Pentax has announced the Optio E50 digital camera with several improvements over its predecessor, the E40. Now with a more tempting design, E50 has a 8.1 megapixel camera and 1/2.5-inch CCD with 3x optical and 4x digital zoom lens capable of producing pictures up to 1024x640 and video at 640x480 resolution. Along with the face recognition AF & AE, auto picture mode, 6m flash, and digital shake reduction with sensitivity up to ISO1600, the Optio E50 fits the bill for an entry-level digital camera. The 2.4-inch LCD screen provides for easy viewing and there is support for SDHC/SD cards supplementing onboard memory of 10MB. There is also a special "Green Mode" function which upon activation can automatically set exposure, sensitivity, white balance and other settings according to the conditions. The Optio E50 makes for a perfect travel companion as it is powered by two AA batteries and up to 250 pictures can be clicked away with no trouble.

The Pentax Optio E50 will be available in March 2008 at a price of $150.