Boulder, Colo. — Pentax added three new digital cameras to its S-series lineup of compact digital cameras this week and a new lens for its digital SLRs.
All of Pentax’s new Optios will sport a 3x optical zoom lens, Pictbridge compatibility and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. They also use SD memory.
The 5-megapixel Optio S5z, for an estimated $350, features 19 scene modes, including a user-programmable mode, VGA video capture at 30 frames per second (fps) to the length of a memory card and an aluminum alloy exterior
The 5-megapixel Optio S55 offers 12 scene modes and a help mode that explains the camera’s various functions to novice users. The Optio S55 will be available for under $300.
Finally, the 4-megapixel Optio S45 offers the same features as the S55 but with limited distribution and a lower price at under $230.
The company also announced shipments of its 4x telephoto DA zoom lens for use with its digital SLRs — the *ist D and *ist DS. It offers a focal length of 50mm-200mm (F4-F5.6) and will sell for an estimated $300.
