NewsSeptember 2006

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Pentax Optio E20

Pre-Photokina 2006: This is Pentax's new entry level compact, the Optio E20, superceding the E10 announced in January 2006. The 6-megapixel Optio E20 features a 2.4-inch LCD, 3x zoom and operates with just two AA batteries.

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Press Release:

PENTAX Optio E20

An entry-level compact digital camera with 6.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens that lets even beginners enjoy hassle-free photography

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio E20, lightweight compact digital camera that comes with 6.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens.　Designed for simple operation with conveniences like a Mode dial and powered by widely available AA batteries, the Optio E20 is an entry-level camera that provides the joy of photography to budding photographers in an easy-to-use package.

Major Features

1. 6.0 effective megapixels provide outstanding image quality
Enjoy the high-quality photography of the Optio E20 delivered the high definition of 6.0 effective megapixels. The primary-color filter produces more natural, vivid colors while the 12-bit A/D converter evenly reproduces all tones from dark to light.

2. AA battery compatible
The camera can be powered with widely available AA batteries so you can always get replacements, even on vacation.

3. Mode dial for straightforward mode selection
The Optio E20’s Mode dial, located on the top of the body, allows quick, clear-cut selection of the cameras eight versatile modes — six still-image shooting modes, a movie mode, and a setup mode.

4. Simple mode is easy on beginners
The Simple mode takes the guesswork out of taking pictures for first-time digital photographers. Just turning the Mode dial to Simple mode automatically sets all still-image photo settings except for Size and Quality.

5. Large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor
The Optio E20 manages to fit in a large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor despite its compact body dimensions. Not only does the monitor’s size make it easy to compose and play back images, it also permits easy operation and setup thanks to its large, easy-to-read menu display.

6. 3X optical and up to approx. 12X total zoom magnification
The Optio E20 comes with a 3X optical zoom lens equivalent to a 34-102mm lens in 35mm format. When the optical zoom is paired with the digital zoom function (1X to approx. 4X), the camera can attain up to approx. 12X effective zoom magnification.

7. Other features

• Supports SD memory cards; approximately 13MB of built-in memory
• Equipped with an video output terminal that allows playback on TV (compatible with both NTSC and PAL)
• Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction*
• Macro mode allows close-up photography as near as 6 cm
• Capable of taking QVGA video
• ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
• PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III compatible
  * This mode may not eliminate “red eye” in all instances.

Pentax Optio E20 specifications

Sensor	• 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 6.36 million pixels total • 6.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 2816 x 2112 • 2304 x 1728 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	320 x 240 @ 30fps
File formats	• JPEG Exif 2.2 • DCF • DPOF • PRINT Image Matching lll • AVI Motion JPEG with sound
Lens	• 34-102mm (35mm equiv) • F2.8-4.8 • 3x optical zoom
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	TTL contrast detection AF system
Focus distance	• Normal: 0.4m - infinity • Macro: 0.06m - infinity (wide) 0.35m - infinity (tele)
Metering	• TTL metering • Center-weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • Manual: ISO 64, 100, 200
Exposure compensation	+/-2EV in 1/3 steps
Shuttter speed	1/1000 - 2 sec
Aperture	F2.8-4.8
Modes	• Simple • Program • Landscape • Night Scene • Portrait • Sport • Movie
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Tungsten light • Fluorescent light
Self timer	2 or 10sec, 10sec + 2sec
Image parameters	Digital Filter: B&W, Sepia
Flash	• Auto • Flash on, Flash off, Red--eye compensation
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.4-inch TFT • 112,000 pixels
Connectivity	USB
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	• SD card • 13 MB built-in memory
Power	• 2x AA batteries (alkaline, rechargeable Ni-MH) • Optional AC adapter kit
Weight (no batt)	130 g (4.6 oz)
Dimensions	90 x 63 x 32 mm (3.5 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)

Additional images