OK1000 Pentax Blog

2011-11-30T14:47:00.020-05:00

This blog has been on a long hiatus after I began new projects (since summer 2009) and after reluctantly coming to terms with the obvious I'm going to close the book and let the info here live in posterity. The blog will be here for the foreseeable future in "archive" state for those seeking out information for Pentax cameras pre-2010.

Photo © Cursesfoiled 2011. With Pentax K20D and FA-28-200mm lens.

Let me be clear, I still love Pentax gear... when you read this, whenever "now" is, be sure that I still have my trusty K1000 in my camera arsenal and likely have the latest and greatest (at the time of writing I've just started using the K-5 as of November 2011--what an incredible camera). I will still keep my personal blog (cursesfoiled) slowly rolling for as long as I can. And I'll likely keep writing about cameras and photography in other places.

Pentax on the Web

I started this blog many years ago to share information about my Pentax cameras because there was not much to be found on the web at the time (circa 2006). But that's no longer the case! Over the years, there have been more bloggers and photo websites dedicating time to Pentax than I ever could have anticipated. Importantly, the community has pulled together and shares information avidly now. And, to get to the point, there are more sites doing such a fantastic job that I visit them for information that I couldn't write better myself. I'm grateful and I wish them continued success.

I love Pentax supporters like DP Review's Pentax SLR Forum, PentaxForums, Yvon Bourque, 1001NoisyCameras, The Online Photographer, Photozone, DxO, to name but a few of my favorites. Patronize them, contribute, make new friends, and be happy (above all, be happy) and proud that we can all engage like this over a common interest.

Thank You

I want to thank Yvon Bourque, Michelle Martin, and especially everyone at Pentax USA for all their support and kind words over the years.

Now, to you kind reader, I thank you for visiting and hope you'll explore the history here a bit (the list of topics or "labels" at the bottom of the page are a great start)...

Just remember one thing: don't ever stay too idle in this life. Keep moving and exploring and enjoy it all, ok? Ok!

Photo © Cursesfoiled 2011. With Pentax K20D and FA-28-200mm lens.

World Pentax Day, Aug. 15th, 2010 Recap

2010-08-17T10:57:00.006-04:00

The galleries of submitted photos this time around are looking really good! Thanks to Pentax Forums for their great enthusiasm for these projects. Visit them here: http://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/pentaxium-world-pentax-day-august-2010/

I wish I had better luck that afternoon, but at least I had my camera with me. And with a great find that I bought in Vancouver a week ago, an SMC-M 28mm. Lovely lens!

Pentax 645D Preview from Canada

2010-05-18T00:57:00.005-04:00

via Perpetual Radio.com.

645D Japanese First-Hand Looks

2010-03-16T11:00:00.012-04:00

Edit: no Shake Reduction, just Dust Reduction, so I removed any mention to avoid any further erroneous misconceptions. Thanks to the commenters who pointed this out.

Okay, I'm excited about the Pentax 645D. AkhihabaraNews now has some photos of a transparent mock-up and DCWatchImpress in Japan has some first-hand looks. The latter has put together lots of photos of the industrial design, which illustrate the camera from more angles than the images at Pentax Japan. Seeing as this is as close I can get to the camera right now, these new pictures indicate to me that the long gestation period for the camera has resulted in a very straightforward design that should hold no surprises for Pentax DSLR users, particularly K-7 users. Maybe Canon and Nikon users will be surprised at its simplicity, and Mamiya users may be impressed.

By this time, it's clear that Pentax is targeting the release in Japan first - nothing is forthcoming in other countries, yet. Ned Bunnell recently told The Online Photographer that Pentax USA was still researching what it will take to bring the camera stateside. "The 645D will initially be available only in Japan. Right now, we have no firm plans to bring this camera to the U.S. However, we are evaluating the type of sales and support program that would be required to ensure the 645D’s success in our market." It's possible the firmware is Japanese only at this point, as the DCWatchImpress photos don't reveal any English UI, but hopefully that's almost ready.

As many people are pointing out, there's really going to be nothing like it on the market here in the US if it comes over at under $10k. However, there is nitpicking going on already. Some early armchair quarterback complaints include: Shake Reduction is missing, there isn't a particularly wide ISO range (no high ISOs), 1.3X crop factor affects legacy 645 Wide Angle lenses, it's not truly 6:4.5 aspect ratio anymore, 11 AF points is relatively modest, and there aren't many accessories planned yet, especially for studio users (will there be a wooden grip?). But none of that is particularly off-putting. Now I just want to see more samples images from the camera itself.

645D Announced!

2010-03-09T23:48:00.023-05:00

Links: via DPReview, and AkihabaraNews, from the Pentax Press Release at Pentax Japan's Annoucement page.

40 Megapixels, Medium Format
Under $10,000 US
ISO 100-1600
4x3 Aspect Ratio
Dust Reduction & Mirror Lock-Up
Weather Resistant
2 SD card slots
Backwards compatible with many Pentax 645 Lenses
New Optional 55mm F2.8 645D Lens ($1,100 US)

Price is roughly $9,500 US with availability to come by summer (possibly shipping in Japan by May)... I hope to find out more in the next few days along with everyone else!

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX 645D lens-interchangeable, medium-format digital SLR camera. Thanks to the incorporation of a large image sensor, equal in performance to professional-standard digital camera backs, this high-performance model delivers super-high-resolution images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It also offers outstanding dependability and superb operability and maneuverability to make outdoor shooting effortless and comfortable for demanding photographers.

The PENTAX 645D 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 PENTAXoriginal 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.

Major Features

1.   Unprecedented image quality

i. Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately 40 effective megapixels The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-performance CCD image sensor produced by Kodak. It measures 44mm by 33mm, and is approximately 1.7 times larger than its 35mm-format counterparts. Thanks to approximately 40 effective megapixels, it assures a wide dynamic range to faithfully reproduce the prevailing ambience and the sense of depth in super-high-resolution images that are rich in gradation and truthful in texture description. In order to bring out the full potential of the lens and the image sensor and assure the highest level of image-resolving power, the CCD unit is designed with no low-pass filters.

ii. High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine The PENTAX 645D features the acclaimed, PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speed dataprocessing capacity and new algorithm exclusively programmed for medium-format digital SLR cameras, this high-performance imaging engine produces super-highquality images rich in gradation and faithful in color reproduction, while allowing speedy data transmission of large-volume image data — even RAW-format images as large as some 50MB per file.

iii. 14-bit A/D converter for faithful conversion of image data to digital signals The PENTAX 645D features a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the large volume of analog image data output by the large CCD image sensor to digital signals carrying an extensive amount of image data, including resolution and gradation.

2. Solid, maneuverable body

 The PENTAX 645D’s main frame is made of lightweight but strong magnesiumsteel alloy, while the chassis is made of diecast aluminum to minimize the expansion and extension caused by heat and also to optimize kinematic accuracy and thermal stability. The LCD panels — one on the camera’s top panel, another on the back panel — are covered with tempered glass plates for extra protection. The PENTAX 645D’s body is also designed to be a compact and highly maneuverable mediumformat camera, despite the incorporation of such dependable features as a dust-proof, weather-resistant construction with 70 special seals, outstanding cold-resistant performance to assure solid operation at a temperature as low as –10°C, and a newly designed shutter unit with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second that can withstand as many as 50,000 shutter releases.  

3. Dual SD/SDHC memory card slots

 The PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory card slots for the recording of images on both SD and SDHC memory cards. This dual-slot design gives the photographer extra data-storage options: for instance, recorded images can be assigned to different cards according to recording format (such as RAW or JPEG), or one of the cards can be used as the backup of the other. The settings for each memory card slot can be easily made by dedicated button.  

4. Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots

 The PENTAX 645D comes equipped with the highly dependable DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, which effectively minimizes annoying dust spots on recorded images, even when the lenses are changed in dust-prone outdoor settings. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the CCD image sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectively and efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. Thanks to the user-friendly dust-alert system, the photographer can check at a quick glance for dust adhering to the image sensor prior to the actual shooting.  

5. Newly designed, high-precision 11-point wide-frame AF sensor 

The PENTAX 645D’s new SAFOX IX + wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure the extra-high-precision focusing demanded of medium-format digital SLR cameras. To develop this sophisticated AF system, the entire optical system was redesigned, at the same time with the addition of the new functionality to analyze and make use of the light sources data in the field of view.

6. Advanced 77-segment multi-pattern metering

 The PENTAX 645D employs a state-of-the-art, 77-segment multi-pattern metering system to assure super-high-accuracy light metering. The exposure accuracy is further enhanced by collecting such additional data as image orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the distance to and magnification of the subject using the sensors installed inside the camera body, with the obtained data incorporated into exposure calculations.  

7. Large, easy-to-see optical viewfinder

 Incorporated in the PENTAX 645D’s finder unit, a trapezoid-shaped glass prism not only assures an approximately 98% field of view, but also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera body. Coupled with a bright, easy-to-focus Natural- Bright-Matte focusing screen, the PENTAX 645D’s viewfinder offers a large, clear view of the subject.  

8. Custom Image function to create desired visual effects with ease

 The PENTAX 645D’s Custom Image function lets the user easily control an image’s finishing touches to more precisely reflect the user’s creative intentions, or to more faithfully reproduce the ambience of the scene. The user can select one of eight modes, including the new Reversal Film mode designed to create images with the colors that are typical of reversal film. In addition, all parameters — such as saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, key, and highlight/shadow contrast — can be easily adjusted to desired levels, so that the photographer can shoot images with great ease.  

8. Versatile, multi-mode exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions

i. Hyper Program function : The PENTAX 645D’s Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch from Programmed AE mode to Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electric dials positioned around the grip. A single push of the green button shifts the exposure mode back to the original Programmed AE mode.

ii. Hyper Manual function:  When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, the PENTAX 645’s Hyper Manual mode lets the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject with a single push of the green button.

iii. Sensitivity-Priority mode : The unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode automatically selects the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for the user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted swiftly by electronic dial on the back panel. The variable amount of the ISO could be configured to either 1/2 or 1/3 steps per click.

iv. Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode:  Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for the automatic shifting of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for the user-selected aperture/shutter-speed combination. It allows the user to effortlessly experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions.

10. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots

Positioned on the camera’s back panel, a large 3.0-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots provides a clear, bright view of onscreen images and menus. Since its wide-view design allows quick, effortless confirmation of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically, the photographer has little difficulty shooting images from low and high angles. The LCD monitor is also treated with exclusive AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize reflections on the screen, even in the outdoor locations under bright sunshine.

11. Long battery life

The PENTAX 645D is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 800 images* when fully charged. *Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.

12. Other 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 whitewashed (excessively overexposed) and blacked-out (excessively underexposed) areas

- Digital Level function for easy checking of the image’s levels

- Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available in combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lenses)

- Versatile white-balance control system, including the CTE mode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the captured images, which works especially well with such scene like sunset.

- Mirror shock/operation-noise reduction function to assure smooth, quiet operation of the mirror during shooting

- Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images

- Compatible with the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism, designed to assure smooth, quiet operation using the supersonic motor installed inside SDM lenses

- HDMI terminal (for type C mini connectors) for high-resolution image data output

- User-friendly, color-classified control buttons/switches, based on the color universal design concept

- 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 browser application.

Apple Raw Support Updates for K-7 and K-x

2010-02-25T18:37:00.005-05:00

About time! Get the update 3.1 For Digital Camera Raw Compatibility here (sorry, Mac OS 10.5.8 and 10.6 only!). Not just for Aperture, it will make iPhoto and Preview App play nice with your PEFs. But oh man, Lightroom 3 can't come fast enough.

Imaging Resource Interviews Pentax USA President Ned Bunnell

2010-02-23T16:50:00.004-05:00

"If you take a look at some of our new offerings, whether it's the Kx in four different colors, or some of our new compacts such as i10 or H90, one of our beliefs is we can focus on the advanced amateur who really wants to explore and expand their photography, but they also want to have a fun time; photography should be fun. We also think that from a positioning standpoint, Pentax's history and knowledge of building small, well designed cameras bodes well for us. Products like the Kx and K7 being the smallest SLRs out there, they match really well with our Limited lenses, our really small, fixed focal-length lenses. And that's an area that really, we don't think anyone else is focusing on right now."
- Ned Bunnell @ Imaging Resource

Read the whole interview at Imaging Resource, here. Plenty of good questions from IR and sharp answers from Ned.

K-7 Limited Edition in Silver, Available March 1st, 2010

2010-02-23T08:32:00.009-05:00

It seems that like the Cliff Swallows returning to 6,000 miles Capistrano each year, Pentax loves to return to its metallic finishes. Pentax Japan is prepping 1,000 limited edition K-7's in Silver (press release here). It'll ship in March with the K-7 firmware 1.03 (just released last week), a special "golden ratio" focusing screen (uhm, this is awesome... and I do want that), a reinforced back panel LCD glass plate, a gold "SR" stamp on the front, and a more leather-like grip.

Pentax 645D Fever

2010-02-11T07:42:00.007-05:00

Pentax Japan has started running a teaser (pictured above, link here), and there appear to be some rumors and unofficial materials floating around about a KM-2 (12.4MP), some upcoming lenses (DA*10-16 f/4, DA*20 f/2, DA*28 f/2) and the 645D.

Granted, Pentax is likely working feverishly to build up to an official announcement about any or all these items early this year, and nothing's solid yet until that time. But it's certainly buzzworthy. Looks like another great year ahead (yep, last year Pentax JP crunched the numbers and is back in the black - link here).

From World Pentax Day, Oct. 10, 2009

2009-10-10T13:32:00.005-04:00

"Brooklyn Heights Vintage Bike"

K20D, DA 18-55mm II @ 28mm, f4, 1/80, ISO 400

Link: All Photos For World Pentax Day, Oct 10th, 2009

World Pentax Day and SyncSnap

2009-10-09T15:12:00.006-04:00

PentaxForums have organized another World Pentax Day for Saturday Oct. 10th. If you have a Pentax camera, get out there and take some pictures to share. Then within the next 2 weeks, submit your photos to the special online gallery at PentaxForums.com (with everyone else's photos taken on that same day) and bask in the communal glory (or your monitor's glow). Easy as pie!

If 24 hrs is just too much time and you need stricter deadlines, next week is the official Pentax SyncSnap: October 17th at 12am GMT. You just have one minute to commemorate the event.

Don't neglect your old cameras for the events. I think I might take out my old Pentax ME Super. However, the new Pentax K-7 has a special $100 rebate this month in the U.S. and could probably, maybe, take a good picture. Or so I've heard. (DP Review: Highly Recommended)

World Pentax Day: Oct. 10th, 2009

1. Although you may submit entries at any time, the photo must be taken on Pentax Day (October 10th, 2009), between midnight and midnight in your time zone. Please leave all EXIF information intact. You may submit up to three photos.

2. The photo must be taken with a Pentax camera (DSLR, Film, or compact)

3. The photo's largest dimension should be between 800 and 900 pixels.

4. The photo should be submitted to the PentaxForums.com User Photo Gallery. Click the "Upload" link located in the navbar to add your photo. You must be logged in. You will be able to upload between 10/10/2009 and 10/24/2009. After this period, only viewing will be allowed for the event gallery. The gallery is located here: http://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/category-26-pentaxium-world-pentax-day-october-2009.html

SyncSnap : October 17th, 2009 at exactly* 12am midnight GMT.

What is the World SyncSnap? The World SyncSnap is a chance for Pentax users around the world to snap their shutters in unison, capturing our images all at the same time. Think of it as the Pentaxium’s little brother. Where the Pentaxium lasts one entire day, the SyncSnap begins and ends within the blink of an eye…or, more appropriately, the opening and closing of a shutter.

How does it work? You’re given the date and time of the SyncSnap for the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone. All you need to do is adjust the date and time for your time zone, grab your Pentax camera, and snap your shutter at exactly the right moment, along with the rest of us.

GMT is not adjusted for daylight savings. Use this site to figure out what time it will be in your area with respect to GMT: GMT: Greenwich Mean Time - World Time / Time in every Time Zone

Where do I post my photograph? There is a dedicated event category in our gallery at this URL: User Photo Gallery - Pentax World SyncSnap. When uploading your photo, title it with the following information:

Event number, your username, and the location where the image was captured.

Example, If you captured the image in Philadelphia, PA, USA:

SyncSnap1, DanLoc78, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Make sure you also specify what lens and camera was used in the fields provided. The camera must be a Pentax!

*Try your best to capture your photo at the exact time specified. A few seconds off here or there doesn’t really matter.

SyncSnap Time Key, adjusted for DST in the US:

London, 12:00am, Saturday 17th, Oct.
Central Europe, 1.:00am, Saturday 17th, Oct.
Sydney, 11:00am, Saturday 17th, Oct.
Brisbane, 10:00am, Saturday 17th, Oct.
New York, 8.00pm, Friday 16th, Oct.
LA,5.00pm, Friday 16th, Oct.

Pentax K-7 Designer's Notes: Takeharu Shin, Development Dept. User Interface Designer

2009-09-23T07:00:00.009-04:00

Here is the second of the "designer's notes" from Pentax's team that built the K-7. These notes come from Pentax Japan and are reproduced here as translated by Pentax (I've touched it up a bit where the translation was a little problematic). Using the K-m as inspiration for button locations, customizing the use of the OK button to quickly change ISO (in addition to the new ISO button), and making digital filters easier to combine were all a part of the strategy for the Pentax K-7.

Mr. Takeharu Shin

In charge of User Interface of K-7, 1st Development Team
Pentax Imaging System Division, Development Department

Single-handed operation

Once the basic camera body design was completed, the user-interface designers turned their attention to the K-7’s operation system. Again, the downsized body and the incorporation of a large three-inch LCD panel on the back were major challenges, and the designers soon realized that they could not use the controller layout employed in the K20D and other models.

The solution was found rather easily, in the single-handed operation system featured in the K-m, an entry-class model that went through drastic downsizing. After discussing the feasibility with the camera body designers and mechanical engineers, it was confirmed that they were working in the same direction. Soon, the user-interface designers started designing for the ideal positions to install two electronic dials, so that they could adopt the two-dial configuration used in Pentax’s medium-class models to accommodate single-handed operation.

In fact, a medium-class model requires more controllers than an entry-class model, so it was physically impossible to place all of them on the grip side. Even if they could fit within a limited space, they would be placed so close together that they would be impractical to use. The decision was made to classify the controllers into two groups: those for shooting, and those for playback. The former group would be placed on the grip side of the camera’s back panel, while the latter would be positioned at the left shoulder of the back panel. This layout successfully allowed single-handed control of all shooting modes.

New independent ISO button, added to complete the direct-access exposure control system

One Pentax concept is to promote the active use of ISO sensitivity as a parameter for deciding exposure in digital photography. To support this, we created the innovative Sv and TAv exposure modes for the K10D. This concept has been inherited by every Pentax digital SLR camera marketed since.

However, the conventional operations for setting sensitivity were somewhat troublesome, because they were classified only as one of the settings controllable via the Fn (function) button. That's why we have incorporated more efficient controls through firmware updates: the desired ISO sensitivity can now be selected manually by rotating the front electronic dial while depressing the OK button; the auto-sensitivity control mode can be set by pushing the green button while depressing the OK button.

To further facilitate sensitivity setting operations, a new ISO button was added to the K-7, positioned side-by-side with the ± (exposure compensation) button just behind the shutter release button. This layout gives the user direct access to all essential exposure parameters — aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity and exposure compensation.

Newly equipped ISO button. All the necessary settings for exposure can now be accessed directly by one push of the button.

