New Compact Cameras from Pentax

Pentax Imaging has announced two new compact digital cameras: The Pentax Optio E40 and the Pentax Optio M40. Both point-and-shoot cameras are affordable, easy-to-use and include advanced features typically found in cameras that cost much more.

The compact Optio E40 provides high-resolution 8.1 megapixels, a 3X optical lens, Face Recognition technology and Digital Shake Reduction capabilities. The camera comes with a sharp, clear 2.4-inch LCD screen, is powered by easy-to-find AA batteries, and offers high-quality (AVI) movie capture.

Ultra-slim, the Optio M40's case is less than 3/4 of an inch thick. It can capture images at 8.0 megapixels with a 3X optical smc PENTAX lens. It also includes advanced features such as Digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure. The M40 can also capture extended movies in QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30frames per second. For low-light conditions, the Optio M40 provides a maximum ISO of 3200.

Priced at under $200, both of these Optio models would be perfect for photography newcomers or those who just want an affordable, compact camera with ease-of-use features typically not found in cameras this affordable.

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Tags: Pentax Digital Cameras, Pentax Optio E40, Pentax Optio M40,Pentax Optio Cameras, Digital Cameras, Ritz Camera

The New Pentax K10D Available for Pre-order

The new full-featured, weather-resistant, dust-resistant Pentax K10D, which we wrote about earlier, is available now for pre-order at RitzCamera.com:

http://www.camerasonly.com/pentax/k10d-preorder.asp

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Tags: Digital Cameras, Pentax K10D, Pentax Digital SLR,Pentax Cameras

Rain Storm or Dust Storm, The Pentax K10D Doesn't Care

The new Pentax K10D is a rugged, full-featured digital SLR camera for experienced photographers. With a weather-resistant, dust-proof case that includes 72 different seals - including around the shutter release button - to prevent whatever's outside from getting inside, this camera is especially suited for outdoor photography. If dust should happen to get in where the 10.2 megapixel CCD chip resides, Pentax's Dust Removal system comes to the rescue; the combination of its Special Project coating plus the internal, vibrating shift mechanism ensures that no errant piece of dust will make its permanent home on the image sensor.

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You can order the Pentax K10D at RitzCamera.com and receive a free photo printer for a limited time.

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Other features of the Pentax K10D make it a terrific value. In addition to the 10.2 megapixel sensor, the .95X viewfinder, and 2.5-inch, 210,000-pixel LCD monitor (with 140-degree viewing angle), this digital camera also offers a shake reduction system that helps to keep images steady when using a telephoto lens or in low-light conditions. Unlike some other shake reduction systems, the Pentax system does not need a special lens to work.

The K10D also includes an 11-point auto-focus (AF) system with both static and continuous auto-focus. And as with all Pentax digital SLRs, it is compatible with any Pentax lens produced. As an added bonus, the Pentax K10D is eligible for the Toyota FJ Cruiser giveaway that we wrote about previously: Any eligible person that takes a Pentax K-series digital SLR for an online/in-person test drive and then fills out the contest entry form before December 31, 2006, may win a new Toyota SUV in the drawing in January 2007.

The Pentax K10D digital SLR should be shipping this November with an expected price of around $900 (body only), just in time for the holidays. (This would definitely be a heartwarming Christmas present for that advanced photographer on your shopping list.) Ordering the Pentax K10D is possible now; at RitzCamera.com you can buy the Pentax K10D with a 18-55mm lens for a special bundle price..

URL to order the Pentax K10D:
http://www.camerasonly.com/pentax/k10d-preorder.asp

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Tags: Digital Cameras, Pentax K10D, Pentax Digital SLR,Pentax Cameras

Test Drive a Pentax SLR - Cruise Home in a New Toyota

Pentax Imaging is inviting you to test drive a Pentax DSLR, and one lucky participant is going to drive home in a brand new Toyota FJ Cruiser.

From now until the end of the year - you must enter by December 31, 2006 - Pentax is running a contest: Any eligible person* that test drives a Pentax K series SLR digital camera, either online or in person at an authorized reseller, can register into the drawing to win the Toyota SUV.

Even without the contest, the Pentax K100D should definitely be considered if you are looking to buy a new digital camera. The reasonably-priced Pentax K-series cameras are high-quality digital SLRs that offer many of the advanced features as other DSLRs that cost much more. With a 6.1 megapixel CCD sensor and a bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the cameras offer very good image resolution for the serious digital photographer. The Pentax DSLRs also allow continuous mode shooting at 2.8 frames per second, light sensitivity up to ISO 3200, shutter speeds up to 1/4000th of a second, 11-point autofocus, and presets that allow you to choose the type of photo you are taking with the turn of a knob. The advanced anti-shake system receives focal length information directly from the Pentax F, FA, D-FA and DA lenses, and helps steady the image while moving the camera or for low-light photos. Speaking of lenses, previous Pentax owners will be pleased to know that the Pentax K-series DSLRs are compatible with any Pentax lens ever made.

For more information about the Pentax K100D, you can visit...
Pentax K100D page:
http://www1.ritzcamera.com/?location=CO0001&tmlpse=true&prp=541614574

Download the Pentax K-series DSLR brochure:
http://www.camerasonly.com/pentax/pentax-K100D-brochure.pdf

To test drive a Pentax K-series digital SLR in person, you can visit the store locator page at RitzCamera.com to find a Ritz Camera, Wolf Camera or other photo store near you:
http://www1.ritzcamera.com/?location=CO0001&tmlpse=true&cmd=MapQuestView

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*Visit the Pentax contest page for the entry form and to read the official contest rules and eligibility requirements at:
http://www.pentaxslr.com/testdrive.

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Tags: Digital Cameras, Pentax K100D, Pentax Digital SLR,Pentax Cameras, Pentax Contest, Toyota Contest, Toyota FJ Cruiser Giveaway