Pentax
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More Pentax K-7 details, pictures leak out ahead of launch
If the earlier reports are accurate, Pentax's latest K series DSLR should be getting official real soon now, but there's still a few days left before that rumored May 21st launch date, and that means more leaks. One of those comes in the form of a seemingly authentic ad (pictured after the break) that all but confirms that the K-7 (or K7D) will be a 14.6-megapixel DSLR, and will boast a new Prime II imaging engine, along with the increasingly standard HD video recording that we had heard about earlier. As if that wasn't enough, a whole slew of images of the camera have just surfaced on RiceHigh's Pentax Blog, along with a complete (but not exactly verifiable) spec list, which offers such details as a 3-inch VGA LCD, continuous JPEG shooting at 5.2 frames per second, a viewfinder with 100% image coverage, a new 77-Segment Multi-Pattern metering system, a built-in AF assist light, and an integrated HDR mode, among countless other features. Unfortunately, the one thing still up in the air is the price, although there's still room for one more rumor before Pentax removes all the mystery.Read - RiceHigh's Pentax BlogRead - PentaxForums, K7 ad [Via Electronista]
Pentax Optio E75 compact is perfect for capturing giraffes in the air or water
In the cutthroat world of compact cameras it takes a certain something special to stand out -- and we're not entirely sure that Pentax's new Optio E75 has it. The 10.2 megapixel shooter offers a CCD sensor with an ISO range of 80 - 1600 tucked behind a perfectly average 3X, 32 - 96mm equivalent, non-stabilized zoom. It has room for a 2.7-inch screen, shoots video in good 'ol VGA, has all the de rigueur face and smile detection modes, and will cost €120 (about $160) when it drops in Europe this July. No word on a domestic release, but perhaps we'll find out more next week.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Pentax teases a new K-series cam for May 21
Looks like those ultra-blurry photos of a new Pentax cam weren't just a Sunday morning fever dream -- the company's now teasing the release of a new K-series DSLR on May 21. Obviously official details on what's alleged to be the K7D are incredibly light, but there are already some rumored specs floating around -- a square sensor with a 1.3 crop factor that may or may not be related to the one in the K20D, 1.0x viewfinder, new AF system, 3-inch screen, and 720p video are the highlights, but honestly, it's all conjecture at this point. We'll keep our ears to the ground -- and our fingers crossed that this thing comes in white. Check a non-blurry pic of... something we were sent on Sunday after the break.[Via Electronista]
New Pentax DSLR shots blur the boundaries of Mr. Blurrycam
Trust us, we've seen some significantly distorted sneak peeks before, but the three Pentax DSLR shots in the links below are certainly amongst the blurriest to ever tease our retinas. Obviously, it's next to impossible to glean anything other than the brand (Pentax) and style (DSLR) from the shots, though we will say that the mode dial's copious amount options has our interest piqued. Give 'em a look if you're not susceptible to motion sickness, and feel free to dish out your wildest accusations in comments below.Update: Could these be non-blurry pics? Or just meaningless renders? You decide. Thanks, Andrew!Read - First sneak peekRead - The other two
Pentax douses K-m in olive, K20D in titanium
We know, you're a firm believer that there's evidence of thaumaturgy splattered all over here, but believe it or not, all it takes to create a camera in a new color is powerful signature and a little paint. As Pentax has done so often in the past, it's pumping out new editions of old cameras with fresh hues. The latest duo to don new Springtime wardrobes is the K20D -- which is now outfitted in titanium -- and the K-m, which now sports an absolutely peculiar olive shade. Both models are being limited to 1,000 in quantity, and while no price is mentioned, we get the feeling a ticket to Tokyo may be your only shot at acquiring one.Read - Olive K-m, via PhotographyBLOGRead - Titanium K20D, via PhotographyBLOG
Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release
Got an itch that only a 30 megapixel shooter can scratch? Not really kosher on anything offered up by Hassleblad? For those odd, eccentric souls who somehow managed to answer "yes" to both of those inquiries, you'll be elated to know that Pentax's long awaited 645 Digital -- which was once rumored as canceled altogether -- is on track to be released next year. According to an update on the company's Japanese website, the device will boast 30 megapixels and will play quite nicely with the FA645 55mm f/2.8 lens that should launch simultaneously. Start saving those tax credits right about now -- we can say with absolutely certainty that you'll need every spare dollar you can find to afford this sucker.[Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Pentax's $399.95 X70 megazoom up for pre-order
Oh sure, you've got plenty of options when it comes to selecting a shooter with zoom for days, but what's the harm in having one more option to comb over? The X70, which we saw peek out ahead of PMA, is finally up for pre-order on the outfit's own site. In case you've forgotten, this 12 megapixeler boasts a stupendous 24x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD monitor and an SDHC card slot. Worth four Benjamins? Depends on how bad you want to see that blade of grass way over there on the 30 yard line.%Gallery-47692%
Pentax X70 leaks out in full ahead of PMA
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.comRead - B&H
Pentax bridge digital camera image leaked ahead of PMA?
