Amphibious PENTAX Digital Camera Launches at CES

Business Wire, Jan 4, 2005

GOLDEN, Colo. -- PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the amphibious OptioWP digital camera. With 5.0 megapixels and a 3X zoom, the sleek, elegant OptioWP captures high quality images both on land and up to five feet underwater without an additional underwater housing unit. The OptioWP is the perfect digital camera for active people who snorkel, ski, sail, surf, or participate in a variety of outdoor activities.

Well-known for delivering tiny digital, PENTAX keeps the OptioWP dimensions to a mere 4x2x0.9 inches and only 4.2 ounces (without battery and memory card). Despite the diminutive size, the OptioWP features a generous 2.0 inch low reflection LCD, 10MB built-in memory, quick start-up, an ultra fast nine point autofocus, and it captures movies at 30 frames per second in JPEG format.

How does the OptioWP outdo other water resistant digital cameras in the marketplace? The design of the new OptioWP is not only stylish, it's innovative. Every seam in the camera is protected with rubber sealant and an interlocking design to resist the enemies of all electronics including dust, pressure and moisture. Inside, a powerful internal 3X optical zoom captures images as close as 0.36 inches without ever protruding from the camera body. A special watertight locking mechanism fully secures the camera's rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and SD memory card slot.

These technological design advances help qualify the PENTAX OptioWP as the first 5.0 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera with a JIS Class 8 water resistant rating.

"Our latest camera blends digital elegance into outdoor lifestyles," said Michelle Martin, Public Relations Coordinator. "The beautiful, high quality PENTAX OptioWP appeals to anyone who wants a powerful digital camera they will be proud to use everywhere."

PENTAX will unveil the OptioWP this week during the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The camera will ship to major camera retailers in April 2005.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, sport optics, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Available for download at: http://www.pentaximaging.com//footer/news_media_search