Feature packed bridge camera offers 52x optical zoom and 9fps continuous shooting at an affordable price

Ricoh Imaging UK has today announced a new Pentax model in the shape of the Pentax XG-1.

The new bridge camera offers a host of attractive features at a price which won’t break the bank, and as such will prove an attractive prospect for those looking for a portable superzoom.

The highlight of the XG-1’s specification is no doubt its impressive optical capabilities. The model features a huge 52x optical zoom with an impressive 24mm wide angle in 35mm equivalent terms, extending to 1248mm at the tele end of the zoom.

The lens is supported by sensor shift image stabilisation which should ensure sharp images at the longer focal distances, while a macro shooting mode allows for focusing as close as just 1cm from the lens.

In terms of image capture, the XG-1 features a 16MP 1/2.3in BSI CMOS sensor complete with a relatively narrow 100 – 3200 ISO range. The XG-1 is, however, capable of capturing burst images at an impressive rate of around 9fps.

The rear of the camera houses a 3in, 460k-dot LCD screen, as well as a useful EVF for capturing images when conditions rule out the rear screen.

As you might expect for a bridge camera aimed at the entry level of the bridge market, the XG-1 features a host of different shooting modes, with some eye-catching settings including a ‘Face Beautifier’ setting and a ‘Pet Detection’ mode.

The Pentax XG-1 is due on shelves towards the middle of August, with a list price of £279.99.