PENTAX K-S2 Digital SLR Camera – the Ultimate Family Camera

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Hi Photographer friends,

Ricoh Imaging Introduces the PENTAX K-S2 Digital SLR Camera – the Ultimate Family Camera featuring built in Wi-Fi, weather-resistant body and the addition of an all-new retractable standard zoom lens for capturing all of life’s important moments.

Ricoh / Pentax is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-S2; featuring a 20 megapixel AA Filter-less CMOS sensor with Prime MII image processing engine. The PENTAX K-S2 offers high image quality and functionality ensuring consistent and compelling results shot to shot. The camera’s weather-resistant body, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC sharing component make it a perfect companion for active families and those who simply enjoy life’s adventures. 

The standard kit includes the newly designed, ultra-sleek, Retractable Standard Zoom lens that measures less than 1.5 inches in height when retracted, making it one of the smallest DSLR camera kits on the market.

The new PENTAX K-S2 combines a compact, lightweight body with many advanced features including PENTAX’s award winning weather-resistant design, in-body shake reduction, as well as SAFOX X AF system ensuring fast and accurate autofocusing even in challenging situations such as 

low light, action, and adverse weather conditions. Various viewing angles are achieved with the vari-

angle 3.0 inch LCD, 921K dots (RGB+White), and Air Gapless Construction. With the all-new Self 

Shot Assist users can capture the perfect “selfie”. The K-S2 camera’s vari-angle LCD monitor and 2nd shutter release button assist you in conveniently capturing the best self-shot.

Sharing favorite images with friends and family is made easy with built-in Wi-Fi and built-in NFC module. Along with the dedicated app, “Image Sync”, available for no additional cost in the Android and iOS stores you can seamlessly remotely operate the camera, transfer images and share images from your camera to your favorite social networks. Connecting your camera to your smartphone or tablet is made simple with built-in Near Field Communication (NFC); just bring the K-S2 in to close proximity of the target device for pairing.

The Clarity Enhancement feature, introduced with the K-S2, adds more realistic texture impression to your imagery. This technology covers broader and more gradual tone changes of the subject since it was originally developed to reproduce the images that best match the whole screen on a display device. Clarity Enhancement is applied automatically on Advanced HDR and also user-selectable for most still images on the setting menu.

 “The PENTAX K-S2 takes the best of all our innovations and combines them into the ultimate family DSLR”, says Jim Malcolm, President of Ricoh Imaging America Corporation. “The K-S2 has everything to capture the active family, including PENTAX legendary quality, compactness, weather resistance, and built in Wi-Fi to easily share with family and friends.  We are fulfilling our promise to deliver the highest quality and innovation imaging products.”

Included in the PENTAX K-S2 kit is the newly developed, retractable standard zoom HD DA 18-55mm lens. Experience improved convenience and better performance with this ultra thin lens complete with multi-layer HD coating, built-in DC monitor and 7 rounded aperture diaphragm blades for capturing beautiful Bokeh.  This PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 WR lens is ultra-thin and matches perfectly with the compact body of K-S2

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The K-S2 will be available in 3 standard colors: black, white, and graphite with an orange accent. 

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-S2 kit including a new retractable standard zoom lens will be available in standard colors at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in March 2015 for a suggested retail price of $799.95. 

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Main Features

1. The world’s smallest dustproof, weather-resistant body*

The K-S2 camera body is not only designed to be compact and portable, but also dustproof and weather-resistant. One hundred seals have been applied to crucial parts of the body to prevent the intrusion of rain and dust into the interior, making the K-S2 a perfect choice for a wide range of outdoor activities, including mountain climbing, camping and sports events. 

Included in its lens kits is a super-compact zoom lens, with a length of just 41 millimeters in the stored position despite its weather-resistant construction. The combination of the K-S2 camera body and this lens creates a highly portable digital imaging system.

* The world’s smallest model in the dustproof, weather-resistant digital SLR camera category 

2. Variable-angle LCD monitor for easy image viewing

The K-S2 comes equipped with an Air Gapless LCD monitor, which has a special resin layer applied between the protective panel and the LCD screen to effectively cut down the reflection and dispersion of light and assure excellent visibility. This monitor also features a variable-angle design for the first time in a PENTAX digital SLR camera, allowing the user to set the monitor to the desired viewing angle and simplify high- and low-angle shootings. By rotating the monitor 180 degrees to face the subject, the user can activate the self-portrait shutter button, which is provided in addition to the regular shutter-release button, to keep a firm hold of the camera when shooting self portraits.

