Pentax
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Pentax's Optio I-10 point-and-shoot gets the hands-on treatment
Pentax managed to turn a few heads with its new batch of retro-styled point-and-shoots, and the folks at Pocket-lint have now already managed to get a hands-on with the top-end model of the lot: the Optio I-10. As you might expect, they seem to have been suitably impressed by the "cute and miniature" design, although they're quick to point out that this is far from the "hybrid" camera it might appear to be In fact, they say it's "very light," which apparently prompted some folks they handed it to question if it was "even a real camera." Not exactly the most encouraging sign, but Pocket-lint is promising to say more once it's had a chance to really put the camera through its paces.
Pentax confirms Optio I-10, H90, and E90 budget-friendly shooters
With a couple of leaks to get our mouths watering, Pentax has at last confirmed its new trio of Optio cameras: the I-10 (pictured), H90, and E90. The SLR-inspired I-10 sports a 5x zoom, 12.1 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD and 720p / 30fps video capture. There's also optical image stabilization, smile capture, and face detection to round out the feature set -- not bad for a $300 camera. Meanwhile, the similarly classy, 80s-inspired H90 checks most of the same boxes (including HD video, 12.1 megapixel stills and 5x zoom) with a $180 pricetag -- we can only guess its sacrifices involve a downgraded lens, sensor or general sense of class. Finally, the E90 throws off all classic pretension and does up 10 megapixels, 3x zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD for a mere $100. No optical stabilization here, but the 6400 ISO and Digital Shake Reduction mode should help out a little bit. All three cameras ship next month. PR is after the break. %Gallery-83857%
Pentax Optio I-10, H90, and E-90 leak out in full
We caught a glimpse of some new Pentax cams yesterday, and now the new Optio I-10, E-10, and two-tone H90 have leaked out in full. We still don't kow a ton about them, but the higher-res images mean we know some basic specs: the I-10 cops an old-school vibe and features a 5x zoom on top of a 12.1 megapixel sensor, the H90 also has a 5x zoom, and the E90 looks to be a little more basic with a 3x zoom and a 10.1 megapixel sensor. So... let's get official with these soon, okay?
Pentax Optio H90 and Optio L10 cameras briefly leak out
Looks like the color-crazy engineers in the Pentax labs are brewing up some new goodies: these images of a new Optio H90 and new orange-topped Optio L10 were briefly up on a retailer site today, and Photorumors managed to retrieve the images from Google's cache. There's also an entry for a third Optio, but there was no associated image or info, so there's at least one surprise left in this world.
Pentax's entry-level K-x DSLR receives glowing review
Pentax's K-x has been shipping in various corners of the globe (in various hues) for a hot minute now, but at long last the entry-level DSLR has found itself on the test bench. The good folks over at Tech Radar were able to take the $650 shooter for a spin, and with few exceptions, they absolutely adored it. Image quality was deemed fantastic, and without qualification, that's easily the most important aspect of a camera. Critics also appreciated the build quality, rear LCD and ergonomics, though they did note that the 720p movie mode was "hit and miss." They found it to be a good fit for novices and amateurs, and while they did feel that it was somewhat less comfortable to wield than Nikon's D5000, they still maintained that it'll be a great bargain when the street price falls just a bit. Tap the read link for the full skinny -- but only if you feel compelled. Update: PhotographyBLOG has just published its review as well.
Pentax's limited edition Korejanai K-x DSLR reminds us of Harlequin VW Golf
You Yanks won't be getting your paws around this without a buddy in Japan ready and willing to ship it your way, but those camped out in the Land of the Rising Sun can soon jockey for an opportunity to grab the most colorful Pentax K-x DSLR of all time. The Korejanai K-x -- which was engineered by the same folks behind the 'Self Destruct Button' USB hub -- looks as if it had all of its panels painted a different hue, and as diehard lovers of the iconic 1996 Volkswagen Harlequin Golf, we can't help but drool here. Only 100 of these will be sold, and it'll be bundled with a matching Korejanai Robot Model. Of course, the camera itself is identical to the standard version save for the paint job, but somehow we're guessing you'll appreciate this one just a wee bit more. It's set to sell for ¥79,800 (around $880), with orders being accepted starting at 10AM JST on November 2nd. Best set your alarms, kids! [Via Image-Acquire] %Gallery-76443%
Pentax's waterproof Optio W80 reviewed: tough as nails, 'so-so' image quality
We've always heard that life was full of compromises, and evidently Pentax made a few when it decided to build its toughest, most rugged point-and-shoot camera of all time. On paper, the Optio W80 looked mighty promising, but in practice, the all-important image quality was found to fall short. Over at PhotographyBLOG, critics found that the camera could withstand "virtually anything" within reason, and while the 5x optical zoom and HD movie mode were both appreciated, most everything else was at least somewhat disappointing. The anti-shake system was found to simply slow the camera down, and the image quality was hamstrung by excessive noise at all ISO levels -- even 100. Feel free to peek the full review down in the read link, but make sure to keep your expectations in check.
Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots
We'll admit -- compared to the ketchup-colored K-x, these two just seem lackluster. And, perhaps they are. But there's still some merit to Pentax introducing a new pair of point-and-shoots, with both the M85 and E85 sporting 12 megapixel CCD sensors and relatively slim bodies. The former can also shoot 720p video and features a 3-inch touchscreen, shake reduction and face detection, while the lower end E85 gets saddled with a 2.7-inch LCD, a VGA movie mode and an awkward feeling of incompetence. Both should be available in Euroland next month for €179 ($263) and €129 ($186), respectively.[Via Engadget German]
Pentax K-x hands-on
We just got a quick look at Pentax's value priced, 720p-shootin' DSLR, the K-x. Unfortunately, the models we saw were pretty early prototypes, so we didn't get to really see how the camera performs. Overall the build quality seems solid, but nothing incredible -- though quite good for the $650 pricepoint. We were sad to hear that those crazy color options will be Japan only: the US is only getting red, white, blue and black. But how about that red! We can honestly say it's one of the wilder shades we've seen on a consumer electronics product, and our camera seemed have a trouble comprehending the particular shade of red. We look forward to all the curious looks we'll get when we have a final build of the product to play with in the wild.
Pentax rolls its own colorware for the Pentax K-x DSLR
Not content with the already generous black, white, red, or navy blue options Pentax is offering on its new K-x DSLR? Then it looks like your persistence has finally paid off for once, as Pentax has now rolled out its own Colorware-type service for the camera -- in Japan, that is. That'll let you choose from twenty different colors for the body of the camera and five for the grip (lens colors are apparently "coming soon") and, of course, any combination of the two (like the eye-catching number we whipped up above). Best of all, it seems that the customization options are available at no extra cost, other than the hours you'll spend agonizing over your choice of colors.[Thanks, Rye]
Pentax K-x DSLR now official: 12.4MP, 720p video, coming October for $650
Looks like we didn't have to wait long after today's leak. Pentax has made its not quite entry-level DSLR, the K-x. All the earlier specs have panned out, so we're looking at a 12.4 megapixel CMOS censor, a 200 to 6400 ISO sensitivity expandable to 100 to 12,800, 4.7 frames per second continuous shooting, and 720p HD video at 24 frames per second. Sized up to the K-7, its wider ISO range is the only improvement, otherwise on par in features or lacking, as is in the case of AF / AE, video, and continuous shooting speed. It's due out in October available in black, white, red, or navy blue, with an attractive base price of $650 that nets you a 18-55mm lens. Read - Press release Read - Brief hands-on
Pentax K-X DSLR pictures and specs leaked?
Playing coy as to which site was culpable, Photo Rumors claims it managed to nab from some page a handful of pictures and specs of a new Pentax K-X DSLR, reportedly set to launch tomorrow. Highlights include a 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor with stabilization, 720p / 24 frames per second HD video recording, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 12,800. Consider our interest piqued, but unfortunately we've got no indication when this will see the official light of day -- but with press photos propagating somewhere, we're hoping the waiting isn't too much longer.
How would you change Pentax's K-7 DSLR?
Pentax may not be the first name you think of when scouting a new DSLR, but it's certainly closer to the top now than it was prior to the K-7's release. The semi-pro cam saw positive review after positive review flow in, giving even the Nikon and Canon faithful reason to pay attention. At right under $1,300 for just the body it didn't come cheap, though the high-def movie capture mode, ability to snap HDR shots natively and 14.6 megapixel sensor help to justify the MSRP somewhat. What we're really after here are your thoughts; for those that bought in, have you been pleased? Is the low-light performance sufficient? Is the autofocus snappy enough for your tastes? Or more importantly, how happy are your clients with the results? Comments are all yours, so get to it!
Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots
Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in "his-and-her designs" with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400. As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.
Pentax's K-7 DSLR now shipping via online retailers
Resoundingly positive reviews can't be a bad way to start a product cycle, and that's just what the Pentax K-7 has, and now lo and behold, it's on sale via Amazon and JR We're not seeing any bundles at this point, just a body-only listing, but we can't imagine those are far off if you want to be patient.[Via Electronista]Read - AmazonRead - JR
Pentax K-7 review roundup
We've been nothing if not comprehensive in our coverage of this new Pentax shooter, and early reviews are showing why. Photography Blog praised the K-7 for its weatherproofing and for having "one of the best LCD screens" they've ever seen on a DSLR, while ePHOTOzine were impressed by the image quality and Wired found the package of features and specs exceedingly robust given the $1,300 asking price. Some shortcomings were found, such as the slightly unintuitive interface and noise levels at higher ISO settings, but impressions were overwhelmingly positive. If you've been looking for a solid alternative to Canon's 50D or Nikon's D300, check out all the thoroughly detailed analysis in the read links below.Read - Photography BlogRead - WiredRead - ePHOTOzine
Pentax's Optio W80 point-and-shoot shrugs off water, haters
While Canon's PowerShot D10 has been hogging the spotlight in the waterproof point-and-shoot arena, Pentax is dropping in a formidable opponent this evening with the Optio W80. Said shooter measures in at just one inch thick and features a 12.1 megapixel sensor, a 5x internal optical zoom, a wide-angle 28mm lens and a SuperProtect coating that helps repel water, grime and finger marks from the len's crystal cover. The chassis is built to handle submersion in water up to 16 feet deep, not to mention extreme cold, dust and drops of one meter or less. There's also a 2.5-inch rear LCD, a 720p movie mode, face detection and shake reduction. It's slated to ship next month for $299.95; now you've just got to decide between Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray. Tough call, right? The full release is just past the break.
Sample shots and video emerge from Pentax's K-7 DSLR
As with Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1, a few lucky folks who have managed to spend a few moments with Pentax's new 14.6 megapixel K-7 have stopped to host up the results for us to drool over. Early stills are rather impressive, with images being sharp, crisp and generally delightful to stare at. As for video, it's tough to judge the real quality based on a YouTube rendition, but feel free to glean what you can just after the break. So, if you weren't sold already, are you now?Read - Pentax ForumsRead - DPReview
Pentax gets official with 14.6MP K-7 DSLR: HD movies, HDR mode
After digesting loads of scuttlebutt here lately, we're elated to see that Pentax has finally come clean with its new K-7 DSLR. The 14.6 megapixel shooter packs a rugged magnesium alloy body and arrives with an HD movie mode that captures video at 640 x 416, 720p (1,280 x 720) or 1,536 x 1,024 -- all at 30fps. Needless to say, that's more than the D90 and D5000 offer (both top out at 720p), and while Canon's T1i does 1080p, it does so at just 20fps. There's also an HDMI port, a 3-inch Live View LCD, in-camera lens correction, shake reduction and an improved dust reduction system. The real kicker, however, is the High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture mode, which snags a trio of images, then combines them in-camera to widen the exposure gamut. The body alone should ship in July for $1,299.95 -- which is notably more expensive that recent wares from Canon, Nikon and Sony -- and you can peek the full slate of specifications just past the break.
Pentax K-7 hands-on shots leak out
Poor Pentax. The company's just three days away from the much-hyped May 21 launch of the K-7, and here we've already seen specs and press pics, and now we've got a whole slew of hands-on shots. Just as we'd heard before, the K-7 will pack a 14.6 megapixel sensor with a 720p movie mode and a 3-inch VGA display in a body just a hair smaller than the K200D. Of course, we're really wondering how this guy'll be priced -- if it comes in around $1000, it'll be a solid competitor to the Canon Rebel T1i and the Nikon D5000. Guess Pentax still has one surprise in store, eh? Tons more pics at the read link.[Thanks, Rye]
