Pentax Announces Optio W20 Waterproof Digital Camera

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new PENTAX Optio W20, a compact digital camera featuring excellent waterproof performance with a slim, flat body design. The Optio W20 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio W series of cameras that are capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. The waterproof design of the Optio W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of up to five feet. In addition, this model features a new Blur Reduction High ISO mode that selects ISO up to 1600, and an upgrade to 7.0 effective megapixels to offer improved image quality in a fun, easy-to-handle package. The Optio W20 includes a 3X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 18.9 mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film) and features a “folding” optical system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. The 7.0 effective megapixels produces extremely high-quality prints with crisp detail even when the photo is greatly enlarged. Price and release date are not known as of now.