Digital Camera Review » Pentax

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Review

Cuzzy — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:34:21 +0000

Announced in February 2011 as the company’s 12th generation of adventure series compact digital cameras, the WG-1 GPS is accompanied to market by a WG-1 variant that, not surprisingly, omits the GPS function that tracks and records positional data with captured images. While the former camera is the subject of our review, aside from GPS the features of both cameras are identical, so for the sake of brevity we’ll just call our camera the WG-1 unless stated otherwise.

Full Review

Pentax K-r Review

Cuzzy — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:07:36 +0000

The Pentax K-r follows the K-x with solid performance and image quality, adding a few more premium features. First-time DSLR buyers would be smart to consider this or its K-x predecessor.

Pros
Nice price
Great image quality
Solid construction

Cons
No HDMI out
Comparatively smaller lens selection
Busy control layout

40MP Pentax 645D

Cuzzy — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:35:51 +0000

Pentax is bringing its 645D medium-format camera to Europe, first showing it here at the Photokina Imaging show and in December beginning to sell it as well. Previously the high-end camera was available only in Japan. It’s not a micro four thirds, but Pentax has lifted the lid on the 645D medium format camera, which will be available this May for close to $10,000. Why so expensive, you ask? There’s that 40MP Kodak sensor for starters. It also offers outstanding

dependability and superb operability and maneuverability to make outdoor shooting effortless and comfortable for demanding photographers. It has been developed to provide super-high-resolution images produced by large image sensors – something previously available only on professional models – to serious landscape and outdoor photographers. It combines exceptional image quality with excellent maneuverability and outstanding reliability to simplify professional-level outdoor shooting. Thanks to the incorporation of a large, high-performance image sensor (measuring 44mm by 33mm) and PENTAX-original image-processing technology, it produces extra-sharp, super-high-resolution images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It features remarkable durability and dependability, thanks to its lightweight but solidly built body featuring a magnesium-steel-alloy frame, reinforced glass LCD panel protectors and a reliable dustproof, weather-resistant construction. In addition, it is designed to be compatible with the majority of the existing PENTAX 645 system, so that current PENTAX 645-series camera users can take advantage of their valuable assets, including high-performance smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses.

PENTAX 645D
- 40 Megapixels sensor (44 x 33mm), designed by Kodak
- PENTAX original Real Image Engine
- 14 bit A/D converter
- Dustproof, weather-resistant and coldproof body (70 seals)
- Dual SD/SDHC card slots
- New SAFOX IX+ autofocus system, with 11 sensor points
- Dust Removal II mechanism
- Trapezoid-shaped glass prism viewfinder
- Weight: 1480g loaded and ready with battery and 2 SD cards
PENTAX D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW
- Equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35 format
- Dustproof, weatherproof
- Aero Bright coating
- First PENTAX completely rounded diaphragm
- SDM focus mechanism
- Weight: 416g

Pentax 645D will conquer Europe

Cuzzy — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:51:17 +0000

The product is a camera where made by magnesium alloy with a touch of stainless steel. The camera is not only intelligent, but also clever, as literary as can be put.The camera is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, especially temperatures making it useful even at low temperatures (10 degrees Celsius).

The Pentax K-516 interior is designed with photographic gold. It has 23.7mm * 15.7mm CMOS SENSOR. This sensor is supported by a unique Prime II-imaging –engine.The company showed off the hefty camera at the Photokina Imaging show here this week. It’s been for sale only in Japan so far, but at Photokina, Pentax announced it will go on sale in Europe starting in December. Pentax announced its belated 645D medium format digital camera will begin shipping in December in both the US and the UK. Stateside, the body only will be priced at a nice, round $10,000, while UK buyers will have the option to buy body for the equivalent of $14,150 or in kit form with a DFA 55mm 645 SDM lens for about $15,700. The camera has a 40-megapixel, 44x33mm CCD sensor and a 3-inch LCD with a 921k resolution. Costing a staggering £9999.99 (inc 55mm SDM 645 lens) or a cool £8999.99 for the body only, this is certainly not a camera for those on a budget. Its also extremely hefty, so you might want to start working out just to be on the safe side, if you plan to be able to hold it for any length of time.Adding other improvements and refinements — such as a faster autofocusing speed, an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld shooting, Pentax claim this is a “better camera” all-round.The Pentax K-5 will be powered by a lithium ion battery that promises 980 images on a single charge and ships with Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4, which includes a RAW-data processing component. Overall, the K-5 looks like an intriguing addition to Pentax’s lineup, though much waits to be ascertained in testing. I hope to see one sooner rather than later.