To make user customization of the Pentax-original two-dial control system easier, the K-7’s status screen is programmed to display aperture, shutter-speed, sensitivity and exposure-compensation settings as its main data. As a result, the user can check the customization status of the two electronic dials with just a quick glance.

More versatile four-way controller

Following the thorough review of controller layout, several shooting functions are now assigned to the K-7’s four-way controller keys, with each of the four keys featuring an icon representing the function assigned to it for easy, at-a-glance recognition. These keys also give direct access to the desired functions to facilitate setting changes, further enhancing the camera’s operability.

Print icons of each function on the 4 way controller, making it easy to use and easy to understand.

One setback, however, was that these controller keys are also used to shift the AF sensor point during shooting.* To solve this problem, the four-way controller keys can be switched back and forth to perform two different functions: either to recall shooting functions, or to shift the AF sensor point. The user-selected function can then be easily confirmed on the status screen and in the viewfinder. One benefit of this double-function system is that the user can lock the AF sensor point, after it is shifted to the desired position.

(*This issue caused a lot of consternation when the camera was released, and was subsequently refined with firmware release 1.01 - Michael)

The making of a true multi-function camera that satisfies diversified different user requirements

In addition to the drastic layout change of the controller system, a wide range of user-interfaces had to be newly developed for the K-7, including start-up, control and ending steps of different modes and display steps of various information — especially to handle real-time live-view shooting and movie recording. Along with the new design and upgraded hardware, many of the camera’s software programs had to be reviewed and reprogrammed as well to handle the new or upgraded functions. Since the K-7’s controllers have a different layout than previous models, a great deal of time and effort was needed to synchronize them and make them user-friendly.

For instance, the digital filter function — very well received with the K-m — had to be revised, because the user could not review which filters had been used after the image was processed. The K-7’s digital filter function was designed to be far more user-friendly and practical, including new features such as the history function of digital filters applied, a review function for multiple filter application steps, and a quick search function for an original image before any application of digital filters. This should encourage users to make more aggressive use of the digital filter function and create more dramatic, personalized images. And, thanks to the incorporation of the Pentax-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, the K-7 features new fine image-composition adjustment and auto level compensation functions. Add to these such sophisticated functions as digital level, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and lens optical characteristics compensation, it’s easy to understand just how much the K-7 design and development team had to pack everything into the camera’s compact body!

Now you can see the history of the digital filters applied to a given image.

A wide range of user customization is available with the K-7, giving it the flexibility to meet nearly every user requirements. With so much to choose from, the photographer will be able to find the exact combination of settings to meet their specific visual goals and operational preferences.

Pentax paid very close attention even to the most minute elements of camera design, because we believe that even the smallest feature could affect the K-7’s operability and maneuverability. For instance, the front electronic dial is slightly slanted for easier access by the index finder, and both electronic dials are completely coated by a rubber material to prevent slippage. The design of the wing — the hollow finger hook area to accept the photographer’s left-hand fingers — was redesigned to provide a firmer, more comfortable hold of the camera.

The meaning of the single-digit

The K-7 is the first Pentax K-series digital SLR camera with a single-digit product name — and there’s a good reason for this. The strength of a single number signifies Pentax’s pride and confidence in this new camera, and once you start shooting pictures with the K-7, you’ll immediately understand why.

Previously: Toshihiro Hamamura, K-7 Product Designer

Pentax K-7 Designer's Notes: Toshihiro Hamamura, Development Dept. Product Designer

2009-09-21T07:00:00.008-04:00

Here is the first of the "designer's notes" from Pentax's team that built the K-7. These notes come from Pentax Japan and are reproduced here as translated by Pentax. It's interesting that among the details they doted over was the return to a trapezoid style for the pentaprism housing, which is a nod to the rich history of Pentax's SLR cameras.

Toshihiro Hamamura

In charge of K-7 product design
Pentax Imaging System Division Design Group, Development Department

The goal is a camera body that is the perfect partner for exclusive Limited-series lenses

At first glance, the Pentax K-7’s body may look quite different from that of previous K-series models. Unlike the delicately contoured, streamlined design employed from the K10D to the K-m, it makes use of more straight lines and shape-angled edges. However, the K-7 is not a sudden, accidental metamorphosis from previous K-series models: it is the proud successor of a Pentax legacy that dates back to the peak days of film photography.

At the beginning of the development of the K-7, the camera body designers assigned to the project team were given two formidable goals to achieve. First was to design a camera body that would make it the perfect partner for top-of-the-line Limited-series lenses — invaluable assets for Pentax. Second, to downsize the camera body to the dimensions of the *ist-D (as the K20D was felt by many to be too cumbersome). In short, these goals were set to make the K-7 the flagship model of Pentax’s digital camera lineup.

The *ist-D certainly was a good standard for size, because it was — and is — one of the smallest digital cameras ever sold. The times have changed since it was released, however. The body designers had to pack many more components — including a large three-inch LCD panel, in-body shake-reduction unit and new aperture-control mechanism — into the same dimensions. If the body designers had made a conventional approach to the design of the K-7 chassis, it was obvious even at the pre-design stage that everything wouldn’t fit into the space available.

Collaboration between design and engineering teams

The K-7 design team began a collaboration with the mechanical engineering team, even before the actual design process began. This included the sharing of 3D CAD data, and joint efforts to devise the most space-efficient layout and placement of all the components. Simply packing everything into the available space was not good enough; this might have a negative affect on the camera’s appearance or operability. The designers knew that good camera design had to start with a well-conceived chassis, before they could then begin adding on other parts and housings.

Protoypes using 3D CAD

One of the fruits of this collaboration was a shortening of the forward protrusion of the built-in flash storage compartment. In previous models, the flash discharge unit was positioned in the very front, meaning that the storage compartment also had to protrude considerably toward the front end. After reviewing and revising the positioning and layout of all internal parts, they were able to reduce this protrusion. Another stroke of luck was that one of the mechanical engineers designing the unit was relatively new to SLR design. So, unlike more experienced engineers, he was freer to use his imagination rather than be bound by conventional ideas.

Making conclusions based solely on design plans often means poor results. Because K-7 designers modeled the camera using three-dimensional CAD technology at every stage from the start of work, mock-ups were available from the initial stages.

Simple is best

The most important design goal for the K-7 was a camera body that would be a perfect partner for Limited-series lenses. In other words, the camera body had to have a design simple enough to make the Limited-series lens mounted on it stand out.

The pentaprism unit — a focal point of the camera body — was traditionally polyhedron-shaped, symbolizing the glass pentaprism it housed and demonstrating the camera’s role as a precision instrument. The K-7 shares the same characteristics as the LX, Pentax’s flagship camera in the film photography era: both have been designed to be compact and lightweight, and feature sturdy, water resistant bodies. Out of respect for this renowned masterpiece, the trapezoid motif over the Pentax logo mark was revived.

This trapezoid was also used in other models in the past, including the MZ-5, MZ-S and *ist-D. The cameras carrying this shape had varied product concepts — some were compact, lightweight models developed by returning to PENTAX’s starting point as an SLR pioneer, while others were epoch-making models born out of bold challenges. They were all, however, the first models of new lineups and marked a deviation from the past. Although designed simple and plain, the trapezoid plane featured in the K-7 symbolizes the fact that this new camera belongs to the same category as those predecessors and shares the same Pentax identity and legacy with them.

Looking at the K-7 from the side, the ridge line of this pentaprism unit is simple and straight, without any obstructing indents or folds. Stair-step indents can in fact make the body appear smaller, but this visual approach was rejected with the K-7 because it could spoil the simplicity of design. The main body was trimmed down to the point where the chassis was nearly exposed in some sections. All these features make the K-7’s optical finder, with 100% field of view, appear prominent, and give the body a prestigious and dignified look, despite the compact dimensions.

A touch of analog in digital design

Fine tuning the grip with clay mockups

Clay Model 3D Mockup

Many cameras in recent years have been designed using only three-dimensional CAD technology. For the K-7, however, there was one section that could not be designed using digital tools only: the grip. Despite today’s state-of-the-art computer technology, camera body designers cannot stick their hand into the CAD screen and actually touch the product or feel its weight. And, in fact, when the designers first picked up a mock-up constructed using only three-dimensionally digital data, the feeling was rather uncomfortable. They then added modeling clay to the grip section of the mock-up and redesigned it. When a designer is familiar with the hand-modeling process, it is in fact much faster and easier to reshape by hand, rather than revise the computer data. Once they were satisfied with what they were feeling, the mock-up was laser-scanned and the 3D measurement data was fed back into the CAD system. Because of this, the K-7’s grip was designed to be as comfortable and easy to hold as a K10D grip with a special rubber replacement grip (installed as an after-service by a Pentax service center).

“This is actually a problem for us, because we can no longer expect much profit from the grip replacement service!” joked one of the designers — but the fact is that the K-7’s grip is designed to be just that good.

Next: Takeharu Shin, K-7 Interface Designer

Mixed Reaction to Japanese K-x Custom Colors Is Still Success

2009-09-18T19:42:00.016-04:00

Generally, people are impressed by Pentax bending the status quo by offering bold colors for the K-x. It's good buzz. Even though no one seems to agree on which option to choose, I think the consensus has been that it's been exciting to at least have the opportunity to choose a K-x in one of 100 color combinations available in Japan. Read the comments at Online Photographer to get a sense of the elite sarcasm brigade who are disappointed in the lack of zebra stripe options.

I'll admit, I'd pay a $100 premium to have that option available to me in the U.S. if they could do this for the K-7, too, even if it means shipping it to me from Japan. For now, Mike from TOP suggests emailing Japan Exposures to see if they can arrange custom K-x's for interested U.S. buyers.

The customer rankings show that Pentax chose wisely with the white, blue, and red models... and could easily have gone with silver, orange, brown and olive as the next most popular colors. At least we know why the olive K-m never made the cut of the top 4 K-x colors. It just wasn't as popular as red or even orange in the Japanese marketplace.

I dare say that depending on how well certain combinations sell in Japan, we might see them as retail options in the U.S., perhaps as limited editions, or at least hopefully available as options on future U.S. models. I know the expectations aren't terribly high for sales, but when Christmas rolls around these are going to stand out for people looking to buy something unique as a gift.

A First Look At The K-x in NYC

2009-09-17T00:02:00.019-04:00

Pentax's Special Launch in New York

(For a quick introduction to the K-x, see my previous post "Red. White. Blue. Black. Take Your Pic With the New K-x.")

About a month ago, I received a very nice "X Marks The Spot" invite to Pentax's Sept. 16th launch of a mystery camera at the International Center for Photography in NYC, a camera which was then under wraps but which I soon learned was the Pentax K-x. I have to admit, I'm a bit out of the loop this year while I concentrate on my full-time job in the book industry, so I was wondering if I would be impressed or not. Well, obviously I'm coming out of the woodwork again because I saw something I could relate to and it was interesting enough to write about. And I'm really anxious to not just parrot the talking points that were impressed upon all of us there. There's something about all the colors available in Japan that has my mind stirring.

Wednesday night launch at the International Center For Photography for Pentax

While the launch did take place yesterday on the 16th, an embargo was in effect until midnight, so this is being published on the 17th, a few hours after the Pentax event. (I didn't prepare this little essay in advance... The photo industry is well served by people with advance information who beaver away on "advance" reviews—I don't need to be another one of them. And leakers be damned. These are just my straight up impressions.)

Comparing the K2000 to the K-x.

It Comes In Colors

So, it wasn't until more recently that I began to have an idea of what they were planning and I have to admit that the colors were the first things to jump out at me in the advance press materials. I reflected on that and wondered what my impression would be when I saw the colors in person. The last new DSLR camera I've really gotten close to knowing, a K20D I asked for on loan from Pentax, is one that I would never have touched if it was only in red. It's not my thing. Fender guitars in custom colors, yes. Cameras, black please (or brushed silver if black isn't available). Still, I was as curious as I get to see it up close for myself.

A Pentax staffer holds out the new kit lens for the red edition K-x.

Seeing the red K-x and a white K2000 finally in my hands, it somehow made me want to play with them. These are small DSLRs, so in your hands the color seems less aggressive. The color doesn't constantly jump out at you and quickly becomes acceptable. Maybe not completely acceptable at a catered party. Maybe not for professionals, but definitely doable for the average iPhone user and the shenanigans we get into in daily life.

It's true that Pentax has been pilot testing colors in special editions, in silver, white or olive green (and this one was tempting), but this is the first time that they're coming out to the regular retail channels as an option you can buy, for example, on Amazon. The limited color editions worked as a way to get direct feedback from consumers about demand for color models. As Pentax USA President Ned Bunnell explained, it was better to spend the $125,000 building limited edition cameras and sell them directly than to tour 12 cities and interview people about cameras they weren't holding in their hands. The end result is that Pentax received strong demographic numbers that showed that women bought more colored cameras than they would have bought black models. The numbers jumped from a skew of 20% female and 80% male buyers to 50%-50%. Something worth doing on a larger scale.

Ned Bunnell, exhibiting his own photo at the ICP, alongside the present Avedon exhibit.

There's much more to be said about how Hoya is influencing this experimentation and new drive to be focused on results that make Pentax a break-even company. We certainly heard a lot about it at the press event, and I'll comment on that in another article. But suffice for now that Pentax sees growth with women customers for its entry-level cameras. After all that demographic positioning with the K-m last year, I'm not really surprised.

Setting The Tone For The User Experience

And this really sets the overall tone for other curious customers of the K-x and first-time DSLR buyers: it's not really aimed at people going on Antarctic expeditions, shooting models in Paris, or putting together an exploration of contemporary bird habitats. There's no confusion. It's making an effort to be fun and appealing, which is what we've seen Olympus and Panasonic do with their lines of entry-level consumer DSLRs and Four-Thirds cameras.

Do the colors have custom color finish names, like "Starlight Blue" or "Ferrari Red?" No. The colors are just glossy plastic, not coated anodized aluminum or anything too extraordinary. But the effect is simply fun in that way we're all familiar with custom color gadgets. The color lets you tell your camera apart from your friends' cameras, and it almost anthropomorphizes the object with its "otherness."

Dumbing Down?

Despite how some elite hobbyists who would never buy an entry-level camera may think that these color finishes dumb down the product (why disguise the fact you have a decent piece of technology by making it masquerade as a toy?), it helps the camera stand out and that serves a purpose for some users. It's a conversation piece. It makes people who see it form a new opinion, regardless of their previous impressions of Pentax, and that helps them remember the brand. This is interesting in a typically very conservative industry. At this point, I know I sound like a Pentax apologist and that I'll drink any Kool-Aid they put out on a tray, but I really wanted to be irked by the colors and I just couldn't do it.

And customers who take the chance on it because of the colors should find that Pentax is offering the K-x as something entry-level that has feature overkill. It's red, it's white, it's blue and it's still more DSLR than most people will use.

Catching Up With Consumer Demand For HD Video

The End of Western Civilization

The camera itself has similar specs to the K-7, and shares the same PRIME II computer engine for JPG and RAW processing (in camera RAW processing is Pentax's strong suit), so the chips consequently handle 720p 24fps HD video easily. But this is a first for an entry-level DSLR from Pentax. We've already seen Nikon and Canon explode the market demand for DSLR HD video, but Pentax is quick to point out that they're the only DSLR company who's entire line now offers HD video.

Of course, everyone can nitpick about how it's implemented. Last year, folks like Engadget.com were quick to point out the conspicuous absence of Live View in the K2000 and bemoaned it, and similarly I expect there will always be specs on the comparison tables where this camera fails to meet feature overkill expectations from people who chart such things. The K-x doesn't have HDMI, 30fps, stereo audio output (and you can only use the onboard mic and no other input), and I heard that's what caused the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire.

Single-hand control for the K-x.

Beefing Up The Specs In A Competitive Landscape

Overall, this is a camera that out performs the K100D of a few years ago by leaps and bounds. Entry-level consumers are getting harder pressed to really complain about what they have now when they compare this generation to older models, much like I should hardly complain about my big HD widescreen TV when I seemed to be living comfortably enough with a 13" CRT just a couple years ago. Live View and HD video are standard already? Wasn't that strangely fast?

And What About the Sample Pictures?

It's good to see Pentax finally setting other competitive entry-level standards, with specs for higher ISO and faster shutter speed than ever before, but I bet you're thinking, "it remains to be seen what the image quality is like." Let's think about this rationally. We have to assume it's halfway between the K-m/K2000 and the K-7. I'm yawning from anticipation because I already know it's going to be good enough for college kids and moms.

But what's interesting to me is that I saw Ned Bunnell tell his audience flat out that pixel peepers who are agonizing over noise should really just stop giving in to hypotheticals and ask themselves why the best photographs surrounding us at the ICP overcome technical limitations because of the creative content. A good picture isn't just one free of grain or noise. Okay, he didn't quite put it in those words, but that was the gist, and no one yelled out "You lie!"

He spoke about this to an audience of sales people and press without any need for apology. If the iPhone is nearly the most popular camera on Flickr, we know that we're living in a golden age of technical opportunity and it's about time we try to let our creativity catch up to the tools we've been given. So why not have a little color? If a red camera sells and it means people start taking fewer pictures of cats, what a noble cause the K-x truly is.

Red. White. Blue. Black. Take your pic with the new Pentax K-x

2009-09-17T00:01:00.009-04:00

K-x Kit 1: $649.95 MSRP for the single lens kit (w. 18-55mm DA L "light" zoom lens)

K-x Kit 2: $749.95 MSRP for the twin lens kit (w. 18-55mm and 50-200mm DA L "light" zoom lenses)

K-x Kit 3: $849.95 MSRP for the premium twin lens kit (w. 18-55mm and 55-300mm DA L "light" zoom lenses)

For fall 2009, Pentax has a new DSLR. The K-x is a new iteration of consumer-sized DSLR based on Pentax's acclaimed digital "k" series (going back to the digital *ist cameras, really), available in 4 different colors, and for sale in special kits with bundled zoom lenses (and yes, the white and red kits come bundled with color matching 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses, but the blue and black share basic black lenses). Black and White ship in October, with Red and Blue to follow in November. I expect those last 2 colors to be back ordered frequently.

The K-x is similar to last year's K-m (aka. K2000) DSLR, but adds a host of new features such as a 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, ISO 100-12800, Live View, improved focusing and face detection, widescreen 720p HD video capture, HDR bracketing, faster FPS (4.7) and faster curtain speed (1/6000). In many ways, this brings a bit more parity with its weather resistant big brother, the K-7. But just like Pentax's previous small DSLRs, it's a more friendly camera for casual users. Expect it to be easy to use, even with one hand. And new digital filters, like Cross Processing, introduce some fun ways for casual users to do more in-camera than ever before. Also, the K-x is still powered by AA batteries, and is compatible with most older Pentax lens systems (some with typical limitations—see the usual specs).

Michelle Martin from Pentax is handing out these links to everyone, so make good use of them:

Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/K-x_Black/
An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1

Above, the navy model K-x. Ahoy!

PENTAX K-x FACT SHEET
(From Pentax)

12.4 effective megapixels: The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor accurately reproduces true-to-life images with fine detail and rich color depth. The K-x offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows users to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function to offer greater creative freedom to photographers.

Compact, lightweight body: The PENTAX K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR cameras in its class. The stainless-steel chassis and overall design offer a space-efficient layout.

Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280x720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24): The PENTAX K-x movie recording function* captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Compatible with every PENTAX interchangeable lens ever made, the Video Capture mode opens a new world of creativity for PENTA K-x owners.
* When the PENTAX K-x’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are viewed at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images: The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shake by as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.* With this SR mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions such as telephoto lens photography, shooting in dark or low-light setting without a flash illumination, and sunset scenes. *Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second: The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine: The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) II, that is an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate color rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.

