For those that wondered about the K-5 versus the Nikon D-7000, here it is: DxOMark

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

For those that wondered about the K-5 versus the Nikon D-7000, here it is: DxOMark

I think we could call this a "Home run". Congratulation Pentax for having two of the top five DSLRs in the DxOMark. Of course, prior to this, Canon and Nikon owners were proud to point Pentax owners to the  DxO site for comparison, but now we hear that the DxO analysis is not accurate...right!

Thank you for reading and thank you for being Pentax believers.

Yvon Bourque

It didn't take long for the Pentax 645D to be announced. Available in May in Japan...$9,500.00 to $10,000.00 USD.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

Well...it didn't take long for Pentax to introduce the 645D. It's everywhere on the Internet. It is absolutely beautiful. I wish I had the money to get one. Once again, the little company that could...has done it again. All current 645 AF lenses will work and can easily be put back in production.

Here are some of the specifications:

Camera Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure medium format digital SLR camera


Sensor
       • 40 million effective pixels
       • 40.1 million total pixels
       • 44 x 33 mm CCD sensor
       • 6.0 μm x 6.0 μm pixel size

Dynamic Range 11.5f - stops

Dust removal Image sensor cleaning function by supersonic vibration (DR II) with dust alert function

Image processor PRIME II

Image sizes
      • 7264 x 5440 pixels
      • 6528 x 4896 pixels
      • 5376 x 4032 pixels
      • 4224 x 3168 pixels
      • 3072 x 2304 pixels

Image formats (Still)
      • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Best / Better / Good
      • RAW (PEF or DNG)

Lens mount • Pentax 645AF2 bayonet mount

      • Usable lenses: Pentax 645AF2, 645AF, and 645A mount lenses

Focusing TTL phase difference detection, 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX IX+)

Focus modes
      • AF Single
      • AF Continuous
      • Manual focus

AF point selection
      • Select
      • Center
      • Auto

Metering modes
      • Multi-segment
      • Center-weighted average
      • Spot

Metering
       • TTL Open Aperture
       • 77- segment sensor
       • Metering range: EV 2 - 21 EV (ISO 200, 55 mm F2.8)

AE lock Yes

Sensitivity
      • Auto (ISO 200-1000)
      • Boost (100,1600)
      • 1EV, 1/2EV, 1/3EV steps

Exposure compensation +/- 5.0 EV

Shutter
      • Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
      • 30 sec-1/4000
      • 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
      • Flash X-Sync: 1/125 sec
      • Bulb

Preview function
      • Optical preview
      • Digital preview

White balance
      • Auto
      • Daylight
      • Shade
      • Cloudy
      • Fluorescent (D, N,W,L)
      • Tungsten
      • Flash
      • CTE
      • Manual (3 settings)
      • Color temperature (3 memories) with fine tuning

Custom image settings
      • Bright
      • Natural
      • Portrait
      • Landscape
      • Vibrant
      • Muted
      • Reversal Film
      • Monochrome

Viewfinder
      • Trapezoid prism finder
      • 98% field of view
      • Magnification: approx 0.62x (with D FA645 55mmF2.8 at infinity), approx. 0.85x (with FA645     75mmF2.8 at infinity)
      • Diopter adjustment: -3.5 to +2.0m diopter
      • Natural Bright Matte focusing screen

External flash
      • Hot shoe
      • X-Sync socket
      • P-TTL
      • High-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated external flash

Shooting modes
      • Program AE
      • Sensitivity priority
      • Shutter priority
      • Aperture priority
      • Shutter & Aperture priority
      • Metered Manual
      • Bulb
      • X-Speed

Drive modes
      • Single
      • Continuous Hi
      • Continuous Lo
      • Self-timer: 2 or 12 sec
      • Remote control: immediate, 3 sec delay
      • Remote Continuous Shooting
      • Exposure Bracketing
      • Extended Bracketing
      • Interval
      • Multiple Exposure