3. High-precision autofocus system with SAFOX X module

The K-S2 features the state-of-the-art SAFOX X AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation. With its 11 sensors including nine cross-type sensors in the middle, this AF system assures pinpoint focus on a subject at a minimum brightness level of as low as –3 EV. Its select-area expansion function ensures that the sensor module keeps tracking a moving subject, even when the subject moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing the distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. Its AF hold function maintains the in-focus position, even when the AF system loses track of the subject after once capturing it in focus. These advanced functions combine to improve the camera's accuracy in the detection of moving subjects.

4. High-resolution images produced by an image sensor with approximately 20.12 effective megapixels and a super-high sensitivity of ISO51200.The K-S2 features a high-performance CMOS image sensor with approximately 20.12 effective megapixels to deliver super-high-resolution images. It is also designed without an optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter to optimize the imaging power of its high-performance image sensor. By coupling this image sensor with the high-performance PRIME MII imaging engine, the K-S2 delivers true-to-life, fine-gradation images by effectively minimizing noise at all sensitivity levels, even during super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200.

5. In-body shake reduction (SR) mechanism, and anti-aliasing (AA) filter simulator for effective moiré reduction 

(1) In-body SR mechanism

The K-S2 features a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism to effectively minimize camera shake and assure sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes with incident light only, or photographing sunset scenes.

(2) Innovative AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator**

By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the K-S2’s AA filter simulator provides the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets you not only switch the AA filter effect on and off, but also adjust the level of the effect, so the user can effortlessly apply the desired effect to a particular scene or subject.

(3) Supportive shooting functions

The K-S2’s SR unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all direction, by shifting it horizontally (left/right) and vertically (up/down), and even rotating it. Taking advantage of this flexibility, the K-S2 provides a host of handy shooting functions, including ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.

** This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting.

6. Optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view

Despite its compact body, the K-S2 is equipped with a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. With a magnification of approximately 0.95 times, it provides a broad, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.

7. High-speed shutter to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus

The K-S2 provides a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second to assure sharply focused images, even with fast-moving subjects. Coupled with its high-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of approximately 5.5 images per second, it lets the photographer freeze once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities in beautifully focused images.

8. Wireless LAN compatibility for easy access to smartphones,  first time in the PENTAX  K series

The K-S2 features wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) functions to provide better access to smartphones and tablet computers. It also provides NFC (Near Field Communication) functions for easy pairing with NFC-compatible smartphones and other communications devices, simply by bringing the K-S2 into proximity with a target device. Also by installing the newly developed, exclusive Image Sync application on a communications device, the user can effortlessly control the K-S2’s aperture, shutter-speed and ISO-sensitivity settings, release its shutter, check the live-view image, and even browse and upload recorded images onto SNS sites such as Facebook remotely.

9. RICOH-original image-processing technologies

The K-S2 features a Clarity Enhancement — a RICOH-developed imaging technology designed to capture the subject’s texture and unevenness more truthfully and produce a more true-to-life depiction of the subject based on the human visual characteristics. Also provided on the mode dial is a new A-HDR (Advanced HDR) position, which combines the Clarity Enhancement with the conventional HDR mode that composites a single, extra-wide-gradation image from three images taken at differing exposures. Thanks to this new mode, the user can capture more dramatic, painting-like HDR images with great ease.

10. An assortment of photo-shooting tools for creative, personalized expressions

The K-S2 provides a choice of 11 Custom Image modes for flexible control of various parameters, as well as nine digital filters. Coupled with 19 distinctive Scene Modes and the hands-off Auto Picture mode, the K-S2 assures simple, quick selection of the desired shooting mode for a given scene or subject.

11. Dual electronic dials

The K-S2 provides a pair of electronic dials: one on top of the grip, and another on the back panel. In the P (Program) mode shooting, for instance, the user can control the aperture and shutter-speed settings independently using these dials, allowing more intuitive camera operation without the need to remove the eye from the viewfinder.

12. Full HD movie recording

Equipped with a built-in stereo microphone, the K-S2 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 30/25/24 frame rate) in the H.264 recording format, along with natural, lively stereo sound. It also assures flawless, high-quality movies even with fast-moving subjects. It even provides advanced movie functions, such as a 4K Interval Movie mode that connects still images recorded at a certain interval to create a single movie file, and a Star Stream mode to fade in and out the traces of stars to recorded movies.

13. Other features

・77-segment, multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light measurement

・DR (Dust Removal) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the CMOS image sensor using ultrasonic vibration

・Self-timer functions usable in continuous shooting mode

Also announced:

Rumors and rumors...will Pentax introduce a mirorless camera?

