Pentax Readies Three New Digicams

Pentax has introduced three new digital cameras, ranging from the 5-megapixel Optio 555 to a 3.2-megapixel model, the Optio 33WR, that is designed to be watertight.

In between is the 4.23-megapixel Optio S4. All three models are compatible with both Windows systems and Apple Macintosh OS X and OS 8.6 through 9.x. Pricing will be announced when the products ship in October.

Camera Features

A successor to the Optio 550, the Optio 555 has a compact and lightweight design, like its predecessor. However, Pentax says it has better responsiveness, including reduced lag time, so the camera is instantly ready when the power is turned on. One touch of the playback button brings up recorded images; touch the shutter button and you return to shooting mode.

The Optio 555 has a 5X optical zoom (plus a 4X digital zoom for a combined 20X total zoom). The Optio 555 also supports the PictBridge standard, which eliminates the need for a computer hookup for printing and instead enabling the camera to be connected directly to a compatible printer.

The Optio S4 comes with a 3X zoom lens and has a large manual playback control button. Its Sliding Lens system allows its 3X zoom lens to move up and away so the retracted lens is completely flush with the camera body. This protects the lens and helps reduce camera size.

Other features include a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recorder for attaching 30-second memos to select images, a 1.6-inch monitor, and approximately 11MB of built-in memory.

Splashy Specs

The Optio 33WR has a 2.8X zoom lens and a JIS Class 7 water resistance rating.

Pentax says the digital camera remains watertight when rinsed, splashed, or immersed in water. In fact, this model will make its debut submersed in a fish bowl at the Digital Focus media event in mid-September, as part of the TechXNY electronics show in New York.

Features include a movie mode with sound and voice memo, built-in flash, a 1.6-inch LCD monitor, an optical viewfinder, and a range of shooting modes.

The Optio 33WR operates with an SD memory card or MultiMediaCard. Its power sources include two AA alkaline batteries or optional CR-V3 lithium batteries, and an AC adapter.