Continuous shooting Approx. 1.1 fps

LCD monitor
      • 3.0 " TFT LCD
      • 921,000 dots
      • Brightness level adjustment
      • Color adjustable

Playback features
      • Single image
      • 2, 4, 9, 16, 36, 81 thumbnail display
      • Enlargement (up to 32x, scroll available)
      • Image Rotation
      • Folder view
      • Slideshow
      • Histogram
      • Resize
      • Cropping
      • Bright/Dark area
      • Calendar view
      • Index view

Digital Filters (Playback Mode) Monochrome, Extract Color, Color, Base Tweaking, Soft

Connectivity
      • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
      • HDMI Type C mini
      • Video out NTSC/PAL
      • DC-IN

Storage SD / SDHC

Power
      • Lithium-Ion D-LI90 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
      • Optional AC adapter

Dimensions 156 x 117 x 119 mm (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.7 in)

Weight
      • No battery: 1400g (49.4 oz)
      • With battery and 2 SD cards: 1480g (52.2 oz)

__________________________________________________


I will post more as I get more information.

Here's more...

1.Unprecedented image qualityi.Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately 40 effective megapixels

The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-performance CCD image sensor produced by Kodak. It measures 44mm by 33mm, and is approximately 1.7 times larger than its 35mm-format counterparts. Thanks to approximately 40 effective megapixels, it assures a wide dynamic range to faithfully reproduce the prevailing ambience and the sense of depth in super-high-resolution images that are rich in gradation and truthful in texture description. In order to bring out the full potential of the lens and the image sensor and assure the highest level of image-resolving power, the CCD unit is designed with no low-pass filters.

ii.High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine

The PENTAX 645D features the acclaimed, PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speed data-processing capacity and new algorithm exclusively programmed for medium-format digital SLR cameras, this high-performance imaging engine produces super-high-quality images rich in gradation and faithful in color reproduction, while allowing speedy data transmission of large-volume image data — even RAW-format images as large as some 50MB per file.

iii.14-bit A/D converter for faithful conversion of image data to digital signals

The PENTAX 645D features a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the large volume of analog image data output by the large CCD image sensor to digital signals carrying an extensive amount of image data, including resolution and gradation.

2.Solid, maneuverable bodyThe PENTAX 645D’s main frame is made of lightweight but strong magnesium-steel alloy, while the chassis is made of diecast aluminum to minimize the expansion and extension caused by heat and also to optimize kinematic accuracy and thermal stability. The LCD panels — one on the camera’s top panel, another on the back panel — are covered with tempered glass plates for extra protection. The PENTAX 645D’s body is also designed to be a compact and highly maneuverable medium-format camera, despite the incorporation of such dependable features as a dust-proof, weather-resistant construction with 70 special seals, outstanding cold-resistant performance to assure solid operation at a temperature as low as –10°C, and a newly designed shutter unit with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second that can withstand as many as 50,000 shutter releases.

3.Dual SD/SDHC memory card slotsThe PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory card slots for the recording of images on both SD and SDHC memory cards. This dual-slot design gives the photographer extra data-storage options: for instance, recorded images can be assigned to different cards according to recording format (such as RAW or JPEG), or one of the cards can be used as the backup of the other. The settings for each memory card slot can be easily made by dedicated button.

4.Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spotsThe PENTAX 645D comes equipped with the highly dependable DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, which effectively minimizes annoying dust spots on recorded images, even when the lenses are changed in dust-prone outdoor settings. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the CCD image sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectively and efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. Thanks to the user-friendly dust-alert system, the photographer can check at a quick glance for dust adhering to the image sensor prior to the actual shooting.

5.Newly designed, high-precision 11-point wide-frame AF sensorThe PENTAX 645D’s new SAFOX IX + wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure the extra-high-precision focusing demanded of medium-format digital SLR cameras. To develop this sophisticated AF system, the entire optical system was redesigned, at the same time with the addition of the new functionality to analyze and make use of the light sources data in the field of view.