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

There are plenty of rumours going around the internet about an upcoming Pentax mirrorless digital camera. First of all, why describing a camera with what it doesn't have, "mirrorless camera" because it doesn't use a mirror? Why not describe a new camera "tiresless" because it doesn't have any tires, "Gazless camera" because it doesn't run on gaz! My opinion doesn't have a lot of influence on naming cameras, but I hope the leading manufacturers will find a suitable and universal name for this new kind of cameras.

The rumors goes on to say that the new Pentax camera model will be the K-01. Frankly, it doesn't matter what the model will be, as long as they don't use the "*" for Starist" like the early Pentax DSLRs.

Again, according to the rumors, it will have the following specifications, and if it does, I will be a happy camper... eh! photographer.

  

1. "921,000 dot" 3-inch, VGA LCD screen from the K-5
2. K-5 image processing and sensor (16.3 Mp)
3. 1080p HD video at 30fps
4. 1/4000s-30s shutter speed range
5. Contrast-detect autofocus (81 metering points)
6. Built-in flash
7. 12.1cm wide x 7.9cm high x 5.9 cm deep
8. 560g loaded with battery
9. New DA 40mm kit lens
10. Available in 3 lens kits
11. 3 different colors
12. Electronic viewfinder

Pentax is in the best position in the industry to introduce such cameras because of their line of limited lenses. I once blogged here about what a Pentax camera could look like.  I can just imagine a Pentax "Hybrid" camera, with the K-5 sensor, maybe a 3" LCD screen that rotates and an included or optional EVF equivalent to what the Sony NX7 uses. That would be the perfect camera for me, especially for travelling.

One clear advantage would be the number of frames per second, since no mechanical parts have to move, and Auto Focus in all modes, making videography simple. More importantly, all my current lenses would fit and my Limited lenses would be happy.

This is not a real camera. It is what an Hybrid camera from Pentax could look like, based on their old partner "Samsung" model, my imagination and PhotoShop.

 Thanks for reading and may the good lighting be with you,

Yvon Bourque

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THE OPTIO RZ18 WITH 18X ZOOM

  Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Pentaxian friends.

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THE OPTIO RZ18 WITH 18X ZOOM

GOLDEN, CO. (September 12, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio RZ18 digital compact camera. Featuring a slim, lightweight body, the new model offers a powerful 18X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 25mm wide angle to 450mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). The Optio RZ18 is the latest addition to PENTAX Optio RZ zoom lens series, which provides photographers simple, effortless shooting of a wide variety of subjects and occasions, from travel and landscape to action and spectator sports.

The Optio RZ18 features include:

·         Generous 18X zoom (equivalent to 25-450mm) with extra wide angle lens captures subjects near and far.

·         High resolution 16 megapixel sensor for large prints or aggressive image cropping.

·         Slim footprint for outstanding portability and inconspicuous use.

·         Multiple PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) image stabilization options, including sensor-shift SR, for sharp images in any lighting.

·         Large 3 inch LCD with HVGA resolution (460,000 dots).

·         Powerful automatic shooting modes such as Auto Picture and scene modes take the guesswork out of great photography.

·         Creative special effects filters add artistic flair to the common snapshot.

·         Advanced 9-point autofocus with a 4cm super macro mode.

·         Face detection for perfectly focused and exposed portraits, includes a dedicated pet recognition feature.

·         Widescreen HD video in 720p at 30 frames per second.

The Optio RZ18 will be available in black, pearl white or metallic orange for $299.95 USD in October 2011.

PENTAX Imaging Company is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces.  For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses.  With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of Hoya Corporation.   

On July 1, 2011, Hoya announced an agreement to transfer the PENTAX Imaging Systems business to RICOH Corporation.  The effective date of the sale is set for October 1, 2011.  Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news   

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PENTAX OPTIO RZ18 FACT SHEET  

18X optical zoom lens with 25mm wide-angle coverage to handle a variety of subjects and scenes

The Optio RZ18 features a high-performance 18X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 25mm wide angle to 450mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format).  The extra-wide zoom range captures a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to fast-action sports events. It also offers high-quality macro shooting down to just four centimeters from the subject and a digital wide function for an ultra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approximately 19mm lens in the 35mm format) from two separate images.  An Intelligent Zoom function further extends the zoom range to approximately 130 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 3250mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format).  

Exceptional image quality assured by latest super-resolution technology

With 16 effective megapixels, a high-performance smc PENTAX zoom lens and the advanced image processing system — a system that uses the latest super-resolution technology to optimize image quality through meticulous section-by-section treatment of the captured image — the Optio RZ18 delivers well-defined, high-quality images with extra-fine resolution. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness. 

