Pentax has released two new point and shoot cameras.  The Optio P70 features 12 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, a 2.7″ LCD screen and a ridiculous maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 6400.  The Optio E70 features 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.4″ LCD screen.  The P70 will retail for $199.95 and the E70 for $139.95.  For more info, see the following press release.

GOLDEN, Colo. – PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two stylish, colorful, compact digital cameras: the Optio P70 and Optio E70. The ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P70 digital compact camera is a high-performance model featuring fast, advanced functions to make high-quality digital photography simple and effortless. With 12 megapixels for large, detailed images, a 4X optical zoom (equivalent to 27.5mm-110mm), plus a wide angle 28mm lens that is ideal for landscape, indoor and group photos, the fashionable Optio P70 metal body is available in multiple stylish colors. Additional features include a 2.7 inch high-resolution, wide-angle view LCD panel, and new Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology to assure sharp images with low noise even in poor lighting. The Optio P70 also offers Advanced Face Recognition that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, and both Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile, and Blink Detection to alert you if your subject’s eyes are closed. Digital Shake Reduction sets the sensitivity up to ISO 6400 to prevent subject blur, HD movie captures vivid video in widescreen 720p at 15 FPS, and a Vertical Snap mode allows image capture with the ease of a cell phone camera.

PENTAX also announced the latest model in the PENTAX easy-to-use, affordable compact digital E series: the Optio E70. Designed for new digital users, the Optio E70 offers simple operation with large control buttons in a compact, ultra-slim body. With a 10 megapixel CCD and a 3X wide zoom lens (equivalent to 35mm-105mm), the Optio E70 features a 2.4 inch color LCD monitor to easily frame and review your images and video. Perfect for travelers, the Optio E70 is compatible with AA batteries that are easy to find in nearly every destination. PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from seven shooting modes for the best picture in any situation. The Optio E70 also features Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology, Advanced Face Recognition (32 faces in 0.03 seconds), Smile Capture and Blink Detection for beautiful, detailed images from an affordable camera.

The PENTAX Optio P70 will be available for $199.95 in a choice of three colors: white, red and silver. The PENTAX Optio E70 will be available in champagne gold, deep blue and red for $139.95 USD. Both cameras will ship in February 2009.