February 21, 2007 – Pentax added to its waterproof series today with the introduction of the Optio W30, the fifth model in the W-series. The 7.1-megapixel camera borrows many features from its predecessor but its waterproof capabilities have been expanded to increased depths. The Pentax W30 will retail for $299.95 when it becomes available in March.
Like the W10 introduced in August 2006, the new Pentax W30 has a 7.1-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch, 115,000 pixel LCD with anti-reflective coating. The display screen on the newer model has a new Bright Mode that allows users to adjust screen brightness.
One of the key features of the W30 upgrade is its expanded waterproof abilities. The W30 has a JIS Class 8 standard and can withstand submergence of up to 10 feet for 2 hours, according to a Pentax press release today. This is a substantial increase from 30 minutes at 5 feet on last year’s model. Users can also record video with the underwater movie mode.
Among its other features, the W30 has a JIS Class 5 dustproof title, Face Recognition auto focus and auto exposure, and a 9-point AF system, much like the W20. The W30 comes equipped with Digital Shake Reduction that boosts the ISO to a high sensitivity setting of ISO 3200. Users can also activate a Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode when capturing video at its maximum 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps. The camera also comes with a Macro Photography mode that can capture subjects as close as half an inch from the camera, according to the release.
The Optio W30 also posseses a new Auto-Lock mechanism for the battery compartment that automatically locks the cover when closed. In addition, users can recover photos that have been accidently erased with the Image Recovery function.
The Pentax W30 is compatible with SD and SDHC media and accepts Li-ion batteries.
Key Features:
Waterproof (JIS Class 8)
Dustproof (JIS Class 5)
Face Recognition AF
Movie SR mode (digital shake reduction)
New Bright Mode
New Auto-Lock battery compartment
Image recovery feature