It appears the folks at Colorfoto.de have erred in our favor. In an article for the Olympus E-620, a seemingly random image has popped up of a currently unknown Pentax digital camera. What makes it especially interesting is the appearance of an EVF / LCD option -- which so far the company has not use for any of their models. It also bears a striking resemblance to a DSLR-esque "bridge" camera, which would make it Penny's first in that category. Looks like we've got another reason to anticipate next week's PMA.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Pentax's white K2000 DSLR now shipping to style-minded photogs
We've been tracking this one since it first turned our heads back in December, so it only seems fitting to cloes things out and note that it's now finally in-stock and available direct from Pentax. What's more, it's also still listed at $679.95 for the kit that includes both an 18-55mm and a 50-200mm lens, so it looks like that wasn't a special pre-order price, though that certainly doesn't make it any less of a bargain. Sold? Then hit up the link below to get your order in, and look for the camera to ship in as little as a day, according to Pentax.[Thanks, Jason]
Pentax Optio E70L plays 'spot the difference' with E70, loses
If the 10 megapixel Optio E70 was just a wee bit off from what you wanted, Pentax has introduced the E70L, a camera whose differences with its predecessor are astoundingly minimal. That added 'L' gives you an extra 0.1 megapixel, a tighter ISO range (80-6400 versus 64-6400), a more square body, a slightly varied button layout, and a less colorful exterior. Both still sport the 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, shake reduction, face recognition, smile detection, and a hunger for AA batteries. Look for this one next month for about £100 ($142).[Via Engadget Spanish]
White Pentax K2000 now available for pre-order
Pentax's convention-defying white and black K2000 DSLR may not be for everybody, but those wanting to stand out in a crowd of shutterbugs will no doubt be pleased to learn that the camera (complete with both 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses) is now available for pre-order direct from Pentax. Best of all, it's available for the decidedly non-premium price of $679.95, which is actually a bit less than we were expecting when it was first announced. You'll still have to wait until mid-February for it to actually ship, however, but that should at least give you enough time to get the rest of your gadgets Colorware'd to match. Hit up the link below to get your order in.
Hands-on with Pentax's new lineup, including the white Pentax K2000
Let's just say this straight out: the white Pentax K2000 is one of the hottest DSLRs we've ever seen. It's seriously lustworthy. Considering how great the reviews have been, we'd say it's definitely worthy of a spot on your list if you're in the market. Pentax's less-interesting P70 and E70 were also out -- they look nice enough, for being pretty ordinary. Check it all in the gallery!%Gallery-41008%
Pentax's Optio P70 and E70 digicams won't break banks, hearts, or kneecaps
Pentax is kicking its CES festivities into medium gear with a pair of cheapo point-and-shoot digicams that we expect will be a tipping point to a great avalanche of affordable shooters. The $199.95 Optio P70 features a 12-megapixel sensor, can capture 720p video at 15 FPS, ISO from 64 to an astounding 6400 (though only at 5-megapixels), has a 4x zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, and comes in silver, white, or red. The E70, meanwhile, sports a 10-megapixel sensor, a 2.4-inch display, 3x zoom, but delivers the same staggering ISO range as the P70 for a slightly more affordable $129.95. Both models feature "Pixel Track Shake Reduction" and face-detection, will be available in February, and have put at least one editor to sleep.
