New compact from Pentax for under £100

Press Release:

Pentax announces the launch of the PentaxOptio E70L. This sleek black, entry-level compact is ideal for first-time users looking for an affordable and easy-to-use camera. Its competitive price point also makes it appealing to more experienced users wanting a simple point-and-shoot device as a secondary camera.

The E70L boasts intuitive handling and multiple scene modes, enabling users to capture excellent images in a variety of everyday situations such as sporting events, children playing and landscapes. Advanced technical features include Face Recognition for up to ten people and smile detection, enabling users to take high quality portraits. Digital Shake Reduction reduces camera shake for sharp, blur free images. The camera also includes a 10.1 megapixel CCD and a powerful 3x optical zoom (equal to 32-96 mm in 35 mm format).

The E70L also benefits from the use of AA batteries which can be bought everywhere, making it the ideal travel companion.

The new Pentax Optio E70L will be available in March 2009 at £99.99 (RRP) including case and batteries.

Features at a glance:

• 10.1-megapixel-CCD

• 3x optical zoom 32 - 96 mm  / f 2.9-5.2

• 6 cm (2.4'') TFT display, 112 Kdots

• AUTO-mode and various scene modes

• Video- and audio recording

• 11 megapixels Built-In Memory

• ISO range 80 - 6.400

• Face-Recognition AF & AE (max. 10 faces), smile detection

• Compact, ergonomic body

• Dimension: 93.5 (W) x 60.5 (H) x 26 (D) mm;
  Weight: 175 g (loaded and ready)

• Price: £99.99 (RRP)

• Market launch: February 2009