Pentax has confirmed the launch of a retro designed SLR shaped digital compact camera called the Optio I-10.

The device, which takes its cue from Olympus' Pen E-P1, will offer a white retro case, offer a 12-megapixel sensor and sport a 5x optical zoom (equivalent to a 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto lens).

Although the I-10 looks like a DSLR camera, it's far from it, nor will it attempt to take on the new range of "hybrid" models from Olympus, Panasonic or Samsung, instead promising a range of AF and AE features in the guise of face recognition to beat all face recognition systems.

According to Pentax, the new camera "accurately detects up to 32 faces" in the image field, and in addition to being able to detect small faces (presumably kids) it will also be able to register up to three dog or cat faces too for the LOL CAT moments and automatically optimise focus and exposure.

The user can even program the camera to automatically release the shutter the moment the subject’s face turns straight towards the camera.

Video recording comes in the way of 720p at a frame rate of 30 frames per second.

The Pentax Optio I-10 is expected in February priced at £199.99.

The company also announced the H90 "a compact, lightweight, “no frills” digital compact camera priced at £129.99, and the E90, also an entry-class digital compact camera, featuring an upgraded Smile Capture function and simple, user-friendly operation. It will cost just £79.99.

Recommended articles