Pentax Optio RZ18 packs 18x optical zoom

Pentax announced a new point-and-shoot digital camera called the Optio RZ18 that packs an impressive 18x optical zoom lens that covers the focal lengths from 25mm to 450mm. That provides wide angle up to super-telephoto shots to cover almost any shooting situations. And it's all stuffed inside a super compact camera, perfect for travel.

Besides the amazing 18x optical zoom, the Optio RZ18 also features a 16-megapixel sensor and multiple Pentax Shake Reduction image stabilization technologies, including sensor-shift SR for sharp images even when there's less light. It has a 3-inch LCD display with HVGA resolution and a 9-point autofocus with a 4cm super macro mode.

Additionally, the Optio RZ18 features several shooting modes and scene modes as well as special effects filters and face detection. The camera is also capable of capturing widescreen 720p HD video at 30fps. Priced at $299.95, the Optio RZ18 is set to launch in October.

[via Marketwatch]