Pentax's X70 digital SLR features a 24x optical zoom lens, 12-megapixel resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and SLR-like styling and exposure modes.

The megazoom lens offers the focal-length coverage of a wide-angle 26mm lens to a super telephoto 624mm and is housed in a compact, portable body. The zoom range can extend 150 times for a focal length of 3,900mm while retaining a high-quality 35mm format.

Similar to a SLR, the X70 offers aperture/shutter priority, metered manual modes and true hardware sensor shake reduction for shooting full-length telephoto, sunset or low-light scenes.

For portrait photography, the Face Detection function optimizes shots with up to 32 faces, while the Smile Capture feature automatically releases the shutter after detecting the subject's smile. The Blink Detection function alerts the user when the subject's eyes are closed.

HD mode captures video at 1280 x 720 pixels with 15 frames per second (fps) or at 840 x 480 pixels with 30 fps. Modes include Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Metered Manual and Auto Picture Mode. Film speed settings range from ISO 50 to ISO 6400.

The X70 has an estimated price of $399, or can be purchased with the Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ED AL limited ultra wide-angle lens for $649.