February , 2004
OPTIO S40 DIGITAL CAMERA PAVES THE WAY FOR DIGITAL NEWCOMERS
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004) Will 2004 be the year you go digital? The new PENTAX
Optio S40 is a 4 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera that is loaded with the features to
help you on your way! Sporting a sleek aluminum design and the signature, compact
dimensions of the PENTAX Optio digital brand, the Optio S40 features an exciting, new
“help” function. Offering simple-to-understand explanations in a regular or
enlarged font for easier viewing, the “help” function guides new, and old hands,
through the camera’s array of digital features with a simple touch.
The PENTAX Optio S40 makes digital easy
and fun! The buttons and controls of the Optio S40 are placed in easy reach for
ready-to-shoot positioning. The shutter release button and all the manual buttons are
enlarged for easy manipulation. Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique
PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off
lens, the Optio S40 is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. Plus, with the
optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S40, everywhere
may include the exciting world of underwater digital photography!
The PENTAX digital advantage doesn’t
stop there. Equipped with PictBridge, a new direct-print standard released by the CIPA
(Camera and Imaging Products Association), the Optio S40 connects directly to your printer
so you may print images without the need for a personal computer. For more convenience,
the PENTAX Optio S40 includes an ACDSee™ software package that is designed
exclusively for PENTAX digital cameras. ACDSee™ digital camera software makes it easy
to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos. Valued at $150,
the package includes ACDSee™ 5.1, FotoSlate™, FotoCanvas™ and
Photostitcher.
PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. will preview the
Optio S40 on February 11 at the PMA Sneak Peek Event and the PEPCOM DigitalFocus in
advance of the 2004 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Trade Show from February 12-15 in
Las Vegas. The camera will ship to retailers in April 2004.
PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is an innovative
leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, lenses, mobile printers,
scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX has developed durable,
reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in
Golden, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX CORPORATION.
# # #
CONSUMER INFORMATION: 1-800-877-0155 or
pentaxinfo@pentax.com
PENTAX OPTIO S40 FACT SHEET
Major features of the Optio S40 include:
Ultra-compact, sophisticated design
Featuring the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens
system, that allows the 3X zoom lens to retract fully when the camera is off, the Optio
S40 dimensions are just 3.5 inches (W) x 2.3 inches (H) x 1 inch (D) and weighs 4.4 ounces
(excluding batteries and SD memory card). The Optio S40 is compatible with two AA
batteries and has an attractive aluminum design and is small enough to be comfortably worn
about the neck or easily slipped in the pocket.
4.0 effective megapixel clarity with
primary color filter
For exceptional clarity, the Optio S40
has the imaging power of 4.0 effective megapixels with a primary color filter and advanced
imaging technologies for brighter, more natural color and higher overall quality.
Ultra-compact, 3X optical zoom lens
The Optio S40 features the legendary smc PENTAX lens with 3X zoom capability with a focal
range equivalent to 35-105mm lens in 35mm format. Combined with a 4X digital zoom, the
Optio S40 offers 12X zoom. Zoom out for expansive scenes or in for tight framing. With
five groups of six lens elements crafted entirely from glass, the Optio S40 features two
lenses crafted to be aspherical on each side.
User-friendly operation
All Optio S40 buttons and controls are located within easy reach and in ready-to-shoot
position. The shutter release button along with all buttons on the back of the camera are
enlarged for easier manipulation, and a handy mode dial is employed to allow virtually
effortless selection from the impressive array of shooting modes.
Function customization
For customized, easy operation, the Optio
S40 allows four frequently used functions to be selected from a choice of seven (recording
size, image quality, exposure compensation, metering, white balance, ISO and AF area).
These can then be assigned to the left and right elements of the four-way controller for
access when the dial position is set in modes other than Auto Select, Movie, and Voice
recording.
Help function in Auto Select mode
A useful Help function can be easily
accessed when in both recording and playback modes, displaying simple explanations of all
button functions on the screen.
PictBridge compatibility
The Optio S40 supports PictBridge, a new
direct-print standard released by the CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association). With
this advantage, the Optio S40 can be connected directly to a printer that supports
PictBridge via USB cable and offer control over printing, resizing, trimming, digital
filter, and other functions — all without the need for a PC.
9-position mode dial
The Optio S40 makes it easy to select
shooting modes with a handy dial positioned in the middle of the top surface. Set the dial
to one of the nine modes described below and let the Optio S40 take care of all relevant
settings automatically.
Auto Select automatically sets the camera
and features a help function that displays simple-to-understand explanations of different
button functions.
Portrait mode capture skin tones in a
more natural, flattering manner.
Landscape mode makes it easy to capture the expansive beauty of wide-open natural scenes.
