option alarm clock.
Powerful Built-in Memory
Equipped with approximately 11MB of built-in memory to capture images without the use of a digital memory flashcard.  Also uses SD memory card and the MultiMediaCard removable media.
Power Sources
Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or an optional AC adapter.
USB Compatibility
Images may be transferred to computer through USB cable (included).
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 OS 9.0 or higher).  Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not guarantee USB compatibility.
AV Output
The AV cable (included) allows image and video/sound display on a television monitor.
DPOF-Function
When used in combination with DPOF-compatible printers, the OptioS lets you take control over the number of printouts and the date function.*
*Some printers may not support the above function.
Printing Software Compatibility
Whether you transfer images for print via computer or print directly from the camera, OptioS is fully compatible with the Epson PRINT Imaging Matching II System and Exif Print (Exif 2.2) for high-quality image print production. 
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.
Availability
Anticipated delivery of the OptioS in major retail outlets is late March 2003.  

For more information:   Michelle Martin, PENTAX USA
                                    35 Inverness Drive East
                                    Englewood, CO 80112
                                    303.728.0224    
                                    mmartin@pentax.com
                                    www.pentaxusa.com

Optio S Specifications

Effective Pixels
3.2 megapixels

Image Capture Device
Type - 1/2.5 inch interline transfer CCD with a primary color filter
Total Pixels – 3.34 megapixels
Color Depth - 10 bit x 3 colors

Focus System
Type - TTL contrast detection autofocus system
Autofocus - 7 point AF, Spot AF & Infinity Landscape Mod
Manual Focus - 2.4 inches (0.06m) to Infinity 
Focusing Range
- Normal: 1.31 ft (0.4m) to Infinity 
- Macr 7.1 inches (0.18 m) to 1.64 ft (0.5m)
- Super Macr 2.4 inches (0.06m) to 7.9 inches (0.2m) at 10.2mm

Lens
 smc PENTAX power zoom
Focal Length - 5.8mm- 17.4mm   
35mm Equivalent - 35mm-105mm
Aperture Range -  f2.6- f4.8  
Construction - 6 elements in 5 groups (2 dual-sided aspherical elements)
Optical Zoom -  3 X
Digital Zoom - 2 X
Combined -  6 X

Exposure Control
Light Metering Method - TTL metering with choice of:
Multi-segment, Center-weighted &  Spot meter
Sensitivity - Auto, or user select ISO 50, 100, 200
Exposure Control Method - Program AE
Exposure Modes - Program, Picture mode, Night scene, Movie, Panorama assist, 3D image, Digital filter, User
Exposure Compensation -  +/-2 EV (1/3 steps)  
Shutter
Type - Programmed AE electronic lens shutter with CCD electronic shutter
Shutter Speed – approx. 1/2000 - 1 second   
White Balance
White Balance Control - TTL Auto, Pre-set, Custom White Balance
Available Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light, Manual
Flash
Operation Modes - Auto, Flash-Off, Flash-On, Auto + red-eye reduction, Flash-On + red-eye reduction

Viewfinders
Optical Viewfinder - Actual Image zoom viewfinder
LCD Monitor - 1.6 inch, TFT color  LCD- with Histogram Display
LCD coverage - 100%

Shooting Specifications
Shooting Modes - Program, Picture mode, Night scene, Movie, Panorama assist, 3D image, Digital filter, User
Picture Modes - Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Self-portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn color, Sunset
Digital Filter - Black & White, Sepia, Red, Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Slim
Drive Modes - One-Shot, Continuous, Remote control, Self-timer-10 sec.
Movie Mode -  Up to 30 seconds with sound
   

Time
Modes - dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy, yy/mm/dd
World Time - Display of the time in 62 cities (28 time zones)
Alarm Clock - Displays image with alarm (maximum of three memory settings)

Image Storage
Storage Media - 11MB built-in  memory, SD memory card/MMC-removable
File Formats - Design rule for Camera File system (DCF)
Print Order Format - Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)
Image Recording Format: Still - JPEG (Exif 2.2)
Movie - AVI (Open DML motion JPEG Format) 12fps
Sound - WAV (ADPCM), Monaural
JPEG Compression Mode - Good, Better, Best

Playback Specifications
Playback Modes File - Single, Index- Nine image
Magnification - 4X 
Slide Show - in playback mode

Erasing Specifications
Erase Modes - Single, All
Image Protect - Single, All

Interfaces
AV output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal
Video output - Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats (monaural sound)

Power Supply
Power Source - Rechargeable lithium-ion D-LI8 battery, AC adaptor kit (optional)

Physical Specifications
Operating temperatures - 32o – 104oF (0 – 40o Celsius)
Camera Casing – Aluminum alloy   
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 3.3x2.0x0.8 Inches (83x52x20mm)
Weight - 3.5 oz (98g) without battery and SD memory card
 4.1 oz (115g) loaded and ready

Computer System Requirements
Mac Requirements - OS: Mac OS 8.6 or later (QuickTime 4.0 or later to view movies), CPU: Power PC 266MHz or higher, Memory: 8MB or more, Hard disk space:6MB or more, Standard equipped USB port
PC Requirements - OS: Windows 98,98 second edition, 2000, Me, XP Home edition / Professional, CPU: Pentium or later recommended, Memory:64MB or more, Hard disk space: 15MB or more, Standard equipped USB port

Kit Inclusions
Optio S Camera
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery 
Battery Charger with AC Plug Cord
AV Cable
USB cable
3D Image viewer
Software (CD ROM) – ACDSeeTM, USB Driver
Strap (O-ST5)
Operating manual    
Serial number card    
Product registration card   
Service network directory

*  Specifications Subject to Change