Pentax has intro’d two lightweight and reasonably priced point-and-shoots, the Optio M40 and Optio E40. The M40 is a whopper at 8-megapixels and features a streamlined ultra-slim designed metallic body that boasts 3X optical zoom, 4X digital zoom and a larger than life 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Face Recognition and Digital Shake Reduction are two key features that Pentax seems to excel at. The M40 offers 16 different photography modes, a new date imprint function, FotoNation’s red-eye reduction compensation function for flash shots and 21.9MB of built-in memory.
The E40 is an entry-level 8-megapixel digi-cam that also features Face Recognition, DSR, 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom. It’s a total beginners camera and is powered by AA batteries that can take up to 240 shots before needing a swap.
The PENTAX Optio M40 will ship in August for $199.95 and the Optio E40 will ship in September for $149.95.