Multiple Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images

With a sensor-shift Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism and Pixel Track SR, the Optio RZ18’s dual shake reduction effectively reduces camera shake to a minimum for more blur-free images even under shake-prone shooting conditions such as when using the telephoto lens or when shooting at sunset or in indoor scenes. Other SR options include traditional high ISO Digital SR and Movie SR for steady video recording.

 Extra-large 3 inch LCD monitor

The Optio RZ18 features an HVGA high-resolution 3 inch color LCD monitor.  This extra-large monitor provides a clear view of images and menus so photographers easily may check captured images and menu settings. The Optio RZ18 also offers a setting to magnify the letters displayed, by which users can further enhance the legibility of the menus and the operability of the camera.

 Auto Picture mode

The Optio RZ18 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions on and around the subject. This user-friendly mode selects one of 16 shooting modes (including Blue Sky, Sunset, Pet, and many more) and optimizes various camera settings (including sensitivity and shutter speed) for better results with minimal effort.

 Upgraded Pet mode for automatic detection of dog and cat faces

The Optio RZ18 features the latest version of the Pet mode, which comes in handy when taking pictures of dogs and cats. This unique mode not only detects the faces of dogs and cats with great accuracy, but it also gives priority to three pre-registered pet faces over unregistered ones, so that users can effortlessly focus on and expose for their own pets when in a group of pets.

 High-quality HDTV movie recording

The Optio RZ18 captures beautiful, 720p high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie Shake Reduction (SR) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software. With the Optio RZ18, everyone can enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.

* When the Optio RZ18’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.

** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting. 

Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots

The Optio RZ18 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function. This sophisticated feature instantly and accurately detects as many as 32 faces within the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds — even when some of the faces are tilted or turned away from the camera. To assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, the Optio RZ18 also comes equipped with other user-friendly features, including:

·         Smile Capture mode that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile

·         Blink Detection function that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

Additional Features

·         Wireless remote-control shooting using an optional PENTAX infrared remote controller

·         Burst shooting of up to 40 images, at a maximum speed of approximately 9 images per second

·         Digital filters, including Miniature, Toy Camera, and more to add creative visual effects

·         Choice of three image ratios (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different shooting applications

·         D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image

·         Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images

·         Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.1 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)

·         Eye-Fi connected experience: optimized for use with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards

PENTAX, Optio and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.

Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Eye-Fi, the Eye-Fi logo and Eye-Fi connected are trademarks of Eye-Fi, Inc.

Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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

Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice

The Pentax K-5 arrives, along with a new 18-135mm DA lens.

Visitors to this page also like "Recommended Reading" on the right column. Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

The no-nonsense approach of Pentax is great. The same body as the K-7 but a new sensor and a bunch of new improvements. The K-5 will also utilize the same vertical grip (D-BG4) as the K-7. The new sensor is  a 16.3 megapixels (Sony) CMOS sensor with a sensitivity of  ISO 80 to ISO 12,800 with an improved noise reduction. It is also expandable to ISO 51,200. The capture rate is  a respectable 7 FPS. Yes!!! the AF has been improved and promises great results. It uses a new 11 points SAFOX-IX+ Autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelenght sensor. It is going to be more responsive than any of the previous Pentax DSLRs. We asked for it, we are finally  getting it.

The video capture is 1080p HD video @ 25 FPS.  Like the K-7, it has a stereo connection for external stereo microphone.  This is a full 1920 x 1080 pixels in a full HD proportion of 16:9. Shutter speed/focus priority is available  during AF-C mode. The K-5 offers native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DGN 14 bit RAW files. The built-in HDR function has been improved with more blending modes and better image alignment for handheld HDR shots.SDXC memory card compatibility is available via firmware upgrade.

Like previous Pentax flagship models, the K-5 retains a fully weather sealed and coldproof design that makes Pentax an exceptional value compared to other brands. It has all the same features that the K-7 has plus the features listed above. The K-5 will ship in October with an introductory price of $1,599.95, but we all know that the street prices will vary. Although still branded as a "prosumer" DSLR by Pentax, the K-5 has features normally found only on the most costly of professional cameras.  Yes, many will be disappointed  because the K-5 is still an APS-C DSLR,  but this new sensor produces better images than any film 35mm camera ever produced and this Full-Frame mania is absurd (In my opinion, of course). It was adopted only because the 35mm film camera images on the negatives are 24 x 36 mm in size (Image circle). Most DSLRs were built so that the vestige of 35mm film camera lenses could easily be used with a DSLR design parallel to the 35mm film cameras. If you want a large sensor for ultimate bokeh or image quality, get a Pentax 645D. Today's APS-C sized sensors are so improved and efficient compared to early sensors, that it makes sense to use them and build cameras that are small enough to carry all day without fatigue.

