Pentax launches the Optio E70 and P70 compacts

Pentax is showing off its two latest compacts at CES, the Optio P70 and E70. The super-slim 10 megapixel E70 is the idiot-proof Pentax, designed for 'new digital users', with large buttons and full automation. That means you don't have to worry about the Shake Reduction, Face Recognition, Smile Capture and Blink Detection features, they just work when required. All you need to do is point and shoot via the 2.4-inch screen. But if your abilities stretch beyond pressing an oversized button, you could instead check out the P70 - you'll be rewarded with an much tastier set of features. Those include a 12 megapixel sensor, a 28mm wide-angle lens, Face Recognition able to capture up to 32 of your buddies in a single swoop and 720p HD video shooting at 15fps, all wrapped up in a ridiculously slim casing. You'll no doubt see better cameras this year, but you'll also see much, much worse. Look out for them from February 2009 in a variety of colours, priced in the affordable bracket. Link:  ... (link)