Live View function with Face detection of up to 16 faces: In addition to the camera’s viewfinder, the K-x features a Live View function that allows users to view subjects on the LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes in Live View:
Contrast Auto Focus optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast.
Face Detection Auto Focus automatically detects up to 16 faces, then selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, and captures it in sharp focus.
Phase Difference Auto Focus accesses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimize focus on the subject.
Innovative Image Processing Functions

Digital Filter function: The K-x’s digital filter function allows users to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters including Color Extract, Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera, and more (including a custom filter for building multiple effects), photographers may apply multiple filters to a single image for customized effects.

Cross Process mode: The K-x features a new Cross Process mode that automatically and randomly adds finishing touches to exposures to create eye-catching images with unique, intriguing colors (just like images treated with Cross Process* in film photography). This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don’t know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.
* A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colors.

High-precision 11-point AF sensor: The high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system of the K-x features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. Photographers also may select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialized applications.

Additional Features
Custom Image modes offer high quality processing for images
2.7 inch, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution
Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD monitor
Ten scene modes, including Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Sunset, Kids, Museum, and more, available via simple icon selection
PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and image browser functions

Drew Barrymore: Time Out NYC Cover

2009-09-06T15:13:00.005-04:00

This week's cover of Time Out New York / Issue 727 (Sep 3–9, 2009) features Drew Barrymore and a Pentax K1000 SE, as a part of Time Out's NYC in Pictures series for their Photo Issue. For her part in the series, Drew presents a small gallery of 10 photos of summer in the big apple (I understand she used a disposable camera, like the other celebrities involved, not the Pentax).

Links: Time Out NYC article with Drew Barrymore

Pentax K-7 Firmware Update 1.01: Selective Point Fix

2009-07-28T23:40:00.003-04:00

Well, the cat's out of the bag! Pentax has released a fix for one of their newest cameras, the K-7 DSLR, within the same month of its US release. And as speculated, the first firmware update for the K-7 addresses the highly contentious default behaviour of the 4-way controller for some of those users frustrated by having to press the OK button to allow the controller to move the AF point.

v1.01
Added a custom function to the K-7's Custom Function menu that affects the behavior of the 4-way controller when using user-selectable focus point adjustment.

For Windows (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com)
Mac (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com)

(Via DPReview Forums)

K-7: Changing The 11 Focusing Area Point Positions

2009-07-07T15:43:00.013-04:00

There was some concern when the K-7 was first announced that quickly changing the autofocus point (11-points, 9 cross) would be a hassle because the new control pad on the back of the camera was tied to functions in the new menu system (flash, WB, etc.). As it was demonstrated to me, I saw no problem, and Pentax was good enough to show people in their demos around the country that there was nothing to be up in arms about. The solution was easy once you knew the formula.

Now that the camera is in customer's hands and the documentation is online, it's time to put this grousing about AF points to bed. How easy is it to change the position in reality?

Well, according to the K-7 manual (now located at Pentaximaging.com), it's simple enough with one extra button press (see below). Hitting the center "OK" button puts the 11 AF Focus Points on alert to change to your desired location in the viewfinder. At which point, the directional keys in the control pad move the selected AF point. The only things that will break your ability to use the directional keys for the AF point is if you 1) Turn the camera off 2) Turn the mode dial 3) Turn the AF mode dial 4) Press OK, play, menu, info, or the Live View button.

So, the issue of adding the extra step of pressing the OK button is going to confound some people, but it's hardly as if this is a hidden, arcane arrangement. At some point in the future, Pentax may decide to release a firmware update that allows the user to set which is default for the "arrow" keys before you press the OK button: functions or AF points. But for now, just think "OK, direction" and you may find it's easier than you thought.

Imaging-Resource's Comparometer™ And The Pentax K-7

2009-07-06T21:04:00.007-04:00

Although I wasn't bowled over by their K-7 Preview (which did appreciate the camera, mind you, just not in the most reasoned explanations), I'm more appreciative of these K-7 chart test results from Imaging-Resource.com and how they reveal the K-7's potential detail bonanza with a lens like the DA 70mm lens. Personally, I'm ignoring the poster test they do of the house (below left). I like the line tests and ISO tests best. What you'll see at their site is a set-up where you can compare the chart resolution tests of the K-7's DNG and JPG files versus images tests from other cameras like the Canon 50D. How does the K-7 fair? Better than I would have guessed just a month ago. The K-7 actually holds it's own very well against Nikon's mid-range and semi-pro lines when you're using low ISOs, and fairs pretty well 1600 and higher. This is a real contender.

ISO 6400 test with the Pentax K-7, original JPG here.

To see the comparisons for yourself at Imaging-Resource, visit their Comparometer™.

K-7 Now Arriving in the U.S. with Bounce Back Card

2009-07-03T15:15:00.006-04:00

Thanks to the astute people at Pentax Forums, Pentax USA president Ned Bunnell has been prompted confirmed that the Pentax K-7 is now in the U.S. and arriving at retailers to fulfill the first pre-orders. There's a little discount treat to be found inside, too. The "Bounce Back Card." Says Ned on his blog:

"Since shipments to the US have begun, I thought this would be a good opportunity to point out that your K-7 package will come with a "valued PENTAX customer" thank you card. Similar to the program we tested with the K2000, every K-7 package has what's called a bounce back card. As a thank you for purchasing the K-7 the card entitles you to savings if you purchase other PENTAX accessories. (Note: if you click on the above photo of the card, you'll be able to view a larger image and confirm which lenses, flashes and binoculars are included in this offer)."

Ned has also had many great posts about the K-7 that I hope you haven't missed in the last month's lead-up to release:

Pentax K-7: Hands-On Preview

2009-05-20T11:30:00.031-04:00

Note: This is just one of the many introductory reviews you can read about the K-7, with others notably by Yvon Bourque, Mark Dimalanta, Dan Havlik, Mat Gallagher (with video), Jack Howard of Adorama, Mike Johnston, and the mighty DPReview. I'd like to thank Michelle and Chris of Pentax USA for going out of their way this spring to let us all get a good look at this exciting new camera, and I sincerely hope internet readers everywhere appreciate the variety of good writing they can find about the K-7 thanks to their hard work.

About three weeks ago, at the end of April, I met up with Pentax USA's PR Manager Michelle Martin and Product Manager Chris Pound in Manhattan. Looking for a space where we could have some privacy, I suggested we leave Starbucks and head over to a nearly deserted local bakery with plenty of empty tables that I had just passed by (the sign said Japanese Bakery, but it was decidedly Chinese). We took a table in the corner and for the next hour Chris and I went over the latest DSLR camera from Pentax, the new flagship model slated to replace the K20D for summer 2009: the Pentax K-7 ($1299 MSRP, shipping in late July).

"We think this will really appeal to K10D or *ist users, classic users, advanced amateurs or budget pros" Chris said. And with that he handed over his K-7, fitted with a DA Limited 15mm pancake lens. Admittedly, I got giddy from that point on.

What surprised me at first about the K-7 was what a lot of people will notice right away. For a flagship advanced "prosumer" camera along the lines of the Canon EOS 50D, the K-7 is decidedly small (about 24% smaller than the 50D). It's not as small as the K-m (K2000), but it has obviously inherited some of that micronizing know-how. Both Chris and I were able to handle it gingerly, because the smaller magnesium alloy body was very strong but light. The ergonomics are still the best in the industry, but with the button pattern having evolved, I dare say they've made a good thing better. The review and trash buttons now reside in the top left over the 3" LCD, and the menu array buttons have adopted the style familiar to K-m users (complete with the Fn button working as in the K-m's methodology), with the special addition of a new Live View button. The top mode dial is "locking," which is to say that now you have to depress a center button to release the dial to change modes. The exposure compensation button (and new ISO button!) have moved to the top of the camera, above the top LCD. In short, there's less confusion for your fingers to make.

With this demonstration, the pancake lens really lightened the weight considerably, and showed off the compact size and the K-7's slightly more "boxy contours," which look impressive up close. The casing design seems inspired by mixing the smooth and rounded corners of the K20D with the retro appeal of older SLRs of the past, like the LX. Don't let it escape your attention: the externalized camera strap latches are an intentional return to the old school style, replete with triangle clips. However, this isn't your Dad's Pentax. It's completely weather sealed (every single port and button has been overhauled) and boasts a Pentax first: durable in the cold to 14°F (-10°C). The weather resistant sealing has even been extended to the kit lenses, the DA WR 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses (with new grip surfaces), which will retail for $199 and $249 respectively.

New Sensor

Importantly, the K-7 has a completely redesigned 14.6MP CMOS sensor (23.4mm x 15.6mm) and PRIME II processing engine. This affects so many different areas, it's easy to see why Pentax is so pleased with the result, even though there really isn't a big boost in megapixels over the K20D. Chris explained to me that the agenda by Pentax's design team was to increase memory bandwidth potential (now capable of writing 1GB/sec) and the efficiency of the 4 color channels so that highly detailed and color accurate images get processed more quickly. Case in point? The camera can now comfortably write 5.6FPS in RAW mode. However, there were other significant benefits: the White Balance now uses native color sensing for increased accuracy in Auto WB mode (indoor WB and mixed light colors aren't the problem they used to be), and there's less sensor noise (the new sensor limits "electron creep" because its tiny switch gates aren't as grossly affected by leaks as the older sensors). While the engineering sample we looked at wasn't a final shipping model, it was obvious that at ISO 1600 there was much less visible noise than on the K20D. Expanded ISO range on the K-7 can go up to 6400.

The strength of the new sensor really shines in how Pentax has implemented sensor integration with the camera's operating system, heralding new tricks for Shake Reduction, Live View, Raw Developing, and HD video with incredible sophistication. The camera's GUI interface now resembles the K-m's (what I call the "Hyper" menu—and with the new gyro sensor, it even goes vertical when you rotate the camera), but that doesn't mean you get anything over-simplified. It's a setting tweaker's paradise.

Better SR and Manual Compensation

Shake Reduction now handles rotational compensation, which is a very welcome addition (for when you accidentally tilt the camera on a horizontal axis). But you can now control the sensor's placement within the SR mechanism for what Pentax calls "Compensation Adjustment." Essentially, by using the 4-direction menu buttons, you can slide the sensor in any direction on its plane so that you are changing the field of view. For example, imagine you have your camera set up on a tripod and, for whatever reason, the camera must stay put. Then, just outside the frame is something you wish was inside the frame. You can't move the camera: but you can move the sensor. It's like changing the cropping of a picture that had a wider focal length—mechanically, not digitally. Something like this is where Live View really shines. You can't see the adjustment through the viewfinder, because this is the sensor we're moving. You watch your new frame adjustment taking place on the screen.

Better Live View and HD Video

Speaking of Live View, even though the Pentaprism viewfinder (100% field of view) is gorgeously bright (and you'll soon be able to order a new replacement screen that has no markings at all), Live View is now behaving more like what we expected the first time around. You can now make all your exposure adjustments with a vivid 3"screen representation, instead of just an animated Depth of Field Preview (per the K20D's implementation). And this extends to enabling HD video. Finally. With inboard HDMI and microphone connections (eat that, Rebel Ti), the K-7 has moved into competitive territory with some of Nikon and Canon's best cameras. But the K-7's sensor actually exceeds 720p and allows for a top end 1536 x 1024 pixels at 30fps (sorry, no 60 fps yet).

Using HDR Capture

And how's this for a new trick? Not only is there 77 segment metering (which is very competitive for this market segment) but now there's HDR capture. Okay, I wouldn't say that this is the same as what you'll find on the Ricoh CX1, but it's a fun gimmick. By enabling this mode, you can take 3 pictures and merge them into one for an extended dynamic range (exported as a JPG). Chris and I played at this one for a while. It works best with a tripod, which we didn't have on hand, so we hand held a shot as carefully as we could (with SR on). You can choose between a standard or strong setting, although the exposure +/- differentiation isn't made clear (standard looks about -3, 0 and + 3). You can't take 3 pictures in a burst, so you have to press the shutter release 3 separate times (the mirror is locked up during this time). What follows is a screen black-out while the camera processes all three shots together. If they don't align properly, the results will look blurry, but when everything is in line it works really well, if a bit strong for my tastes (the over-baked look was definitely happening). Shadows are lightened with detail and blown out areas get filled in. Is this going to replace bracketing and Photoshop? No, but it will be fun to play with.

Additional new settings include electronic level detection and the ability to correct for chromatic aberrations and lens distortion for JPG post-processing in camera (though the last 2 are designed specifically to work with Pentax "A" lenses that the K-7 can recognize and match with its internal registry of data, and FYI the DA 10-17mm will always have distortion because it was designed that way as a fish-eye). Yep, they work. As does the new metadata setting that lets you stamp a personalized copyright from within the camera. Also of note: the new dust filter system with "piezo-ceramic" vibrations should be effective, but you can't tell from just one short sitting. At any rate, no more sensor shake at start up to dislodge particles.

Fast Focusing

And last but not least, I'm happy to say that to my satisfaction the new SAFOX VIII Plus auto focusing system is now more accurate and speedy, especially indoors and with artificial light. And yes, the Face Detection feature works just as you've come to expect it on point-and-shoots. While some people might be balking that the KAF2 lens mount is making life difficult with non-A K-mount lenses (to me, it's a non-issue: I don't expect auto functions from 30 year-old lenses, I'm just happy they still work), users should be impressed with the overall increased AF speed, which is more responsive to color and temperature variations thanks to the new sensor, by taking the best of the 4 colors to find the strongest contrast. Aiming around the bakery, everything snapped into focus quickly. At one point, Michelle, Chris, and I looked for a way to initiate the new AF Assist light (on the front left of the camera), which shines bright and green in low light. With 1/8000 shutter speed, the camera does fast and bright easily, but how would it do in the dark? The bakery was too light, so we had to point the camera under the table and at a black bag. And then there was projected green light beaming from the camera. It doesn't overlay a grid, like some AF Assist flashes do, but it is a great improvement over requiring the pop-up flash to pulse, as in previous models. And while it wasn't a deal breaker, autofocus (with assist or without) would not work in movie mode (manual only).

While it wasn't on hand for me to see, Chris said that the new BG-4 grip was entirely new, just like the new K-7 battery. They will not be backwards compatible with older models. But you gain a lot of extra life (up to 900 shots), and the ability to use 6 AA batteries with the grip (via a special tray). The camera can auto-detect whether you're using Lithium, NiMH, or Alkaline (or you can tell it yourself via the menu) to optimize battery performance.

Conclusion

After an hour, I was surprised the time passed so quickly. Chris and Michelle were excellent hosts. I found the K-7 to be delightful to use (and quiet!) and I only wish that I had the chance to post-examine the pictures we were taking. However, this was an engineering sample, so I expect that Pentax was still looking to make improvements on overall image quality before it ships at the end of July. I'm not going to judge it unfairly until Pentax has deemed it ready for the real world. And then I'll be looking forward to getting my hands on one. In many respects, last year's K20D is still a wonderful camera, and at half the price of the K-7, it represents a fantastic deal until its sold out. But the K-7 represents the eagerness Pentax has to compete with all the new features their competitors are bringing to the field. I'm anxious to try it out and push some of my own personal boundaries. So if you've got the itch to drop more than $1000, start saving up, because this camera is on its way.

Pentax K-7: The Best of the New Features and Facts

2009-05-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

My favorite line from the Pentax K-7 literature is this self-deprecating phrase: "Despite all these features, the K-7 is one of the most compact and functional photo enthusiast level models in the market." As if Einstein had to apologize for not having a giant, bulbous head.

The following list is a nearly straight regurgitation from Pentax's literature regarding the K-7's features, but I divided it up into two sections, New/Greatly Improved and Inherited/Slightly Improved, and then I integrated some of Pentax's extra notes on the features where appropriate. I also emphasized the parts that deserve some notice with bold lettering. This should make it much easier to follow. And as you can see, the new features really do tally significantly for comparison to the older K20D and other camera models.

New/Greatly Improved Features of the Pentax K-7 DSLR (over previous Pentax DSLRs)

A compact, magnesium alloy body that is one of the smallest in the advanced photo enthusiast category to reduce bulk and allow users to travel light while maintaining durability and build quality (seven percent smaller than the K20D and up to 25 percent smaller than other cameras in the same 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.
A new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up to minimize noise, adds four channel output for fast image capture, and the ability to capture HD quality movies. It is the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing very large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility.
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).
A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.
HD Movie capture features adjustable quality and resolution settings, aperture control, as well as mechanical Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. The K-7 will capture video at the default standard of 1280x720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to 720p), 1536x1024 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, or 640x416 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio (equivalent to VGA quality), all shot at 30 frames per second.
An HDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on modern high definition TV’s.
An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing.
An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses.
A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.
A High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture mode captures three images then combines them in camera to widen the exposure gamut to bring out detail in all exposure areas of images.
A composition adjustment feature in Live View allows minor shifts in the framing and composition of images using the Shake Reduction mechanism without having to physically move the camera. This feature is ideal for tripod use.
A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data.
A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.
A striking 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review using the Live View function.
The wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally, facilitating low and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.
A weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C) body makes the K-7 the perfect camera for use in any environment, inside the studio or when travelling in any weather. (as mentioned previously with the new body alloy).
Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with a new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and 4 channel output that is ideal for sporting events or any fast action situation.
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.
A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.
Live View mode, now with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having your eye against the viewfinder.
The K-7 features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting. This function is available not only in the Contrast AF mode, which optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast, but also in the Face Recognition AF mode, which automatically and accurately focuses on the subject’s face. A newly developed diaphragm-control mechanism allows the Live View function be used during Continuous Shooting mode with the mirror at lock-up position.
A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.
A new Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen improves focusing accuracy during manual-focus operation.
The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.
The K-7’s new SAFOX VIII Plus wide-frame autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). By adding the light source type to its data range, and driven by a greatly improved algorithm, PENTAX improved the AF system assuring reliable, responsive autofocus operation superior in speed and accuracy to the previous system. The K-7 also incorporates an AF-assist spotbeam projector in its built-in flash unit to improve autofocusing accuracy in the dark.
The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.
The mechanism also provides user-friendly new functions such as Automatic Level Adjustment and Minute Angle Adjustment (up/down, right/left and clockwise/counterclockwise) to help photographers compose images exactly to their specifications.
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, K_A-, K_AF-, K_AF2- and K_AF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
The K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-fee image capture.
The K-7 is equipped with a newly developed Dust Removal (DR II) mechanism to more effectively remove dust and minimize spots on recorded images even after changing lenses in dust-prone outdoor settings. Using a piezo-ceramic vibration action, the system shifts or vibrates the low-pass filter located in front of the CMOS image sensor at supersonic speed to remove dust more efficiently. A unique dust-alert system also allows users to check for dust adhering to the low-pass filter prior to actual shooting.
A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.
The K-7 is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 980 images* when fully charged.
*Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash.

Inherited/Slightly Improved: Similar Advanced Features to the K20 (Previous Generation)

Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.
Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.
The K-7’s Custom Image function lets the user control the image’s finishing touch to capture their photographic intention, or reproduce the ambience of the scene. With the K-7, the user can select one of seven modes, including the new “Muted” mode designed to recreate an image with delicate, subdued colors. In addition to saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness, the function now makes it possible to adjust “key” and “contrast highlight/shadow” to the desired levels. The effects of these factors may be effortlessly confirmed on a preview image using the Digital Preview or Live View function before finalizing the settings.
Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.
Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures in even the most difficult lighting.
Featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes and a new incandescent-tinted fluorescent light mode.
Dynamic Range setting with adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows for even the highest-contrast, dynamic lighting.
Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.
Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.

