kevinrstruck
18th February 2003, 12:41
The new Optio 550 and the Optio 450 from PENTAX - Distinctive clarity, distinguished digital performance
PENTAX Corporation is proud to present the Optio 550 and the Optio 450. Two cameras that follow in the footsteps of the popular Optio430 and Optio330, they offer high-level performance and are convenient enough to make you want to carry them everywhere. Each of the two new models has a compact body and a stylish design, yet provides high-quality images that satisfy. Even functionality and operability have been enhanced, and digital clarity is assured with the power of 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels respectively.
Major Features
1. Sleek, sophisticated design
Stylishly crafted from aluminum alloy, and complete with a design accent that enhances the bases of the lenses, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 convey a strong sense of refinement at the first glance. They also feel exceptionally comfortable in the hand and offer simple operation. As a result, the pleasure of these cameras comes as much from ownership as it does from usage. What's more, the dimensions of both cameras has also been reduced without a compromise in performance through use of an ultra-compact zoom lens that retracts in not one, but two stages when the power is switched off.
2. 5X optical zooming with an ultra-compact lens
Though the lenses on the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are exceptionally compact, they succeed in offering a surprisingly high level of performance with 5X optical zooming. They deliver the satisfaction of high resolution while minimizing levels of distortion, and zooming power can be augmented through combination with digital 4X zoom for a total of 20X zoom performance. Both models also feature a convenient zoom button, that allows easy operation for swift composition as you desire.
3. The digital precision of 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels
The Optio 550 and the Optio 450 both excel when it comes to sheer image recording quality. Indeed, with 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels respectively, and the advantage of high-performance image processing technology, they have the ability to produce images of a much more artistic nature.
4. Simple, swift operation
Employing a newly designed processing circuit, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are as simple to use as they are stylish. The playback of images is made so much more easy and they are also both ready to shoot whenever the power is on. In fact, all you have to do to is compose your shot and press the shutter, so you can concentrate on content while the camera takes care of the technical details. The selection of shooting modes has also been made simple with single dial operation. This allows you to choose from Metered Manual, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Program, Picture, Movie, Panorama Assist, 3D image, Digital Filter, User and Voice Recording modes with minimal effort. The Optio 550 and Optio 450 also offer standalone buttons for the easy access of frequently used shooting and playback functions, ways to customize the operational process, and handy functions such as quick deletion and quick enlargement.
5. 3D image mode achieves stereoscopic shooting
With the 3D image mode, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 add a totally new dimension to digital photography. Just take two shots following a simple set of guidelines to achieve shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided.
6. Digital filter mode gives greater creative freedom
Achieving effects similar to conventional filters, digital filter mode gives you the freedom to influence the overall tone of your shot. With a choice of black & white and sepia shooting as well as a range of other tones (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple), digital filter mode can let you add more mood to a sunset, for example, or tone down subjects that are too bright. A soft focus effect can also be achieved through selection of the Soft filter setting.
Other features
1. USB compatibility*
One of the greatest advantages of digital photography is the ability to transfer images to PCs. The Optio 550 and the Optio 450 make this process as easy as can be through connection to a USB cable, allowing you to import your shots into a wide range of common applications with speed and ease. What's more, the advantage of USB also means that you can import a number of images simultaneously.
* System requirements: PC running Windows 98/98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Mac OS 9.0 or higher (installation of the included driver software is required, except in the case of Mac 0S 9.0 or higher, Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP). Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not guarantee USB compatibility.
2. Also includes additional software
Each Optio 550 and Optio 450 comes complete with its own CD-ROM. This not only contains a USB driver, but also features the popular ACDSee™ application which is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.
3. Built-in auto flash
Auto flash can be set to discharge automatically when shooting scenes in low-light conditions. For greater control, each model also features Flash-on, Flash-off, and red-eye reduction* modes. There's even Slow shutter sync mode, which can be selected when using Night Scene mode.
*This feature does not eliminate "red eye" in all instances.
4. Precise LCD monitor
Accurate composition can be made easier through use of the high-resolution 1.5-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT colour LCD monitor that offers a 100% view of the frame. The monitor is also extremely handy when you wish to check shots you have just recorded.
5. Optical Viewfinder
Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are equipped with a viewfinder offering actual image zoom. This can be used to let you conserve power by switching off the LCD monitor and it also offers diopter adjustment.
6. Digital zoom
The power of 4X digital zoom can be combined with the optical 5X zoom to realize a combined zooming power of an impressive 20X
7. Nine-image / Zoom display
The search for recorded images can be significantly speeded up through use of a function that allows nine images to be displayed on the LCD screen at once. The screen can also be used to display images with up to 8X magnification, which makes it so much easier to check for clear focus and inspect details on recorded shots.
8. A range of shooting modes to choose from
A total of ten shooting modes can be selected easily with just the turn of a dial. Simply activate the one that best fits your subject from Metered Manual, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Program, Picture, Movie, Panorama Assist, 3D image, Digital Filter, and User modes.
