PENTAX Launches Sixth DivX Certified Digital Camera

Optio A30 helps users record video directly in DivX format for instant playback on millions of devices

DivX, Inc. and PENTAX Imaging Company today announced the DivX certification of the PENTAX Optio A30, the innovative imaging company's sixth DivX Certified digital camera in 18 months.
As a DivX Certified digital camera, the Optio A30 makes it easy for users to create their own media. With the push of a button on a palm-sized digital camera, users can instantly record high-quality DivX video and play it back on any of the 70 million DivX Certified consumer electronic devices available today.

The PENTAX Optio A30 camera is a 10-megapixel still camera with unprecedented video capabilities. It sports a 2.5 inch color LCD for optimal still and video capture, and can capture up to one hour of high-quality DivX video on a 1GB media card.

When evaluating digital cameras for purchase, consumers used to only look for an easy way to shoot good still photos. With the growth of online video sharing sites like Stage6 and Photobucket, consumers are demanding more from their digital cameras. In addition to still shots, cameras must also offer video recording capabilities.

"When it comes to giving consumers what they want, the ability to record high-quality DivX video has become an important product differentiator for PENTAX," said John Carlson, Product Manager at PENTAX Imaging Company. "We're excited to work with the DivX team to release our sixth consecutive DivX Certified digital still camera."

"PENTAX is an innovator, as evidenced by their decision to release the worldÂ’s first ever DivX Certified digital camera two years ago," said Kevin Hell, CXO, Partners and Licensing at DivX, Inc. "By partnering with PENTAX to certify even more devices, we are extending the DivX common media language by allowing consumers to easily create, play and share high-quality DivX content across more platforms and consumer electronic devices."

Video creation on consumer-grade digital cameras is increasing in popularity. "Fifty percent of digital camera users shoot video clips with their cameras about twice per month," reports IDC Research Manager Chris Chute. "Given this trend, IDC believes video capture in digital cameras will re-shape how consumers view photography and create media overall."

While recording video using a digital camera is becoming more commonplace, most consumers still don't know what they can do with the video or how to get the video off the device. DivX solves this problem by letting users easily transfer their video footage from the PENTAX digital camera to a range of different products and platforms--from DivX Certified devices like DVD players, portable media players and digital televisions to Internet video sharing platforms.

Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure a high-quality DivX media experience, including reliable video creation and playback, interoperability with other DivX Certified devices and the visual quality users expect from DivX. The DivX Certified PENTAX Optio A30 digital camera will be available mid March at retail stores worldwide. Learn more about DivX Certification at www.divx.com/company - DivX.