Pentax K-7: The Complete Specs

2009-05-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

For posterity, let's remember that in April and May of 2009 these specifications were under considerable speculation and were at one point leaked amid controversy. But now, here they are, all quiet and docile, legitimately reproduced for your viewing pleasure.

MODEL: K-7

TYPE: Digital SLR

PRODUCT CODE: Body Kit: 17811, UPC: 027075155145

Retails July, 2009 for $1299.99 (US MSRP)

IMAGE STABILIZATION

Type: Sensor-shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (4 stops max)
Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and top LCD panel

METERING SYSTEM

Type: TTL open-aperture 77 segment metering
Sensitivity range: EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Multi-segment: Yes, 77 segments
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: Yes, 3 or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)

ISO SENSITIVITY

Auto: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400, auto ISO range selectable
Manual: ISO 100-3200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range available to ISO 6400

WHITE BALANCE*

* WB fine adjustment available in all modes

Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE
Manual mode(s): Yes, manual and 3 color temperature selections available

SHUTTER

Type: Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec, bulb

CAPTURE MODES

Mode selection: Green, Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER, Movie
Green simplified mode available: Yes
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
Date stamp: n/a
Digital filters (capture): Custom Image Function includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and Muted modes, each with gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustment for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Other capture filters include Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Color, Soft Focus, Starburst, Fisheye, Custom Filter.
Data record: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright

DRIVE MODES

Mode selection: Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), Mirror Lockup (standard, remote), HDR Capture, Multi-Exposure, Interval
Continuous FPS: - 5.2 FPS (40 JPG Continuous Hi, 15 RAW PEF, 14 RAW DNG); 3.3 FPS (unlimited JPG Continuous Lo, 17 RAW PEF/DNG)
Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s)
Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous) and cable switch

PLAYBACK MODES

Mode selection: One Shot (no data, basic data, full data, color channel histogram), Multi Image Display (4, 9, 16, 32, 81 thumbnails), Calendar Filmstrip, Folder, Magnification, Select & Delete, Movie Playback (no data, basic data, full data)
Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Image Comparison, Protect, DPOF
Magnification: Up to 32X, scrollable
Digital filters (playback): Toy Camera, Monochrome (filter effects, toning), Retro, Color (6), High Contrast, Soft Focus, Extract Color (6), Starburst, Water Color, Fisheye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Base Parameter Adj, Custom Filter

FILE FORMATS

Still: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (Exif 2.21), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III
Movie (compression): AVI (Motion JPG)

CUSTOM FUNCTIONS

Functions available: 37

COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS*

*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.

Windows: Windows XP/Vista, USB 2.0 port
Mac: MacOS-X 10.3-10.5, USB 2.0 port

SENSOR

Type: CMOS with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Size: 23.4 x 15.6mm
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 14.6 MP
Total pixels: 15.07 MP
Recorded resolutions
Still: 14M 4672x3104, 10M 3936x2624, 6M 3072x2048, 2M 1728x1152
Movie (resolution/FPS): 1280x720p30, 1536x1024p30, 640x416p30
Quality levels: **** Premium, *** Best, ** Better, * Good
Dust Removal: Supersonic vibration to low pass filter

LENS MOUNT

Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Power zoom function: Yes

FOCUS SYSTEM

Type: TTL phase-difference 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII+)
Focus modes: AF Single (w/ focus lock), AF Continuous, Manual
Focus point adjustment: Auto, user-selectable, center
AF assist: Yes, via dedicated AF assist lamp with SAFOX VIII+ system

VIEWFINDER

Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.92X (w/ 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III
Diopter adjustment: -2.5 to 1.5
Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop down), Digital

LCD MONITOR

Type: 3.0” TFT IPS (In Plane Switching) color LCD with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Resolution: 921,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes

LIVE VIEW

Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor
Field Of View: 100%
Display Modes: Magnification (2-6X AF, 2-10X MF), grid pattern overlay
Autofocus: Yes, contrast w/ face detection, contrast, phase difference

BUILT-IN FLASH

Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide number: 13 (100/m)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash modes: On, redeye, slow sync, slow sync + redeye, trailing curtain sync, wireless
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV in 1/2 steps

EXTERNAL FLASH

Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL, high speed sync available), wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash, X-sync socket
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec

STORAGE MEDIA

Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC

INTERFACES

Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone
Video out: HD (1080i30, 720p30, 480p30), NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a

POWER SUPPLY

Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG4 Battery Grip (optional) for second D-LI90 battery or 6X AA batteries
Recordable images: Approx 980 (approx 740 w/ 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 440 min
AC adapter available: Yes (optional)

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9”
Body weight: Without battery or removable memory: 22.9 oz; Loaded and ready: 26.5 oz
Construction material(s): Magnesium alloy shell over stainless steel chassis
Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, Japanese

On Waiting Until The 20th

2009-05-18T13:22:00.010-04:00

Over the last few weeks, websites (both with and without Pentax NDA agreements) have been speculating, dishing gossip, and spreading information about a certain upcoming camera model to be formally announced on May 20th. It's gone beyond little hints and teases for one site in particular, which has actually been begging for people to leak new information and do dirty work. This weekend, it exploded. Forums and now big sites have been eating up what may well be ill-gotten pictures and specs pushed through this venue (btw: a photoshop filter does not mean it's a proper "sketch"). Web traffic is spiking for these people. It's great to see so many readers interested in a new camera, but at the same time I've never been so annoyed with people making hay from gossip. Part of me feels that it's supporting something I think is unfair: leaking proprietary information.

It wouldn't break my NDA to repeat the all rumors and pictures, but at the same time, without some restraint, I'd be capitalizing (however small that might be) unfairly and contrarily to my friendly relationship with Pentax. Sure, Pentax is getting a lot of free press right now, but that doesn't mean every website has to jump on the advanced leak bandwagon.

I'm just going to give you my 2 cents on why I'm waiting until the 20th to talk more about this camera.

1st penny: I sat down with Pentax and chatted with them for a solid hour about this new camera, and so I respect that they took the time to reach out to me and give me an opportunity to get hands on with their new model. It's definitely worth the wait to respect their timetable and write a good article. I mean, really, really, really, worth the wait.

2nd penny: I'm not a big fan of piracy. Corporations spend a lot of money and employees put a lot of work into coordinating the release of a new product. You may not see the negative causality of a leak, but it's there, and it saddens me our society is becoming more permissive with media theft, encouraging the problem. It's frustrating. I'm not going to fault anyone for enjoying the ramp up to the release and all the good attention the rumors have created, but it hasn't been the best possible scenario.

3rd (bonus) penny: Ned Bunnell drew my attention to this Pentax + Beatles photo on May 2nd. And despite what Ned said, I think that old Pentax does have a design feature of the new camera, which a lot of people guessed correctly. That's the sort of rumor teasing that I love.

Keir Dullea Anecdote: Kubrick Paused Set to Look At New Pentax Camera

2009-05-08T09:19:00.005-04:00

I found this quote below today and I thought it was fun to read that director Stanley Kubrick could be just as geeky about new Pentax cameras as most of us. Most people know Kubrick for his films like Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining (and many others), but he got his start as a photojournalist. Later, when filming Barry Lyndon, he famously used a Zeiss F0.7 lens to capture a scene lit by candlelight (more on that here and here). The man could be stopped in his tracks to appreciate any exciting new photo gear.

Keir Dullea on filming 2001: A Space Odyssey with Stanley Kubrick: "He had great curiosity. I remember once somebody came in with a Pentax camera. It was a new thing on the market, and [Kubrick] was a photography nut. So when the Pentax camera came on set, we didn’t work for a half an hour. He’d just look at this camera, asking questions about it and trying it out."

From Decider Chicago "2001's Keir Dullea reflects on his star-making role" (photo via 2001 Internet Archive)

DxO Tests:Pentax K-m (K2000)

2009-04-28T14:00:00.004-04:00

DxO Labs' DSLR RAW tests are freely available for anyone who wants to look up and then quickly compare the sensor abilities of many of the top-selling cameras. I think their published results actually prove how remarkably similar all the DSLR cameras behave across markers like dynamic range and color depth. Sure, there's latitude, but within given groups, it's not that wide at all. When the latest image quality test results were published for the K-m (K2000 in the U.S.), I thought it would be neat to do a comparison versus the K20D and the Canon 50D, both of which have similar features to the K-m, but obviously more bells and whistles (higher resolution, expanded ISO range, etc.). How did the K-m fair? Not bad at all. Take a look:

The K-m actually matches the Canon 50D in key areas, like dynamic range, and comes out ahead on the sensor aptitude scale. This is for a camera half the price and considerably smaller. Now, some cameras fair better in these tests than others (Nikon's D700 and D3x are shining examples), but what makes the K-m twinkle, too, is that it holds its own against some very advanced models because its sensor system is a proven workhorse, inherited from the K10D. The K-m's only shortcomings are those which the U.K.'s Photography Blog called out already in their review of the K-m last year, when they compared its performance to its predecessor, the K200D:

"The K-m even improves on the more expensive K200D in some areas, notably a faster continuous shooting speed of 3.5 fps, expanded ISO range of 100-3200, and a less cluttered main menu system. Admittedly there are some downgrades, most notably the 5 point AF system which makes it more difficult to track moving subjects, slightly less powerful pop-up flash and the complete lack of any Live View or Digital Preview functionality (the K200D offers the latter).

Given the aggressive price-point, however, the Pentax K-m certainly hits the mark in terms of features, performance and most importantly image quality. The only major difference between the K-m and K200D is that the latter offers better low-light performance, with intrusive amounts of noise appearing at ISO 1600 rather than 800 on the K-m. In all other respects the 10 megapixel images from the cameras are very similar, with very little purple-fringing, accurate colours and a useful built-in flash and Bulb exposure mode, all delivered with the minimum of user input and effort."

Those italics at the end are my emphasis, which brings me back to what I think is the strongest point about the K-m, and one which you can't really test adequately at this point (no fault of DxO's, though): the user interface. The large rear LCD screen accentuates a well-reasoned grid-like menu system that isn't as recursive as you find in other Pentax models. In fact, it's similar to Canon and Nikon entry-level models in that respect, and as such it's very intuitive and allows you to toggle the features you're looking for quickly (I commented on that back when I first tried it out last fall). I'd call it the Hyper-Function menu, if I could. I hope Pentax rolls more of these "special" menu considerations into their higher end cameras, because, quite frankly, menu drilling isn't my favorite activity. It may be that the engineers were thinking about catering to a specific demographic when they made these interface choices (see the Designers' Notes), but the end result is one that I believe benefits any user. It's simple to use, and that's not something to overlook on a camera targeted to new DSLR users.

Pentax Hyper-Program and Hyper-Manual: Features for the "Best Camera in the World"

2009-04-27T15:30:00.007-04:00

Planet Neil's Neil van Niekerk recently started blogging about the features he would characterize as being essential to the mythical beast known as "the best camera in the world." Not only did Neil laud the Pentax "Hyper" system as one of his defacto requirements for such a camera, but he gave one of the best real world descriptions for how Hyper-Program and Hyper-Manual actually work (outside of the Pentax Forums):

"When Pentax brought out the Pentax Z-1 / PZ-1 in the early 90’s, they had re-thought the way a camera’s exposure modes should to be implemented, in a most inspired way. They had the usual range of exposures modes we all know, such as Shutter Priority (Tv) and Aperture Priority (Av). But Program mode became Hyper-Program; and Manual mode became Hyper-Manual. Sure this sounded gimmicky, until you handled the camera and realised what they achieved.

Hyper-Program worked like Program mode, except that if you dialed the shutter button, it would immediately change to Shutter Priority (Tv), as you change to specific shutter speeds. Similarly, if you dialled the Aperture dial, then the camera instantly changed to Aperture Priority mode (Av), as you set the aperture. No need to switch mode dials on the top of the camera. You just turned either the aperture dial or shutter speed dial to change between the modes at will. And if you wanted to return to the usual Program mode, you just hit the * (star) button. Intuitive and simple. (And no, this is completely different than Program Shift.)

Hyper-Manual worked a similar elegant magic in how you controlled the camera’s manual exposure mode. Let’s say you rely on your built-in meter in this scenario. If you use any other camera in manual exposure mode, you have to dial the shutter button and aperture button to get to the correct combination for proper exposure. With Hyper-Manual, you just hit the * button, and the camera entered a combination of settings for you, depending on where you pointed your camera. This combination of settings could be according to a Program-mode line, or according to the shutter speed your camera happened to be at; or the aperture your camera happened to be at. (This was set deeper in the menu according to your preference.)"

Neil goes on to explain how this translates into saving you time from fiddling with the program dial:

"Let’s say you knew you’d be working at f2.8 ... then you’d just hit the * button and the appropriate shutter speed was entered for you. Perfect for working with the camera’s spot-meter. If you’ve ever tried to spot-meter with a long lens on your camera while hand-holding it, AND looking at your metering display .. then you know how tough it is. But with Hyper-Manual mode, you just hit the * button while looking precisely where your spot-meter is aiming. Much faster. You just hit one button with your thumb, and you’re set.

Now, should you decide you have the correct exposure, but want to change your shutter speed or aperture, then you hit the Exposure Lock button, and change either the aperture or shutter speed .. and the other setting will follow in relation to the metering value that was entered.

With any other camera, let’s say you have 1/500th @ f2.8 but you want 1/200th @ f4.5 ... then you’d have to turn both dials by the same amount of clicks. But with Hyper-Manual mode, you lock the exposure combination, and just change the one dial. Either one. Doesn’t matter.

The way these two modes work is such an incredible stroke of genius, that any camera that doesn’t have those two modes, is severely hampered already. The Best Camera in the World needs to have Pentax’s Hyper-Program and Hyper-Manual modes."

To learn more about what Neil looks for in his "best camera," be sure to read the rest of his post at his blog. Highly recommended.

Pentax Hyper-Program on the K10D, from Pentax Digiichi

The current Pentax DSLR camera (as of April 2009) that uses the most sophisticated incarnation of these features is the K10D/K20D. For more information about Hyper-Program and Hyper-Manual, the Pentax Digiichi site has two special introductions to the features written by Izumi Taniguchi: Master Hyper Program Operations & Master Hyper-Manual Operations.

It's all about the Jeeps

2009-04-27T09:36:00.012-04:00

This weekend saw Pentax USA President Ned Bunnell post some more shots to his blog with the DA 15mm. Admittedly, I think I'd want this lens as my good walking around lens when I'm on vacation. That's just how it seems to behave in Ned's hands. And what would a personal DA 15mm shot collection be without an obligatory Jeep picture? Cue The Ventures:

It was also nice to see Ned also chime in with some calming remarks about last week's frenzied rumor discussions:

"Having seen a lot of less than complimentary things said about me in the past, which I understand is part of being open and approachable on the internet, I had to laugh this morning when I read this comment by GnusMas on pentaxforums that was in response to a heated exchange on who knew more about a certain upcoming model from Pentax..."Ahh its OK maybe next year you to can buddy up to Ned at the PMA and try to get your very own NDA . I suggest you start building your tomato shot portfolio I hear that's one way into NED's heart. lol." I think the whole point about my love of tomatoes stems from the realization that what tends to typify many Pentax shooters is that they have a pretty balanced life wherein photography is only one of their passions and pursuits. I think we tend to harbor a higher percentage of independent minded shooters who enjoy the pursuit of photography first and are less obsessed with their gear."

For more on this tangent, read Ned's full post here: Op-Ed Thoughts by the Spa

PS. Did you catch Mike Johnston call out the Spotmatic and 50mm F1.4 Takumar on his list of cameras for the collectors?

The DA LImited 15mm F4 Round-Up

2009-04-24T16:30:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week, I was thrilled to see Yvon Bourque enjoying his new DA 15mm on a trip to the San Bernardino Mountains, because the lens seems to do fantastic things in the bright light, especially stopped down to F8 or higher. Check out the contrast in this picture:

This makes me just as giddy as when I first saw Ned Bunnell's blog postings in February about how the lens looked, and what the new DA Limited 3x case was like. It really made me want this lens as part of a trio (DA 15mm, 35mm, and 77mm). Ned's early test shots out at San Clemente Pier and the follow-up shots were mouth watering, too, such as this close-up:

So, now that proper reviews are coming in, notably today's DP Review test of the DA Limited 15mm, I'm a bit surprised they didn't like the lens as much as I was expecting. Everyone else raves about it. According to their test, MTF sharpness peaks at about F7.1-F8:

Considering that it barely touches 1500 on the MTF-50 scale for their test is really difficult for me to relate to the sharp images I've seen with the lens elsewhere. And the sharpness drop-off and light fall-off in the corners that DP Review experienced is also surprising. I'm sure they didn't get a bad lens, but my gut intuition tells me that your personal mileage may vary with this lens. Particularly because of Mike's first snaps at The Online Photographer just a little while ago this month:

There's something special about the DA 15mm's clarity, especially in the better shots I've seen lately, that comes not from the accumulation of small details (the lens is sharp) but the overall handling of light, color, and contrast, so much so that it reminds me of Leica wide-angle lenses. It's there even with the CA and corner issues. That's my overall feeling on the matter. I hope this lens has more legs to it than the first numerical testing reviews imply, because I have a feeling it's a sleeper hit for Pentax.

Mysterious New K? DSLR Coming Soon

2009-04-23T23:00:00.010-04:00

(Updated, with special thanks to 1001 Noisy Cameras.) The net is full of speculation this week. Curiously, The Online Photographer withheld his number 2 recommended camera pick today, alluding that he'd have to wait a month... and from a Russian site, it appeared Pentax may have leaked the above image referencing May 21st. Coincidence?

The DPReview Pentax forums are in a tizzy with uncorroborated specifications and blurry images of this camera already dubbed by spies as the "K7D." Which Pentax Europe then denied. It purportedly has a super-fast 1/8000 shutter speed, a 1.0x viewfinder, a square sensor, mirror lock-up, 77 zone light metering, better AF, DR, and SR, with Live View, HD Video, and low noise at 6400 ISO. But none of this is official. And it could be fake.

The rumor mill hasn't been this excited since the time before the first K10D, and the guessing is getting picked up in a lot of places that wouldn't have Pentax usually on their radar. Long story short: when the truth comes out, it's probably going to be huge.

[Update #2: On Friday, Yvon Bourque has tipped his hat to reveal that he's confirming that Pentax has definitely got something big planned as a new flagship model (see his post here, which includes a run-down of all the assorted blurry shots).]

New Firmware 1.03 for K20D To Improve SR

2009-04-09T11:00:00.002-04:00

Just out today, for K20D users only, Pentax/Hoya have released a firmware upgrade that is meant to improve the accuracy of the Shake Reduction system. It's available as an installer that runs off an SD card (32MB min, although the patch itself is very small).

You can download the firmware from Pentax Japan here, and soon from other Pentax international sites. To read more about the K20D's excellent Shake Reduction, there's plenty of info at this Pentax sub-site: In-Body SR of the K20D

$50 Rebate on K200+Lens+Flash Kit in U.S. for a Limited Time

2009-04-03T00:00:00.002-04:00

From April 3-11, 2009 (not much time, just a week), Pentax is offering a rebate for select digital cameras, including one DSLR system - the K2000 with 18-55mm lens and AF200FG flash. That means U.S. customers can spend $599 and get $50 back through an instant rebate (no need to submit claim or fill out forms or wait 8 weeks) right at the retailer, so the invoice price is $549. Or less, if the participating retailer is selling it with a lower price. Not bad. I hereby declare it officially buy a Pentax K2000 week! Now, when will they have an instant rebate program for lenses? All the details are at PentaxImaging.com.

