PMA 2009: Pentax releases new X70 Megazoom compact camera
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Pentax Imaging representatives at PMA 2009 announced today the release of the new X70 Megazoom compact camera, a 12-megapixel model with a 24x optical zoom lens and the same Shake Reduction technology used in Pentax’s line of digital SLRs.
The X70 shoots 720p HD video at 15 frames per second, and in continuous still shooting mode can capture 5-megapixel images at up to 11 frames per second. The new model is Pentax’s first megazoom point-and-shoot offering and has a greater zoom range than two others recently released by competitors: The Canon Sx1 IS (20x) and the FujiFilm FinePix S1500 (12x).
Pentax representatives said the X70 will ship in April for $400.
Pentax Product Manager Chris Pound said the X70’s performance could determine whether the company releases subsequent megazoom models.
“I certainly hope so,” Pound said. “I guess it would depend on how this one does in the market.”
Pound said the X70 is geared toward shooters seeking either a small DSLR accompaniment camera or much of the functionality of a DSLR but in a smaller, more affordable package.
Read on for the full release and specifications.
PENTAX INTRODUCES THE PENTAX X70 MEGAZOOM
GOLDEN, CO. (March 2, 2009)–PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX X70 Megazoom digital camera featuring a high magnification 24X optical zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage housed in a highly portable, compact, lightweight body.
With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexible exposure modes, the PENTAX X70 is a true bridge between compact digital cameras and digital SLRs. The X70 is the ideal camera for the intermediate to advanced shooter who wants to step up in form and function from digital compact offerings without the size, weight, and expense of a true DSLR camera. The X70 offers photographers the ease-of-use of a compact camera with powerful shooting options traditionally found on a DSLR, such as aperture/shutter priority and metered manual modes, true hardware sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fast operation, and a high quality zoom lens. This new model performs superbly and effortlessly in a variety of photographic situations from casual day-to-day snapshots to travel and sports photography.
The new camera features include:
• 24X optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 26-624mm) fills the frame with even the most distant subjects.
• 12 megapixel CCD sensor for detailed images and large prints.
• High resolution 2.7 inch LCD screen with advanced anti-reflective coating for easy image review even in strong lighting.
• Compact, lightweight design makes the X70 very comfortable to use and travel with.
• Triple Shake Reduction technology includes Mechanical SR via CCD shift mechanism, Digital SR via high ISO, and Movie SR.
• High speed continuous shooting at 11 FPS ensures the perfect shot in fast action.
• High speed face detection sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 seconds.
• Flexible movie capture options include HD 720p15 (1280×720, 15 FPS), 848×480, VGA, and QVGA resolutions.
• Close up macro mode focuses as close as 1 cm for detailed images of the smallest subjects.
Versatile 24X optical Megazoom lens accommodates a range of subjects
Within a compact, lightweight body, the X70 features a high magnification optical 24X zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between a wide-angle 26mm to a super telephoto 624mm (in the 35mm format). This is ideal for wide-angle scenic shots or group photos, as well as getting closer to the action at a sporting event. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70 zoom range may be extended to approximately 150 times (for a focal length of an astonishing approximately 3900mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.
High image quality
With 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the high quality PENTAX Megazoom lens, the X70 delivers super clear, high quality images in any shooting mode. Images at 12.0 megapixels are also suitable for printing at most large print sizes including 8×10, 11×17 and even larger poster size prints.
Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCD monitor
The PENTAX X70 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. An Anti-Reflection coating helps minimize glare from sunlight for more effective outdoor viewing. Also, the X70 comes with an electronic viewfinder for easy image composition and review in the brightest lighting conditions. You can also access the camera’s menus and other functions via the electronic viewfinder, so you will always be able to change settings no matter how bright it is outdoors.
Compact, lightweight design
The compact, lightweight design of the X70, one of the smallest and lightest cameras in it’s class, make it easy to transport and use. However, the small size does not mean features are compromised. The X70 includes a full range of automatic and manual features and functions.
The Pentax X70 as seen from the side. (Photo courtesy of Pentax)
Reliable Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images
The X70 incorporates an “image sensor shift” Shake Reduction system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions such as when shooting at full telephoto or when shooting a sunset or indoor scenes with very low light. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.
High-speed Continuous Shooting mode to capture the decisive moment
The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second and up to 21 images in succession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-moving subject in focus all the time, the X70 is sure to capture that once in a lifetime, decisive moment in sharp focus. The X70 is perfect for shooting sports action and active children and pets.
* When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
Fast Face Detection AF&AE captures up to 32 faces in focus in approx. 0.03 seconds
The X70 Face Detection function is effective for capturing casual snapshots of people by optimizing the focusing and exposure of up to 32 faces in a single image in approximately 0.03 seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions including Smile Capture which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile, and Blink Detection which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes are closed at the moment of capture.
Movie capture in high-definition TV image quality with anti-shake protection
The X70 captures high quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels) at 15 frames per second. The X70 also features Movie SR mode,** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake during movie capture. The X70 can also record video at 848×480, VGA and QVGA resolutions at 30 frames per second, for full video capture flexibility. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort.
Multi-mode exposure system
The X70 offers a choice of four exposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject and Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE and full Metered Manual modes, in which photographers are free to select either (or both) aperture and shutter speed to suit their photographic needs.
Auto Picture mode for the automatic selection of seven different shooting modes
The X70 features the advanced PENTAX Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting, movement and other conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport and Standard modes), but also features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-range applications.
Auto sensitivity control up to a high ISO of 6400
The X70 comes equipped with an Auto Sensitivity Control function, which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’s lighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows the photographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as night scenes or indoor sports events to effectively minimize camera shake and subject blur. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and ISO 6400, and is range adjustable.
Additional Features
• Image Format Choice proportions of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1.
• Scene mode palette for easy selection from 20 scenes, including a new Baby mode for accurate exposure and skin tones when taking pictures of babies.
• Overexposure compensation function to prevent blown out (or clipped) highlights.
• A Super Macro mode may be used to shoot as close as 0.4 inches (one centimeter) away from a subject for stunning close-up details.
• Digital Wide mode quickly stitches 2 images together for an extra wide-angle image (equivalent to 20mm in the 35mm format).
• World time clock displays standard time in 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world for extra convenience when on the road.
• Frame Composite mode (with 90 built-in image frames) offers fun and creative ways to style up your shots.
• Approximately 33.6MB of built-in memory. Also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
• Red-eye reduction function corrects for red eyes as the result of flash photography. Red-eye reduction can be applied during capture, or as a post-capture filter.
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