Pentax K-5 replaces K-7

Cuzzy — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:41:04 +0000

New Pentax’s K-5 Wow’s me as it going to be a DSLR camera that going to replaces its K-7,which is the old one. More great featured were added such as it has 7 fps burst mode with 16.3 megapixel resolution which of course detailed the image so deep that you can see even small whole in your skin. It also

include with high ISO sensitivity, with HDR image capture.This well construct camera will mostly provide advanced amateur and “prosumer” photographers the power of high-end DSLR photography with convenience features and user-friendly capabilities and reliability. Many camera fan are waiting for this product to really experience the advance amateur style of work.With the announce of this latest product, it comes complete set with a host of advanced photographic tools mainly use for the easy creation of great pictures, while delivering high standards of image quality, data processing speed and interoperability. They have more to offer like faster auto focusing speed, which come in handy to shoot. Key featured highlights here on this camera is High-resolution where you need this on your image, low-noise that will create a clear product in the end and true-to-life image reproduction. This camera also can record Full HD movies that in the end gives cool possibilities in visual presentation after going through custom images and digital filters. The expression of capturing moment in innovative image processing is to produce a distinctive photographic expressions with number one: Custom image function for distinctive finishing touches, number two: Versatile digital filter function, number three: Cross process mode with three options and HDR (High Dynamic Range) function

Pentax codec update

Cuzzy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:02:21 +0000

RAW codec has been updated. It is available for immediate download from the company’s website. Its for Windows extending support to files of the company’s recently released 645D medium format camera. The latest version is compatible only with 32-bit Windows Vista and 7 operating systems.

Name: PENTAX RAW codec
Registered name: PENTAX RAW codec .EXE (8,849Kbytes)
System requirement: OS : Windows Vista (32 bit) and Windows 7 (32 bit)
*It is not compatible with Windows Vista (64bit) and Windows 7 (64 bit)
Release date: 2010/08/10

Source

Pentax Optio I-10

Cuzzy — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:26:03 +0000

Pentax’s Optio I-10 is a 12.1-megapixel digital camera that is loaded with features like a 5x wide angle optical zoom and 2.7-inch LCD screen, all packed into retro looking frame with classic styling. The I-10 is also equipped with Face Detection, Smile Capture, Blink Detection technologies as well as Auto Picture mode, allowing for easy point-and-shoot picture taking. This model comes in either black or white with a MSRP of $249.95.

Pros
Fits in a small pocket; Great image quality; Cool retro styling; Good video quality for compact camera
Cons
Zoom control faces backward; Feels toy like in your hands; LCD is hard to see in bright sunlight

Pentax Optio I-10 Features:

12.1 Megapixels

25mm Ultra Wide Angle lens

5x optical zoom

2.7″ TFT color LCD (16:9) w anti-reflective coating

HD movie mode in 15 or 30 frames per second

Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery

Sensor-Shift SR, Pixel Track SR, Digital SR

24 shooting modes

HD, VGA & QVGA movie modes in 15 or 30fps.

Continuous shooting

ISO speeds: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400

Uses removable SD/SDHC memory cards

Source

Pentax X90

Cuzzy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:26:34 +0000

Pentax made their first foray into the superzoom compact digital class with last year’s X70, an effort that got generally decent reviews for still image quality but took some hits over speed of operation, HD video capability and battery life. This year finds a successor camera, the Pentax X90, which at first blush looks like a re-badged X70. That means it follows the typical superzoom template and resembles a mini DSLR with a large handgrip at the right front of the body, promoting

a firm grip.The 12 megapixel resolution CCD sensor, electronic view finder (which gains a diopter adjustment in the new camera) and 2.7-inch LCD monitor are carryovers (at least in dimensions) and control placement is identical. The 24x optical zoom has made way for a 26x version, spanning the 26 to 676mm focal range (35mm equivalent). The X90 is a bit deeper (to accommodate that longer lens, I’d guess) and a tiny bit heavier but X70 owners will be hard pressed to tell one from the other on looks alone.

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Pentax announces Optio W90 in orange

Cuzzy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:56:22 +0000

Pentax has announced the addition of an orange color variant of its Optio W90 rugged compact camera. It joins the exisiting color choices of Pistachio Green and black. The Shiny Orange version will be available from August 2010 at a suggested retail price of US $329.95 and £269.99 GBP.

Press Release:

A brilliant-orange version of the popular waterproof compact
digital camera, designed for fun-packed outdoor shooting

June 16, 2010: HOYA CORPORATION Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the addition of a vibrant-orange version of the popular PENTAX Optio W90 waterproof digital compact camera (launched in March 2010) to its digital compact line-up.

Named the PENTAX Optio W90 Shiny Orange, this new model was created in response to users’ enthusiastic request for an orange version — orange being a standard colour for outdoor goods. Its new orange-colour aluminium-alloy front panel features a fine hairline finish, producing a beautiful sparkle like a brilliantly radiating sun. The orange colour also allows users to easily match the model with many other outdoor goods that come in orange and other outdoor-oriented colours.

