A new 7.1Mp compact digital camera announced today by Pentax.

Press release:
Pentax Imaging Company introduced the PENTAX Optio E30 compact digital camera today in advance of the upcoming Consumer Electronics (CES) Trade Show in Las Vegas. Named for the easy-to-use line of PENTAX compact digital cameras, the Optio E30 offers 7.1 effective megapixels for exceptional high-resolution photography. Featuring AA battery compatibility, the Optio E30 is a convenient travel companion that uses less power and captures up to approximately 200 photos with alkaline batteries or 760 shots with lithium AA batteries. A helpful Green mode allows new digital camera users to enjoy effortless picture-taking, while additional features include a large 2.4 inch LCD monitor, a 3X optical zoom, and 11 MB of built-in memory.

PENTAX OPTIO E30 FACT SHEET

7.1 effective megapixels for high quality image resolution

Compatibility with widely available AA batteries
Powered by AA batteries, the PENTAX Optio E30 is great for travel and is designed to use less power and allow up 200 photos from one set of alkaline batteries or 760 shots on a set of lithium AA batteries.

Green mode for automated setup
The Optio E30 Green mode automates camera setup when shooting still images. With a single touch, the camera sets the exposure, sensitivity, white balance, and other parameters according to the shooting conditions.

Mode Palette displays intuitive icons
The Mode Pallette selection of shooting and playback modes displays all 15 mode icons on the LCD monitor (including Landscape, Pet, and Food, and more) to expedite mode selection with straightforward display and guide function.

3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification
The Optio E30 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36-108mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes to portraits. This zooming power may be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of 12X zoom capability.

Large 2.4 inch LCD monitor
The Optio E30 features a large 2.4 inch LCD monitor despite its compact body dimensions. The monitor size make it easier to compose and play back images and permits easy operation.

Compatibility with the ImageLink printing system
The Optio E30 is compatible with the ImageLink printing system. By simply placing the Optio E30 on the printer's dock of ImageLink-compatible printers, users may print images without a PC.

Additional features:
* Supports the new SDHC memory cards in addition to conventional SD memory cards
* Approximately 11 MB of built-in memory
* Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction function
* Records movie at sizes up to 640 ´ 480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders
* Frame composite function allows you to add a decorative frame around the image when shooting
* Compatible with PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

The PENTAX Optio E30 will be available in the UK in February. The price has yet to be set, but the US price is $149.95