Pentax has announced a new addition to the Optio range in the shape of the Pentax Optio RZ18. With an 18x optical zoom from a 25mm wide angle lens this new compact offers plenty, especially when the slim body is considered.

Also present on this pocketable model is a 3inch LCD screen as well as a 720p HD movie mode. Both the 16MP sensor and dual shake reduction, based around CCD shift and pixel tracking, should ensure the image quality is decent even when the full magnification is used.

An auto scene selection mode and wide variety of filters are also available, but no mention of manual control over the likes of shutter speed and aperture. With the likes of the Panasonic TZ20 and Sony HX9 offering more functionality with a similar amount of magnification the Pentax Optio RZ18 may find it difficult to compete, but being £199 RRP, which is around £100 cheaper than both models, will undoubtedly help.

For more information on the Pentax RZ18 head to Pentax’s website.