6.Advanced 77-segment multi-pattern meteringThe PENTAX 645D employs a state-of-the-art, 77-segment multi-pattern metering system to assure super-high-accuracy light metering. The exposure accuracy is further enhanced by collecting such additional data as image orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the distance to and magnification of the subject using the sensors installed inside the camera body, with the obtained data incorporated into exposure calculations.

7.Large, easy-to-see optical viewfinderIncorporated in the PENTAX 645D’s finder unit, a trapezoid-shaped glass prism not only assures an approximately 98% field of view, but also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera body. Coupled with a bright, easy-to-focus Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the PENTAX 645D’s viewfinder offers a large, clear view of the subject.

8.Custom Image function to create desired visual effects with easeThe PENTAX 645D’s Custom Image function lets the user easily control an image’s finishing touches to more precisely reflect the user’s creative intentions, or to more faithfully reproduce the ambience of the scene. The user can select one of eight modes, including the new Reversal Film mode designed to create images with the colors that are typical of reversal film. In addition, all parameters — such as saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, key, and highlight/shadow contrast — can be easily adjusted to desired levels, so that the photographer can shoot images with great ease.

9.Versatile, multi-mode exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentionsi.Hyper Program function

The PENTAX 645D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch from Programmed AE mode to Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electric dials positioned around the grip. A single push of the green button shifts the exposure mode back to the original Programmed AE mode.

ii.Hyper Manual function

When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, the PENTAX 645D's Hyper Manual mode lets the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject with a single push of the green button.

iii.Sensitivity-Priority mode

The unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode automatically selects the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for the user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted swiftly by electronic dial on the back panel. The variable amount of the ISO could be configured to either 1/2 or 1/3 steps per click.

iv.Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode

Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for the automatic shifting of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for the user-selected aperture/shutter-speed combination. It allows the user to effortlessly experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions.

10.Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dotsPositioned on the camera’s back panel, a large 3.0-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots provides a clear, bright view of onscreen images and menus. Since its wide-view design allows quick, effortless confirmation of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically, the photographer has little difficulty shooting images from low and high angles. The LCD monitor is also treated with exclusive AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize reflections on the screen, even in the outdoor locations under bright sunshine.

11.Long battery lifeThe PENTAX 645D is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 800 images* when fully charged.

* Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.


12.Other featuresi.HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures

ii.Dynamic-Range Expansion function to compensate for both whitewashed (excessively overexposed) and blacked-out (excessively underexposed) areas

iii.Digital Level function for easy checking of the image’s levels

iv.Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available in combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lenses)

v.Versatile white-balance control system, including the CTE mode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the captured images, which works especially well with such scene like sunset.

vi.Mirror shock/operation-noise reduction function to assure smooth, quiet operation of the mirror during shooting

vii.Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images

viii.Compatible with the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism, designed to assure smooth, quiet operation using the supersonic motor installed inside SDM lenses

ix.HDMI terminal (for type C mini connectors) for high-resolution image data output

x.User-friendly, color-classified control buttons/switches, based on the color universal design concept

xi.PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and browser application

645D Specifications

Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure medium format digital SLR camera

Effective Pixels approx. 40 megapixels

Image Sensor Total pixels approx. 40.01 megapixels

Type CCD with a primary color filter

Size 44mm x 33mm

Pixel size 6.0 μm x 6.0 μm

Dynamic Range 11.5f - stops

Recorded Pixels Still JPEG: L[40M]7264x5440 pixels, M[32M]6528x4896 pixels [21M]5376x4032 pixels,

S[13M]4224x3168 pixels [7M]3072x2304 pixels

RAW: [40M]7264x5440 pixels

Formats Still RAW(14 bit): (PEF/DNG), JPEG: (Best), (Better), (Good), RAW+JPEG: available

Recording file Format Still RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21),

Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) 2.0

Sensitivity

( Standard output sensitivity ) Auto:200-1000, Extension:100, 1600 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps)

Storage Media SD, SDHC memory card (Dual slot)

White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light ( D, N, W, L), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual setting 1, Manual setting 2, Manual setting 3, Color temperature setting (3 types) with WB fine adjustment

Custom Image Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Reversal Film, Monochrome

Viewfinder Type Trapezoid prism finder

Focusing screen Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen

Field of view approx. 98%

Diopter adjustment approx. -3.5 - +2.0m-1

Magnification approx. 0.62 x (with D FA645 55mmF2.8 at infinity),

approx. 0.85 x (with FA645 75mmF2.8 at infinity)

Monitor Type TFT color LCD monitor, Wide angle view, Brightness adjustable, Color adjustable, AR Coating, Reinforced glass

Size 3.0 inch

Dots approx. 921,000 dots

Preview Method Optical preview, Digital preview

Playback 1 Image, 2 Image, 4 Image, 9 Image, 16 Image, 36 Image, 81 Image, Enlargement (up to 32X, scroll available), Image Rotation, Folder view, Slideshow, Histogram, Resize, Cropping, Bright/Dark area, Calendar view, Index view

Digital Filter Playback Mode Monochrome, Extract Color, Color, Base Tweaking, Soft

Focusing System Type TTL phase difference detection, 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX IX+)

Focus Mode AF-single, AF-continuous

Focus Point Auto, Select, Center

Superimpose available

Exposure Control Metering System TTL open-aperture 77-segment metering

Metering Mode (1) Multi-segment metering, (2) Center-weighted metering, (3) Spot metering

Exposure Range EV 2-21 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 55mmF2.8)

Modes (1) Program AE, (2) Sensitivity-Priority AE, (3) Shutter-Priority AE, (4) Aperture-Priority AE, (5) Shutter and Aperture Priority AE, (6) Metered Manual, (7) Bulb, (8) X speed

Exposure

Compensation ±5EV

AE Lock availiable

Shutter Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter

Shutter Speed Auto:1/4000 - 30 sec, Manual:1/4000 - 30 sec (1/3 EV steps or 1/2 EV steps), bulb

Drive Modes Single-frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s ), Remote Continuous Shooting, Interval, Multiple Exposure, Exposure Bracketing, Extended Bracketing

Continuous

shooting

approx. 1.1 fps, RAW(PEF)+JPEG(40M at ): until approx. 13 fps, RAW(PEF): until approx. 13 fps, RAW(DNG): until approx. 13 fps, JPEG(40M at ): until approx. 15 fps

Mirror Lock-up

shooting available by dedicated dial

Flash Synchronization Hot shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed: 1/125 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated external flash

Dust Removal Image sensor cleaning function by supersonic vibration (DR II) with dust alert function

Time World Time 75 cities (28 time zones)

Data Folder Folder Name Date (100_MMDD···), PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX···) ,

File Name Standard, User customize

Power Sources Rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery

Optional AC adapter also available.

Battery Life Number of

recordable images approx. 800 (23°C) *, approx. 700 (0°C), approx. 650 (-10°C)

Playback time approx. 440 minutes (23°C) *, approx. 400 minutes (0°C), approx. 380 minutes (-10°C)

Interfaces USB2.0 (Hi-Speed:mini B type), Video output (mini phone type), HDMI output (type C mini), DC input , Cable switch, X-sync socketc

Video Output Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats

Lens Mount PENTAX 645AF2 bayonet mount

Usable Lens PENTAX 645AF2, 645AF, and 645A mount lenses

Dimensions approx. 156(W) x 117(H) x 119(D)mm (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.7 inches)

Weight approx. 1480 g (52.2 oz.) loaded and ready with battery and two SD memory cards

approx. 1400 g (49.4 oz.) without battery and SD memory card.

Bundle software PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 (Ver.4.20)



* Recording capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing. Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.



