Pentax S1 sits in the mid-range with a high-resolution 14-megapixel sensor and a straightforward 5X, 28-140mm corresponding lens. The S1 uses sensor-shift stabilization and is able to record 720p video. An optional IR remote is available to frequent portrait and self-portrait takers.

Pentax’s new compact camera will start shipping soon, being due in stores in late March. The S1 is expected to arrive in chrome silver, red-laced black and aqua green, all being priced at $200.

Unlike the options in the home country of Pentax, the grip and lens can be only black on all cameras but the red ones, which already have a red version for the 18-55m kit lens. The Japanese version has as much as twenty different colours for the body and allows users customize the grip and lens with similar tones.

No matter what the colour is, all the US-available cameras have the same 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 720-pixel video and 4.7 frames-per-second burst shooting as before. Their price is $650. Pentax claims K-x cameras will ship within ten days of an order.

The new device features the Pentax-made Real Image Engine, Dust Removal II system, 14-bit A/D converter and glass prism viewfinder. Users will be allowed to load two separate card slots, each of them holding a single SD/SDHC memory card.

Pentax will also launch its D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL lens together with the camera body. Being equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35 format, the lens provides waterproof protection like the body itself does. The design is the first of Pentax to sport a completely rounded diaphragm.

The Pentax 645D camera will ship sometime in May and expected prices are ¥850,000, the equivalent of about $9,500 USD for the body of the camera and ¥100,000, about $1,000 USD, for the lens. It is not very clear now when the camera will reach the North American market, as availability will be initially limited to Japan.

The W90 camera has a new Digital Microscope mode, software playing now a more important role in the camera’s outdoors behaviour. It has a macro-oriented LED ring on its body, being able to take illuminated shots as well as moving footage at a distance of only 0.4 inches from the lens.

The new Optio W90 has the same 12-megapixel resolution and 720-pixel video recording and the same fast 32-person face recognition as the X90 and a stabilization system assisted by software and working both for videos and still images. Outdoor shooting is helped by a 5x, 28-140mm equivalent lens as well as an anti-glare preview display.

The Optio W90 will start shipping in April, in all-black or two-tone pistachio, at a price of $330. Accessories will include a carabiner clip and a waterproof IR remote. A secondary underwater housing that is able to keep the camera safe in water as deep as 197 feet will be available in June.

The PMA is famous for being the largest American photography trade show. Last fall, when Canon announced that it won’t be present, the show has been mentioned for the company’s absence. Canon’s decision has had serious effects in the industry, as several other important companies have decided to unveil their major products out-of-show.

According to PMAI, Pentax will be present at the show, but only with a technology suite, not the usual booth on the floor.

The I10 goes back to the look of vintage film SLRs, even including an element of SLR-level features. With fixed-in-place 5× and 28-140mm equivalent lens, the compact camera supports remote control for taking indirect shoots. The 12-megapixel camera does not have an optical viewfinder but sports sensor-based image stabilization, 720-pixel video capture and a new system to detect faces, which can track 32 faces and recognize pets too.

The H90 brings back the image of older rangefinders but has a contemporary design with flat enough surfaces as well as a two-tone body. It has the same resolution and lens features, as well as the 720-pixel video, but has a new pixel tracking engine in order to compensate for shake according to top of ISO-based checks.

The starting point of the line is considered to be the E90 camera with a rubberized and more economic grip. Otherwise, it sports a 10-megapixel sensor, 3× 32-96mm lens, ISO-only shake reduction and ISO 6,400 sensitivity. The compact camera uses AA batteries to be powered.

The three cameras will ship in February. The I10 will come in white or black colours at a price of $300, while the price for the H90 will be $180 and it will be available in silver/black, orange/silver and all-white trims. Pentax will bring the E90 in red or black colour schemes at a price of $100.

No release dates were unveiled but it is known that at least one of the models will have a special retro design. They will be relatively conventional as referring to their features although having a special look.

Launch information is still missing but rumours about a third model appearing at the same time have been heard.

The settings of the Pentax Optio M85 comprise features such as auto scene, face recognition for up to ten faces at a time and approximately 215 shots for the CIPA standard that are powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Coming back to its appearance, the innovative digital camera is a slim gadget that is 19 millimeters thick and weighs almost 128 grams. Observing these specifics we can conclude that it fits even in a pocket. It`s whole measures are 90x58x19 millimeters.

The Pentax Optio M85 digital camera will be launched this year in October.