Pentax Ricoh Imaging Canada Inc. has announced a new compact super-zoom camera. The Pentax Optio VS20 features a 20x wide-angle zoom lens (28-560mm equivalent), 16-megapixel sensor, and 3" 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD.

The VS20's macro mode lets users shoot as close as 1cm. A unique touch is the presence of shutter-release and zoom buttons on both the top and side of the camera, for comfortable use in both horizontal and vertical orientation.

The new camera has three methods of image stabilization: CCD shift, which moves the sensor to compensate for camera shake; Digital SR (shake reduction), which boosts ISO to allow for faster shutter speeds (in this mode, resolution drops to 5MP), and Movie SR, which shifts pixels to compensate for camera movement when shooting videos (in this mode, viewing angle becomes narrower).

There are 15 scene modes, including new options Handheld Night Snap and Sketch. In Auto Picture mode, the VS20 automatically selects the best picture mode for the subject. The VS20 also features an upgrade Face-Recognition AF and AE function, including a new Face Recall function, which optimizes focus and exposure for faces registered with the camera.

Users can capture HD video at 1280x720 pixels with a dedicated video button on the back panel.

The VS20 will be available in Canada in February, in black or white finishes. Canadian retail price has not been announced. In the U.S., the VS20 will retail for $250.

Article Tags:  Pentax, Ricoh, Canada, camera, Optio, VS20, super-zoom, SR, CCD