Pentax Canada introduced an SLR-style fixed lens digital camera in a hotel suite adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center adjacent concurrent with PMA 2010.

The X90 uses a 12.1 mega-pixel CCD sensor, hitched to a very versatile 26:1 zooming optical package consisting of 14 elements (of which four are aspherical and three are ED glass) in 11 groups that covers the field of view of 26mm through 676mm (35mm eq.). It also includes 1cm macro capability.

Users monitor the image via an EVF (with diopter adjustment) or a 2.7" 230k-dot LCD.

The X90 shares several features with the Optio W90 (see today's posting), including three-way stabilization, and enhanced face AE/AF that works quicker than ever, and on dogs and cats.

Pentax Canada's National Sales Manager, Gary Collins told me that the CCD sensor-shift mechanical image stabilization (which Pentax says is good for a three-stop advantage) has been greatly improved in this model, and promptly used the suite's ninth-floor perch to prove his point. Distant signage that we snapped handheld at the end of the optical zoom range was sharp and completely readable when reviewed on the LCD.

Pentax adds that a larger-capacity lithium-ion battery extends the X90's battery life by 50 per cent compared to its predecessor (the X70): it can snap approximately 255 images on a single charge.

Other features include 720p (at 30 fps) movie mode (with the option of an anti-shake mode that narrows the angle of shooting); a burst mode delivering 11 five-mega-pixel images per second; choice of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1 proportions; and various "digital filters" (including Toy Camera and Retro).

The scheduled availability is April, and the projected retail price is C$379.

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