Metered manual - This useful mode gives you the freedom to decide both shutter speed and aperture settings for yourself, so you can take difficult shots or achieve more creative results.
Shutter-priority AE - Select the shutter speed to deliver the desired effect and Shutter-priority AE will select the ideal corresponding aperture for your shot. This allows you to create a sense of movement with blurring or freeze rapid moving objects in time.
Aperture-priority AE - With Aperture-priority AE, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 give you subtle control over depth of field and exposure. Throw background elements out of focus to add emphasis to your main subject, or capture everything up to the horizon with clarity while the camera calculates the optimal shutter speed.
Program - Take control over a whole range of functions to produce results much closer to the ones you desire.
Picture - With a choice of nine convenient picture modes, the Optio 550 and Optio 450 prepare you to tackle a wide range of different subjects and situations. Simply select from Landscape, Night Scene, Flower, Portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Colour, Sunset, Fire Works and Text.
Movie - Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels. For additional convenience, all clips are recorded in MOV format to facilitate simple playback on PCs.*
Panorama Assist - By simply following the guidance given by the cameras and using the software included with the Optio 550 and Optio 450, panorama-like pictures can be effectively created through the vertical or horizontal combination of multiple pictures on a PC.
3D image - Create shots that have a real sense of depth when seen through the special viewer provided by taking two shots following the cameras' simple guidance.
Digital Filter - This mode achieves effects similar to conventional filters - select from black & white and sepia shooting as well as a range of different colours (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple). Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 also feature a soft filter that can be used to add a delicate effect.
User - Allowing a combination of preferred settings to be memorized for easy access, the Optio 550 and Optio 450 let you express your own sense of style in the way you capture different situations.
Voice recording mode - The Optio 550 and Optio 450 are not limited to merely taking outstanding shots. They can each also be used as an audio recorder, which makes them so much more useful in a range of situations.
Voice memo function - Up to 30 seconds of sound can be added to images. This allows you to add further expression to the scenes you record, and bring special memories to life.
* System requirements for use of the Movie function: PCs running Windows 98/98SE, or Windows 2000 operating systems which came with Direct X8.0 or higher and Windows Media Player pre-installed. PC running Windows Me or Windows XP operating systems featuring Windows Media Player or QuickTime or higher. Macintosh machines running operating systems, which came with QuickTime 4.0 or higher pre-installed.
PENTAX Corporation is proud to present the Optio 550 and the Optio 450. Two cameras that follow in the footsteps of the popular Optio430 and Optio330, they offer high-level performance and are convenient enough to make you want to carry them everywhere. Each of the two new models has a compact body and a stylish design, yet provides high-quality images that satisfy. Even functionality and operability have been enhanced, and digital clarity is assured with the power of 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels respectively.
Major Features
1. Sleek, sophisticated design
Stylishly crafted from aluminum alloy, and complete with a design accent that enhances the bases of the lenses, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 convey a strong sense of refinement at the first glance. They also feel exceptionally comfortable in the hand and offer simple operation. As a result, the pleasure of these cameras comes as much from ownership as it does from usage. What's more, the dimensions of both cameras has also been reduced without a compromise in performance through use of an ultra-compact zoom lens that retracts in not one, but two stages when the power is switched off.
2. 5X optical zooming with an ultra-compact lens
Though the lenses on the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are exceptionally compact, they succeed in offering a surprisingly high level of performance with 5X optical zooming. They deliver the satisfaction of high resolution while minimizing levels of distortion, and zooming power can be augmented through combination with digital 4X zoom for a total of 20X zoom performance. Both models also feature a convenient zoom button, that allows easy operation for swift composition as you desire.
3. The digital precision of 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels
The Optio 550 and the Optio 450 both excel when it comes to sheer image recording quality. Indeed, with 5.0 and 4.0 effective megapixels respectively, and the advantage of high-performance image processing technology, they have the ability to produce images of a much more artistic nature.
4. Simple, swift operation
Employing a newly designed processing circuit, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are as simple to use as they are stylish. The playback of images is made so much more easy and they are also both ready to shoot whenever the power is on. In fact, all you have to do to is compose your shot and press the shutter, so you can concentrate on content while the camera takes care of the technical details. The selection of shooting modes has also been made simple with single dial operation. This allows you to choose from Metered Manual, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Program, Picture, Movie, Panorama Assist, 3D image, Digital Filter, User and Voice Recording modes with minimal effort. The Optio 550 and Optio 450 also offer standalone buttons for the easy access of frequently used shooting and playback functions, ways to customize the operational process, and handy functions such as quick deletion and quick enlargement.
5. 3D image mode achieves stereoscopic shooting
With the 3D image mode, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 add a totally new dimension to digital photography. Just take two shots following a simple set of guidelines to achieve shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided.
