Pentax Optio P80 Compact Digital Camera
October 25, 2009 | Digital Camera, Electronics, Gadgets | 2 CommentsSince Pentax merger with Hoya in 2007, there have been persistent rumors that the company Optio line of compact digital cameras would be canceled, freeing resources for development of its portfolio more profitable digital SLR. However, these rumors appear to be unfounded, at least until now, because new Optio models continue to emerge as the Optio P80, a stylish ultra compact 12 megapixel camera with zoom 4x wide-angle.
There may be evidence that the development compact camera is not as high a priority as it used to be good, because the P80 is almost identical to P70 Optio, launched earlier this year. The only real improvements are the video recording mode, increasing the frequency of images of 1280 x 720 mode from 15 to 30fps, and improved face detection / recognition function, which can now detect up to 32 faces and more quickly.
All other functions of the device remain unchanged, including the 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, zoom 4x wide-angle (equivalent to 27.5 – 110mm) and 2.7-inch 230k monitor. The body is identical to that of P70. The P80 is a very flat and compact, by any standard, measuring 97 x 54 x 21.5mm and tipping the scales at an ultra-light 120g with battery and memory card. The body is aluminum and is available in either silver, metallic green or attractive glossy black finish you see here. The build quality is as good as ever, but as the P70 round-ended form is difficult to safely enter especially with sweaty fingers. [via trustedreviews]
