"Free and easy photography" are the promises being made for the cheap as chips Optio E50, which will arrive in the UK next month for £99.99.

The new model has an 8.1 Megapixel CCD, 2.4 inch TFT monitor and 3x zoom lens delivering a focal range of 6.2 – 18.6 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.2.

The camera is 96.5(B) x 60(H) x 22(D)mm, which means it is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Optio E40.

Other improvements on the previous model include a sensitivity range from ISO 100-1600; flash range of 0.15m to 6.0m (wide-angle) or 0.4m to 3.2m (telephoto); and up to 250 exposures per set of AA batteries.

The new launch also offers a USB 2.0 (High Speed) connection.

Shooting is fully automatic and there are also a range of picture modes to help you get the perfect snap.

Additional features include video and sound recording; digital shake reduction and face recognition AF and AE.

>> Link - Pentax UK