Pentax just announced two new Optios for the CES. The 12Mpix P70 and its 4x optical zoom (28-112mm), shoots video in 720p at only 15fps, features new face recognition features that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 sec, 33.7MB of internal memory, and supports SD and SDHC cards.

The E70 is a 10Mpix model with a 3x wide zoom (35-105mm).

GOLDEN, Colo.–PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two stylish, colorful, compact digital cameras: the Optio P70 and Optio E70. The ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P70 digital compact camera is a high-performance model featuring fast, advanced functions to make high-quality digital photography simple and effortless. With 12 megapixels for large, detailed images, a 4X optical zoom (equivalent to 27.5mm-110mm), plus a wide angle 28mm lens that is ideal for landscape, indoor and group photos, the fashionable Optio P70 metal body is available in multiple stylish colors. Additional features include a 2.7 inch high-resolution, wide-angle view LCD panel, and new Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology to assure sharp images with low noise even in poor lighting. The Optio P70 also offers Advanced Face Recognition that tracks up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, and both Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile, and Blink Detection to alert you if your subject’s eyes are closed. Digital Shake Reduction sets the sensitivity up to ISO 6400 to prevent subject blur, HD movie captures vivid video in widescreen 720p at 15 FPS, and a Vertical Snap mode allows image capture with the ease of a cell phone camera.

The PENTAX Optio P70 will be available for $199.95 in a choice of three colors: white, red and silver. The PENTAX Optio E70 will be available in champagne gold, deep blue and red for $139.95 USD. Both cameras will ship in February 2009.