•PENTAX, 645D, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.

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

•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.

•HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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

•Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.


Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

The PENTAX Digital 645 SLR is coming Thursday. We will see if my views were correct shortly.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

I wrote about the upcoming Pentax Digital 645 for a few years now. We are about to see the final results and specs. It will be unveiled Thursday in Japan. I will post about it and let everyone know all the details I can find. However, I am sure that every blog and forum sites will be featuring it Thursday / Friday.

I wrote several articles previously and the link for some of them are following. Read them if you want and let's see if I was at least half-way right about my predictions.

 http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/2008/10/editorial-where-will-pentax-go-from.html

http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/2009/07/lets-revisit-medium-format-dslrs-now.html

http://pentaxdslrs.blogspot.com/2009/10/here-are-some-random-thoughts-about.html

Thank you for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Let's revisit the Medium-Format DSLRs now that the K-7 and K-x are available. Could the 645D be Pentax's next big move?

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

I just thought that this article published in July was appropriate now that Pentax has the K-7 and the K-x available.

Pentax will never make a Full Frame (24x36) DSLR as they believe this is a market that will disapear in favor of much larger sensors. As the prices of sensors goes down and technology advances even more, sensors equivalent to medium-format cameras will be cheaper.

Pentax has experience with medium-format cameras in the 645 and 6x7 film cameras. They already have a good lens base. They are going to introduce the new Pentax 645-D in Japan early next year. It will not be only sold in Japan for long. I bet everybody will want one and the price will never be as much as the competition such as Hasselblad, Phase One, Mamiya, etc.

Just look at the Leica S2, and you will look at the future of Digital Photography. Canon and Nikon never produced a medium-format camera before and they will likely continue to push the Full Frame format inherited from the 35mm film cameras. Imagine a sensor the size of a 645 medium-format camera or bigger. The point and shoot cameras will be replaced by APS-C DSLRs or 4/3rd DSLRs or Hybrid cameras. The Full frame will be replaced by the medium-format sizes.

This will put Pentax in a good position for both markets. You know that the Leica S2 will start a new Professional standard, but at a much higher price than Pentax will. You just wait and see...Pentax will rise again. In the past, with film cameras, the 35mm was mostly used by amateur photographers and Large-format by Pros.

Here is another article I posted earlier about the Pentax 645-D.

What do you think?

Of course this is just my opinion only and I am 90% right 20% of the time, like the weather man!

Thank you for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Careful What You Wish For

by Miserere


Reading Yvon's preceding post on Bruce's purchase of a Nikon D700 got me thinking, so I decided to quickly write down what was racing from my brain down through my fingers.

I can certainly see the allure of the D700. I spent Thanksgiving in a dark house trying to photograph children at ISO3200 on a K100D Super. Even with the f/1.8 afforded by the fabulous Pentax 31 Ltd, shutter speeds were not fast enough, and the IQ of the pics is far from great. I may print a few on 8x10 and see what they look like, but details on screen look poor. I'd love to have usable ISO 64000 in these situations! But I cannot afford a D700. I, like countless photographers before me (and scores after me, no doubt) will have to work around the limitations of my equipment, and my equipment is determined by my budget.

Yvon is quite right: If Pentax were to introduce a full-frame camera it would not be priced below $2,500 (and even that price would be great for a FF). Would Pentaxians complain? I wouldn't be surprised if the forums melted down with cries of anger.

If Pentax finally roll out the mythical 645D I doubt it's going to cost less than $6,000, on top of which you will have to buy a whole host of new lenses for it. Will the standard, regular Pentaxian buy it? Not a chance! I don't think people realise just how NOT portable the 645D will be. You won't be hanging it from your shoulder and going out for a stroll with it; you won't just throw it in your bag on your way out of the door. This will be a camera for the semi-professional landscape or studio photographer who produces serious work, but cannot justify the expense of a Hassie, Leica or other medium format camera. Will Pentaxians complain? You bet!

