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» Pentax introduces two new models, the Optio A20 and M20

(August 2006)

Pentax announces the follow-on to the Optio A10, the Optio A20 now featuring 10 megapixels, three anti-shake functions and Face Recognition AF & AE for beautiful one-step portraits. Pentax also announces the follow-on to the Optio M10, the Optio M20, a compact, affordable digital camera offering 7 megapixels plus a wide range of basic features including those mentioned above for the A20. The Optio A20 will ship in October 2006 for under US $350 while the Optio M20 will ship in September 2006 for under US $200...


HIGHLIGHTS
The Pentax Optio A20 (Click here for the Optio A20 specifications)

10.0 effective megapixels image quality
The Optio A20 produces clear, high-quality images with 10.0 effective megapixels. The superb level of resolution makes it possible to produce prints with crisp detail even when the photo is enlarged to A#* size. The Optio A20 image sensor is a large 1/1.8 inch CCD with a wide light-sensitive area, which realizes superior tone reproduction, fine textures, and greater noise reduction.

Three Anti-Shake functions featured:
SR (Shake Reduction)
The SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, developed by PENTAX, features two gyro sensors that detect the amount of shake and an image sensor (CCD) that moves both horizontally and vertically to reduce the camera shake. The SR mechanism effectively prevents shake at the instant that the shutter is clicked to take a photograph.

Blur Reduction mode
In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to as high as ISO 1600 according to the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds that reduce not only camera shake but also the blurring caused by moving subjects.

Movie Anti-Shake Function
Camera shake while taking a movie can also be corrected automatically by software, thanks to an electronic, movie anti-shake function.

Face Recognition AF & AE for beautiful one-step portraits
The Optio A20 features the new Face Recognition AF & AE* function, which helps ensure bright, beautiful photos of people with perfectly focused faces free of shadows caused by exposing for the background or for the colors of clothing. This useful function automatically detects the position of the subject anywhere in the photo frame and then adjusts the focus and optimizes the exposure for the detected position.

Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
The Optio A20's auto-tracking AF feature continuously focuses on subjects such as kids and pets that move around unpredictably. Since the focus frame automatically follows the movement of the subject inside the photo frame, you can be sure to capture those instantaneous photo opportunities.

Red-eye correction available after shooting
The Optio A20 comes with FotoNation's red-eye correction function, which can correct red-eye problems, a side effect of flash photography, after the photo is taken. With the ability to manually select the area to correct, this function allows for more precise correction of red-eye photos.



Pentax Optio M20 (Click here for the Optio M20 specifications)
7.0 effective megapixels permit beautiful, crisp prints even at large-format sizes

The Optio M20 produces clear images with impressive quality thanks to the high resolution afforded by its 7.0 effective megapixels and to its high-performance smc PENTAX lens. This superlative resolution makes it possible to attain prints with crisp details even when the photo is greatly enlarged.

Outstanding battery life
With a comprehensive energy-saving design, the Optio M20 provides exceptional battery life (approximately 220 images with AA alkaline batteries,* or approximately 700 images with AA lithium batteries*) for on-the-go power.
*Measured under testing conditions prescribed by CIPA standards.

New Blur Reduction mode reduces camera shake and subject blurring
The Optio M20 is equipped with a High ISO Blur Reduction mode, a new feature that lets you take photos at faster shutter speeds for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to as high as ISO 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivity permits faster shutter speeds that effectively reduce not just camera shake but also blurring caused by moving subjects.

High-quality Movies with Anti-Shake Function
The Optio M20 captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at resolutions up to 640 x 480 pixels and with an image quality rivaling that of camcorders. Camera shake while filming can be corrected automatically using the movie anti-shake function.*
*Using the movie anti-shake function results in a narrower field of view than that during normal recording.

Face Recognition AF & AE for beautiful one-step portraits
The camera includes Face Recognition AF & AE, which allows you to take bright, beautiful photos with perfectly focused faces free of backlighting shadows. This useful function automatically detects the position of the subject's face anywhere in the photo frame and adjusts the focus and optimizes the exposure for the detected position.

Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject
The Optio M20's auto-tracking AF feature continuously focuses on subjects such as kids and pets that move around unpredictably. Since the focus frame automatically follows the movement of the subject inside the photo frame, you can capture those instantaneous photo opportunities.
 

References: mobilewhack and dcviews

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