Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division has announced the launch of new PENTAX Optio M60, a standard-class compact digital camera that is also lightweight and equipped with advanced basic functions. It is the successor of the M50 camera. The M60 includes many improved features including a face recognition function that is capable of recognizing up to 32 faces at once. It also features a 2.6 inch LCD display and 36.5 MB of internal memory.
In addition to a metal exterior that gives off a sense of sophistication, an optical 5X zoom, a large and easily-viewable LCD monitor, and easy-to-understand operability, the effective pixel count has been increased to approximately 10 megapixels.
The light weight camera also has an Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the scene mode it thinks is most relevant for the shot being taken. It comes pre-loaded with an array of scene modes such as Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene Portrait, Standard, Flower and Sport. Apart from these modes, Pentax incorporates a new Candlelight mode.
In addition, the latest camera is also equipped with Smile Capture and Blinking Detection, which makes taking pictures much easier. The Blinking Detection function warns users if subject blinks while clicking the image. While the Smile Capture detects the smile and takes shot.
The Pentax Optio M60 features the Digital SR (shake reduction) mode, which can reduce camera shakes and subject blurring during still-image photography. This mode automatically adjusts the sensitivity up to a maximum of ISO 6400 in accordance with the subject’s brightness to permit a fast enough shutter speed to capture a sharp, clear image with little blurring.
Furthermore, the M60 features an Intelligent Zoom function to expand the zoom range without compromising the image quality. It also incorporates a panorama mode to compose multiple photos into one panoramic picture.
The Pentax Optio M60 will be available in silver, pink, and blue colors and is expected to be available from August 2008.