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24th June 2009
Pentax announces the PENTAX Optio W80

Pentax Announces Its Most Shock And Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Ever: The Optio W80

GOLDEN, CO (June 24, 2009)…The manufacturer that builds digital cameras to go boldly where none have gone before has announced the PENTAX Optio W80.  More adventure-proof than ever, this latest PENTAX digital camera is waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than three feet (one meter).

Optio-W80 Cardinal-Red.jpg

PENTAX first introduced dunkable digital cameras in 2003 to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and families everywhere.  Today, the PENTAX Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video for up to two hours.  On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills.  Also featuring 12.1 megapixels, a 5X internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim one inch body, and a wide angle 28mm lens, the Optio W80 offers an expanded perspective that is ideal for landscape, group and more confined shots.  With a PENTAX-developed imaging engine and a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details.  A Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the mineral crystal cover of the internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime and finger marks. 

Other important features in the Optio W80 include a:

  • Coldproof design that allows the camera to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
  • 2.5 inch LCD monitor that features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight.
  • Widescreen, HD movie capture that records resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second.
  • Fast Face Detection technology that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots.
  • Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) that ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. Digital SR and Movie SR are also available.
  • Close focusing, Super Macro mode that brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm (less than one inch).

Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $299.95 USD.  To help keep the Optio W80 fresh and at hand, PENTAX offers a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95 USD) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($20.00 USD).  More information about the Optio W80 and these accessories is available at: www.pentaximaging.com*
and preorders may be placed now at www.pentaxwebstore.com.*  

OPTIO W80 FACT SHEET

Enhanced rugged performance
With the most water and airtight external joints ever, PENTAX has improved the Optio W80’s underwater performance to more than 16 feet for up to two hours of continuous operation.  Along with this outstanding JIS Class 8 waterproof rating, the Optio W80 provides JIS Class 6 dustproof and coldproof performance for reliable operation at temperatures as low as 14 degrees F (–10 degrees C).

New shockproof performance
With shock-absorbent material positioned throughout the Optio W80’s rigid and durable interior design, the Optio W80 will withstand impact from a fall from a height of more than three feet (one meter)* without damage to the body for reliability even in harsh shooting conditions.
* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of one meter, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock.

Optical 5X zoom lens for excellent zoom coverage from wide angle to telephoto
The Optio W80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto.  With this wide zoom range, the Optio W80 may be used for a variety of challenging subjects and scenes including landscapes, architecture, large group shots and tight snapshots from a distance. For a tighter zoom on subjects, an Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range to approximately 31.3X.

High-quality HD-Widescreen movie recording
The Optio W80 captures beautiful, flawless, high-definition movie clips at 16:9 TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels)* at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The camera also is equipped with advanced features designed to facilitate high quality movie recording:  

  • Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting
  • Underwater Movie mode automatically optimizes color for underwater movie shooting.

*When the Optio W80’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as NTSC/PAL data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.

Triple anti-shake protection
Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio W80’s Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing the amount of image blur with a dedicated ASIC.  Pixel Track SR tracks motion blur at the pixel level and calculates blur volume in real time. After exposure, the recovery filter centers the motion effect around each pixel to compartmentalize the blur.  Then, an adjustment filter sharpens the pixels to help remove the blur effect. Pixel Track SR results in sharp images without adding high ISO noise.

High-Sensitivity SR mode*
The Optio W80 automatically raises the sensitivity setting to as high as ISO 6400 when it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting so that a higher shutter speed may be used. This effectively minimizes adverse effects of camera shake and subject blur under poor lighting conditions.
* When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).

Movie SR mode*
During movie recording, the Optio W80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake.
* When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of eight different shooting modes
The Optio W80 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly feature chooses the best mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight modes).

Automatic Face Detection of up to 32 faces in a mere 0.03 seconds
The Optio W80 features the advanced Face Detection AF & AE function for more accurate people shots.  This function automatically detects up to 32 faces in the image field, and then optimizes focus and exposure settings in about 0.03 seconds. The Optio W80 is also equipped with the Smile Capture mode, which automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile and a Blink Detection function, which warns the photographer if a subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

Large LCD monitor for effortless outdoor viewing
The Optio W80 features a large 2.5 inch high-brightness color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. This monitor is treated with a special AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to cut the glare of external light and minimize annoying reflections, making it easy to view recorded images even in bright sunlight.

