Pentax X70 leaks out in full ahead of PMA
By Donald Melanson 
posted Mar 2nd 2009 1:09PM
posted Mar 2nd 2009 1:09PM
Well, it looks like those intrigued by that Pentax bridge camera that turned up yesterday didn't have to wait too long to get the full scoop on it, as the camera has now produced yet another leak ahead of the big PMA show, this time with complete specs and a name: the X70. Among the stand-out features here is a 24x optical zoom, along with a more than adequate 12 megapixels, a 2.7-inch LCD, and a number of reasonably high-end features, including "reliable shake-reduction," 720p video recording, settings from ISO 50 to ISO 6400, and a high-speed shooting mode that'll let you capture up to 11 images per second. What's more, while Pentax still isn't saying anything official about the camera, it has already turned up on B&H's website with a price of $399.95, though there's no indication of a release date just yet.
Update: Pentax has pushed out the official presser, with an April release date.
Read - PentaxForums.com
Read - B&H
Update: Pentax has pushed out the official presser, with an April release date.
Read - PentaxForums.com
Read - B&H
Nice long optical zoom, hopefully the zoom speed isn't slow. and price tag? i like those ultra zoom especially like bring to arena, when dslr with telephoto lens isn't allowed, 20+ optical zoom farther then most lens out there.
Sensor size?
With a 1/2.33 sized sensor, the quality of these so-called 'bridge' cameras does not exceed even mid-range point and shoot quality - very flat and noisy. With an aps-c sized sensor these truly would be a bridge between pocket cameras and DSLR's, but until then they are kind of useless.
I think they were designed to more fit a new marketing niche than an actual niche for need and useability. Unfortunate.
Well, there's the new Samsung NX (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09030201samsungnxsystem.asp), which is a bridge camera with an APS-C sized sensor...
The trouble is that there is no possible way you could fit such a large sensor and a long zoom into this small of a package. And the average consumer only looks at the size and zoom (and of course...I hate to say it... MPs) anyways.
Well.. it may be a marketing thing, but it's enough for me to return my Canon SX10 I just received and see what else comes out this week.
These bridge cameras do offer decent photos with the flexibility of the zoom range and they can just be all about fun without having to knock your socks off photo quality.
Here's to more news :)
sooo....this or a used *ist from the 'bay?