Pentax have announced the release of the Optio S6, the newest model in the Optio range which has set the benchmark for compact zooms in terms of size, weight and ease of use.

The Optio S6 features a newly developed 3x optical zoom lens, 6.0 megapixels and a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, all contained in a stylish and slim body – the Optio S6 has a depth of just 19mm.

Its compact dimensions are made possible by a new approach to the design of the lens unit, including the Pentax Sliding Lens System. The use of glass-moulded aspherical lenses which are concave on both sides, a thinner CCD, a flat-backed lens unit and other advances means the Optio S6 has a depth that is a full 2mm thinner than Pentax's conventional unit.

Despite being so exceptionally slim, the OptioS6 delivers the shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels. Ideal for photographers of all levels, from beginners to experts, the camera offers users all the benefits of cutting edge digital technology and world leading optics.

The Optio S6 also incorporates a large, 2.5 inch LCD monitor which features 232,000 total pixels. A Beau-Reflective (low reflection type) monitor with a built-in backlighting mechanism, the LCD can be viewed easily and clearly, even in bright sunlight. As a result, the OptioS6 makes it easy to compose shots, playback recorded images for confirmation and select functions through smooth menu navigation.

The camera also boasts an smc Pentax lens that makes use of Pentax's original coating to minimise ghosting and flare, a high-performance ASIC delivering refined image processing and improved noise reduction with the power to deliver true-to-life colour gradation and rich texture, even at high densities.

The Mode Palette enables the display of multiple mode icons for shooting and
playback on the LCD monitor simultaneously. This allows the user to select from a range of 15 shooting mode icons and 14 playback icons. The Palette mode display is translucent, enabling the user to make his or her selection while still being able to view the image on the screen.

The OptioS6 also features tracking Auto-Focus, which can track a moving subject around the frame while maintaining precise focus for pin-sharp results. For further convenience, this mode is automatically activated upon selection of
Sport and Pet modes.

The Optio S6 offers movie shooting with 640 x 480 recording pixels 30 frames per second (fps)) to deliver smooth movies with camcorder quality. The camera also offers the advantage of DivX MPEG-4 image compression, making it possible to shoot movies of a longer duration, while a movie anti-shake function makes results noticeably more stable. (Please note: movie playback is not supported by Macintosh).

The Optio S6 is designed for comfort as well as style - plated parts have been added for the grip and the area surrounding the lens, adding an appealing luster accentuating the camera's overall elegance. The connectors and battery compartment have been grouped together on one side to minimise protrusions and maintain clean, attractive lines. Stylish enough to be worn as an accessory, yet
delivering the power to take impressive images, the OptioS6 is ideal for travel, leisure and business use, as well as snapshots.

Other features of the Optio S6
1) High-speed continuous shooting at up to 1.6 frames per second
2) Approx. 23Mb built-in memory; SD memory card compatible
3) Candlelight mode allows high-sensitivity shooting at a Standard Output Sensitivity of 800
4) Built-in AF spotbeam (on/off switching possible)
5) Frame composite function allows frames to be added at time of shooting
6) Pan focus function for easy snapshots
7) Convenient image rotation function for easy confirmation of vertical shots
8) Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX software
9) FotoNation's red-eye compensation function for flash shots
10) UBS2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatible
11) DPOF function, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III compatible
12) PictBridge compatible

Price and availibility
Available from September 2005, the Optio S6 will retail for less than £300.