Night scene captures a significant amount of detail while retaining the true mood of shots
taken in low light.
Movie records video with sound
Voice records voice messages.
Digital effect in the Optio S40 offers a range of digital effects for the creation of
interesting images, with 8 digital filters, 2 in 1, multiple exposure, and Panorama Assist
functions.
Program leaves all settings to the camera
for spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities.
Picture mode allows the user to choose
from one of 10 different settings to swiftly make the most of the situation at hand.
Simple shooting with 8 Picture modes
In addition to placing Portrait,
Landscape, and Night scene modes directly on the mode dial, the Optio S40 also offers 8
picture modes with exceptionally easy access — in fact all you have to do is just
select the icon most appropriate for the scene, compose, then capture.
· Flower mode has been specially
designed to bring out the vivid color and intricate detail of flowers.
· Self-portrait mode delivers sharp
results and flattering tones whenever you need to take a shot of yourself.
· Surf mode counteracts the problems
associated with reflections of light off water — enabling pleasing, appropriate
exposure throughout the frame.
· Snow mode helps maintain true color
and avoid the detrimental effects of excessive reflection.
· Sunset mode has been specially decided to capture the warmth and romance of sunrise and
sunset scenes.
Art museum mode designed especially for
use in museums and galleries allows optimal exposure to be achieved while ensuring the
flash doesn’t fire.
Text mode has been developed to capture written material in a manner that maximizes
legibility.
Marine mode makes it easy to achieve truly attractive shots involving water*, making the
most of an array of different tones of blue.
* When the Optio S40 is housed within an optionally available waterproof case.
Digital effect mode offers digital
filters as well as multiple exposure, Panorama Assist, and 2 in 1 digital functions, the
Optio S40 opens up a range of exciting creative avenues. What’s more, all of these
special capabilities and effects can be made use of without the need for a PC.
8 digital filters
With a choice of eight filters comprising
red, green, blue, B&W with red, B&W with green, B&W with blue, B&W, and
sepia, the Optio S40 lets the user emphasize key colors of the original scene or add an
entirely different mood altogether.
2 in 1
Functioning exactly as it sounds, the
handy 2 in 1 function cuts a single frame in two, allowing two different images to be
recorded side by side.
Panorama Assist
Users can follow the camera’s simple
guidance to take a series of horizontal or vertical shots. These can then easily be
aligned and combined on a PC using the software provided to create one large image that
captures expansive scenes in their entirety.
USB mass storage class compatibility*
Supporting USB cable connectivity, the
Optio S40 allows multiple recorded shots to be swiftly and simply imported into common PC
applications.
*System requirements: PCs running Windows
2000, Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Mac OS 9.0, 9.1, 9.2 or Mac OS
X, Xv10.1, Xv10.2. Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not
guarantee USB compatibility.
Useful software included
The Optio S40 even comes with its own
CD-ROM of handy software, comprising the exclusive USB driver and the popular ACDSee for
PENTAX — which is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh computers.
Built-in auto flash
The built-in flash of the Optio S40 can
be set to fire automatically when shooting in light that is less than sufficient. It also
offers the user greater control when desired too, through the incorporation of Flash-on,
Flash-off, and red-eye reduction* modes. Finally, for a further advantage, it also
features a Slow shutter sync mode too, which is of particular use when shooting in Night
scene mode.
*This feature does not eliminate
“red eyes” in all instances.
High-precision LCD monitor
Offering a 100% field of view, the
1.6-inch LCD monitor makes composition a cinch. It also serves as a handy way to view
recorded shots, prior to printing out.
Optical viewfinder
The optical viewfinder makes it possible
for the user to switch off the handy LCD monitor, saving vital power whenever required.
Nine-image and Zoom display
The search for recorded shots is
significantly speeded up through the ability to display nine recorded shots on screen at
once. Then, when the user has located the shot they were after, they can simply enlarge it
to fit the dimensions of the screen, or even zoom in more closely with up to 16X
magnification.
Convenient self-timer
A handy self-timer makes it easy for the
photographer to get in on the shot, allowing easy self-portraits or all-inclusive group
compositions.
Optional remote control
Two remote control units are optionally available for the Optio S40. Named remote control
E and remote control F, they offer remote immediate shutter release, a useful three-second
timer function, and the former can even control zooming.
Continuous shooting
Continuous shooting is activated by
simply keeping the shutter button held down. This allows accelerated action to be captured
in a highly expressive manner.
Macro mode and Landscape mode
Through simple use of Macro mode, the
user can compose shots from as close as 7 inches from the subject at all zoom settings.
