UK Digital Cameras Blog

A new digital camera from Pentax uses a face recognition system that makes it an ideal choice for group taking group images.

Idealo reports that the Pentax Optio M60 has a number of features which make it worth consideration and adds that the software it uses for face recognition is a stand-out addition.

It reports that the unit is not only capable of picking out up to 32 faces in one shot, but also heightens skin tones for the best possible photograph.

“In conclusion,” the article states, “[the Pentax Optio M60] combines high value features with an affordable price”.

The camera is equipped with a ten-megapixel sensor, is compact and lightweight, and is available in a range of colours - silver, black, red, pink and blue.

This week Product Reviews noted that Pentax had been in the business for more than 80 years and stated the Pentax Optio E60 was a welcome addition to the manufacturer’s range.

Pentax has furnished the market with high quality camera products for over 80 years and their latest ten-megapixel model continues this trend, a new review suggests.

In an article looking at the Pentax Optio E60, the manufacturer is praised for its longevity in providing such products and notes that the new model is available at a reasonable price.

In addition to its ten-megapixel sensor, the Pentax Optio E60 features a 3x optical zoom lens which is equipped with a wide angle of view. The camera also boasts an image recovery function and face recognition technology.

Digital shake reduction, auto picture and date imprint are also included, and the article concludes that the model could be ideal for novices or seasoned professionals.

“Experienced and new digital camera users will get beautiful high-resolution images with the E60,” it states.

The Pentax Optio E50 is the model’s 8.1-megapixel predecessor and comes with a 3x optical zoom, as well as a 2.4-inch LCD screen.

A new digital camera from Pentax offers eight-megapixel power for an entry-level price.

In an article for the Trusted Reviews website, the Pentax Optio E50 is praised for its sub-£100 price tag and marks the fifth model to enter the manufacturer’s lower-priced range.

It is stated that with the Pentax Optio E50, the manufacturer has been able to offer an eight-megapixel model at an “astonishingly low price” and although aimed at novices, the camera promises some improvements on its predecessors.

“The specification shows improvements over … the E40 to include improved shake reduction, better battery life, a reduction in size and weight and, to quote Pentax, ‘a more attractive design’,” the article states.

AutoPict best scene mode offers 11 scene modes including landscapes, portraits, flowers and pets and Face Recognition technology is also built-in.

The Pentax Optio E50 is also equipped with Digital Shake Reduction, 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom as well as a 2.4-inch monitor.

Pentax’s line of digital single-lens (DSLR) cameras can often be “hugely impressive”, a new review suggests.

According to Computer Active, the Pentax K20D is one model in the manufacturer’s range able to compete with some of the best DSLR models from rivals such as Nikon and Canon.

The 14-megapixel Pentax K20D is cited as a welcome addition to this range, building on the reputation of its 10-megapixel K10D predecessor and proving capable of some admirable images.

“Image-wise the K20D delivers appealing rich and warm colours when left on its factory default settings and reproduction using the supplied lens is razor sharp,” the review notes.

The camera features a 2.7-inch screen as well as image stabilisation, dust prevention and is SDHC card compatible. Pentax’s K20D is also available with a 16-45mm lens kit that also includes an SD card as well as a bag to hold the camera as well as its lenses and flashgun.

Pentax has continued to lead the pack in the ultra-compact digital camera market with its latest 12-megapixel model, according to one reviewer.

In an article for the Australian Cnet website, Mark Harris states the Pentax Optio S12 has a slim, stylish design that hides a range of features behind its 21mm metallic frame.

The camera itself is equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 6x digital zoom, 3x optical zoom and is available in black and silver, yet it is not lacking in image quality.

“This Pentax applies a patina of smoothness over everything it shoots, even with full-quality 12-megapixel shots,” the article states.

However, in terms of build quality, the reviewer does state that the Canon IXUS range of cameras could be slightly better, but adds that they are a little more expensive.

The Canon Ixus 90 IS is a 10-megapixel model available in silver and has a 3x optical zoom.