I am actually worried that Pentax have announced that they'll probably pursue the 645D. For the reasons mentioned above, I doubt they'll sell many of them and cannot imagine they will make a significant profit. As Pentax only have limited resources, any manpower channelled into the 645D project is going to be at the expense of the APS-C camera and lens line. Imagine they invest a large amount of money in this new project and never make it back; what would happen to Pentax? Could it bankrupt the Imaging division? Is Hoya willing to take such a gamble?

I believe Pentax will introduce a FF camera when/if it becomes clear that it's going to become the standard for amateur cameras. At this point they will discontinue their APS-C camera line (or maybe keep one as an entry-level model) and start producing FF lenses. I think this is the only way it makes sense for Pentax given their limited budget and production capabilities. Any other approach might ruin them, and none of us wishes the demise of Pentax, right?

So be careful what you wish for, my friend.

Editorial: Where will Pentax go from here?

Dictionary:
editorial (ĕd'ĭ-tôr'ē-əl, -tōr'-) ';}// -->n.
1. An article in a publication expressing the opinion of its editors or publishers.
2. A commentary on television or radio expressing the opinion of the station or network.

To begin with, understand that Pentax's future as depicted herein is strictly an opinion or dream of mine and this editorial is not intended to be another rumor about what’s next for Pentax.

In the old days, (1950 -1970) Pentax had a much greater share of the camera market than they have today. They were the first in many of the cameras development worldwide. Here is a brief history:

Ever since Pentax introduced their first 35mm SLR in 1952, the Asahiflex I, backward compatibility has been a strong reason for owning a Pentax camera. This is still true today. Here is a partial list of Pentax innovations:

In 1952, the Asahiflex I was the first Japanese camera introduced to the world. Unlike its competitors, the camera was not a replica of German technology.

In 1954, the Asahiflex II was the world’s first instant return mirror system.

In 1957, The Asahi Pentax model used a pentaprism in the viewfinder of a Pentax single lens reflex (SLR) camera, introducing the concept of eye-level viewing. It was the first camera to be marketed under the name Pentax.

In 1964, Pentax introduced its Spotmatic camera featuring the first through-the-lens (TTL) metering system in a Pentax camera.

In 1971, the Pentax ES SLR camera, the world's first SLR camera with a TTL aperture-priority AE control, was introduced. Pentax also introduced the Super-Multi Coating (SMC) system for the Asahi Optical Takumar lens series. Other manufacturers followed suit.

In 1981, Pentax introduced the first through-the-lens autofocus camera, the Pentax ME-F.

In 1984, Pentax produced the world’s first multi-mode medium format camera, the Pentax 645.

In 1987, Pentax introduced the SF-1, an autofocus camera with the world’s first AF SLR with a built-in auto flash.

In 2006, Pentax announced the Pentax K10D, making history again with this revolutionary camera. It is followed by the K20D in 2008.

All the above confirm that at one time, the Pentax name was well known worldwide. Pentax cameras were selling more than Nikon or Canon. Everyone knew about Pentax and so many had Pentax 35mm cameras. Back then, the "Pros" were using Nikons F series, Leicas, etc. Even back then, Pentax cameras were aimed at the amateurs photographers, especially the 35mm market.

Pentax did cater to the Professional photographers by introducing the Pentax 645 and the Pentax 67.

These medium format cameras were very popular, and they still are well respected by "Pros" still shooting film. To me, it looks like Pentax might use a similar approach with the Digital cameras.

Did you know that only about 5% of the cameras sold are the "Pro-models" costing thousands of dollars? Yes, the "Pros" do need durable cameras that can withstand abuses. Although the big thing now is the Full-Frame DSLRs, my guess is that the Full-Frame sensors will be replaced in the not-so-distant-future with the Medium Format equivalent, such as the Hasselblads, the Mamiyas, the Sinars, etc,. That's what the "Pros" will start using. The price of these Medium Format equivalent DSLRs will likely come down.

