Pentax Optio VS20

New, Innovative 20x Zoom Compact

By PF Staff in Pentax Rumors on Jan 25, 2012

It looks like the first new Pentax compact of 2012 is here- the Optio VS20!  New of this new compact, posted via Norwegian press channel, suggests that the camera has some very exciting highlights and is a truly-modern compact camera.

Key Specifications

• 16 megapixel CCD Sensor
• 3-inch LCD
• 20x zoom lens (28-560mm equiv.)
• Minimum focusing distance of 10mm in macro mode
• Sensor-shift Shake Reduction
• ISO 6400
• HD video recording (720p)

Though it hasn't yet officially been announced in the US, sources say that the camera is expected to launch next month at an MSRP of around $249.

Although the camera is still running Pentax's beginner-friendly point-and-shoot firmware with automatic shooting mode selection, three new filters have been added to this camera, namely:

• Fish-eye mode
• Hand-held night snap mode
• Sketch mode

The VS20 also has an innovative shutter release button on the side in order to make verticals a snap, and for group or family shots, it will fully support Pentax's IR remote control.  The makers also state that the new night snap mode will greatly reduce image noise.

As you can see from the photos, it features an elegant yet simple design and a very compact body.

Once this camera is officially announced in the US, we will post its complete specifications and add it to our camera database.