6. Digital filter mode gives greater creative freedom
Achieving effects similar to conventional filters, digital filter mode gives you the freedom to influence the overall tone of your shot. With a choice of black & white and sepia shooting as well as a range of other tones (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple), digital filter mode can let you add more mood to a sunset, for example, or tone down subjects that are too bright. A soft focus effect can also be achieved through selection of the Soft filter setting.
Other features
1. USB compatibility*
One of the greatest advantages of digital photography is the ability to transfer images to PCs. The Optio 550 and the Optio 450 make this process as easy as can be through connection to a USB cable, allowing you to import your shots into a wide range of common applications with speed and ease. What's more, the advantage of USB also means that you can import a number of images simultaneously.
* System requirements: PC running Windows 98/98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional or Mac OS 9.0 or higher (installation of the included driver software is required, except in the case of Mac 0S 9.0 or higher, Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP). Compliance with the aforementioned system requirements does not guarantee USB compatibility.
2. Also includes additional software
Each Optio 550 and Optio 450 comes complete with its own CD-ROM. This not only contains a USB driver, but also features the popular ACDSee™ application which is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.
3. Built-in auto flash
Auto flash can be set to discharge automatically when shooting scenes in low-light conditions. For greater control, each model also features Flash-on, Flash-off, and red-eye reduction* modes. There's even Slow shutter sync mode, which can be selected when using Night Scene mode.
*This feature does not eliminate "red eye" in all instances.
4. Precise LCD monitor
Accurate composition can be made easier through use of the high-resolution 1.5-inch low-temperature polysilicon TFT colour LCD monitor that offers a 100% view of the frame. The monitor is also extremely handy when you wish to check shots you have just recorded.
5. Optical Viewfinder
Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are equipped with a viewfinder offering actual image zoom. This can be used to let you conserve power by switching off the LCD monitor and it also offers diopter adjustment.
6. Digital zoom
The power of 4X digital zoom can be combined with the optical 5X zoom to realize a combined zooming power of an impressive 20X
7. Nine-image / Zoom display
The search for recorded images can be significantly speeded up through use of a function that allows nine images to be displayed on the LCD screen at once. The screen can also be used to display images with up to 8X magnification, which makes it so much easier to check for clear focus and inspect details on recorded shots.
8. A range of shooting modes to choose from
A total of ten shooting modes can be selected easily with just the turn of a dial. Simply activate the one that best fits your subject from Metered Manual, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Program, Picture, Movie, Panorama Assist, 3D image, Digital Filter, and User modes.
Metered manual - This useful mode gives you the freedom to decide both shutter speed and aperture settings for yourself, so you can take difficult shots or achieve more creative results.
Shutter-priority AE - Select the shutter speed to deliver the desired effect and Shutter-priority AE will select the ideal corresponding aperture for your shot. This allows you to create a sense of movement with blurring or freeze rapid moving objects in time.
Aperture-priority AE - With Aperture-priority AE, the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 give you subtle control over depth of field and exposure. Throw background elements out of focus to add emphasis to your main subject, or capture everything up to the horizon with clarity while the camera calculates the optimal shutter speed.
Program - Take control over a whole range of functions to produce results much closer to the ones you desire.
Picture - With a choice of nine convenient picture modes, the Optio 550 and Optio 450 prepare you to tackle a wide range of different subjects and situations. Simply select from Landscape, Night Scene, Flower, Portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Colour, Sunset, Fire Works and Text.
Movie - Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 are capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels. For additional convenience, all clips are recorded in MOV format to facilitate simple playback on PCs.*
Panorama Assist - By simply following the guidance given by the cameras and using the software included with the Optio 550 and Optio 450, panorama-like pictures can be effectively created through the vertical or horizontal combination of multiple pictures on a PC.
3D image - Create shots that have a real sense of depth when seen through the special viewer provided by taking two shots following the cameras' simple guidance.
Digital Filter - This mode achieves effects similar to conventional filters - select from black & white and sepia shooting as well as a range of different colours (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple). Both the Optio 550 and the Optio 450 also feature a soft filter that can be used to add a delicate effect.
User - Allowing a combination of preferred settings to be memorized for easy access, the Optio 550 and Optio 450 let you express your own sense of style in the way you capture different situations.
Voice recording mode - The Optio 550 and Optio 450 are not limited to merely taking outstanding shots. They can each also be used as an audio recorder, which makes them so much more useful in a range of situations.
Voice memo function - Up to 30 seconds of sound can be added to images. This allows you to add further expression to the scenes you record, and bring special memories to life.
* System requirements for use of the Movie function: PCs running Windows 98/98SE, or Windows 2000 operating systems which came with Direct X8.0 or higher and Windows Media Player pre-installed. PC running Windows Me or Windows XP operating systems featuring Windows Media Player or QuickTime or higher. Macintosh machines running operating systems, which came with QuickTime 4.0 or higher pre-installed.