Pentax Introduces Optio A40, V10 Cameras

Pentax has introduced two new point-and-shoot cameras, the 12 megapixel Optio A10 and the super-slim 8 megapixel Optio V10.

Pentax has tkaen the wraps off a new pair of cameras in its Optio point-and-shoot line of digital cameras: the 12 megapixel Optio A40 and the slim 8 megapixel Optio V10.

The Optio A40 features a 12 megapixel resolution, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, 21 MB of internal memory, and image storage via SD and SDHC media. The A40 also offers USB 2.0 connectivity, NTSC/PAL video output, and PictBridge compatibility, along with image stabilization (mechanical and digital, plus a shake-free movie mode), a 3× optical zoom, ISO sensitivity down to 3,200 at five megapixels, and an AVI movie mode which can capture video at 30 frames per second. Pentax also includes face recognition technology, including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-Length Portrait mode for instant head-and-shoulders shots. Expect to see the Optio A40 this month for about $300.

The Optio V10 offers a lower resolution (a mere 8 megapixels) but comes in a slimmer package, due in part to a smaller battery size. However, the V10 does sport a 3-inch LCD, offers a 3× optical zoom, along with digital shake reduction and ISO sensitivities down to 3,200. The V10 sports over 50 MB of internal memory, stores images to SD/SDHC cards, and offers USB 2.0 connectivity, PAL/NTSC video output, and PictBridge compatibility. Point-and-shoot users will like the V10’s included face recognition technology, and an Auto Macro mode enables quick up-close photography. Expect to see the V10 in retailers this November, at prices starting around $250.