645D On Display At PIE 2009

2009-03-26T09:56:00.005-04:00

Akihabara News (link) has some photos taken at the Pentax booth of the upcoming 645D and the limited edition K-m ("Camo" finish) and K20D ("Titanium" finish). I'm not sure if this is the very same 645D prototype we saw at previous industry trade shows 2 years ago (I think it might be), but it certainly looks finished enough to be a production model, although I imagine there are a few more subtle refinements to come.

All photos copyright Akihabara News, 2009.

Pentax 645D and MF Lenses For 2010 Release

2009-03-24T16:02:00.005-04:00

645D Prototype, circa 2007.

It's coming, and it's likely going to be a fraction of the cost of Mamiya's medium format camera. But no one knows much about it, except that it's probably at least 9 months away from retail.

Pentax is retiring their old 645NII and 67 systems, which comes as an expected development considering that today they have officially announced that the Pentax 645D, a 30MP digital camera replacement for medium format film systems, is finally on the production road map for release in 2010. A new prime lens, the Pentax-D FA 55mm F2.8 lens, will be available specifically for this new camera as well as an unspecified "wide-angle" lens (see the latest lens list here from Pentax Japan). News on this is very skimpy today, but as soon as there's more to chew on, I'll post it. In the meanwhile, 1001NoisyCameras has a round-up of reaction links.

K20D in Limited Edition "Retro" Silver

2009-03-24T15:52:00.005-04:00

Pentax Japan has announced the future availability of a retro-looking (or Cylon-looking) Special Edition K20D kit, limited to 1,000 production units, available in Japan later this year in October. Yep, October. No word on pricing yet, but the regular K20D can be found for under $700. What do you think? I think it looks like it's winking at me.

Olive Green K-m Available Now In Japan

2009-03-24T09:34:00.007-04:00

Well, this snuck up and surprised me today. Maybe I didn't seen it coming, even with the hunter's orange pin stripe. Maybe that's why this new limited edition "Olive" Pentax Km is going to appeal to people who go out hiking or who collect Coleman gear in a way the white Km (K2000 in North America) never did. It's onsale at the end of April in Japan for 70,000 yen, which includes matching Olive lenses. Snipers rejoice!

Via Akihabara News

Pentax X70 is available for Pre-Order at Pentax WebStore

2009-03-13T11:55:00.006-04:00

The Pentax WebStore has been great at releasing exclusive items, like the white K2000, and now they have the inside track on the first batch of X70 MegaZoom digicams. You can now pre-order the X70 for $399 direct from Pentax. Out-of-stock orders usually ship within 10 days, so maybe this means the X70 will be in consumer's hands very, very soon.

Link: http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/detail/PTX+17491

Hoya and Pentax Talk About Summer 2009 and What's To Come

2009-03-09T14:05:00.007-04:00

DC.Watch.Impress had a recent sit down with Taku Sendai, manager of Hoya's Product Planning (pictured right), and in the course of the interview a few juicy nuggets of information were harvested for us to speculate upon. (See the full article in translation from Google here.)

First of all, Sendai very briefly mentioned that a new model of DSLR camera which is not a successor to the K20D, but something with next-generation features and possibly a new body-type, will be announced for Summer 2009. Not much is said about what will make this model so different that it will be a new class of camera for the line-up, but it's suggested that it will be a new direction more akin to the K200D series (perhaps lighter weight, more compact, and with advanced functions not typically found in an amateur SLR - but targeted to the amateur demographic). It will likely outperform the K20D. I wonder if it offers more resolution than the K20D, because then this might require special refinements to the optical design of future lenses. And we have to wonder what Pentax has up its sleeves regarding size improvements, seeing as the micro four-thirds trend is taking off and the K2000 is still relatively new in the market. Will this new camera be the answer?

Also, Sendai confirmed that the "digital 645" is a top priority now, and this is to stay competitive against "full-frame" sensors offerings from other companies for advanced amateur and professional users. So, don't expect a full-frame sensor camera from Pentax any time soon. I think that if people were looking for an upgrade from their K20D, perhaps the digital 645 is going to be the path that Pentax and Hoya are expecting you to take.

Finally, there was another nail in the coffin that puts to rest rumors of Pentax's involvement in Samsung's new prototype camera. Even though Pentax has partnered with Samsung for DSLR cameras in the past, Sendai says they are not involved with the Samsung NX series unveiled at PMA (the NX features a yet unidentified interchangeable lens system paired with a small body that uses a digital viewfinder instead of a mirror for a more compact size). So it looks unlikely that the NX series will be using a variation of the K-mount lens system, like on the Samsung GX models.

One of the best methods for surviving a recession is to hunker down in the design process and innovate products that customers can't find anywhere else and build on your best. Judging from Sendai's comments, it looks like Pentax has put some serious thought into navigating the slumping economy with a cautiously optimistic plan for the summer and the next holiday season by delivering really fresh cameras that are backed by solid R&D. That's some really good news.

Above photo © DC.Watch.Impress.

The Return of the Digital 645?

2009-03-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

Pentax's John Carlson, speaking to AmateurPhotographer.co.uk's Chris Cheesum, has said that Pentax plans to show an updated prototype of the Digital 645 camera in Tokyo later this month, and the model may even be ready to go on sale in Japan this year. The camera will be first seen at Photo Imaging Expo. Perhaps a bit jokingly, Carlson is said to have been skeptical of a large U.S. launch:

"And Carlson told us that it will not be marketed in the United States because Pentax predicted it would only sell 200 units there."

Last year, it had been speculated that Pentax had put the long gestating product to rest while they marshalled their resources around other entry-level and photo enthusiast camera models. Now it looks like maybe there's still life in those Pentax 645 lenses yet!

Link: PENTAX REVIVES MEDIUM FORMAT DIGITAL CAMERA PLAN (UPDATE)

Pentax Announces the X70 Camera and the DA 15mm F4 Limited Lens

2009-03-02T17:30:00.005-05:00

After rumors this weekend, Pentax fans weren't too surprised to see that Pentax has unveiled a brand new digital camera today, the Pentax X70. It's a 24x mega-zoom "bridge" camera that has many of the features of a DSLR, but with a standardized built-in lens like a point-and-shoot. It's not much smaller than a DSLR, but it is lighter and it comes at a lower price point that should make it fairly competitive, about $399 or less when it arrives on the street in April.

X70's Best New Features

Like Pentax's recent DSLRs, the X70 doesn't wimp out on trying to give you everyting you need for excellent image quality. First, there's the 1/2.3 sensor* capable of 12MP RAW capture, up to 11 frames per second in a 21 frame burst, with special capture tricks you won't find on any previous Pentax DSLR. For example, there's ISO 6400 for extra sensitivity. And new Auto-Tracking autofocus, with Face Recognition for up to 32 faces, and with blink detection to avoid shots where the subject is closing their eyes. Plus, you can choose different frame ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9, or 1:1). (* Sorry, I had the wrong information about the sensor when this first posted, and this has been corrected.)

The SMC coated zoom lens on the X70 goes from the 35mm lens equivalent of 26mm (wide angle) to an amazing 624mm (super tele-photo). And there's a Super-Macro mode for focusing up to 0.4 inches in front of your small subjects. And all of this range has Pentax's patented Shake-Reduction for gyro-stabilized shots. And then you can factor in digital zoom for an additional 150x, or 3900mm. Eeegads!

Finally, 720p HD movie mode, wrapping all the above (zoom, SR, autofocus) into amazing video. HD Video mode is one feature I hope will make it to a Pentax DSLR this year. I'll be anxious to see how this sensor and lens combo fairs in image tests later this spring, but if it has low noise and fast response, perhaps even better than the recent K2000, this will be a breakthrough camera for the brand.

The Pentax DA 15mm F4 Limited Lens

Not content to leave out the lens candy for DSLR fans, Pentax announced an amazing super-wide angle lens for Pentax DSLR cameras. The small and gem-like DA 15mm Limited for $649, available in April! This is what Pentax has to say about the new lens:

Ultra wide-angle perspective: This new lens offers a 23mm angle of view (in the 35mm format) for eye-catching wide-angle images. Enjoy visual effects unique to ultra wide-angle lenses such as enhanced perspective and an expanded depth of field. This lens is perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, magnificent architecture and confined interiors.

Limited Lens series quality: The PENTAX Limited Lens series is designed for the ultimate in image reproduction. True to the Limited lens tradition, this new lens not only assures excellent image quality, but also produces sharp, clear images with minimal distortion and outstanding contrast even at the maximum aperture. The optical design has been optimized for digital photography, and the barrel, built-in hood, and cap are all made of a high-grade aluminum material that is shaped for perfect proportions.

High-performance optics: This lens incorporates a hybrid aspherical (AL) lens and an extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass optical element to assure high-quality images with minimal aberrations, including lateral chromatic aberration. Compared with other ultra wide-angle lenses, image distortion is also extremely low.

Compact, lightweight design: With newly developed optics, this ultra wide-angle lens design is extremely compact and lightweight. It has no dome-shaped protrusion on the objective element, allowing the photographer to easily mount any 49mm diameter filters, including circular polarizing filters which are popular in landscape photography.
Additional features:
Built-in flower-shaped lens hood, with extendible design for easy carrying
Minimum focusing distance of 0.5 feet (18 centimeters) for close-up photography
PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is acquired by the AF system
PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating on front surface of the lens makes it easy wipe away fingerprints, cosmetics and other stains and smudges

K2000 VS. Stormtrooper

2009-02-23T16:58:00.006-05:00

I think this picture from DPReview forum user "JoeDaBassPlayer" is as close as I'm going to get to seeing a white Pentax K2000 with a fully costumed Stormtrooper (unless any CosPlay people are up to the task?):

Joe's new camera arrived today and he couldn't resist posting the above picture - who can blame him? (found here at DPReview's Forums). Thanks, Joe!

Pentax K20D Gets A New Low Price, And A Great Review

2009-02-23T14:28:00.005-05:00

Pentax has just announced they're officially lowering the price of the K20D and all its kit forms. This looks like a great deal (street prices will be lower, too - some are already at $700 for the body only), especially with a free 3-year warranty:

PENTAX K20D body only: $799.95
PENTAX K20D with DA 18-55mm II lens kit: $879.95
PENTAX K20D with DA 16-45mm lens kit: $1199.95

New Prices: “With this price reduction, PENTAX now offers consumers the highest resolution on one of the most fully-featured DSLRs priced under 800 dollars,” said Bill Zani, vice president sales and marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.

Along with the price reductions, PENTAX is extending the K20D FREE Three Year Warranty (one year standard, two years extended) on all K20Ds purchased by March 31, 2009.

Highly rated by several consumer magazines, the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels is equipped with advanced features including a dust-proof, weather-resistant body, PRIME image processor that allows full image customization, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 25 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured. The PENTAX K20D is the most affordable high resolution DSLR camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera."

- Pentax Press Release, Feb 23, 2009

The New K20D Review At Imaging-Resource.com

This good pricing news follows on the heels of a very nice review of the K20D, published by Andrew Alexander and Zig Weidelich at Imaging Resource last week (out-take pictured in screen-cap above): "We were impressed with the K10D, and thankfully, Pentax hasn't re-invented the wheel so much as they've improved it." Be sure to check out their videos of Live View and Burst Mode, and their grain/noise ISO comparisons. If like what this review shows you or you've been waiting to pull the trigger on a K20D, it looks like now is probably the time of the sweetest incentives before the camera gets EOL'd for later this year and is replaced by a potentially much more expensive model (the K20D started life at about $1200 US). As a K20D user, I have to say that it's well worth it, and the 3 year warranty is the icing on the cake.

PDML Photo Annual 2008-2009: A Closer Look

2009-02-20T13:30:00.003-05:00

Mark Roberts has sent me some more pictures from the PDML photo book he's helped publish. He took a photo for me to demonstrate how it looked in the softcover binding and to give an idea of the book's physical size (pictured below). I'm impressed - it's very professional and looks like the iconic coffee table book it's meant to be. So please visit Mark's site for the PDML Photo Annual 2008-2009 and consider buying yourself a copy in softcover or hardcover. You'll not only be supporting Pentax photographers, but you'll be contributing to CureSearch, which is where all book profits are being donated.

The following pictures are just a few of the many in the book, but I found them striking enough that I wanted to share them here as samples of the tremendous talent in the Pentax community and the PDML. Please click on them to open the larger version. And remember, if you like these, then maybe there's a book you'd like to buy.

Above: "Highland Cattle in Saskatchewan Winter," photo © by Tim Bray

Above: "Tires," photo © by Marnie Parker

Above: "Sad Ride," photo © by Bill Robb

The PDML Pentax Photo Book, Camera Price Reductions, and PMA Rumors

2009-02-18T11:33:00.010-05:00

PDML Photo Annual 2008-2009

Mark Roberts wrote to me this weekend to share something that I had missed, but that I'm ecstatic to see: the PDML finally got around to publishing their choice collection of Pentax enthusiasts' photos, "The PDML Photo Annual", and even Mike Johnston at The Online Photographer has really nice things to say about it, especially since the PDML group are donating their profits to the Childhood Cancer Foundation. The book is available in soft cover and hardcover editions, from $32.95 to $49.95.

"This book contains the work of photographers in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, Israel, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Serbia, Iceland, the Philippines, Italy, Hungary and India. Their work encompasses every photographic style under the sun: urban documentary shots, expansive landscapes, portraits, sports, macro, abstract, fashion, travel, wildlife and combinations of many of the above. Some defy categorization. All speak volumes about the talent and imagination of their creators."

"Although this book is much more expensive than any of the t-shirts, mugs, etc in out Cafe Press store it's raised more money for the NCCF in its first four days than the entire Cafe Press shop did in a year. We're off to a good start :)"

- Mark Roberts

Pentax Price Reductions In February

Camera gear consumers are being given extra incentive this spring to shop Pentax thanks to recent price reductions for some of Pentax's best-selling camera models:

$649.95 for PENTAX K2000 two lens kit kit (camera body, DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens)
$549.95 PENTAX K2000 single lens kit (PENTAX K2000 body & DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens)
$499.95 for the PENTAX K2000 (body only)

PMA Rumors

Finally, 1001 Noisy Cameras is postulating at what could be coming later this year from Pentax, based on all the furtive postings at the DP Review Forums, and it might just be a 22MP wunderkind that uses the square image format, much like a MF camera... but no one knows for sure what Pentax has in their bag until they say it. PMA will be March 3-5, and speculation is getting to be pretty intense.

The White Pentax K2000 now available for Pre-Order $679.95

2009-01-21T16:42:00.006-05:00

Although it won't be shipping for another month, if you've got $679 to spend Pentax is willing to take your order for the White Pentax K2000 and two lenses, the DA 18-55 and the DA 50-200 (both are also white).

"This pre-sale item will not be available to ship until mid February. Please note that Pre-Sale items should be ordered separately from in stock items to avoid a delay in shipping. Your order will not ship until ALL items are in stock."

Here's the link to Pentax USA's web store for details: Pentax K2000 White Edition

The White Pentax K2000

2008-12-16T17:00:00.010-05:00

Well, there was Pentax holiday surprise today and although it isn't a new camera precisely, it is a uniquely colored Pentax K2000, all dressed in white! It's very attractive, actually. This is what you might expect, too, for the K2000, which was designed very conscientiously to appeal to women and people phobic of numbingly large DSLRs. It's small, light, ergonomic, startlingly unique in white, and sure to make people look twice. It will be available as a very limited edition kit in February, with two extra light weight zoom lenses (both also white: the DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens and DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens). The price has yet to be determined, but I expect it will be under $800 US - not bad for a two lens kit.

The competition for smaller DSLRs has really been heating up this year, with obvious rivalry from Panasonic's Lumix G1, the micro four-thirds camera which comes in red, blue, and black finishes, so Pentax is now bringing a new cool color to the arena for the small K2000. Maybe it's also because the white finish zeitgeist hasn't entirely run out of steam with tech gadgets (the iPhone and PSP both came out in white editions this year), and it still manages to evoke a more design conscious sensibility - austere cleanliness. And Star Wars. Personally, I wasn't so thrilled with the inundation of cheap white plastic accessories that also burgeoned in the last 6 years since the iPod's glossy white popularity exploded. But for a DSLR, it's a very new color, so white is a bold marketing move and possibly the most gutsy thing Pentax has done in a while.

The best things about the K2000, white or black, are not just the comforatable physical ergonomics, but also the simplified menu system (very easy to use and yet more advanced than the K20D, in some respects), and then there's the whollup from the one-two punch of Pentax's in-camera Shake Reduction and the refined 10MP sensor operation which Pentax has been honing since the K10D. The K2000 delivers wonderful color fidelity and exceptionally low noise at ISO 100-800 (and with ISOs higher than that, it's still ahead of the K20D).

Whether you want one in black or white, you're sure to be pleased. The K2000 can presently be ordered in black as a kit with an extra flash for $595 at Amazon.

(Read more K2000 info at OK1000Pentax)

The K10D Rises Again (To 98,514ft)

2008-12-14T09:33:00.008-05:00

You'll remember that engineers at Oklahoma State University sent a Pentax K10D up into the stratosphere (Pentax K10D at 10400FT). Now Dr. Andrew Arena Jr. has sent the camera back up to 98,514ft, and this time with a wide angle Pentax lens, the DA 10-17 Fish Eye.

This is one of the shots taken from the high altitude:
This image is copyright Dr. A. S. Arena Jr.

For more great images, visit the Flickr set (Astro 12) or read about it (OkState). Again, excellent job!

Pentax P-TTL Flashes: The Guide by Matthew Miller

2008-12-09T14:30:00.009-05:00

(UPDATE: Matthew's info now has its own permanent wiki location: http://pttl.mattdm.org/). Matthew Miller recently set up a Knol (original link) to document as much as he could learn about Pentax's P-TTL flashes (a Google Knol is sort of like a Wiki page that is curated by a particular writer... You can think of a Knol as a unit of reference that allows the writer to even make a little ad revenue). But the Knol format became too limiting, and so he went and upgraded it to a full blown website. And just this weekend Matthew finished a round of updates that makes his site, in my estimation, probably the best reference on the internet for anyone trying to figure out what flashes will work with their Pentax DSLR. He calls it "The Pentax P-TTL Comparison."

Matthew gives a run down of all the manufactured P-TTL compatible flashes, lists their distinguishing features (stroboscopic modes, modeling light, etc) and then provides handy tables to compare their output. One of the neatest bits of information you'll find is the flash burst profile illustration (eg. below). This shows you graphically how powerful a flash like the Pentax AF540 FGZ is in relation to the AF200FG. No nonsense, easy to understand.

Information about 3rd party flashes can be difficult to come by, and up to date information is real joy to find. Thanks to Matt, as of this month, Pentax users have the current info rounded up in one location. I can't recommend this site enough if you're in the market for a flash for your Pentax DSLR, or if you want to understand the lay of the land with brands like Metz. This is your "one stop shopping" guide to comparing the market of P-TTL flashes.

2008 Gift Wish List Ideas Part One: Under $30

2008-11-26T10:00:00.008-05:00

In shops and online, this year there are lots of interesting camera paraphernalia that I've never noticed before. If you're looking for additions to your gift lists for the holiday season, let me make a few suggestions from the stuff that caught my eye. Today we'll start with gifts under $30.

Rockland Colloid's Tintype Parlour: How about a little dry-plate ferrotype that you can cut to size so that it will fit in your 35mm or Medium Format camera? Seriously, you can trim the 4x5 plates to lay inside your Pentax K1000 and launch yourself back in time to the 19th Century. The kit contains everything you need to get started for just $26.95: 5 Metal 4x5 plates, tintype emulsion, developer, and fixer (darkroom not included). Available at B&H Photo.