Additional features

  • An Auto Macro mode records dramatic close-up images of a subject from close as one centimeter.
  • A Digital Wide function to compose extra-wide-angle images (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images.
  • An AF-assisting spot beam projector (ON/OFF switchable) assists auto focusing operation in the dark.
  • A new D-Range setting to prevent overexposed (washed-out) and underexposed (blacked-out) areas in an image.
  • A decorative frame composite function to shoot or compose images with 90 photo frame selections stored in the camera.
  • 20 digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, add distinctive visual effects to recorded images.
  • ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included (compatible with Windows VistaTM).

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Specifications and features

KEY FEATURES

  • 12.1 Megapixels for detailed images that can be printed in large sizes.
  • 5X internal optical zoom in a slim 1 inch body is equivalent to 28-140mm.
  • Wide angle 28mm lens gives an expanded perspective to images, ideal for indoor, landscape, or group shots.
  • 2.5 inch LCD monitor features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight.
  • Waterproof design withstands depths up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video.
  • Rugged Shockproof design protects against drops of 3.3 feet, ensuring the camera is protected from hard use and the occasional “spills” on dry land.
  • Coldproof design allows the camera to be used in sub-zero temperatures of -10° Celsius (14° Fahrenheit), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
  • Widescreen, HD movie capture records resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second.
  • Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots.
  • Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. Digital SR and Movie SR are also available.
  • Close focusing, Super Macro mode brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm.

