[Pixalo]

The new PENTAX Optio M30, a mid-range compact digital camera, has been subject to extensive design and styling in order to create a super slim body that is just 18mm deep, making it the perfect camera to take out to capture any occasion. The ultra-thin camera is simple enough to be operated by all budding photographers and comes with many features and functionality for advanced users if required.

The Optio M30 combines a compact, lightweight body and simple operation with a versatile 3x optical zoom lens, 7.1 effective megapixels and a large, functional LCD monitor. Coupled with its exceptional battery life, the Optio M30 offers fun, easy digital photography for a variety of occasions and applications to many different users, regardless of photographic skill and experience.

Major Features

New Design
The external body of the Optio M series, mid-range compact digital camera, has been designed by using an exclusive ultra-thin battery and miniaturising the circuit board, the depth of the main body was able to be kept down to a mere 18 mm. A high-quality aluminum alloy texture is also used for the exterior packaging, achieving a sophisticated design finish.

Ultra high-sensitive photography
Optio M30 features Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode that enables photography with ultrahigh-sensitivity. By selecting the Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode during photography, the camera automatically adjusts the sensitivity to as high as ISO3200 to match the brightness of the subject. Even in dark locations such as indoor and night scenes, it effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring that occurs when the subject moves, through fast shutter speeds. It also enables for subjects that are far away, even approximately 15.5m, and in a dark location to be photographed clearly when using flash.

Auto-macro function
The Optio M30 comes newly equipped with an auto-macro function that enables for close-up photography up to a minimal distance of 10 cm. The auto-macro function is a convenient function where the camera determines the distance from the subject, and even while in the normal focus mode, automatically switches the focus range to macro mode.

Face Recognition Auto Focus (AF) & Auto Exposure (AE) function
The Optio M30 is equipped with a Face Recognition AF & AE that automatically detects and focuses on faces, regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. In addition, optimal exposure settings are automatically conducted so that the areas with faces are not darkened even if there is backlighting.

Auto Picture mode
The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography a lot easier for users since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

High image quality
With a high resolution of 7.1 effective megapixels and high-performance PENTAX lens, the Optio M30 realises clear, high-quality images. Even when photos are greatly enlarged, details can be printed clearly. 7. 3X optical zoom lens. The Optio M30 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through sightseeing photographs, to portraits.

High-Quality Movies with Shake Reduction Function
The Optio M30 captures smooth, high-quality movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, which is comparable to movies taken with a camcorder. It is also newly equipped with the Movie SR (Shake Reduction), which automatically corrects camera shakes, allowing for movies to be taken more easily and without hassles.

Other features

* Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject
* Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
* World time function for 75 cities (28 time zones) worldwide
* Calendar Display function allows image retrieval based on the capture date
* Mode Palette provides quick access to 15 shooting modes and 13 playback modes
* Soft flash function avoids overexposure during close-up flash photography
* Super-Macro mode allows close-up photography as near as 5 cm
* Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
* Approximately 21.9Mb of built-in memory
* FotoNation's red-eye correction function for flash shots
* Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
* Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image
Matching III




The Optio M30 will hit UK stores in February with a retail price of £139.99.