Vintage Photo Albums from Anthropologie: You can find 3 different small books, all designed with unique faces of old vintage cameras and 18 pages for carrying 36 prints. $10 each at Anthopologie.com

The iKimono 110 Camera: Considering most children aren't aware that mini 110 cameras have been around for years, it's a novel experience for them to have a mini analogue film camera on a key chain. The little boxes come colored with drawings of your choice: a bee, hedgehog, cat, or squirrel. Available for $22 (and 110 film is included) at Fred Flare.

Pentax DSLR Sling (Crossover) Bag: To get this great bag, one way is to buy a K20 kit from Amazon and get the bag for free while supplies last, or you can shop around for the best price. Cameta cameras has it here for just $29.95, which is a great deal. I have one and for me it fits a K20D DSLR with a normal zoom lens (attached, both on the middle pocket), a battery grip (detached in the bottom pocket), an extra telephoto lens (top pocket), and your battery charger (back in the bottom pocket), with a bit of left over room to spare for cloths and dust blowers, etc. The padding is just okay, but for small trips around town, it's perfect.

Personal Note For Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T09:12:00.005-05:00

This holiday season is starting at a low point for my family, because one of our pets has been very sick and needs constant attention and a regime of force feeding day and night just to have a fighting chance. We've had to cancel all our holiday travel plans for Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas so that I can stay home to continue the proper care and quality of life she deserves, getting her to pull through. When we adopted our two cats, we promised to care for them as best we can, and it's not easy when that's put to the test emotionally and financially. I've found myself even selling one of my vintage guitars to help cover the sudden vet expenses. This simple relationship between a sick animal and my family has humbled me a lot over the last couple of weeks, and filled me with gratitude to appreciate my time with all my family. I believe that's the spirit of Thanksgiving. So let me wish you all good health and happiness this holiday season, and my hope is that you find it easy to spread the love you have inside to your family as best you can.

DxO: Rank Your Camera?

2008-11-17T16:56:00.021-05:00

(Updated) DxO has announced their new RAW Analyzer statistics website with great flourish today, and, of course, you can brazenly go look up Pentax K10D and K20D statistics (link). How do they fair? Well, it's still hard to tell. Little bits of control information, like what lenses they've used, aren't freely available as yet on the site. This is a meant to be a taste of DxOmark.com's overall goal to make the DxO Analyzer the standard benchmark test for cameras and lenses for consumers. The gist is that they claim to have better testing protocols and they now evaluate RAW files before they've been rendered into jpgs. This "sensor" testing is much more advanced for measuring image quality than MTF charts rendered directly by the camera or by 3rd party software. They also claim to be bias free (unless that bias is to hype DxO's credentials). So, rather than rely on a small number of published reviewers to use their DxO Analyzer software and popularize the benchmark (like Luminous Landscape does), they're making their results public to help enlighten more of us.

I wonder, is this generous to conusmers? Or is this a marketing ploy to underscore that they have fastidious dedication to helping professionals make the most of their RAW files and sell wares like DxO optics Pro? Or is a necessary process of natural selection, throwing cameras into a pixel pit fight so that the strongest survives, helping the evolutionary process? The best scientific reporting must be done with complete transparency and unfortunately the proprietary Analyzer software isn't transparent to the general public, although you can taste it online (link) and much of the numbers and control information eventually come to light by reviewers privileged to see Analyzer results. However, what is good is that the DxOmark.com site does offer up quick comparisons and interesting metrics in a novel way (quite different from ye olde DP Review comparisons). And the interactive illustrations that overlay on certain graphs are obviously valuable to quickly grasp the differences in ISO performance. The strongest points of the Analyzer software have always been its graphing abilities.

Then again, for all the belabored statistics gathering and graphing, it's still pixel peeping at the worst level - feeding paranoia for the insecure. The clear winners are those cameras with the best scores, which is not at all the same as a review of the best features for someone's particular needs. And it's not always evident on the site what lens combinations are being used, which is information the Analyzer software is terrific at comparing. Nor are they freely publishing information about special settings, like the K20's enhanced dynamic range ISO mode. And, of course, there will never be metrics for why most people can't shoot like Cartier-Bresson, a man who never used a Nikon D3. (aside: Will there ever be a site ranking photographers based on the dynamic range and ISO performance of shots taken by professional artists?) As an after dinner mint, please read Mike Johnston's post "Comparisons Are Odius" at The Online Photographer, where he grins happily with scientific proof that psychologist researchers have found how specifications are no substitute for visual taste.

Now, this is not to say the DxO don't make good software. They do. All the information they carefully collect to make profiles and tweaks for their RAW conversion software is something many of us want to learn more about. And many professionals rely on such data to inform purchases of gear worth as much as a sports car. Which is why it's valuable and the good stuff comes with a price tag. To DxO's credit, it's terrific that they feel confident enough to share some of it online to try to set up a standard for reviewing. It's just that if they were truly impartial, would they have set up a Vegas-style ranking graph with the various cameras? I don't think so. They would have made more of the camera metrics freely available, sacrificing a bit of revenue in the short term for more good will. I think that any standards based methodology needs to be openly accessible, not just to journalists, and despite the generosity of DxOmark, the Analyzer isn't free.

Japanese Pentax Commercials From The 80s

2008-10-28T15:00:00.003-04:00

Last year, I found some vintage animated commercials from Pentax Japan (seen here), but what about classics from a more recent era? In the 1980s, Pentax's MEF system (Pentax's initial foray into autofocus) and the Pentax MG had ad campaigns that demonstrated the two very different approaches to selling a camera. The MEF system, obviously a more high-end consumer technology, has a "connoisseur" POV approach. A string section and tuxedoed musicians are being photographed, and we see the green LED indicate the corrected focus after as the camera moves around. If you've ever wished for faster AF, just consider what things were like 25 years ago.

The Pentax MG, a more friendly manual focus camera, takes a different road in the following two commercials: girls in swimsuits. And despite the similar subject matter, I think you'll agree that the tone of the first (a glum athlete who's lost a race) is entirely more dramatic than the second (a model dancing around under a shower spray). NB. The second clip is wonky; it has no audio and is horizontally compressed.

Pentax K-m/K2000 Special Japanese Site Has Sample Photos

2008-10-27T17:15:00.010-04:00

Pentax Japan launched a product specific website for the K-m (K2000 in the U.S.), www.pentax-k-m.jp/, nicknaming the DSLR "Mama's First Camera" (seen below). I really like the retro drawings of the happy little mother and her kids, although I hope you won't confuse this with Cooking Mama. The site features examples of how a mom can integrate a small DSLR into her life. If this isn't you, you'll be interested to see how easy the camera is to use, and to get an idea of the variety of compositions the K-m delivers with various lenses (which is what we love about DSLR cameras).

Having played with the K-m (K2000) at PDN Photo Plus Expo in New York last week, I feel it's important to reiterate that this camera isn't just a slimmed down K200D. The ergonomics and user interface have been totally reconsidered to make the camera much more intuitive for people who've never had a background with any SLR before. That doesn't mean it's a glorified point-and-shoot. For those of us who know and love DSLRS, the automatic operation is much less involved for those times when you really need your concentration elsewhere: everything fits one handed use. If you have one child impatiently posing and another is pulling on your non-camera hand, you can still keep your wits about you. None of the DSLR functionality has been compromised, but you have a new way of working.

Above, a K-m photo taken with the DA L 18-55mm lens, from the gallery.

Unfortunately, there are lots of maternal marketing stereotypes to sift through at the site (photos of babies, cats, and close-ups of flowers - but this is also amateur photo fodder for every other demographic). Admittedly, I'm not predisposed to "cute" advertising and I question whether rehashing feminine stereotypes are ultimately inclusive to women or if they might be interpreted as demeaning. It's a tough balancing act, because gender specific campaigns contain codes that aren't always what they seem at face value. Sites like Geeksugar demonstrate every day that women have a keen interest in technology, and they try to do so without the "empowered consumer" context being undermined by gender bias. But insultingly sexist advertising that panders to girls by portraying products as "pretty and trendy" or "so easy a girl could use it" is still endemic even after 40 years of critical appeals. Should we believe women are less capable with technology and need products that are dumbed down? No. Anytime a gadget tries to appeal to women with decoration, you need to have your guard up: the advertisers are re-enforcing the awful gender role that women should be more concerned with fashion and simplicity rather than with substance, with cheerleading rather than science. However, I'm glad that a previously ignored gadget-loving segment of the population (moms) is now being addressed directly by Pentax. I know for a fact moms love Pentax (well, my mom loves her Pentax DSLR, and that's close enough for government work).

Silver Colored Pentax K200D

2008-10-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

It's not something you can buy readily outside of Asia, but the silver colored Pentax K200D exists (Chinese link). Will there be a silver K-m in the future? It would be one thing if they were made of anodized aluminum for durability, but silver colored plastic DSLR cameras are quite a throwback to the 90s. Admittedly, though, this does look good with the brushed silver FA Limited lenses.

For a gallery of photos of this rare bird, visit this page (link). Special thanks to this thread at Clubsnap.com (link).

Pentax at PDN 2008 Expo in NYC

2008-10-24T16:45:00.009-04:00

It's a lovely day in New York today - a bit brisk, but sunny. I was able to take some time this morning to drop by the PDN Expo (Oct. 23-25th at the Javitz Center) to see the Pentax Booth, which I found was very lively and buzzing with Pentax USA staffers. They had plenty of everything on display: the current lens and camera line-up, including the upcoming January release: the DA* 55mm f/1.4 (pictured below).

Eeegads, even though it will cost almost $400 more, this lens is justifiably worth more than the old FA 50mm f/1.4. It's a tiny jewel. The bokeh is mouth watering. I wish I had the test shot to show you, but the 9 rounded aperture blades make the most perfect and creamy circular bokeh. Also, it's really bright and seemed very sharp, subjectively without any MTF tests. It's a first class portrait lens.

Another lens, this time a monster: the DA* 60-250 f/4 (pictured below). This one is hefty, but I'll swear at 250mm it seemed to focus even faster than the DA* 55mm at 55mm. Also, you could cry tears of joy for how miraculously bright it is wide open.

I was finally able to play with the K2000 (K-m) and it's just startling that this camera has so many features wrapped up in such a tiny body. If you've ever handled an *ist DS or *ist DL, the size is comparably small, but more ergonomic so that it's much easier to grip with one hand, giving you the illusion it's even smaller than the old *ists. I will attest to it being very light with the new DA "L" lens, and it should fit in places you'd never think of squeezing your K20D, like purses or messenger bags. The menu system alone is pretty dreamy. Because the function button is gone, as well as the top display panel, the 2.7" LCD display now shows you all the information you need at a glance (pictured below). Dead simple to navigate intuitively. This is something I hope will trickle down as an aesthetic menu system for all future Pentax DSLRs.

Photo Expos, like PDN, are worthwhile when you get to talk with smart people. I happily chatted with Christopher Pound, Pentax USA's Product Manager (pictured right) and learned first hand that he's proud of the company and their corporate culture, which is privileged to have many hard-working and talented people. Their communication with Pentax Japan is very fluid and they honestly do get feedback from USA customers over to the designers in Tokyo. Traditionally, Japanese designers are more protective of their systems, but they've seen the benefits of unlocking certain features that are typically only for hardware maintenance (ex. lens focusing corrections) because of popular demand in Europe and the US. Pentax has taken special care in the last year to make the lens line-up more robust and competitive (25 and counting), and the new Vietnamese plant has been pumping lenses out as fast as they can. Pentax may not have the marketing resources that their competitors do, which means they can't saturate the market like Nikon does, but Chris is confident because in his experience those people who do buy a Pentax camera are the ones who've done their homework, not lemmings (my word, not his). He told me Pentax customers tend to be people who can list what features are important to them (like in-camera Shake Reduction) and who understand that Pentax's cameras really are competitive and strong, and ruggedly used, unlike the cachet status cameras that get impulsively purchased because of name recognition or feature hype and get taken out once in a while. These are the people who should feel proud to stand out ahead of the curve with their Pentax DSLR.

If you get the chance to go visit Pentax's booth tomorrow for PDN's last day, look out for Chris Pound and be sure to say hi!

PS. Did you know the K2000 (K-m) is capable of wireless control for FGZ flashes by its pop-up flash, just like K200D, K10D, and K20D? I just learned that today. What a cool little camera.

Pentax K-m/K2000 Designer's Notes: Shigeru Wakashiro, Pentax Product Planning Manager

2008-10-17T11:00:00.014-04:00

Here is the fourth of the "designer's notes" from Pentax's team that built the K-m/K2000 DSLR.

Pentax K-m/K2000 Product Planning Manager: Mr. Shigeru Wakashiro

The DSLR That's Easy To Use, But Equipped With Many Functions

There are people who want to shoot events, but I've also noticed that there are others who want to improve their camera skills as a hobby, or to feel cool holding a fashionable DSLR, even if they have some concerns about understanding difficult functions. So, it was important to get rid of some the elements that make users feel it's difficult, while keeping the elements that make them feel it's easy and enjoyable.
The designer and the mechanical engineers worked hard to make a small size body. We talked about operability many times and achieved easier operation. There are some helpful functions for beginners to take beautiful pictures and enjoy the camera. I believe we reached our targeted goal, based on our original plan.

I should add that our engineers worked hard to do their best to improve basic performance. The K-m (K2000) achieved the max. 3.5 fps for Continuous Shooting. I heard the shutter sound of Continuous Shooting every time when I visited the engineer’s floor, so I know they spent a long time figuring it out. I realized the difference in speed by comparing the final performance of K-m (K2000) and our other models' performances and felt very much satisfied by our result. I also know that they invested a lot effort for ISO 3200, the improvement on battery life (1650 shots without flash), and the improvement of AF speed, all based on the thorough improvement of main board design and the firmware. I am proud to say this is a perfect camera.

Plenty of Enjoyable Functionality

If you hear “entry-level camera,” you might think it's a camera with fewer functions. But the K-m (K2000) is a camera which has many similar functions to those of the upper model K20D, with the fewer buttons and a simpler User Interface to make it appear “easy.” For example, the K-m (K2000) is equipped with an in-camera RAW development function, custom image modes, and LCD color adjustment function, etc.

Toy Camera Look

I often check photos on the internet and noticed that there are many photos that seemed to be retouched by a PC. These photos are very interesting, and I thought it would be very fun for a lot of people if they didn’t need a PC to retouch, by making it far easier to do in-camera. The number of people who enjoy the camera would also increase. So, I thought about adding more digital filter functions to K-m (K2000) and discussed filters with the image quality engineers to exchange ideas. We also asked some people and picked up the ones which interested them. I also want to say to the users that it is very fun to mix some of the different digital filters. The effects look very different. Also, the User Interface is modified to be easier to use. There is also a new function named Index, which created layouts of all your photos to make up one picture. This function is exclusive to the K-m (K2000).

Another thing to mention is the Help function for beginners to learn more about the camera. After you learn through Help, this button can be allocated to another function when you don’t need Help anymore. I hope people who want to start using a DSLR will be satisfied by these functions and enjoy the K-m for long time.

Asking Many Women Their Opinions

The ratio of DSLR customers is absolutely higher among men. But when it comes to an entry-level DSLR, women occupy a rather high ratio. Even if the customer is a man, in many cases he uses it with his wifes. Taking these conditions into account, we thought about women as an important demographic, and considered the design, operation and functions for them. I asked some women to use the current models and asked them to list the negative points from a woman’s point of view. I also asked other women to join in the internal brain storming.

We improved some operability details, too. The Mode dial is smoother compared to other DSLRs. This is because there are some women who have long nails who feel it's hard to operate the dial using both the thumb and the forefinger. We also heard that some said it was uncomfortable to let go with one of their hands when operating. So, we figured out how to rotate the dial by only their right thumb while holding the grip. It was easy to make it just a bit smoother, but there was a concern that the dial might be rotated unexpectedly, so the designer thought about the location and the mechanical designer arranged some samples with different resistances to check the acceptable load. This issue is just a tip of the iceberg, but we got over many issues to make K-m (K2000) as easy as possible.

Myself, I worked on the Optio 750Z and Optio SV after being assigned to the product planning division. But these products already had some direction when I joined. After that, I was engaged in market research and technical development search with the development team. So, the K-m (K2000) is my first camera to work on from the very beginning till the end. I would say I feel very satisfied with all the new functions and the new operability I had hoped to see from the beginning.

What I Like

I like darts. I enjoy doing it with other customers, drinking at a bar. I bought one set for my room so I could enjoy it more and to improve, but the result is not good yet. I barely can reach 20 triple.

Previously: Kiyoshi, Yamamoto, Pentax Hardware Engineer

All photos courtesy of Pentax. Special thanks to Michelle Martin!

Pentax K-m/K2000 Designer's Notes: Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Pentax Hardware Engineer

2008-10-17T07:00:00.011-04:00

Here is the third of the "designer's notes" from Pentax's team that built the K-m/K2000 DSLR.

Pentax K-m/K2000 hardware engineer: Mr. Kiyoshi Yamamoto

The Concept For Hardware

In terms of hardware development, we set out to achieve a smaller size, which was very difficult. If we want it small, it means we have to decrease the size without decreasing the performance, or, better yet, achieve a higher performance. After our efforts, the K-m (K2000) has a main board size around 10% smaller compared to the prior model, achieving more than the same performance.

The concept for the K-m (K2000) was to make up a “fully-developed body out of the K200D.” The basic construction was based on the K200D, but we wanted to condense it and make it powerful. So we reviewed and tested the performance repeatedly. We accumulated a 0.01sec of speed up, 0.001A power savings, and 0.0001V decreased noise. Each of these seems small, but we kept accumulating them to achieve our goal.

The Technical Challenge

Hardware development is related to many other teams, such as system construction development, software development, and image quality development. We have to keep modifying the hardware from the handmade sample to the mass production product, so we keep discussing with related engineers. As we modified, we kept clearing the problems and achieving higher performance. Our final goal was to have a camera which has the best ever performance for the user.

The PRIME chip

One of the reasons that we could reach our goal is that all of the related engineers communicated very well and we all did our best at the same time, I’m proud to say.

The K-m (K2000) Shake Reduction assembly

Achievement

I’m confident to say that I did everything I could. You will know the K-m (K2000) has all that I mean when you hold it and operate it. It will give you a quick and appropriate response, and you will be satisfied. I will be more than happy as an engineer to know that you agree.

On The Weekend

I like reading books on weekends. I like to read prize winning books, such as those for the NAOKI prize, because people talk about it so much! I'm always looking forward to the announcement of its prize winner. Not only contemporary novels, I also like historical novels. Recently, one I enjoyed was “ATSUHIME" (the wife of the Shogun IESADA at Edo era). This story is famous for its soap-opera on TV in Japan now. I watch it every week and it is very interesting. When it comes to foreign books, I like “Harry Potter,” as shown in the photo above. I’m reading the final book in the 7 book series now. But it's difficult to remember the people’s names, which are not familiar to Japanese people!

Next: Product Planning Leader Shigeru Wakashiro

Previously: Pentax Mechanical Designer Tetsuo Hosokawa

All photos courtesy of Pentax. Special thanks to Michelle Martin!

Pentax K-m/K2000 Designer's Notes: Tetsuo Hosokawa, Pentax Mechanical Designer

2008-10-16T07:00:00.013-04:00

Here is the second of the "designer's notes" from Pentax's team that built the K-m/K2000 DSLR.

