Pentax recently announced their new 12.4-megapixel K-X DSLR camera which while targeting an entry-level price point, manages to pack a number of pro features including 11-point autofocus, Live View and HD video.

Boasting easy-to-use operation and one-hand shooting, the KX is designed for amateur-enthusiasts looking to step up from their point-and-shoot to a high-performance, yet low-cost DSLR. Equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD and Face Detection autofocus capable of discerning up to 16 faces, the KX also provides 720p HD video capture at 24fps – setting itself apart as the lowest-cost DSLR to offer HD shooting. The KX is as much as half the price of Pentax’s own 720p-shooting K7 and even undercuts HD-capable, Micro Four Thirds-based cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix GF1 and the Olympus PEN E-P1.

The Pentax KX, like the K200D before it, relies on AA cells for juice over the proprietary Lithium-Ion batteries typically found in DSLRs and most compacts. Pentax seems to regard the convenience of disposable batteries a selling point in this class and points out (video below) that owners won’t need to mess around with wall chargers. If you opt for high-performance, readily-available, Lithium-Ion AAs, Pentax reckons you’ll get an impressive 1900 shots.

This lightweight DSLR comes in at just 18.2oz and runs on Pentax’s PRIME II image processing engine, which is capable of achieving up to 1/6000 second shutter speeds and 4.7fps continuous shooting. ISO sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 3200 and a built-in sensor-shift shake reduction system moves the sensor itself, to ensure blur-free handheld images.

The Pentax KX is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com in white, red, navy and black including an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens for $649.95. If black’s your color, you can also pick up the KX with an additional 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED lens for $749.95 or a 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED lens for $849.95.

Press Release

PENTAX ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE, NEW PENTAX K-x WITH HIGH-END FEATURES INCLUDING HD VIDEO AND LIVE VIEW

GOLDEN, CO (September 16, 2009)… PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.
Priced at $649.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x forges ahead on the trail initiated by the popular PENTAX K2000. With a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.

• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).

• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.

• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.

• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.

• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.

• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.

• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.

• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

All combined, the PENTAX K-x is the perfect camera for new digital SLR camera users as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.

Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The lightweight design of this zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all PENTAX lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies.

The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on www.pentaxwebstore.com. Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.

The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options:

· K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.

· K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.

· K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press

Product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

# # #

Media contact:
Michelle Martin
303.728.0224
Michelle.martin@pentax.com

Consumer contact:
pentaxinfo@pentax.com
1-800-877-0155
www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1

PENTAX K-x FACT SHEET

12.4 effective megapixels

The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor accurately reproduces true-to-life images with fine detail and rich color depth. The

K-x offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows users to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function to offer greater creative freedom to photographers.

Compact, lightweight body

The PENTAX K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR cameras in its class. The stainless-steel chassis and overall design offer a space-efficient layout.

Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280×720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24)

The PENTAX K-x movie recording function* captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Compatible with every PENTAX interchangeable lens ever made, the Video Capture mode opens a new world of creativity for PENTA K-x owners.

* When the PENTAX K-x’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are viewed at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shake by as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.* With this SR mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions such as telephoto lens photography, shooting in dark or low-light setting without a flash illumination, and sunset scenes.

*Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second

The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine

The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) II, that is an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate color rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.

Live View function with Face detection of up to 16 faces

In addition to the camera’s viewfinder, the K-x features a Live View function that allows users to view subjects on the LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes in Live View:

· Contrast Auto Focus optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast.

· Face Detection Auto Focus automatically detects up to 16 faces, then selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, and captures it in sharp focus.

· Phase Difference Auto Focus accesses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimize focus on the subject.

Innovative Image Processing Functions

Digital Filter function

The K-x’s digital filter function allows users to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters including Color Extract, Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera, and more (including a custom filter for building multiple effects), photographers may apply multiple filters to a single image for customized effects.

Cross Process mode

The K-x features a new Cross Process mode that automatically and randomly adds finishing touches to exposures to create eye-catching images with unique, intriguing colors (just like images treated with Cross Process* in film photography). This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don’t know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.

* A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colors.

High-precision 11-point AF sensor

The high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system of the K-x features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. Photographers also may select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialized applications.

Additional features

· Custom Image modes offer high quality processing for images

· 2.7 inch, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution

· Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting

· Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD monitor

· Ten scene modes, including Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Sunset, Kids, Museum, and more, available via simple icon selection

· PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and image browser functions

smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED Lens Fact Sheet

A lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm (in the 35mm format)

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to assure true-to-life image descriptions and faithful color renditions through effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.

SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length

55-300mm

(Equivalent to 84.5-460mm in 35mm format)

Aperture

F4-5.8

Minimum Aperture

F22-32

Lens Construction

12 elements in 8 groups

Angle of View

29 – 5.4° (wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body)

Minimum Focusing Distance

4.6 ft.

Maximum Magnification

0.28X

Filter Diameter

58mm

Diaphragm control

Fully Automatic

Number of Diaphragm Blades

6

Maximum Diameter & Minimum Length

2.8 x 4.4 in

Weight

15.0 oz.

Notes

Includes SP (Super Protect) Coating

PENTAX,K-x and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

PENTAX Digital Camera Utility and SDM are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

Sources:
Pentax (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: ZDNet

Pentax have announced two new Optio WS80 waterproof point-and-shoot cameras for adventurous types which feature a 10-megapixel CCD and 5x internal optical zoom, housed within a rugged body that is less than an inch thick.

Released in two “his and her’s” versions, the WS80 comes in either black and orange or white and purple – which are both fairly appealing whatever your gender. No blue for boys and pink and sparkly for girls here.

Rated as waterproof up to 5ft (1.5m), the WS80 should be a solid performer for everyday recreation and waterside activities, but you won’t want to drop this one in the pool like Pentax’s similarly named Optio W80 – which can safely submerge to a depth of 16ft without leaks.

Including 720p video recording at 30fps and a 2.7-inch LCD, the WS80 also packs modern digicam functions we’ve come to expect such as blink and smile detection and includes image stabilization on both video and stills.

The Pentax Optio W80 is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com, where you can snap one up for $249.95. Shipping begins in September.

Sources:
Pentax (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: iTechNews

Pentax yesterday announced their new Optio W80 12.1-megapixel point-and-shoot camera which the company claims is waterproof, coldproof, dustproof as well as shockproof enough to survive the impact from a 3ft (1m) drop.

The Optio W80 packs an impressive 5x optical zoom in its inch-thick (25mm) body and is well sealed enough to withstand a dunk in the shallow end of a swimming pool (16ft | 5m). I wouldn’t be keen to test this claim, but it does make you confident of its ability to resist spills and heavy rain.

Also featuring a SuperProtect lens coating that will repel water, grime and finger marks, Pentax’s Optio W80 includes a 2.5-inch LCD, HD movie capture, Fast Face Detection technology, Pixel Track Shake Reduction and a close-focusing Super Macro Mode that can take sharp snaps of objects as close as 0.4″ (1cm) away.

Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Pentax Optio W80 is available now on pre-order for $299.95.

Sources:
Pentax (Press Release) via Engadget

Pentax today officially launched their new K7 DSLR which sports a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot HD video. The Pentax K7’s case is rugged and weatherproof thanks to 77 seals around a magnesium-alloy body, which help the camera resist water, dust and cold temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 Celsius).

The Pentax K7’s CMOS sensor has been entirely redesigned in order to minimize noise and thanks to the new PRIME II processing engine, the camera offers up to 5.2 frames per second shooting (with a limit of 40 images). The camera features a 3-inch LCD with Live View mode and Face Detection and can fetch a top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec, storing your images on SD/SDHC memory cards.

The DSLR can shoot 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) at 30fps and also offers up a couple of other resolutions to choose from such as 640 x 416 and 1536 x 1024. The K7 comes with an HDMI port for easy video playback on HD displays and includes an external microphone input to capture professional quality sound with your videos (if you have a decent mic).

Pentax also debuted the D-BG4 battery grip which gets you double the battery life using either 6 AA cells or a single rechargeable lithium-ion battery and will retail for $230 when it ships in July.

The Pentax K7 (body only) kit is available now for pre-order on Amazon.com for $1,299.95.

Sources:
DPReview (Press Release) and Amazon.com
Via: CrunchGear

The new Pentax V20 digital camera comes with an impressive face detection technology that warns you if your subject/s blinked.

This is a great addition to a compact consumer-level camera where many, if not the majority of shots will be of friends and family.

The Facial Recognition feature includes auto exposure and auto focus functions to automatically focus on faces and set the best exposure. A function called Smile Capture releases the shutter automatically upon recognition of a smile and Blink Detection alerts you if anyone in frame blinked so that you can retake the shot.

As far as design goes, it is slim and attractive but doesn’t really look much different to many other current offerings. It measures 97.5 x 56.5 x 23.5mm and weighs 145 grams including memory card and battery.

It has a large 3 inch LCD screen which is big and bright and takes about five seconds to power up and ready itself for the first shot. It includes Digital Shake Reduction to help eliminate blurring when used handheld.

Two other impressive features are the Auto-Macro mode which allows you to take photos as close up as 4 inches and a Panorama mode for linking multiple shots together to form a Panoramic photo.