Pentax Ricoh Imaging has announced a new superzoom compact camera, the Optio VS20, which features a 28-560mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens and a unique design that incorporates a shutter release on both the top and side of the camera.

This makes it possible to zoom and fire the shutter when grabbing photos in landscape and portrait orientation, similar to the functionality provided by a vertical D-SLR grip accessory. A second tripod socket is also built into the camera, which is a boon for shooters who use compact tripods that don't feature pan/tilt or ball head.

The VS20 features a 16-megapixel CCD image sensor with mechanical sensor-shift shake reduction, the same technology that is built into Pentax D-SLR cameras. This method of stabilization physically moves the image sensor to compensate for shake, which makes it possible to grab sharp images at slower shutter speeds. A 3-inch LCD with a 170° viewing angle adorns the rear of the camera. It is packed with 460,000 dots and protected by an anti-glare coating. The VS20 records video at 720p HD resolution.

A number of scene modes and art filters are available as well. The camera's Auto Picture Mode selects from one of its 15 shooting modes—including Blue Sky, Sunset, and Handheld Night Snap—or you can enter into any of these modes manually. Art filters include Fish-eye, Sketch, and Stretch, each of which can give your images a unique look and style. The camera also features Face Recognition AF and AE, as well as a Face Recall function, which can place focus priority on a registered faces to ensure that your child's face is in focus in group shots.

The camera, which will be available in white or black finishes, is set to ship in February for $249.95.

Source: PCMag

Pentax Optio VS20 Compact Super Zoom Camera Pictures

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