Pentax K-m/K2000 mechanical designer: Mr. Tetsuo Hosokawa

The Concept for Mechanical Design

The key concept for our mechanical team was “smaller size.” We put effort into such areas that we didn't change in other recent models. For example, we eliminated the area around mirror box in order to make the front protruding area (PENTAX logo area) smaller. We also adopted a new mechanical design for the light emitting part of the built-in flash to make it a smaller size.

Another method was to use four AA batteries and make the grip smaller. We put the rear two AA batteries in parallel as usual, but we also put the rear end battery in a shifted position to avoid other parts and save space. And we kept finding areas to trim, including the battery lid. Finally, we successfully minimized the size as a whole and kept the body well-balanced.

At the same time, we also considered the “operability.” We spent a lot of time examining the position and the construction of the operational buttons and parts based on the ID designer’s (Mr. Haga’s) requests.

The new built-in flash size

The smaller chassis

The Difficult Part

One of the most difficult parts was to make a decision on the SD card's loading and the Mode dial. As mechanical engineers, we wanted to make more resistance, so that it feels more “formal.” But the product planning leader wanted it lighter for women to operate more easily, and so we had many discussions with him about how light it should be. We also examined the height of the Mode dial, whether it should be 1mm higher or not. He confirmed with women internally many times. He said most of the women wanted to operate the dial by their right thumb because they are afraid of taking their right hand away from the camera, and/or their nails are long to operate efficiently. Taking his questionnaire into consideration, we finally arrived at “soft operational buttons and parts” in the end.

I have to add that it also took time to check the resistance, not to be too light. We spent time testing until the very last minute.

The K-m's unique size, with attached DA L 18-55mm lens

Women’s Opinions

As a mechanical engineer, in all honesty, I didn’t think about the demographic so much. But we referred to the product planning leader’s opinion many times. We didn’t decide by ourselves, but decided with him. There were sometimes when we could not reach a conclusion quickly, but we all discussed and confirmed what is most important for the target demographic, and made a final decision with him in the end.

One of the interesting things to me is whether operation can be handled by just a little finger. I think this is a new idea and will be a good standard. We also asked the women in our department to operate it and give us their input.

My Collection

Tetsuo Hosokawa's Pentax cameras

What I like to collect are cameras; not for shooting, though. I like the camera mechanically and wanted to do a related job, so I joined PENTAX. I took part in making all these cameras (in the photo above) and bought them by myself. I am looking forward to buy K-m (K2000) soon!

Tomorrow: The K-m (K2000) Hardware engineer Kiyoshi Yamamoto and Product Planning Leader Shigeru Wakashiro

Previously: Pentax K-m/K2000 designer: Mr. Masaaki Haga

Photos courtesy of Pentax. Thanks to Michelle Martin for her assistance!

Pentax Sensor Swabs (Asia only?)

2008-10-15T13:15:00.016-04:00

Hong Kong Digital Vision Blog has pictures of the Pentax "Imagesensor Cleaning Kit" (sic), only available in Asia with any regularity). I've wanted to get my hands on one of these for ages, because they seem to be easier and cheaper than Sensor Swabs. You get way more reuse for the $39.95 US price. Importantly, there isn't a proprietary cleaning solution to wet the stamp tool.

In North America, selling these Pentax branded kits would be like condoning to the average consumer that poking around your camera's sensor is easy and safe for kids of all ages. Which is not true, it requires a really steady hand. That's probably why it's not something you can buy over the counter (aka. non-import). Overall, we westerners don't exactly have a good reputation as consumers who take care of their electronic belongings.

I feel we should be able to buy it here, and not be treated like kids with sticky fingers, but I'll bet the void of branded swabs has something to do with a cost evaluation of how much money Pentax, Nikon, and Canon would spend supporting these kits in the U.S., given all they've learned about impatient Americans gumming up their cameras through years of customer care phone conversations. I can just imagine what the average support call would be like:

Caller: "I followed the instructions with the sensor cleaner and now my camera won't work!"
Tech: "Sir, did you really read the instructions and take all the listed precautions?"
Caller: "Well, no. But listen. I'm an adult who clean ears with a Q-Tip, and I haven't made myself deaf yet. I can drive a car. I can use sharp cutlery. I'm not an imbecile. What kind of a fool can't use a little plastic swab? Your product intentionally broke my camera, not me!"
Tech: "Sir, you're saying an inanimate plastic swab, designed to help you, defied all logical convention and directed malice against your camera and attacked the sensor? Yeah, uh, I've heard that one before."
Caller: "Exactly. So you admit the sensor swab is capable of evil! I'll see you in court!"

Still, I want one. Santa, I promise I won't poke my camera's eye out.

Links: YouTube video demonstrating how it works (on a Nikon with the same sensor size), DC Watch Impress's Review of the kit .

Link: Hong Kong Digital Vision Blog

Pentax K-m/K2000 Designer's Notes: Masaaki Haga, Pentax Designer

2008-10-15T07:00:00.019-04:00

This is the first of the "designer's notes" from the people responsible for the Pentax's K-m/K2000 (Edit: there will be more than 3). I was curious to learn more about what was involved in tweaking the mechanics of a camera like the K200D into something much smaller, so Pentax graciously let their designers speak for themselves, in their own words which I've edited for translation. As you'll see, many research considerations and a lot of personalized care went into the new camera.

Pentax K-m/K2000 designer: Mr. Masaaki Haga

Designing With A Target In Mind

I put most of my effort into removing the "difficult" impression of a DSLR for the K-m's (K2000) target users. For people who start their DSLR experience with the K-m (K2000), I wanted it to give a "friendly" impression. I kept in mind that its design should be easy to understand and operate for all users, but especially for women who are upgrading from digital compact cameras to a DSLR. I was thorough in my pursuit of usability and simplicity, but at the same time I was careful to not let "friendliness" decrease the impression of "richness". The internal composition allowed for a more rounded appearance, but I tried to make it sharp along the edges, all the while retaining its softness, so that basically users can feel that the camera is cool and stylish.

Prototype drawing

The Difficult Part

The difficult part to figure out was how exactly to inherit the K20D's theme, keeping the consistency in details balanced, while making it smaller and lighter. The width of the K-m (K2000) is the world's smallest, but we had to be careful so that both women who have small hands and men who have bigger hands can feel comfortable. I started considering shape from the AA battery area and how it related to the fingers. I also wanted the concave part at the front part of the grip to allow the user’s middle finger to rest naturally. Then we also considered how they rest their thumb and we tried keeping enough area for a tight grip. In the end, we finished it up by putting rubber around the grip, which added some thickness. But we tried to leave a lighter impression and for the surface texture to give you a comfortable feeling. It was essential. Regarding the buttons on the back, I spent a lot of time with other engineers and designers examining what was possible. The area is so small that the layout had to be totally different from other current products. After trial and error, we reached a result where users should be able to operate by right hand only, even while holding the camera tightly with both hands. This layout is original to the K-m (K2000).

The first rough mockup

Back panel

The Internal Questionnaire For Women

We had an internal questionnaire for young women so that we could understand their preferences in entry class DSLR designs. I realized that they require "something” attractive to their eyes, or how to say, with “some spice”. One of the points I put effort into is that it needed an element which makes the user look like a "real, serious photographer." They want friendliness, but it has to be “substantial” at the same time. It's a difficult balance between “substantial” and “too friendly (cheap)”. It should not something so "serious" that the target users reject it as complicated, but appropriately balanced so as not to appear cheap. This feeling is hard to describe, but I think I fully expressed it on the K-m (K2000). So please look at it directly for what I want to say.

Detailed mockup

My Design Inspirations

I usually pay attention to car design, which is directly related to camera design. It's the royal road for many elements that I can apply to camera design. I also look at other products to absorb ideas. When it comes to art, I spend time viewing pictures, sculptures, photo galleries, etc. This is for my job, but I admit it's privately for me, too. (I can earn a living and have fun at the same time.) I hope I have more time to spend on these pursuits.

Final K-m

My Collection

I like collecting wrist watches, especially those made in the 1970s. I took this photo at home. My most favorite watches are those with a mechanical system, an ultra hard casing, and sapphire cut glass. I have more than 10 of them with these specifications. My favorite brand is RADO, which makes many scratch proof watches with an ultra hard casing. These left a strong impression on me in my early teenage years, and maybe that’s why I still like them now. So, many in my collection are made by RADO. It's also good brand for a variety of designs, ranging from traditional to near future styles. It's fun to look at their various forms, respectively, when they use materials that are hard to process, especially in the BALBOA series. This also affects me when I design cameras.

Coming Tomorrow: Notes from Mr. Tetsuo Hosokawa, Pentax mechanical designer

Photos courtesy of Pentax. Thanks to Michelle Martin for her assistance!

Wireless P-TTL Flash with the Pentax AF360FGZ and AF540FGZ

2008-10-14T07:30:00.025-04:00

Off-Camera Flash Is Your Friend

Above: A wireless AF360FGZ firing P-TTL without any cables or transmitters.

Strobist readers are already familiar with how useful it is to get your flash off the camera. The creativity and control that you have over your lighting is empowered the second you move your flash from sitting directly above the camera. Your light can be pointed at different angles, used for better bounces and fills in new directions, for highlights (from above) and rim lights (from behind), and even for special effects. And multiple flashes can be triggered for a lighting assault to turn boring light into atmosphere that is complimentary and brilliant. Often, it's the difference between taking a picture and making a picture, because you sculpt directly with light.

One of the misconceptions of off-camera flash is that it requires a lot of extra gear, like stands, umbrellas, clamps, slave devices, cables or transmitters. But scores of people are out there every day trying to create miracles with just bare bones equipment. And Pentax users needn't be shy of the boasting from Canon and Nikon users about their wireless flashes; we can do a lot, too.

Wireless Doesn't Have To Be Complicated

Now if there's any secret about off-camera flash, it's how easy it is to do with a basic wireless setup. Paired down to essentials, it's just your camera and one flash (maybe two for certain cameras if you want P-TTL*), no cables or transmitters or anything extra.

*P-TTL is Pentax's flash metering technology that allows the flash to make its own output adjustments based on the camera's exposure settings.

And chances are that if you own a recent Pentax flash (one of the two Auto Flash AF models marked FGZ: the AF360FGZ and the AF540FGZ) and any semi-pro Pentax DSLR (K20D, K200D, K10D, *ist D), you already have all the tools you need.

For P-TTL wireless, the other Pentax DSLR models (K100D Super, K110D, K100D, *ist DL series, *ist DS series) need to have two FGZ flashes (one FGZ mounted on your camera) to control a P-TTL flash, because the built-in flashes on these cameras are not wireless controllers and can only trigger slave "Auto" or "Manual" flash modes on an off-camera flash. If you want to ignore P-TTL, just substitute "Auto" mode for P-TTL in the example below, and you can go right ahead. It's still good.

Getting Started

Let's set up a small Halloween exercise so that you can see how easy it can be to use a single flash off-camera. I'll refer to the K10D and AF360FGZ, but it could just as easily be one of the other supported models I mentioned earlier, like the K200D or AF540FGZ.

Use a friend to be your portrait subject. The goal here is to have your friend hold the flash under their chin, like a flashlight when you tell ghost stories around the campfire, and it will go off with P-TTL (Pentax Through-The-Lens) metering for an auto-flash exposure when you take the picture (below). Your Pentax camera's built-in pop-up flash will control the exposure through a series of pre-flashes, but it will not be lighting the shot at all. This works best in a room with dim lighting that requires flash at ISO 100 or 200.

Above: Subject holding the untethered flash under her chin. Boo!

The most complicated part of the exercise is verifying that your settings are correct, but once you've done this a couple of times, it's easy to remember.

1. Pair the flash with the camera.

First, connect the FGZ flash to the hot shoe of your camera. The flash and camera need to know they're working together, and once you've paired them by matching their settings, you can use them like this again even after you've powered them both off (providing you're using the same settings).

2. Set the flash to Wireless (Slave) and P-TTL mode, and verify that it's set as Channel 1 and Slave 1.

Above: Settings for P-TTL Wireless flash on the AF360FGZ while connected to the camera.

Turn the Power switch on the flash to the middle position: Wireless. Next, set the Wireless setting (M-C-S) slider switch to S, for Slave. Finally, press the Mode button to set the flash mode to P-TTL. Easy enough, right?

Now if this is the first time you've done wireless, you'll need to do some verifications of embedded settings found on the LCD. Make sure your flash is set to Channel 1 by sliding the Setting switch. The channel number will then display itself on the LCD. Slide the Settting switch back when you're done. Next, check that the flash is set as Slave 1 (instruction pictured below). Warning: If your flash is set as Slave 2, and it sometimes defaults that way on its own, the flash won't fire in P-TTL mode. You may want to consult your manual to learn more about those settings.

Above: holding down the Light button for 2 seconds reveals the setting that this flash is set to Slave 1.

3. Set the camera to Wireless flash and verify Controller flash firing is de-activated.

Above: Function menu setting for Wireless Mode on the K10D/K20D.

In the function menu, set the flash setting to Wireless. This let's the camera know that it will be communicating in pre-flashes with a wireless flash.

For P-TTL, you'll now check your camera's menu settings so that the camera will not fire the built-in flash while it acts as in Wireless mode. A controller flash firing is useful if you want the built-in flash to act as a fill flash (with maybe -1.5 EV). But because we only want the external flash showing up in the photo, you must set the option as "Off" instead to keep the built-in flash from firing while the shutter is open.

Above: The Advanced Menu setting to make the on-board flash "controller-off", so that it won't act as fill flash (master or slave).

4. Depress the shutter trigger half-way to have the camera and flash confirm all the settings to each other.

With a half-press, the flash should emit some test flashes for focus, and then you'll know the body and flash have communicated their settings successfully.

5. Take the flash off the camera body and pop-up the camera's built-in flash.

You can now hand the flash over to your friend to point up at their face. Just slide it off the hot shoe (it's okay that the power is still on) and let your friend hold it under their chin. Remember to pop-up the built-in flash on the camera so that it will be able to communicate with the wireless flash through the series of pre-flashes (non P-TTL users, this is when you attach your second FGZ flash to the hotshoe and set its mode to Wireless and Controller). Try not to block the controller flash: it should have a direct line of sight to the wireless flash's sensor.

6. Go ahead, take the picture!

Try using the Program mode on your camera, so that the auto exposure will choose an appropriate flash-sync speed around 1/60 sec and control the aperture. When you take the shot, the built-in flash on the camera will pulse a quick strobe and then the shutter and wireless flash will go off. The result should be a high-contrast shot, with just the face lit up by the external flash (as pictured up above).

With the first shot finished, now try having your friend point the flash from different directions, or try holding the flash yourself in your free hand, pointing it at walls for bounce or at your subject with indirect angles. By learning to hand hold the flash with your free hand, you can get more variety in bounce direction than you can with the flash mounted on the camera.

As Obi Wan said, "You have taken your first step into a larger world."

Pentax K20D Body Now $995 MSRP

2008-10-12T21:03:00.013-04:00

I guess you may have already heard that as of today Pentax has officially dropped the K20D body to a new sub-$1000 suggested retail price ($995), which should translate into very good street prices for the holiday season.

In the coming weeks, I'll be profiling the K20D and some of its more subtle features that appeal to me, like having ISO sensitivity displayed in the viewfinder and on the side LCD screen when you are in Program or Manual mode. It's a lovely camera and hopefully it can be seen as an even better catch for photographers at the new price point. Especially if you're planning to pair it with a hot lens, like the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 (Pop Photos Lens Test, March 2008), which costs about $699 (yes, it's worth it).

Link: Pentax K20D new pricing press release

From Around The Web: Pentax K20D and DA 16-50mm f/2.8 Versus Canon 5D and 24-70mm f/2.8, and a Burst Mode Movie

2008-10-09T19:23:00.026-04:00

Here's an off-the-cuff and interesting comparison for those of you who are perpetually wondering how green the grass is on the other side of the fence. My thanks to blogger Ben C, who posted some test shots that he just got around to processing from RAW. Read his post at his website, Absurd Singularity (link), to get the full reasoning. But this illustration of his says a lot very quickly about the relative sharpness between the two systems, the Pentax K20D and the Canon 5D:

As he says, judging by the gray lines, the Pentax kit is noticeably sharper. I just wish he used better exposure settings. Because, as always, your milage may vary, depending all sorts of circumstances, settings, and your intellect (armed with the right knowledge and skill, you'll take better shots regardless of what lens or camera you're using).

Earlier this year, when Ben looked at the K20D and blogged his impressions (link), he wrote:

"So overall I think Pentax has definitely come out with quite a good performer here with the K20D. For a hundred or so more than the Canon 40D you get better weather resistance, 4 more megapixels, in-body stabilization, better auto ISO, and AF adjustment for individual lenses. You get pretty much the same features as the Nikon D300 (although a bit less polished but with the in-body stabilization) for $500 less. Not a bad deal, not a bad deal at all. If I were a new DSLR shopper, I'd definitely give Pentax a good, long look. While their lens selection may not be as extensive as the two big gorillas Canon and Nikon, what they do have is pretty darn good. I put the 16-50mm f/2.8 up against Canon's 24-70mm f/2.8 and it did extremely well."

He's also made a video using the K20D's 21FPS burst mode by stitching the queue of photos into a quicktime movie. As he says, the max for this ad hoc video is about 5 seconds set at 15fps. Ah yes, you gotta love burst mode! Click through to see the clip (link) [update: the larger file seems to be missing].

Link: www.hitokiri.com/blog/

Can't Afford Crystals? How about Gold or Silver Colored Trim?

2008-10-08T13:00:00.005-04:00

An enterprising Korean eBay seller, The Polar Bear House, which specializes in retailing decorative skins for tech devices, is selling gold and silver "metal decoration and LCD protector kits" ($22.95 each) to compliment your Pentax DSLR (*ist or K10D models). I believe a mental requirement is that you feel the need for fancier camera trimming. Honestly, I have never, ever felt that need. But maybe your camera feels differently and wants to dress up for December holiday occasions. Or maybe your camera wants to go out on Halloween as a Battlestar Galactica prop.

Actually, these product sample shots are good. The marketing photos make it look like their product is something that comes stock on the camera, but I wonder if the trim is harder to apply than it looks. I remember all those stickers and water slide decals I applied to models and toys as a kid, and I'm pretty sure almost all of them never looked as good as they did in photos on the box. Mind you, these look like laser cut metal, so they may be easier to affix. You just have to be comfortable glueing things to your camera. $23 gets you the chance to find out.

Link: Polar Bear House eBay Store

Found via DPReview Forum with thanks to Ari Aikomus

K10D at 104,000ft

2008-10-08T08:00:00.006-04:00

Earlier in the summer, a Pentax K10D was carried to the unbelievable height of 104,000ft to take some photos that would accompany a test of cosmic radiation at high altitudes done by the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University with the help of the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium. The K10D had a stock DA 18-55mm lens set to 18mm (manual focus at infinity), used Tv priority at 1/3000sec, Auto ISO (mostly ISO 100), and was set to capture Raw PEFs. The results were undeniably exciting photos from high in the stratosphere (19.7 miles).

All images in this post are copyright Dr. A. S. Arena Jr.

Dr. Andrew Arena Jr., the professor of engineering who organized the experiment, got a bit of attention for these photos (link to article at Imaging Info), even from Pentax USA president Ned Bunnell (link to his blog post), because the nature of the test required that the camera was relatively unmodified and it proved how reliable the K10D could be in very adverse conditions. Carried by a weather balloon into the near vacuum and extreme cold, the camera functioned as normal despite the circumstances. However, an unheated protection box with foam padding was built for the camera so that it would be safe enough to survive the +20mph impact on its return to earth by parachute, and a special timer was connected to trigger exposures every 15 seconds (seen below). Also, it's important to realize that it wasn't smooth sailing up and down; once the balloon burst due to low pressure, the payload would spin and bounce about, sometimes quite violently, until the denser air below was reached. The camera survived quite a thrill ride.