CAMERA HARDWARE
CAMERA HARDWARE MODEL: Optio W80
TYPE: Compact Digital Camera
PRODUCT CODE
Gunmetal Gray: 17731, UPC: 027075154452
Cardinal Red: 17771, UPC: 027075154773
Azure Blue: 17751, UPC: 027075154612
SENSOR Type: 1/2.3” interline transfer CCD w/ primary color filter
Effective pixels: 12.1 MP
Total pixels: 12.39 MP
Recorded resolutions
Still: 12M (4:3 4000x3000, 3:2 4000x2672, 16:9 4000x2256), 7M (3072x2304), 5M (2592x1944), 3M (2048x1536), 1024 (1024x768), VGA (640x480)
Movie: 720p15/30 (1280x720), VGA15/30 (640x480), QVGA15/30 (320x240)
Quality levels: ««« (best), «« (better), « (good)
LENS Type/construction: PENTAX zoom lens, 11 elements, 9 groups (5 aspherical elements)
Optical zoom: 5X
Focal length (equiv.): 5-25mm (28-140mm)
Digital zoom: 6.25X
Combined zoom: 31.3X
Intelligent zoom: Non-interpolated, approx 6.5X at 7M to 31.3X at VGA
Aperture: F3.5-5.5
LCD/VIEWFINDER LCD screen: 2.5” TFT color LCD w/ anti-reflective coating and brightness adjustment
LCD resolution: 230,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes, approx 170° horizontal/vertical
Viewfinder: n/a
FOCUS SYSTEM Type: TTL 9 point contrast detection autofocus with AF assist lamp
Focus modes: 9 point multi AF, Spot AF, Auto Tracking AF, Macro, Super Macro, Infinity Landscape, Pan Focus, Manual Focus
Manual focus: Yes
Macro focus: Yes, macro and super macro available
Focus lock: Yes, by pressing the shutter release button half way
Focus range
Normal: 1.64’ to infinity (over entire zoom range)
Macro: 0.33-1.97’ (over entire zoom range)
Super Macro: 0.03-0.98’ (1cm, at 1.2-1.8X zoom, set automatically)
FLASH Type: Built-in series-control auto flash
Flash modes: Auto, flash on, flash off, redeye, soft
Effective range: TBD
STORAGE MEDIA Internal memory: 33.7 MB
Removable memory: SD, SDHC
INTERFACES Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out
Video out: NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: PictBridge
POWER SUPPLY Power source:
Recordable images:
Playback time:
Movie recording time:
Audio recording time:
AC adapter available:
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.0”
Weight
Without battery or removable memory: TBD
Loaded and ready: TBD
Construction material(s): Reinforced polycarbonate plastic with aluminum plating
Operating temperature: 14-104°F
Weather Resistant: Yes, JIS Class 8 waterproof submersible to 16’, JIS Class 6 dustproof
Shock Resistant: Yes, shockproof to 3.3’
TIMING Startup: TBD
Release lag: TBD
LANGUAGE SUPPORT English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Simplified/Traditional Chinese
KIT COMPONENTS Optio W80, USB Cable I-USB7, AV Cable I-AVC7, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI78, Battery Charge Cradle D-BC78, AC Plug Cord, Strap O-ST20, Software CD-ROM S-SW87
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES AC Adapter Kit K-AC78U, Battery Charger Kit K-BC78U, PTX-214-PVM Neoprene Case, PTC-L50 Medium Nylon Case, PTX-L105 3-In-1 Case, Optio W80 Skin (clear), Floating Strap (yellow, wrist strap), Optio Extended Warranty (+2 year)  
IMAGE CAPTURE
IMAGE STABILIZATION Still: Pixel Track SR, Digital SR (5M)
Movie: Movie SR
METERING SYSTEM Type: TTL
Multi-segment: Yes
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 2 EV (1/3 steps)
ISO SENSITIVITY Auto: 64-1600, auto range adjustable, 64-6400 in Digital SR mode (5M)
Manual: 64-6400, iso 3200-6400 fixed at 5M
WHITE BALANCE Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Manual mode(s): Yes
SHUTTER Type: Programmed AE electronic lens shutter with CCD electronic shutter
Shutter speed: 1/1500 to 1/4 sec (up to 4 sec in Night Scene mode)
CAPTURE MODES Mode selection: Auto Picture (Standard, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Sport, Flower, Candlelight), Program, Night Scene, Movie, Underwater, Underwater Movie, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Digital Wide, Surf & Snow, Digital SR, Kids, Pet, Half Length Portrait, Sport, Fireworks, Candlelight, Night Scene Portrait, Text, Food, Digital Panorama, Frame Composite, Report, Green
Green simplified mode available: Yes
Face detection available: Yes, AF and AE up to 32 faces in 0.03 sec, Smile Capture, Blink Detection
P/A/S/M/B: P
Date stamp: Yes, date, date-time, time (not available in Green mode)
Digital filters (capture): Image tone (Bright, Natural, Monochrome)
Dynamic Range Adjustment: Yes, highlight and shadow correction
DRIVE MODES Mode selection: One Shot, Self Timer (10s, 2s), Continuous, High Speed Continuous, Interval, Auto Bracket
Continuous FPS: TBD
Self-timer: Yes (10s, 2s)
Remote control: n/a
PLAYBACK MODES Mode selection: One Shot, Index (4 or 9 thumbnails), Magnification, Movie Playback, Sound Playback, Histogram, Bright/Dark Indication, Folder Display, Select & Delete, Calendar
Mode pallet: Slideshow, Digital Filter, Frame Composite, Resize, Cropping, Image/Sound Copy, Image Rotation, Movie Edit, Redeye Edit, Voice Memo, Protect, DPOF, Image Recovery, Startup Screen, Face Zooming
Magnification: Up to 10X, scrollable
Digital filters (playback): B&W, Sepia, Color Filters (6), Color Extract (3), Color Enhancer (4), Toy Camera, Retro, Soft, Fisheye, Brightness
Movie edit: Save as still image, movie divide
FILE FORMATS Still: JPG (EXIF 2.2), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, PIM III
Movie (compression): AVI (Motion JPG) with sound
Sound: WAV (PCM), monaural
FILE STORAGE MATRIX (BASED ON 1GB MEMORY)
STILL ««« «« «
12M 214 419 643
3:2 229 458 687
16:9 254 508 737
7M 321 598 795
5M 385 737 1060
3M 598 1185 1727
1024 2084 3556 4650
VGA 4318 6717 7557
MOVIE (H:M:S)30 FPS15 FPS 
720p 00:05:05 00:10:10  
VGA 00:15:02 00:29:38  
QVGA 00:23:59 00:45:48  
SOUND (H:M:S) 12:28:41    
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS* *For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.
Windows: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, USB port
Mac: MacOS-X 10.1.2 to 10.5, USB port
 
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