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Photography Monthly

03.03.09

Pentax adds to bridge camera range

Pentax has also released a new bridge camera, the X70.

This 12 megapixel model features a high-magnification optical 24-times zoom lens with a wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage. The focal-length coverage is between 26mm wide-angle to 624mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format).

If used with the digital zoom function, Pentax says the camera’s range can be extended to approximately 150 times (for an approximate focal length of 3900mm in the 35mm format).

The X70 incorporates a gyro sensor in it’s image stabilizer that will shift the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, which adds camera-shake compensation equivalent to approximately three shutter stops, according to the company.

The camera is capable of taking 11 images per second and up to 21 image in the continuous-shooting mode and the image size is fixed at 5 megapixels (2592 x 1944 pixels). It can also capture HD movie clips.

The camera carries four exposure modes: program, in which the camera automatically selects the aperture and shutter speed; aperture-priority, shutter-priority and metered manual. In this last mode, photographers can select either or both aperture and shutter speed.

For those more interested in the camera’s point and shoot capabilities, the camera carries an auto picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate scene selection by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This also features an auto macro mode, which switches the camera’s focus range to macro if needed. The face recognition function is capable of focusing and correctly exposing up to 32 faces in a single image.

Other user-friendly functions include smile capture, which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile; and blinking detection that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes were closed at the time of shutter release. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and super-high ISO 6400.

On the back of the camera is a large 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots.

The camera is priced at £369.99 and available immediately.

Other features

Choice of image format, from proportions of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1
Shooting mode palette for easy selection of the most appropriate shooting mode from 20 different options, including a new Baby mode programmed to capture the healthy, lively face of a baby
Overexposure compensation function to prevent white-washed highlight areas
1cm Macro mode can be used as close as one centimeter away from a subject for stunning close-up shots
Digital Wide function to composite one extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 20mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
World-time clock to display standard time in 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world, for an extra convenience on the road
Frame Composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
Approx. 33.6MB built-in memory
Red-eye reduction function to correct annoying red-eye in recorded images during playback

Specifications:

Focal Length: 15mm (Equivalent to 23mm in 35mm format)
Aperture: F4
Minimum Aperture:F22
Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
Angle of View: 86° (wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.18m (0.59 ft.)
Maximum Magnification: 0.15X
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Diaphragm Control: Fully Automatic
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 7
Lens aperture ring: None
Tripod adapter: None
Lens Hood: Built-in Flower-Shaped Lens Hood
Lens Cap: Screw-in Lens Cap
Lens Case: Lens Case DA-70
Maximum Diameter & Minimum Length: 63mm x 39.5mm (2.5 inch x 1.58 inch)
Weight: 212g / 7.47 oz

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