For more details, log on to http://www.pentaximaging.com/ and www.youtube.com/pentaxian1

Pentax also introduces a new lens. The Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR lens. Wow, that's a mouth full! In 35mm format, this is the equivalent of 27.5mm - 207mm.  That's a zoom ratio of 7.5 times. This is a weather-resistant lens and complements the Pentax weather resistant DSLRs. This zoom lens has a DC motor built into the lens, assuring a fast and smooth autofocus operation. The lens incorporates Extra-Low Dispersion glass element, a hybrid aspherical element and a glass molded aspherical element in it's optic. The diaphramg is completely rounded, producing excellent bokeh. The front element is coated with Pentax's Super Protect coating, repelling dust, water and grease.  That's a great all around lens.

The lens is prices at a very affordable $529.95, and like the K-5, the street price will likely be lower. When purchased with the K-5 kit, the lens only adds $150.00 to the k-5 price.

For more details, log on to http://www.pentaximaging.com/ and www.youtube.com/pentaxian1

Good news: Pentax announce a new DSLR, the K-r and a new DA 35mm Lens. By the way, keep checking this site often, maybe there are more announcements to come.

Visitors to this page also like "Recommended Reading" on the right column. Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Pentaxian friends.

PENTAX ANNOUNCES K-r DIGITAL SLR AND NEW 35MM LENS: LATEST PENTAX OFFERS COLOR CHOICES TOREFLECT OWNER’S PERSONAL STYLE

GOLDEN, CO. September 8, 2010…PENTAX Imaging Systems Division has announced a new digital SLR line with color accents that allow owners to choose one that matches their personal style. The colorful PENTAX K-r DSLR camera offers advanced yet simple to use features at an attractive price.

The compact, lightweight PENTAX K-r is easy to use with Auto Picture, Scene, and Custom Image Processing modes that take the guesswork out of shooting stunning images while still offering a high degree of manual and priority control. The K-r offers a variety of new and improved features including a fast framerate, high ISO sensitivity, responsive autofocus, an improved 12.4 megapixel low-noise sensor and widescreen HD video capture that take it a step above an entry-level DSLR camera.

Key features of the PENTAX K-r that are new or have been improved upon from the most recent entry to mid-level PENTAX DSLR models include: Three stylish color choices include traditional black, the new classic white, and PENTAX red reflect any owner’s personal style. Large 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution. Faster high speed 6 FPS framerate that captures 25 images in a single sequence. A maximum 1/6000 second shutter speed. Viewfinder focus point indicator. Improved in-camera HDR image capture including a Night Scene HDR mode. High sensitivity 100-25600 ISO range with improved noise performance from the new 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. Versatile dual-power-source design, which offers the choice of either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or four AA-size battery power (using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109). Infrared data transfer compatible with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system for wireless data transfer to the web or other IrSimple-compatible devices (includes a match-game between two PENTAX K-r’s).

Other important features of the new K-r models include: Widescreen 720p HD video at 25 FPS. PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images that works with every PENTAX lens ever made Dust Removal mechanism, to shake dust off the CMOS image sensor.

Highly responsive and accurate 11 point SAFOX IX autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp. Wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters.

With a highly portable, compact and lightweight body in a choice of colors, the K-r holds appeal for busy parents, family memory-keepers, travelers and anyone who reflects personal style in all their pursuits including their journey into photography or videography as a skill or hobby. The PENTAX K-r digital SLR will ship in October 2010 for as follows:

K-r Body Kit: $799.95 USD

K-r Lens Kit w 18-55:  $849.95 USD

K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 50-200:  $899.95 USD

K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 55-300:  $999.95 USD

PENTAX also announced the smc PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL, standard lens designed exclusively for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This new lens is versatile enough to be used with a wide range of subjects and applications for high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness.

It is a perfect choice for digital SLR beginners to familiarize themselves with the basics of using interchangeable lenses.

The PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens also will ship in October for $219.95 USD.

More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For over 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.

PENTAX K-r FACT SHEET

High-quality, true-to-life image reproduction The K-r incorporates a new generation CMOS image sensor with 12 megapixels and the high-performance PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine for accurate and high-speed data processing equal to that of upper-level PENTAX digital SLR models for high-quality images.