Pentax has already designed a Medium Format DSLR but it was put on hold. Why? My guess is that the demand for non-Professional cameras is Hughes and the price for large sensors is still too high. Computers still have problems with very large digital files, but computers and software will improve exponentially in the years to come. What makes sense to me is a scenario where Pentax would continue making DSLRs with the current APS-C sized sensors, which are getting cheaper and better all the time (Look at the K20D CMOS 14.6 sensor), until the price of large sensors suitable for Medium Format equivalent are affordable.

Then, they could use the "already designed Pentax Digital 645 SLR" with a new large C-MOS sensor and introduce it as a new Professional platform. Right now the money is in DSLRs (APS-C and FF). It is forseable that through 2009 , more people will upgrade from point & shoot cameras than ever before. Soon, almost every home will have a DSLR, just like nearly every home had a 35mm SLR prior to the digital revolution. Amateurs would have the current platform and "Pros" would have a new platform with incredible image quality.

On the other hand, who knows what technology will bring in the next five years? Digicams capable of producing high resolution videos as well as 24+MP still images? Holographic cameras? Heck...maybe cell phones with all of the above capabilities. I guess it's all about timing and luck. The 80/20 rule may still apply here; 20% timing and 80% luck, or 20% product and 80% marketing.

Thank you for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Pentax announcement of the K10D replacement.

If you are in Digital Photography and haven’t heard of the following, you must be dead or from another planet.

Last week, Nikon announced a new DSLR, the D300, that will be in direct competition with whatever model Pentax replaces the current K10D with. Just a while before, Canon announced the EOS 40D. The Nikon will have a new 12.3 megapixels DX-Format CMOS Sensor, a 3” color monitor, live view shooting and an astounding 51 points autofocus system. Canon new EOS 40D has a 10.1 megapixels APS-C Format CMOS Sensor, 9 points autofocus, a 3” monitor and has live shooting modes as well. Nikon will undoubtedly step ahead of Canon in sales lead with this camera. Both cameras will have little or no noise at high ISO.

Being a diehard Pentax fan, I can’t deny my envy. I was hoping for an announcement from Pentax, and indeed, they did have an announcement. They announced that the long awaited 645 Digital was no longer a priority for Pentax. In this fast changing digital world, “no longer a priority” simply means that it will never be a reality. I am sad to hear that.

So, we just have to wait for Pentax introduction of the replacement for the K10D. I have a suspicion that they will have a new sensor as well, (hopefully full size and in the neighborhood of 12 megapixels), the live view has been a rumor for quite a while, the 3” monitor will likely be available and the number of AF points is okay the way it is with 11 points autofocus with 9 being cross-type. The Nikon D300 and the Canon EOS 40D will be selling around $1,500.00. I anticipate that the new Pentax will be less expensive. Mister Hoya-Pentax, please don’t make a fool out of me.

Just for fun, I altered the K10D with PhotoShop with what I would like it to be. THIS IS NOT REAL. My version has an 18 megapixels full frame CMOS sensor, a 3” color monitor that can be rotated in all positions and has live view shooting. A maximum ISO of 1600 with little or no noise is attainable. All of the important controls, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, AF point selection, Raw button, Exposure bracket, Shake reduction and more, are accessible through buttons or switches instead of cumbersome menus. Hey…some of these advanced features already exist on the K10D. Could the K10D be ahead with some features? Watch for its replacement, it should be interesting. I do think that my K10D will serve me good for quite a while.

I hope that in the weeks to come, Pentax will once again surprise everyone with a new and pleasant bombshell.

Remember that the camera is just a tool. It's the person behind the viewfinder that counts. Ansel Adams took some pictures that are still astounding today, with "old school" equipment. Can you imagine what he would have done with the digital technology? If you don't know who Ansel Adams is, it's like saying that you never heard of the Beatles!

Yvon Bourque