The Optio S40 also offers super macro shooting too, which lets the user move in further to
just 2.36 inches from the subject! The Optio S40 offers excellent performance right at the
other end of the scale too; capturing wide-open scenes of natural beauty with satisfying
focus that extends all the way to the horizon via easy selection of Infinity-landscape
mode.
Manual focus
The Optio S40 makes it easier to achieve
accuracy when undertaking manual focus. This is achieved through use of the LCD monitor
and its ability to enlarge the central part of a potential shot.
Options for autofocus
Choices for the user even extend to
autofocus. Spot AF allows the user to place the center of focus in the middle of the
frame, while 7-point autofocus allows simultaneous focusing on multiple subjects in
different parts of the frame.
White balance settings
With a range of white balance settings, the Optio S40 is highly competent at accommodating
different types of light. It features settings for Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, and
Fluorescent light, and there is also a manual setting that lets the user take total
control.
Histogram display
A histogram display makes it easy to view
light levels during both shooting and playback with accuracy. As a direct result, the user
is empowered to make a much more educated evaluation of each and every shot.
3 choices for metering
One of the keys to the versatility of the
Optio S40 is its choice of metering systems. Indeed, with a selection of multi-segment
metering, center-weighted metering, and spot metering, the Optio S40 achieves impressive
results in a very wide range of situations.
ISO settings
The power to ISO settings is absolutely vital when shooting in a range of light
intensities, and the Optio S40 makes it easy to select from a selection of ISO100, 200,
and 400, and it also offers the benefit of an auto setting.
Exposure compensation
Because exposure can be a matter of
personal taste, the Optio 40S can be set to capture images with exposure compensation
ranging across +2EV in steps of 1/3EV.
Settings for sharpness, saturation, and
contrast
With three grades of settings for
sharpness, saturation, and contrast, the Optio S40 provides the user with a markedly
greater degree of control over the nature of each and every shot.
Image protection
The Optio S40 provides extra protection
for images the user is sure they want to keep. Indeed with a special function that
prevents all specified shots from being erased, the user is even free to lend the camera
to others to use, without having to worry about them accidentally disposing of wanted
shots.
Mode memory function
Memory mode enables a combination of
settings to be saved at once. These are then returned to automatically as soon as the
power is next turned on.
World time function
The Optio S40 can display the time for 62 different cities around the world. It can also
record the time and date for each shot taken to enable simpler sorting when the user
returns home.
DPOF compatibility
DPOF compatibility gives the user even
greater control over printouts — letting them manipulate the date function as desired
and decide the number of copies*.
* Some printers may not support the above
functions. Please consult the supplier of your printer for more information.
Approximately 11MB of built-in memory
Even without additional media inserted,
the Optio S40 still has the power to record quality shots with ease. Indeed it has
approximately 11MB of built-in memory that allows the recording of a substantial amount of
images.
SD memory card and Multimediacard
compatibility
The Optio S40 is compatible with both SD
memory cards and Multimedia cards. Whichever the user chooses to use, they can benefit
from widespread availability and simple data transfer to PCs.
Resize function
A handy resize function makes it easy to
free up useful memory space, without forcing the user to delete shots already recorded.
It’s a highly useful function that works by simply reducing the size of selected
files, then giving the user the chance to save the image as an additional new, lighter
file, or easily overwrite its heavier version. The function can also be used to free up a
massive amount of memory in minimal time, by allowing all images to be selected and
subjected to resizing at once.
Trimming
With a handy trimming function, the Optio
S40 lets the user crop out unwanted parts of recorded images to achieve more reined
compositions, or select a main subject in a larger shot for saving as an image in its own
right.
Voice memo function
Up to 30 seconds of sound can be attached
to recorded images, allowing a greater degree of expression all round, not to mention a
tremendous amount of fun.
Customization
Users can also customize the Optio S40 by
selecting an image to appear as wallpaper on the camera’s start-up screen. The user
can also customize the camera further by selecting sounds to accompany shutter release and
a range of other actions.
AV (video/audio) output terminal
Through use of an AV output terminal and the provided AV cable, the Optio S40 makes it
easy to display images on the larger dimensions of a TV screen.
Power sources
Even power is an area of choice with the
Optio S40. Indeed not only is it compatible with commonly available CR-V3 and AA batteries
(alkaline, lithium, nickel hydride), there’s also an AC adapter available as an
option.
Operation in 9 languages
All menus and messages of the Optio S40
can be set for display in the user’s choice of English, French, German, Spanish,
Italian, Russian, Chinese (traditional/simplified), Korean, or Japanese.
Optional accessories
AC adapter
For continuous use over a long period of
time, an AC adapter can allow the Optio S40 to be plugged into a nearby power outlet.
Waterproof case
When housed in a convenient waterproof
case, the Optio S40 offers the exciting ability to take shots underwater.