The camera also offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 12800 that may be expanded from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 via a custom function.

Compact, lightweight body Even with the 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-r features a compact, lightweight, stainless-steel chassis with in-body Shake Reduction in a space-efficient design.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second The K-r’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 25 images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second (fastest of all entry-class models) for sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

High-precision AF system The K-r’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX IX autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) for pinpoint focus on the subject. The K-r is also equipped with a spotbeam projector to assist the AF system in poorly lit locations. Accuracy and speed of contrast AF operation during Live View shooting is enhanced with a new-generation image sensor and drastic upgrading of AF algorithms.

Bright, clear optical viewfinder The PENTAX-original finder optics and the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen ensure the K-r’s viewfinder offers a bright, clear subject image at 0.85X magnification and with a 96% field of view. The viewfinder offers excellent visibility even in bright outdoor locations and provides delay-free, real-time display of the subject’s image. This is helpful when shutter release timing is critical such as in sports photography. The in-focus point is indicated as a red point in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Large, easy-to-view 3 inch LCD monitor with wide-view design and approximately 921,000 dots The K-r features a large, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots and its wide-view design assures a clear view of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low- and high-angle applications during Live View shooting.

Versatile dual-power-source design In addition to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which allows the photographer to capture approximately 560 images with a single recharge,* the K-r can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109.

* Based on the PENTAX in-house testing conditions conforming to the CIPA standards, using a rechargeable D-LI109 Lithium-Ion Battery.

PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images The K-r features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by up to approximately four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.* The K-r produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, and shooting sunsets. * 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. Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions

(1) Custom Image function for distinctive finishing touches The K-r features the Custom Image function to allow users to select a desired finishing touch for a particular image with a choice of nine custom image modes including Bleach Bypass, which is designed to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures.

(2) Versatile Digital Filter function The K-r’s Digital Filter function allows users to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways and produce highly creative visual expressions — without a computer. Users may choose from 18 filters, including a new Starburst, Sketch and Posterization and may now apply filter upon filter, one after another, to an image for more creative results.

(3) Cross Process mode with three options The K-r features the unique Cross Process mode that automatically shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with dramatic colors (as with photographs treated with the cross process* in film photography). In addition to “Random”, where the results are unpredictable until the image has been processed, users now have two new options: “Preset” with three different sets of preset parameters; and “Favorite” with user-input parameters. *A film development technique that uses unconventional film development to create a distinctive finish with dramatic, stylized colors.

(4) Improved High Dynamic Range function The K-r features the High Dynamic Range function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures without a computer. Users may choose from Auto, Standard and Expanded (at three levels) modes to accommodate different creative intentions.

An Auto Align function allows use even with handheld shooting. High-speed infrared data transmission system The K-r is the first PENTAX digital SLR camera equipped with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system, which allows users to transfer image data to IrSimple-compatible digital devices and post their K-r images on the web via a cellular phone. This also allows users to exchange image data between two K-r cameras and play a simple match game using image Exif data (such as aperture or shutter-speed values) to judge images and offer techniques and suggestions for better images.

High-quality, HDTV-proportion movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels and at 25 frames per second The K-r provides a movie-recording function,* which captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 25 frames per second. This extends many benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For example, users may reduce the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use different interchangeable lenses to create distinctive visual effects. The K-r also assures a greater possibility of visual presentation in movies — either through the application of digital filters, such as Toy Camera and Retro, to add specific visual effects during shooting, or through the use of various movie-editing functions after shooting.

*When the PENTAX K-r’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output 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). Additional Features: User-friendly layout of essential control buttons and levers, all positioned on the camera’s grip side for quick, effortless access by the photographer’s right hand. Auto Picture mode, for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting. Versatile white balance control, featuring a new CTE mode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the captured images which works best with scenes such as sunset. Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with

DA-,DFA- and FA Limited-series lenses). PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications.

smc PENTAX DA35 mm F2.4 AL FACT SHEET

Versatile, easy-to-use standard lens Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this standard lens offers an angle of view equivalent to a 53.5mm lens in the 35mm format for a natural, comfortable perspective similar to the naked eye for a variety of subjects and applications, including snapshots, landscape and portrait. High-quality image description Incorporating a hybrid aspherical optical element in its optics, this lens delivers high-quality images with enhanced sharpness and contrast, from minimum focusing distance to infinity, and assures exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges (even at an open aperture) while effectively compensating various aberrations to a minimum. It is treated with the PENTAX-original Ghostless Coating to minimize the adverse effects of flare and ghost images, assuring true-to-life images even under demanding conditions such as harsh backlighting. Large maximum aperture With a maximum aperture of F2.4, this lens offers a bright, clear viewfinder image and allows the photographer to use faster shutter speeds under poor lighting conditions to minimize the risk of camera shake and subject shake. Compact, lightweight design The compact, lightweight design makes it highly maneuverable in various shooting conditions and easy to carry anywhere

Additional features:

High-performance optics designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras and optimized for the characteristics of digital images

Minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters

PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface to repel dust, water and grease

Pentax...finally some new equipment...and maybe more to come!