The Pentax K20D is a digital SLR that could make a “major impact” on its buyers, according to a recent review.

Steve’s Digicams put the 14.6-megapixel model to the test and praised it for its new CMOS sensor technology, which it states is among the best in its class.

The Pentax K20D is also equipped with a shake reduction system which is compatible with any lens the manufacturer has ever produced and has a 2.7-inch high resolution, wide-view LCD monitor.

“All these features are packed within a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body and are proof of Pentax’s commitment to the evolution of digital photography technology for the 21st Century,” the review notes.

In addition it is noted that the features are user-friendly and make operation fast and effortless across a range of conditions.

The Pentax K20D is also available with a number of kits, one of which includes a multi-purpose bag and 2GB Elite Pro Kingston SD card.

New firmware has been released that boosts the abilities of the Pentax K20D DSLR, according to reports.

Digital Photography Review notes this week that there had been some early teething problems with the model but the manufacturer has addressed these issues and made the camera better all round.

It is reported that the firmware is available from Pentax’s Japanese site and according to the manufacturer will “minimize the noise when taking picture with two seconds self-timer mode”.

Previously, it had been claimed that some people had experienced the appearance of “hot pixels” on shots where the two-second self timer was used.

The site recommends users ensure their Pentax K20D DSLR is fully charged before beginning the download and install to avoid interruption during the process.

The Pentax K20D DSLR is available in a number of packages including some that offer £100 cash back from the manufacturer.

Pentax has made another addition to its Optio range - with a rugged water and dustproof model, it has emerged.

Infosyncworld. com reports this week that the manufacturer will now offer the Pentax Optio W60 in its range and is expected to be a great choice for those looking for a model that can be used in the great outdoors.

The 10-megapixel model will be available alongside a number of its siblings that include the ten-megapixel Pentax Optio A30 and the 8.1-megapixel Pentax Optio E50.

However, this model will also be equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens and can be used for anything up to two hours at a depth of 13 feet underwater.

It is noted that the camera will be “aimed at photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings” and adds that when the camera becomes available in July, it will be available in Ocean Blue and Silver.

The Pentax Optio S12 offers 12 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and shake reduction in a “slim and slinky” casing, according to a recent review of the camera.

Dpreview. com notes that the camera, described by its maker as “offering the highest technology in the smallest possible body” is a “little beauty” capable of capturing images and video in “high quality”.

And although it does not come with optical stabilisation technology, the camera’s shake reduction mode compensates by increasing its ISO sensitivity to 3200 in order to achieve higher shutter speeds.

The Pentax Optio S12’s face recognition technology also helps the camera’s focus, while automatically adjusting exposure settings to optimal levels for different shooting conditions.

In addition, the camera, which replaces the Pentax Optio S10 in the manufacturer’s range, has a number of pre-set scene modes, including landscape, portrait, nightscene, sport, kids and pets.

The Pentax Optio S12 is available in the UK from around £152.99.

The Pentax K20D offers the “highest resolution” of any mid-range DSLR on the market, a recent review of the camera has said.

Ephotozine. com also praised the 14.6-megapixel model for its improved features compared to its predecessor the Pentax K10D, which had been the manufacturer’s flagship mid-range DSLR.

Among the upgrades included on the Pentax K20D are Live View shooting, an improved shake reduction system and a larger 2.7-inch LCD monitor that allows pictures to be enlarged up to 32 times.

Its image sensor also comes with has also been given a layer of Pentax’s Super Protect (SP) coating to guard against dust contamination. In addition, the review notes, the Pentax K20D has a dust-repellent covering on its low-pass filter and a Dust Alert application.

Another aspect of the camera is its pixel mapping function, which allows photographers to detect and replace any “dead” pixels in their shots.

Image-wise, the Pentax K20D took “sharp” and “evenly-lit” pictures that included “good detail”, the review said.

The Pentax K20 is available in the UK from around £805.99.