Pre-PMA 2008: Pentax's entry level offering for 2008 is the Optio E50. This 8.1 megapixel compact digital camera sees the world through a 3x 37.5 - 112.5 mm (equiv.) lens and a 'Shake Reduction' system increases the sensitivity to ISO 1600 to increase shutter speeds and help prevent both camera shake and subject motion from ruining low-light images. Priced at £99, the Optio E50 should be in shops come February 2008.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications

Press Release (UK):

NEW FROM PENTAX - THE Optio E50: A Fully equipped entry-level camera for free and easy photography

Simple operation is the core of the Optio E50. With its compact dimensions and ergonomically formed body design it is the ideal “go anywhere” camera. The technical characteristics are ideal for snapshots. For “people shots” the camera automatically selects the best exposure settings and focusing and corrects for backlighting as soon as the subject is targeted with the help of the autofocus frame. In order to minimize blurring caused by camera shake the Optio E50 incorporates a digital "Shake Reduction" system that automatically increases sensitivity up to ISO 1600 so that faster shutter speeds can be used. With a resolution of 8.1 megapixels and a large 6 cm (2.4'') monitor the Pentax Optio E50 is thoroughly up-to-date. Two universally available AA batteries supply power for the camera. The improved energy efficiency of the Optio E50 is ensures your free and easy photography can continue on and on.

Positioning:

• Entry level camera with numerous auto functions for free and easy photo enjoyment
• Flexibility through the use of universally available AA batteries

Data at a glance:

• 8.1 Megapixel CCD
• 3x zoom lens: 6.2 – 18.6 mm (37.5 – 112.5mm in 35mm film format)
• Max. aperture: f/ 2.8 – 5.2
• Large 6cm (2.4’’) TFT Monitor
• Full automatic operation and Picture Modes
• Video and sound recording
• 10 MB built-in memory
• Digital Shake Reduction
• Face Recognition AF&AE
• Compact, ergonomic body
• Dimensions: 96.5 (B) x 60 (H) x 22 (T) mm; Weight 165 g operational
• Recommended Retail Price: £99.99
• Available: February 2008

Modifications from the previous model (Optio E40):

• More attractive design
• Smaller and lighter
• Sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 1600
• Flash range: 0.15m to 6.0m (wide-angle); 0.4m to 3.2m (tele)
• Up to 250 exposures possible per set of batteries
• Interface: USB 2.0 (High Speed)

Pentax Optio E50 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3264 x 2448 • 2592 x 1944 • 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 X 1200 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 • 320 x 240
File formats	• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • AVI (Motion JPEG Format) • WAV (mono)
Lens	• PENTAX smc Motorzoom • 6.2 mm – 18.6 mm • Approx. 37.5 mm – 112.5mm (35mm equiv.) • F2.8 -5.2
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	Up to 4x
Focus	TTL Contrast Detection AF
AF area modes	• 3 Point AF • Spot AF • Manual focus
Focus distance	• Normal: 0.4m to infinity (entire zoom range) • Macro: 0.15m to 0.50m (wide-angle) • Landscape: Infinity • Manual focus: 0.15 m – infinity (wide-angle), 0.4 m – infinity (other focal lengths)
Metering	TTL multi-field metering
ISO sensitivity	• Automatic or manual (ISO 100 – ISO 1600) • Digital Shake Reduction automatically sets the sensitivity to ISO 1600
Exposure compensation	± 2EV in 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing	No
Shutter speed	Approx. 1/2000s to 4s
Aperture	n/a
Modes	• Full automatic • Programmed automatic
Scene modes	• Nightscene • Movie • Sound • Landscape • Flowers • Portrait • Surf+Snow • Sport • Pets • Panorama • Digital Shake Reduction • Frames (adds decorative frames to images) • Date recording
White balance	• Automatic • Daylight • Cloudy • Tungsten • Neon • Manual selectable
White balance fine tune	n/a
Self timer	2 or 10 sec
Continuous shooting	Yes
Image parameters	n/a
Flash	• Auto • Forced on • Forced off • Red Eye Reduction
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.4“ TFT LCD colour monitor • Approx.110,000 pixels • Approx. 100% coverage • 2 levels of brightness can be selected
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 High Speed • AV out (PAL/NTSC) • Dock Terminal
Print compliance	• Kodak ImageLink system compatible • DPOF • Print Image Matching III
Storage	• SD/SDHC cards • Approx. 10 MB internal memory
Power	• 2 x AA batteries • AC adaptor (optional)
Weight (no batt)	120 g (4.2 oz)
Dimensions	96.5 x 60 x 22 mm (3.8 x 2.4 x 0.9 in)