26 March 2010
Pentax has launch the PENTAX Optio W90 digital compact camera. In addition to its upgraded waterproof, dustproof and shockproof capabilities, this heavy-duty model provides the new Digital Microscope mode, which allows for a closer look at small but intriguing subjects in outdoor shooting.
By further enhancing the air tightness of the camera body, PENTAX has upgraded the Optio W90's underwater picture-taking performance to six metres (compared to five metres for its predecessor) and for up to two hours of continuous operation. Along with its outstanding IPX8 (or JIS Class 8) waterproof performance, the Optio W90 also offers exceptional shockproof capacity* to withstand a fall from a height of 1.2 meters* (one metre for its predecessor) without damage to the body, thanks to its new body design and refined internal mechanisms.
In addition to these characteristics, the Optio W90 comes with remarkable dustproof performance equivalent to IP6X (or JIS Class 6) and exceptional coldproofperformance for reliable operation at temperatures as low as -10, making it a perfect choice for active photographers who venture to shoot pictures in demanding outdoor conditions.
Combining a macro shooting capability from one centimetre away with the Digital Zoom function, the Optio W90's new Digital Microscope mode delivers a magnified view of miniscule subjects difficult to observe closely with the naked eye, and makes it possible to capture fine-detailed images of such subjects.**
Thanks to three LED Macro Light installed on the face of the lens barrel, the subject is clearly and brightly displayed on the LCD monitor even when the camera is held at a distance at which it casts a shadow on the subject. This mode not only comes in handy when observing the wonders of nature and photographing such subjects as leaf veins and tiny insects, but also opens the door to new discoveries and unexpected surprises in the ordinary subjects found in daily life.
The Optio W90 features a new-generation Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects up to 32 faces in the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in just 0.03 seconds. In addition to popular features such as the innovative Small Face filter, this upgraded version is programmed to detect not only human faces, but also the faces of dogs and cats. When the user selects pre-registered dog or cat faces (up to 3 choices), the camera automatically detects them and optimises focus and exposure.
The user can even program the camera to automatically release the shutter the moment the subject's face turns straight toward the camera. These features make it simple and effortless to capture the delightful faces of active pets.
* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of 1.2 metres, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to the Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F.
** When using the Digital Microscope mode, the image size is fixed at 2.1 megapixels (at 16:9 proportions).
The Optio W90 is available now with an RRP of £269.99.