PENTAX has added a new budget compact to its Optio range. The E70L comes in black and features a 10.1MP sensor and a 3x optical zoom (32-96mm equivalent).

Pentax has also thrown in the usual array of scene modes, Face
Recognition (for up to 10 people), Smile Detection and Digital Shake
Reduction, to reduce camera shake. It takes AA batteries and costs a
measly £99. They even throw in a case.  

Here’s the basic specs:
•    10.1-megapixel-CCD
•    3x optical zoom 32 – 96 mm  / f 2.9-5.2
•    6 cm (2.4’’) TFT display, 112 Kdots
•    AUTO-mode and various scene modes
•    Video- and audio recording
•    11 megapixels Built-In Memory
•    ISO range 80 – 6.400
•    Face-Recognition AF & AE (max. 10 faces), smile detection
•    Compact, ergonomic body
•    Dimension: 93.5 (W) x 60.5 (H) x 26 (D) mm;
•    Weight: 175 g (loaded and ready)
•    Price: £99.99 (RRP)
•    Market launch: February 2009

For more info visit www.pentax.co.uk