Pentax K2000 to come in Limited Edition black-and-white cookie style
Pentax's K2000's already gotten itself some... shall we say "glowing" reviews, but news that the DSLR will now come in a Limited Edition white is like icing on a super delicious cake. The camera will be exactly the same as its old-fangled black predecessor, and will come with custom white-and-black 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses. Considering the real lack of color in the DSLR category, some people should be pretty stoked when it goes on sale in February. An exact price wasn't released, but the black K2000 runs about $800. [Via CNET]
Pentax K-m (K2000) DSLR gets reviewed, deemed downright excellent
Pentax's K-m (or K2000, as it were) may be geared towards beginners, but that's not to say it's lacking in the performance department. The DSLR was recently apprehended and tested at PhotographyBLOG, and apparently they had a really tough time finding anything negative to say. In fact, it was deemed "another excellent addition to Pentax's DSLR range, seamlessly slotting in below the K200D." With the combination of ease-of-use, mid-range features and a low price, critics found themselves in awe of the value proposition. It was also noted that the small size was appealing to those appalled by bulky high-end cameras, and the image quality is about as good as one could expect for under seven bills (with a lens). Don't take our word for it, though -- tap the read link and check out the drool for yourself.
Pentax K-m DSLR gets smothered in Swarovski crystals
No, you can't order a Pentax K-m with live view, but you can end up with one littered in Swarovski crystals. Over at Photokina, this gem (ahem) was proudly on display, reportedly aimed at dames in the crowd with a thing for fashion and technology. A company representative wouldn't disclose pricing, through she did say any prospective buyers could phone up Pentax to talk cheddar.[Via Pocket-lint]
Pentax's 10.2 megapixel compact K2000 for first time reflexers
As the big Photokina show prepares to launch tomorrow, out pops the new Pentax K2000 first spotted over the weekend as the leaked K-m. Positioned as an entry-level DSLR for those looking to make the jump from point-and-shoot, the K2000 features dead-simple Auto Picture modes, a 10.2 megapixel CCD and 2.7-inch LCD offering 96% field of view, ISO 3200 sensitivity, and the vibrational dust removal system and Shake Reduction tech expected from a Pentax K-series shooter. All this housed in one of the smallest and lightest camera bodies in its class. The K2000 body ships only as part of a $700 kit containing a smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens (a first from the affordable DA L series) and AF200FG flash starting in November. Optional $1,500 smc PENTAX DA 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM lens pictured after the break.Update: Hands-on preview of the K2000 (aka, the K-m as it's known in Europe) over at dpreview.
Pentax K-m DSLR leaks out a little early
Just in time for the big Photokina show in Koln, Germany, rumours are buzzing about a new Pentax DSLR that briefly appeared on the Pentax Germany site. Though details are sketchy, the K-m looks to be a lower-cost take on the K10D, with the same 10.2 megapixel Sony sensor and in-body stabilization but a lighter and smaller plastic case and slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD display. Sadly, there's no live view, but if the rumored pricing -- €500 ($725) for the single (18-55m) lens and €600 ($875) for the 2-lens kit (18-55mm and 50-200mm) -- is accurate that might not be a dealbreaker. We'll find out soon.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Pentax Optio W60 waterproof camera gets reviewed
When it comes to choosing a waterproof digital camera, there's obviously one feature that matters above all others and, according to Trusted Reviews, Pentax's Optio W60 passes that test without any difficulty. What's more, it's also apparently reasonably rugged, and it takes some decent pictures for good measure. While you can expect the usual noise problems at the highest ISO settings (including a nearly useless ISO 6400), the W60 looks to actually perform decent enough up to ISO 800, which is more than you can say for some cameras. On the downside, the site found that the camera suffered from some "particularly bad barrel distortion" at wide angle settings, and it proved to be a bit more sluggish than the norm, which appears to be at least partly due to the camera's autofocus system. Still, if resistance to the elements is your top priority, it looks like this one will get the job done.
