Pre-PMA 2007: Next we have the 7-megapixel Optio W30 digital camera, successor to the popular W20. THe new A30 is capable of shooting to depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours (compared to the W20 at just 1.5m for 30mins). It also increases sensitivity to ISO 3200.

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Press Release:

PENTAX Optio W30

A compact digital camera with an enhanced waterproof function, making it possible to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new PENTAX Optio W30, a compact digital camera designed to be dustproof/waterproof. The waterproof function has been further enhanced so that it is possible to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours.

Major Features

1. Enhanced waterproof function The waterproofing capabilities of the internal construction of the camera and of the front and back covers, made from the metal used for the exterior, were further improved to make the Optio W30 capable of being used to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours（in the conventional model, underwater photography was possible at depths of only 1.5 meters for a period of 30 minutes). The protective glass is treated with SP (Super Protect) coating, developed exclusively by PENTAX, and is superior in water-repellency, making it hard for water droplets to attach to the surface. In addition to high waterproofing capabilities that are compliant with the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, the Optio W30 is also equipped with dustproofing capabilities against sand and dust (JIS Class 5 dustproof standard), making it able for you to use the camera outdoors, such as for skiing, marine sports, and fishing, as well as for gardening and cooking, without having to worry about water and dirt.

2. New LCD monitor that is bright and easily viewable The Optio W30 is equipped with a high-intensity 2.5-inch LCD monitor with an LCD Bright Mode that can adjust the brightness of the screen as necessary, making it easy to view the screen even outdoors, where there is strong sunlight. AR (Anti-Reflection) coating, which controls and reduces reflections caused by light, is also used for the monitor, making the screen be even more visible outdoors.

3. Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode that reduces camera shakes and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subject. This enables for photography with fast shutter speeds, and images with less blurs can be obtained.

4. High-quality movies with Shake reduction function The Optio W30 captures smooth, high-quality movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixles, which is comparable to movies taken with a camcorder. It is also equipped with the “Movie SR (Shake Reduction)” function*1, which automatically corrects camera shakes, and the “Interval shooting” mode that records images recorded during each specified time interval as a movie, allowing for movies to be taken more easily and without hassles.
*1 Using the “Movie SR" function results in a narrower field of view than that during normal video recording.

5. “Face Recognition Priority AF & AE” function that is convenient when photographing people The Optio W30 is equipped with a “Face Recognition Priority AF & AE” function*2 that automatically detects and focuses on faces, regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. In addition, optimal exposure settings are automatically conducted so that the areas with faces are not darkened even if there is backlighting.
*2 Available when the shooting mode is “Portrait” and the camera is directed at people from the front.

6. Macro photography as near as 1 cm The Optio W30 can be used as close as one centimeter away from a subject for stunning close-up photography. Macro photography provides many fun photo options because you can fill the photo frame with subjects like flowers, insects, or jewelry.

7. Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography a lot easier for users since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

8. 3X optical zoom lens and 7.1 effective megapixels deliver outstanding pictures The Optio W30 includes a 3X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 18.9 mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film) and features a refraction lens system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. And by harnessing the full power of the 7.1 effective megapixels, the Optio W30 produces extremely high-quality prints with crisp detail even when the photo is greatly enlarged.

9. Other Features

  • New auto-lock mechanism that automatically locks covers, such as the battery cover, after they are closed.
  • Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject
  • Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
  • Mode Palette provides quick access to 25 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
  • Image Recovery function lets you retrieve accidentally erased pictures
  • Soft flash function avoids overexposure during close-up flash photography
  • Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
  • Digital Filter function that lets you enjoy editing photographed images
  • FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for correcting red eye after shooting, which occurs easily when photographing with flash
  • Approximately 21.9 MB of built-in memory
  • Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
  • Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

Pentax Optio W30 specifications

Sensor

• 1/2.5 " Type CCD
• 7.41 million pixels total
• 7.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 3072 x 2304
• 2592 x 1944
• 2304 x 1728
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips • 640 x 480 @ 15 / 30fps
• 320 x 240 @ 15 / 30fps
File formats • JPEG Exif 2.2
• DCF
• DPOF
• PRINT Image Matching III
• QuickTime Motion JPEG
Lens • 38-114mm (35mm equiv)
• F3.3-4
• 3x optical zoom
Image stabilization No
Conversion lenses No
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus TTL contrast detection auto focus system
AF area modes • 9-point AF
• Spot AF
• Auto tracking AF changeable
AF assist lamp n/a
Focus distance • Normal: 0.4m - infinity (whole zoom area) 0.5m - infinity (tele)
• Macro: 0.01 - 0.6m (wide)
• Pan Focus: 1.5m - infinity (wide) 5.0m - infinity (tele)
• Manual Focus: 0.01m - infinity (wide) 0.5m - infinity (other than wide)
Metering • TTL metering
• Multi-segment
• Center-weighted
• Spot
ISO sensitivity • Auto
• ISO 64
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 3200
Exposure compensation +/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Shuttter speed 1/2000 - 4sec
Aperture F3.3-4
Modes • Green
• Mode
Scene modes • AUTO Picture
• Program
• Night scene
• Movie
• Voice Recording
• Landscape
• Flower
• Portrait
• Underwater
• Underwater movie
• Digital SR
• Surf & Snow
• Sport
• Pet
• Frame Composition
• Synchronous Sound Record
• Kids
• Soft
• Self-portrait
• Firework
• Food
• Text
• Museum
• Natural skin tone
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Tungsten Light
• Fluorescent Light
• Manual
Self timer 10 or 2 sec
Continuous shooting n/a
Image parameters Digital Filter: B&W, Sepia, Color Filter (6 colors), Color extract (B&W with Red, B&W with Green, B&W with Blue), Soft
Flash • Built-in series-control auto flash
• Flash On / Off
• Red-eye compensation
• Soft Flash
• Range: 0.2 - 3.6m (wide) 0.5 - 3.0m (tele)
Viewfinder No
LCD monitor • 2.5-inch TFT
• 115,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB
• AV out
• DC in
• NTSC / PAL
Print compliance PictBridge
Storage • SD / SDHC card compatible
• 21.9 MB internal memory
Power • Rechargeable D-L163 Lithium-ion battery
• Optional AC adapter kit
Weight (no batt) 140 g
Dimensions 107.5 x 54 x 23.5 mm

Additional images