Visitors to this page also like "Recommended Reading" on the right column. Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Pentaxian friends.

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PENTAX ANNOUNCES THE INFINITELY CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIO RS1000 AND OPTIO RZ10 WITH 10X ZOOM

Golden, CO. (September 8, 2010)…Focused on the premise that photography is an extremely personal choice, PENTAX Imaging Company has announced two unique compact cameras that allow owners to be themselves.

The new PENTAX Optio RS1000 is easy to use and may be dressed to match the personality and style of its owner. This cosmetically customizable digital camera features a removable faceplate to hold interchangeable skins of any personal design.

The design possibilities for the RS1000 are infinite. Owners may skin this newest Optio to match a mood, an event, a milestone, an outfit, and so much more. There are four ways to get started personalizing the PENTAX Optio RS1000:

1) Immediately dress the camera in a choice of 11 (three plus eight) standard skins that ship with the product.


2) Use the included SKINIT® gift card to design and order a free, high quality, pre-cut, 3M™ vinyl skin from www.skinit.com.


3) Use an included stencil to trace cutout lines onto printed photos, wrapping papers, drawings, and more to use as a skin.

4) Download the PENTAX PERSONAL SKIN DESIGNER Adobe Air-based software from www.pentaximaging.com (availability to coincide with product shipping). Use the digital designer to import a photo or digital image, saving a skin as a PDF for printing on a color printer.

Besides a unique, completely customizable design, the Optio RS1000 features 14 megapixels, a large three inch LCD monitor, a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle, and simple, user-friendly operation. Encased in a lightweight body about the size of a credit-card, the RS1000 is compact enough to carry anywhere. This latest PENTAX Optio will ship in October 2010 at $149.95 USD.

Also announced is the PENTAX Optio RZ10 digital compact camera. With a 10X optical zoom lens to capture a wide variety of subjects from travel and landscape to action and sports, the Optio RZ10 offers advanced features and handy functions that make photo shooting simple and effortless for everyone. The 10X zoom offers high-magnification from wide angle to telephoto, as well as powerful macro focus settings. The camera also features dual Shake Reduction (mechanical sensor-shift and digital) for effective blur reduction and an upgraded Auto Picture mode for “hands-off” selection of the most appropriate shooting settings. Sporting a simple and modern, yet functional exterior design, the camera will be available October 2010 in classic black, pure white, lime and violet for $219.95 USD.

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PENTAX OPTIO RS1000 FACT SHEET

PENTAX-original SKIN change system for personalized designs

The Optio RS1000 features a removable transparent acrylic panel on the face of the body, and there are four ways to personalize the PENTAX Optio RS1000:

1) Dress the camera in a choice of 11 (three plus eight) standard skins that ship with the product.

2) Use the included SKINIT gift card to design and order a free, high quality, pre-cut, 3M vinyl skin from www.skinit.com.

3) Use the included stencil to trace cutout lines to create a skin from printed photos, colored or wrapping papers, drawings, etc.

4) Download the PENTAX PERSONAL SKIN DESIGNER Adobe Air-based software from www.pentaximaging.com (timing to coincide with product shipping).

Personalizing the Optio RS1000 for yourself or someone special brings the fun back into photography. Ideas for use include gifts for wedding attendants, coaches and team parents, teachers, fashionistas, pet lovers, sport fanatics, corporate events, client gifts, anniversaries, retirements, new parents, scrap bookers, and anyone who is passionate about anything or is simply just hard-to-buy for.

Exceptional image quality Featuring 14 megapixels, a powerful imaging engine with superior noise reduction and the high-performance smc PENTAX optical zoom lens, the Optio RS1000 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details.

Large, easy-to-view 3.0 inch LCD monitor The Optio RS1000 features a large 3.0 inch bright color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots for detailed image and menu viewing.

Optical 4X zoom lens with 27.5mm wide-angle coverage The Optio RS1000 is equipped with a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 27.5mm wide angle to 110mm telephoto (35mm equivalent). This wide zoom range helps capture a wide variety of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes, majestic architecture and group shots within confined spaces, to tightly cropped snapshots from a distance. When coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows for even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 26.8 times.

Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of the most appropriate shooting settings The Optio RS1000 features the PENTAX Auto Picture mode to automatically select the most appropriate shooting setting for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. This user-friendly mode instantly selects one of the 15 shooting modes (eight conventional modes, plus seven new modes including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results with minimal effort by the photographer.

Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots The Optio RS1000 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function to automatically detect and capture human faces.

The Optio RS1000 is equipped with other convenient features to help photographers including

Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile and Natural Skin mode that captures subjects with smooth, healthy skin tones.

High-quality widescreen HD movie recording The Optio RS1000 captures high-definition 720p movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels)* and is equipped with Movie Shake Reduction mode** to compensate for camera shake during movie shooting. * When the Optio RS1000’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal-image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback. ** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

An assortment of digital filters for creative expression The Optio RS1000 offers nine different digital filters including Toy Camera, Retro and Sepia to add various visual effects to recorded images without requiring a computer. The user can even apply multiple filters to a single image for more inventive visual effects.

Other features Digital Shake Reduction function to effectively compensate for camera shake during still-image shooting Burst Shooting at a speed of 16 images in two seconds (fixed at 640 x 480 pixels)

Auto-tracking AF mode to keep constant focus on a moving subject

Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images

Green mode to automatically optimize exposure and sensitivity settings for a given subject or scene

Frame Composite function (with 20 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames

MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX software for image viewing, editing and filing applications (compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)

PENTAX OPTIO RZ10 FACT SHEET



Optical 10X zoom lens Equipped with a high-performance 10X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 280mm telephoto (in the 35mm format), the Optio RZ10 captures beautiful images with a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to fast-action sports events. The camera also provides high-quality macro focusing as close as one centimeter from the subject. Together with the Intelligent Zoom function for even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range may be extended to approximately 67 times to cover the focal length of 1876mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format).

Automatic shooting mode The PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode is upgraded with new modes in the RZ10 to automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions on and around the subject. This user-friendly mode instantly and reliably selects one of 16 shooting modes (eight conventional modes plus eight new modes including Blue Sky, Sunset and Pet) and optimizes various camera settings including sensitivity and shutter speed to assure the best results with minimal effort by the photographers.

Dual shake reduction to assure sharp, blur-free images With a mechanical CCD-shift-type Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism and Pixel Track SR, the Optio RZ10’s dual shake reduction system minimizes camera shake and image blur more effectively to help ensure sharp images even during sunset, indoors without flash and when shooting with a telephoto lens.

High-quality, widescreen HD movie recording Optio RZ10 users can enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort. The Optio RZ10 captures widescreen HD 720p movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels)* and comes equipped with the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** to automatically compensate for camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software. * When the Optio RZ10’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback. ** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

Exceptional image quality By coupling approximately 14 effective megapixels assuring exceptional image resolution with a high-performance imaging engine capable of reproducing true-to-life colors, the Optio RZ10 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, users are assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness.

Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots The Optio RZ10 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function. This instantly and accurately detects up to 32 faces within the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and in optimum exposure in as little as 0.03 seconds — even when heads are tilted or faces are angled slightly away from the camera.

The Optio RZ10 also comes equipped with other convenient features to assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots. These include: Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile; and Blink Detection function that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

Unique Pet mode for automatic detection of dog and cat faces

The Optio RZ10 features an improved Pet mode, which comes in handy when taking pictures of dogs and cats. This upgraded function not only assures far greater accuracy in detecting three pre-registered faces of dogs and cats, but is also capable of automatically detecting unregistered faces of dogs and cats, unlike the previous function.

Casual, all-purpose design for every occasion The Optio RZ10’s casual but stylish design makes it perfect to accompany its owner anywhere and on all occasions — on trips, for day-to-day snapshots, and at holiday events. It is designed to be functional and maneuverable, while meticulous attention has been given to every part of the camera body ergonomics, including: smoothly rounded edges; an easy-to-hold, rubber-coated grip; and a beautiful, lustrous alumite-finish black lens barrel. In addition to the standard color of chic black, the Optio RZ10 also comes in three vivid, lively colors designed to give it a sportier appearance. Other features

Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots Burst Shooting of up to 40 images at a maximum speed of 9.1 images per second Digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add creative visual effects Choice of three image sizes (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different applications

D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and black-out (underexposed) areas in an image Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images

MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX software for image viewing, editing and filing application (compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6) Eye-Fi connected: optimized for use with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards

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