May 15 - 11:10am EDT   Pentax today brought out an update to its most basic cameras in the Optio E75. The compact maintains the 10-megapixel sensor and 3X optical zoom of the E70 but grows the preview LCD from 2.4 to 2.7 inches. It continues to carry more recent software-driven features such as a full-auto scene mode, face detection with a face priority mode as well as smile detection. [full story]

January 5 - 11:00pm EST   Ahead of CES, Pentax on Tuesday announced two compact digital cameras: the Optio P70 and Optio E70. The ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P70 digital compact camera offers 12 megapixel resolution, a 4X optical zoom (equivalent to 27.5mm-110mm), and a wide angle 28mm lens; The Optio P70 features metal body and is available in multiple colors. Other features include a 2.7 inch high-res, wide-angle view LCD panel, and new Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology decrease shake in low lighting. The Optio P70 also offers Advanced Face Recognition that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds as well as both Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile and ... [full story]

July 28 - 8:30pm EDT   Pentax tonight gave entry-level photographers an extra option through the 10.1-megapixel Optio E60. Its standout addition is a 32-96mm equivalent wide-angle lens that helps frame wide portrait shots, scenery, or other very horizontal subjects. Its beginner focus includes a fully automatic mode that changes all settings itself, though the camera adds face detection and ISO-based blur correction that also help more experienced owners. [full story]

May 22 - 7:30pm EDT   Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend (in the US), Pentax tonight released the Optio W60. Where other cameras need special shells underwater, the W60 is explicitly designed to be waterproof from the outset and includes watertight joints that extend to the lens: as the optics never protrude from the body, no room exists for water to seep in, the company boasts. The resulting adjustments lead to a camera that not only operates at up to 13 feet deep but is also dustproof and survives freezing temperatures as low as 14 Fahrenheit. [full story]

March 17 - 10:25pm EDT   Pentax tonight ducked past the initial wave of camera releases this year and introduced the Optio V20. Though it runs at 8 megapixels versus the 10 or more of some high-end cameras, the point-and-shoot is balanced with a higher than average 5X optical zoom as well as a 3-inch LCD for composing shots. The camera producer also claims to deliver more intelligent electronics, with an automatic switch to macro mode, blink and smile detection to produce usable portraits, and autofocus that tracks moving subjects. [full story]

January 24 - 12:25am EST   Alongside its K-series updates, Pentax tonight revealed a trio of point-and-shoot models as its entries in the PMA photography show. The Optio S12 is one of the smallest 12-megapixel cameras yet, the company claims, and produces features expected of some larger models such as ISO 3200 sensitivity in its anti-blur model. It will also be one of the least-expensive cameras in the category when it ships in April for $280. [full story]