Source

Pentax announces Optio W90 in orange

Cuzzy — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:48:04 +0000

Pentax has announced the addition of an orange color variant of its Optio W80 rugged compact camera. It joins the exisiting color choices of Pistachio Green and black. The Shiny Orange version will be available from August 2010 at a suggested retail price of US $329.95 and £269.99 GBP.
Press Release:

A brilliant-orange version of the popular waterproof compact
digital camera, designed for fun-packed outdoor shooting

une 16, 2010: HOYA CORPORATION Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the addition of a vibrant-orange version of the popular PENTAX Optio W90 waterproof digital compact camera (launched in March 2010) to its digital compact line-up.

Since its launch earlier this year, the PENTAX Optio W90 has become extremely popular among active outdoor people, because of its outstanding features and specifications for use in demanding outdoor conditions.

These include a reliable construction waterproof to assure worry-free shooting at a depth of six meters, and an exceptional shockproof capability with which it can withstand a fall from a height of 1.2 meters. Its innovative Digital Microscope mode has also attracted tremendous attention not only from outdoor enthusiasts interested in nature observation, but also from the business and manufacturing worlds, which demand accurate, detailed records of tiny parts and delicate materials.

Its features in summary:

12 Megapixels

Waterproof down to 6 m

Sand and dustproof

Shockproof to 1.5m

5x wide-angle zoom

3 LED for macro function, 1cm

HD 720p video

HDMI output

2.7’’ anti-reflection LCD screen

Source

Pentax K-x

Cuzzy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 05:37:39 +0000

The Pentax K-x sits in the slot previously occupied by the company’s K200D – one of the best-specified entry-level DSLRs on the market in its time – though that position has now been elevated by the arrival of a new breed of simplified models below it. In Pentax’s line-up that means the K2000/K-m designed to entice compact camera users into DSLR ownership with its easy-to-use interface and diminutive scale, and it’s that camera the K-x is immediately reminiscent of (they share the same body).

Despite its compact size and use of AA batteries, there is more than a hint of the K-7 about the new model’s specifications. It gains the K-7′s 11-point AF system and PRIME II imaging engine, along with its abilities to correct for chromatic aberration and distortion when using Pentax DA and DFA lenses. It also features an orientation sensor.

While, unlike the K-m, on the K-x you can now at least select the active AF-point, it’s still not displayed in the viewfinder. However, despite of all the shared features with the K2000/K-m and K-7 there is still plenty new about the K-x.

The camera is based around a 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor with onboard A/D conversion (a system often associated with Sony), with output fast enough not only for the camera to shoot at 4.7 frames per second, but also for capturing 24 frames of 720p HD video per second. Along with the sensor come higher ISOs – now up to 6400, expandable to 12800. Plus there’s a revised version of the K-m’s shutter mechanism to allow the high continuous shooting speed, which ups the maximum shutter speed to 1/6000 sec. The camera also features a new ‘cross-processing’ mode on top of an already impressive range of filters and processing options.

Pentax K-x Key Features

12.4 megapixel APS-C-format CMOS sensor (total pixels: 12.9 million)

PRIME II imaging engine

1/6000th maximum shutter speed

720p HD video (24 fps)

2.7″ LCD monitor (230,000 dots)

Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)

11 selectable AF points

IS0 200-6400 range (100-12,800 when expanded)

4.7 frames per second continuous shooting (for 17 frames)

Source

Pentax K-7

Cuzzy — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:58:20 +0000

The Pentax K-7 features a rugged, yet compact new body design, a new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture and new, unique-to-Pentax camera controls. Compatible with every Pentax lens ever made, the high-end K-7 features an abundance of long-anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool.

A durable, functional body, smaller than any other in its class
The K-7 is built exceptionally solid and durable with a chassis made of a highly rigid stainless-steel alloy and a housing made of a durable but lightweight magnesium-steel alloy. Construction includes 77 seals for weather, dust and cold-resistance for reliable operation even under harsh conditions and at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The camera also features a newly designed shutter unit providing a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and the outstanding durability to withstand 100,000 shutter releases. Despite all these features, the K-7 is one of the most compact and functional photo enthusiast level models in the market.

High-quality image reproduction
The K-7 incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4mm by 15.6mm and featuring a high-speed, four-channel image data readout. With approximately 14.6 effective megapixels, this image sensor more accurately produces fine-detailed, gradation-rich images. With the adverse effects of digital noise significantly reduced, the sensitivity may be increased from ISO 100 up to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).

High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-7 features the newly developed PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II, an upgrade of the original PRIME, as its imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers faster data-processing speed for higher quality images with richer gradation and more accurate color rendition. The system also offers high-speed movie data transmission.

Additional features:

HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
Dynamic-range expansion function to compensate for both white-washed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas
Digital level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA- and DFA-series lenses)
White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode
Multi-exposure function, with a superimposition of already-recorded images on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance comparison
Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
RAW button for single-action switching of image file format
16 digital filters to add a range of visual effects; a new function to record an overwritten history also available
Color-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal color design
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 a browser application