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Pentax's K-r entry-level DSLR reviewed: the sweet spot has been hit
It may look like a toy, but as ma always said, it's what's underneath that counts. It's not often that those old adages prove true in consumer electronics, but such is the case with Pentax's newest entry-level DSLR. The K-r ($800 in kit form) is positioned between the K-x and K-7, and according to PhotographyBLOG, it fits perfectly there. They felt that the compact design was a boon for newcomers to the field who wouldn't be keen on lugging around anything of size, and most importantly, the image quality was said to be "excellent." Of course, low light performance began to suffer at ISO levels north of 800, so those interested in ditching the grain and blur after dark will still need to spend a bit more on a prosumer model like the Nikon D7000. The wide range of manual controls were also a hit, but considering that the HD video mode is identical to that on the lower-end K-x, you'll be forced to deal with a less-than-stellar UI. We'd suggest hitting the source link for the full skinny, but we'll go ahead and spoil the ending: it managed a Highly Recommended badge.
Pentax's K-r entry-level DSLR looks like a toy
When a DSLR screams "colorful" in the headline of the press release, you can usually guess the target audience. Sure enough, the multicolored Pentax K-r brings a compact, lightweight body to the entry-level DSLR market. Specs include a 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor, a PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, claimed 100-25600 ISO range, a 6fps high-speed mode, an 11-point AF system, Pentax's own Shake Reduction and dust removal mechanisms, a 3-inch LCD monitor with Live View mode, and the option to source power from four AA batteries once you exhaust the rechargeable. As a modern DSLR it also records 720p video at 25fps and even offers some obscure IrSimple high-speed infrared data transmission capabilites for all those IrSimple-compatible devices you don't own. The K-r body lists for $799.95 or as much as $999.95 when bundled with an 18-55 and 55-300 lens kit. Ships in October.%Gallery-101756%
FujiFilm's pair of 8 megapixelers: the Z100fd and S8000fd with 18x zoom
In the continuing onslaught of FinePix cameras this morning, FujiFilm also announced a pair of 8 megapixel (1/2.5-inch CCD) shooters: the S8000fd and Z100fd (pictured). The fixed lens S8000fd features a Fujinon 18x optical zoom lens and a high-speed, mechanical CCD-shift stabilization, electric viewfinder or 2.5-inch LCD, VGA video at 30fps, and a continuous shot mode capable of 15 shots per second at a 2 megapixel resolution. The Z100fd is pretty much the Z10fd for grown-ups. It brings a 5x optical zoom, IrSimple infrared, and the CCD-shift mechanical image stabilization found in its bulkier cuz. The S8000fd is scheduled to hit The States in September for $400 while the Z100fd will hit Asia around the same time frame for ¥40,000 or about $332. %Gallery-5229%[Via Impress] Read -- S8000fd Read -- Z100fd
FujiFilm's trendy tot cam: the 7.2 megapixel FinePix Z10fd
In an excruciatingly uncomfortable press release, FujiFilm promises to "hook up" generation Z's "fashion-conscious digital natives" with the launch of their new Z10fd digital camera. Besides sporting the five colors of Zebra Stripped gum, this 7.2 megapixel cam packs face recognition, auto-red eye correction, a dual-shot mode, xD/SD/SDHC support, and an over-inflated "blog mode" which quickly resizes any image into VGA or QVGA sizes. It also allows the kids to instantly share their snaps with any IrSimple capable infrared device -- a seriously short list outside of Japan. Perhaps the most troubling bit is FujiFilm's new "offzhook" website which will celebrate the "Z-lifestyle" when the camera launches in October. Thing is, generation Z is typically defined as being born after 2001. So why the hell is FujiFilm marketing a $200 camera to 6 year olds?%Gallery-5227%[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
FujiFilm's FinePix F50fd 12 megapixel compact powerhouse with IrSimple
Step aside Mary Lou Retton, there's a new pint-sized powerhouse loose in the US. Meet the $300 F50fd from FujiFilm which stuffs that ridiculous 12 megapixel, 1/1.6-inch CCD into this FinePix's slim chassis with 3x optical zoom and 2.7-inch LCD in tow. The cam sports a dual-shot mode (one with and one without flash taken in rapid succession), xD/SD/SDHC expansion, and FujiFilm's v2.0 Face Detection tech, a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor and the ability to shoot at ISO 1600 at full resolution. It will also be one of the first domestic shooters to support IrSimpleShot (IrSS) high speed data transfer when it enters the US market in September. And here you thought infrared was dead you silly, silly boy.%Gallery-5225%
Sharp's UX-MF series: faxing has never been so good
It's still hard to believe sometimes, but there are indeed fax machines alive and well in the world. Sharp hopes to ease this pain a bit by integrating what they are calling the first fax-to-email solution right in the box. Just plug-in the Ethernet, configure a recipient's address, and Sharp's UX-MF series of all-in-ones will automatically email received faxes as an attached TIFF file. The box can also be used to fax direct from your PC or to scan and print/fax/copy documents old-school-like while leering at the receptionist. It will even print pictures received from any of the new IrSimple infrared handsets like the SH902iS, SH902iSL and SH702iS from NTT DoCoMo capable of transferring a 2 megapixel image in less than a second. The series boasts a 4.3-inch LCD for reviewing scanned images prior to execution, an SD card reader, 2.4GHz cordless phone with answering machine, and the ability to print 26ppm monochrome or 24ppm color at 1200x1200dpi. The top-end UX-MF60CL will set you back about ¥50,800 (roughly $435), a pittance for the reward of a more sedentary lifestyle. Now please pass the donuts.[Via Impress]