I had the pleasure of corresponding with Dr. Arena Jr. to ask him a few additional questions about the K10D rig they used for the experiment. Here's what he told me.

How long have you been taking pictures avidly?

I have been taking pictures for quite some time. My mom worked her way through college at a photography store, so I learned a lot about exposure, and lighting etc. from her. I got my first Pentax (the MX) and used it quite a bit for astrophotography in 1986 when comet Halley made its last visit. (Ed: he currently has a K10D, K20D, and still has his MX)

Why was the Pentax K10D chosen over other cameras for the project?

We had experimented with other brands in the past for the high-altitude experiments. They generally worked, but some had problems with temperatures, and none of the ones tested had the resolution and IQ we desired. For this flight we wanted the highest quality pictures possible, so it had to be at least a DSLR and an APS-C sized sensor. I chose the K10D due to my familiarity and experience with the Pentax brand and the K10D, the weather sealing, ruggedness, and the IQ.

The lens used was not sealed since the vacuum of space may have blown out the seals, but the camera gets so cold that a lot of condensation builds up on reentry. You can see that in the photos near landing. The outside of the camera was soaking wet after landing and so the weather sealing of the K10D is certainly a benefit. 

Was the K10D used your own?

That particular K10D was mine that I “donated” for this test. After this successful test we will almost certainly buy one specifically for the project.

What was the wireless trigger device that you used to time the exposures every 15 seconds? Is it homebrew, or something off the shelf?

We have a homemade timer circuit, but we wanted to use something commercially made for this test. We used the Pclix LT 100.

Why did you choose shutter priority? As the balloon rotated and ascended, was it too risky to have a shutter speed that was too slow?

Exactly. There is quite a bit of motion in the balloon train especially going through atmospheric shear layers, and after balloon burst, so shutter priority is critical. From tests conducted on the ground it was decided that we wanted to assure a 1/3000s shutter speed. I was so impressed with the exposure metering of the K10D. We got over 500 pictures during the flight and only a handful of them were not useable due to exposure. The only ones where there was a problem is when the camera was aimed right at the sun. Of course aperture and ISO were adjusted automatically. The typical ISO was 100, and usually an aperture of about f/4.

Were there any other problems?

Everything worked beautifully, so there really isn’t anything critical that has to change [for the next time]. I don’t want to use a sealed lens because I am worried about the pressure build up in the camera blowing out the seals. The condensation we got that day was the worst case possible. It was a very warm and humid day so we had more condensation than we have ever seen. The only thing changing on the next flight is the lens. The kit lens was great, but now I want to try a prime out of curiosity. We are going to fly with the Pentax SMCP-DA 14mm f/2.8 next time. The only other thing I would change is to try the experiment with a K20D, but one thing at a time…

How long, in terms of minutes, was the K10D at an altitude high enough to be considered extraordinary by yourself?

The flight was 102 minutes, so I would say 102 minutes. The entire time the camera is bouncing around and swinging, and impacts at pretty high speed. Even though it is protected in the box for impact, I still think it is a challenging environment for a precision mechanical system. Here is the flight summary (link) if you want to see the altitude history.

I consider what you've done qualifies you as a "Pentaxian," do you feel like one?

Well I am certainly happy with all of my Pentax equipment, and continue to use it both at work and personally. 

Dr. Andrew Arena Jr.'s Personal Pentax Gear List:

PENTAX K20D
PENTAX K10D
PENTAX MX
PENTAX DA* 50-135 f/2.8 
PENTAX SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4
PENTAX SMCP-FA 35mm f/2 
PENTAX SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
PENTAX SMCP-DA 14mm f/2.8 
PENTAX SMCP-DA 10-17 
TAMRON AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro
TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II 
PENTAX AF360FGZ flash 
PENTAX BG2 grip

Link: The Flickr photo set of the experiment

References: Special thanks to Alysha Sideman at Imaging Info for her excellent article.

iPhone Photo Applications: Potential Is There, But No "Must Haves" Yet.

2008-10-07T16:00:00.016-04:00

As an iPhone user and Pentax photographer, I like the concept of having some photo related applications in my pocket to help me in a pinch. However, I have to admit, I'm not often in a pinch.

Besides geotagging, there doesn't seem to be any calculation problem that needs solving or iPhone assisted extra note-taking in my average photo routines, because I'm not usually doing expensive macro photography with manual Medium Format cameras. And I'm really not interested in the cheesy photo editing apps or any that upload iPhone snaps to blogs.

But some of you might feel differently, especially if you're new to manual photography or have enjoyed applications like these in other incarnations for Palm or Windows Mobile. The potential for a really great iPhone Photo application is out there, because a number of the available apps have basic features that serve real purposes, not just whimsy: they can help you figure out when the golden hour is for your current location, they can calculate depth of field for a given lens and aperture, and they can help determine exposure compensations.

Here are 5 iPhone photo applications that are starting to show some potential.

PhotoBuddy ($1.99) by Frank Bauer

This has the handy calculators for Sunrise/Sunset using your current location, finding depth of field for a given lens and aperture, and it also can use the iPhone's own camera to calculate exposure for your manual camera (a very rough approximation, but it works). It even has features to help with white balance, but for that you'd have to trust the iPhone's color calibration (which I don't). Graphically, it looks pretty nice, and the price is just cheap enough to be worth a test drive.

iMarkMySpot ($0.99) by iCloseBy.com

This is a simple geotagging application to help you remember your exact location when a photo is taken and it creates a GPX file that you can email to yourself to merge with your metadata. If you're a tourist and you want location information to coincide with the photos that you're taking with your DSLR, this is a good application. But it's not entirely automatic: be prepared to log your photos one by one.

Photojot ($2.99) by Shaila Klosterman

This application is not only for Geocode note-taking, it has calculators (Sunrise/Sunset, DOF, Flash, email support), and the bonus of voice message recording. A good package that mixes the features of PhotoBuddy and iMarkMySpot into one application. However, it's also the same price as if you bought the other two separately.

PhotoCalc ($2.99) by Adair Systems

The basic tools for the old school photographer: Exposure reciprocity calculator, a flash calculator, as well as a camera glossary. Like Photo Buddy and Photojot, this application also uses your current location to find Sunrise/Sunset and moon phase times.

Visual Depth of Field Calculator ($0.99) by Jun Chen

This one has a really simple and good GUI. You just enter the lens focal length and the subject distance to get a little graphic representation of the measurements. Cute and cheap.

Conclusion

For any application to have more usefulness, the iPhone needs more integration with cameras. Ideally, it should be tethered wirelessly (bluetooth or WiFi) to the camera, or at least be able to read and write to your camera's SD memory card through an adaptor. Since that can't happen yet, the iPhone applications are limited to serving basic information based on calculating measurements or logging your location. Hopefully, though, someone will come up with a breakthrough and get working on a third party app (hello, Eye-Fi?) to take us all to the next level.

Free K20D Downloads From The K10DBook.com

2008-10-02T16:45:00.010-04:00

Yvon Bourque has written extended manuals with plenty of pictures and references about the Pentax K10D, the K100D/K110D, and the K20D (link). In many ways, his books are resources that are more thoughtful and clear than other widely released 3rd party Pentax guides. He's also an excellent blogger (link) and avid photographer (link). The funny thing is, because he writes such nice stuff about this website and he's sent me samples of his work, I worry that people might think I'm gushing about his work as recompense (full disclosure: I carry a banner on this site that I designed just for him without any sponsorship obligation). Honestly, I think any underdog publisher that writes from their heart, not their wallet, about something they love deserves to have an audience. It helps that it's done well, too. Yvon is definitely worthy of the attention.

All of his books are excerpted as free PDF downloads, so you can get a taste for his writing and see if the book will be meaningful for you or any Pentax newbies you know. Here are links to the sample chapters downloads (direct PDF links).

The Pentax K20D Book Sample PDF
The Pentax K10D Book Sample PDF
The Pentax K100D/K110D Book Sample PDF

I hope you'll see that his books are especially great for amateurs just learning about digital photography with DSLRs, making the move from compact point and shoots. And because these books are all available as complete PDF ebooks as well as print versions, it's easy for Yvon to offer free content updates to anyone who's bought the book, which is what he does when new firmware is released.

And don't miss out on his free Pentax K20D lens AF adjustment chart, to help with any AF lenses that might have front or back focusing issues with the K20D (a cropped bit is seen below). That's community spirit. It's available through his website on the front page as a free PDF download. You print it out, aim at the high contrast area with an AF lens, snap your shutter, and examine the resulting pic. So what are you waiting for?

Pentax Moving To Full Off-Shore Production From Japan In 2009

2008-10-01T18:17:00.012-04:00

Bloomberg published recently that Hoya and Pentax have decided on a restructuring move to send all their previous camera production in Japan to their Philippines (DSLRs) and Vietnam facilities (lenses), where most production is already taking place, by March 31st, 2009. Hoya and Pentax have been involved in reorganizing their operations since Hoya purchased Pentax, and this should be seen as a good sign that they are focusing on production issues, particularly when too many cooks are in the kitchen and production continues to be more affordable in southeast Asia. It's going to be a costly transition, though, for both companies to make the transfer for most of their manufacturing technologies and close up factory space. However, I'm sure there are lots of good memories of the Mashigo plant in Toshigi and the old haunts for Japanese Pentax camera workers. Pentax's home base will still be Japan despite the off shore manufacturing. I came to this news a few weeks late (it was originally made public Sept. 18th, 2008. (Link). Via PMA Newsline and (of all places) Nikonians.

Samsung's Choong-hyun Hwang, Vice-President of Digital Camera Marketing, on the Pentax Partnership

2008-10-01T13:25:00.003-04:00

DP Review climbed into the interviewer chair at Photokina to discuss with Samsung's Mr. Hwang a number of topics, but notably for Pentax aficionados, they talked about the balance Samsung has with Pentax in regards to their DSLR cameras based on the same hardware, like the Samsung GX-20 based on the Pentax K20D. Mr. Hwang asserts that the partnership with Pentax will continue on for the foreseeable future, at least the next three years, and that the decision to use the same DSLR camera architecture but different software has been mutually beneficial.

"Even though Pentax and Samsung DSLR are almost the same, the image quality - not in a vertical way but in a horizontal way; the color rendering - is different because we use different formulas and algorithms. So although the Samsung GX and Pentax K20D are the same system, some reviews have found the Samsung to be better. Right now we have a small customer base, but we're expecting it will grow. Samsung's SLR business started just three years ago, whereas Pentax has a long history of more than 70 years. At this moment most of Pentax and Samsung's customers are already into the Pentax system - it's natural."

Mr. Hwang also confides that he is more skeptical about Micro Four Thirds in the future, but that he definitely believes that CMOS sensors are going to trickle into more and more consumer cameras. Read more at DP Review (link to interview).

Sandra Juto's First Roll With Her Pentax MX

2008-09-30T16:45:00.008-04:00

This September, I came across the site of an artist who had just started using a vintage Pentax MX and shooting film, and I thought I'd share it here because it's worth noting film can still be inspiring to young photographers. Especially those who already have a great eye for color and composition like she does. I imagine the very first roll of film Sandra Juto of Sweden shot with her 30 year old Pentax MX turned out to be a exercise in restraint. Now that most of us shoot digitally, we usually take a lot of shots, but do you remember that it wasn't so long ago we all had to judiciously reserve space on a roll of film if we only had one roll left? I read that Sandra's usual digital kit is comprised of her Canon 30D and camera phone, but I think she took to the MX very easily. Do you know of anyone else who has suddenly taken up film with an old Pentax for the first time?

Her first roll of film was posted as seven blog posts and you can see them all here:

Part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven.

Pentax's Toshiaki Iue, Marketing Director, Talks About Micro Four Thirds, Hoya, and Full Frame

2008-09-29T19:47:00.005-04:00

Another Pentax honcho has been interviewed, this time by Photography Blog, and goes on the record to reiterate that Pentax is not very interested in Full Frame sensors.

"The cost of developing a range of lenses suitable for the demands of a full-frame sensor is also making Pentax think twice. Mr Iue categorically ruled out any move to produce a full-frame camera just for the sake of prestige, reiterating that Pentax had to be able to make a profit from their investment."

Also of note are the comments that things are still honeymooning nicely with Hoya:

"Mr Iue admitted that Hoya bought Pentax predominantly for their medical division and expertise, but they did also want the camera part too. Hoya firmly denied any plans to sell the Pentax photo division to Samsung or any other company, commenting that they had only just bought the company. Similarly, Hoya aren’t planning to sell the lens-maker Tokina, which they also own, or to merge it with Pentax."

And lastly, this is the first time Pentax has acknowledged the micro four thirds system:

"The new Micro Four Thirds standard is seen as both a potential problem but also a potential opportunity. Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G1 is seen as a direct challenge to Pentax’s entry-level DSLRs, undercutting the new Pentax K-m in size if not price. On the other hand, Mr Iue believes that “the G1 could open up a new market which will help Pentax and the industry as a whole”, a sentiment which has also been echoed by Olympus and Sony in our Photokina meetings. Mr Iue went on to comment that Pentax are very open-minded about the possibility of joining the Micro Four Thirds system, with the company free to join any system that they like at the present time."

Read the whole interview over at Photography Blog, and cheers to them and 1001NoisyCameras for the tip off.

Pentax's Toshiyuki Kitazawa, Business Manager, Hints at a Bright Future

2008-09-29T16:00:00.009-04:00

At the end of last week, in conjunction with Photokina, the Japanese website DC Watch Impress published an interview (link) with Pentax's Deputy Division Manager of Business Development and Director Mr. Toshiyuki Kitazawa. The interview was chock full of strategic information about how Pentax is placing itself in competition for the next year, however it was nearly impossible to read in Google translation (link to translation) and the forums at DP Review (thread link) and Pentax Forums (thread link) did their best to figure out what was being said for those of us who can't read Google or Kanji. Seriously, the Google translation is like listening to Bob Dylan singing at his most indecipherable.

What did the news boil down to?

Well, the Medium format 645D project is apparently still alive despite the temporary halt on development, and Pentax would rather make that their Pro game than attempt to do Full Frame SLRs, which Mr. Kitazawa says only appeal to a slim market slice compared to the big piece of the pie that represents amateur and intermediate SLR buyers. In other words, if you're going to go big, go really big.

Pentax says that their anticipated next generation of amateur and intermediate cameras should arrive for summer 2009, and they strive to make the best cameras they can for the market, even if they will all be APS-C (1.5x crop). The number of women buying SLRs is increasing steadily and so are the number of 20 to 30 year old users, and the APS-C sensor is what they like because it allows for smaller cameras. Pentax spent a lot of time figuring out how to miniaturize the K2000/K-m to appeal to the demographic that likes to shoot holding a camera with one hand, and it took some ingenuity to make everything smaller and lighter to let that happen (Ed. how soon we forget the *ist DS). Also, the new Help menus built into the K-m firmware is nothing to sneeze at; it's very robust.

Video is also in development for Pentax SLRs, to work in conjunction with the anti-shake mechanism, too, but smooth AF and good audio quality are apparently something Pentax wants to work a bit more on before it gets integrated.

Links: (Japanese) DC Watch Impress, (translation to English) "K20D" and "K200D" the machine's successor before the 2009 introduction of the summer, DP Review Forum Thread, Pentax Forums Thread

The Crystal Covered Pentax KM (K2000)

2008-09-25T17:43:00.007-04:00

Look what Pentax had Bling My Thing (company site) do to a new Pentax KM. It's a one off, obviously, not a production run. Stuart Miles says, "One for the ladies, we're told."

Via Pocket Lint, thanks!

Good Things From Camera Armor

2008-09-24T17:30:00.008-04:00

I've mentioned this a while ago when it was announced for the K10D, but this Camera Armor silicon protection system for the K10D and K20D (pictured right), that retails for $60, is really cool. I know, you're thinking the camera is weather resistant already, but what about impact resistant for those little abusive moments, like a bump against a table? This armor even has a lens hood that protects most lenses, even zooms. It's lightweight, has a Batman: The Dark Knight sort of appeal, and toughens up your camera like it trained with the Marine Corps for a few weeks. Visually, at least. Physically, just enough to save you from a scrape.

Made Products, who created Camera Armor, also designed some really interesting gear bags, so good they frequently sell out. Crave mentioned the Seattle Sling yesterday (pictured right) and I clicked through to find that it wasn't in stock any more. Ahh, but one day it will be. And I'll be waiting. I particularly like the color red and the bag within a bag approach, for extra packaging care. It does look a bit like a lunch cooler, but that might make it less interesting to thieves. Mind you, they could still be thieves with the munchies.

What's in the AF160FC Macro Flash Kit?

2008-09-23T14:00:00.005-04:00

Ned Bunnell, President of Pentax Imaging USA, let's us take a peek via his blog...

Ned says: "The four slots in the upper middle section hold the threaded lens adapter rings for 49mm, 52mm, 58mm and 67mm." - Link, above photo © by Ned Bunnell.

HD Video on an SLR

2008-09-23T08:45:00.012-04:00

There's a new video at Canon's website this morning that was shot entirely with the Canon 5D Mark II. It's really cheesy, but it's more proof of concept than anything else, because he only had access to a pre-release version for less than 3 days. Both Nikon and Canon now have DSLR cameras capable of HD video recording, which opens all sorts of low light possibilities using fast lenses. The quality of the HD experience on the 5D Mark II and D90 is at a level that puts it in reach for consumers who couldn't previously afford to invest in a professional video system but who want excellent optics. But better than that, the photographer who shot the video (Vincent Laforet) says that the low light performance is actually better than Canon's flagship HD camera, the XH A1 camcorder. A statement like that makes a person sit up and take notice, especially Kubrick fans like myself (remember how Barry Lyndon has that candle lit scene that borrowed fast lenses developed for NASA? - link).

Read Vincent's blog posts on making the video: part one and part two

Right now, Pentax only has video recording on its compact point-and-shoots. In a nutshell, video on an SLR requires Live View mode and a sensor system that doesn't get too hot while recording video, which limits recording time, and Canon and Nikon were the first to bring this function to market just this summer. Hopefully this feature is something that Pentax is working diligently on, because I know I'd love to use it with a lens like the DA Limited 70mm. Oooh, yeah.

Photokina 2008 Announcements: The K2000, Ring Flash, and New Lenses

2008-09-22T17:00:00.025-04:00

With all the ballyhoo of camera announcements at Photokina in Germany, Pentax was sure to say something, and, even though it's not a huge line update, Pentax has got something new to show. Welcome the K2000! This camera was rumored to be called the KM in the U.S. (however, anyone with a memory and access to Google knew there already was a KM back in the '70s, so that's the name for Europe only - I will refer to it as K2000 in this blog). Now that it's official, we can see that it really intends to be Pentax's heir to the K1000. It's like Pentax is saying to consumers, we have this much faith in the product that we hope you'll love and trust it as much as the good old K1000. Well, this is mostly a branding issue, because the camera specs already look very familiar. However, I think it's a good decision to attach the "K2000" or K-M name in the run up to the holidays because certain naming schemes have issues if your camera sounds too much like competitors' models (K200 vs. D200, etc), and it looks like Pentax is doing some honing in order to differentiate better.

The camera itself is not a paradigm leap in technology. In fact, there's nothing new to report, except in terms body design. But that's enough: this camera is tiny. DP Review has a preview rundown, here.

Here's what Pentax is saying about the K2000:

Features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot high resolution, wide-view LCD panel, and an ultra compact design that facilitates one handed operation. The body also features the same PENTAX developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K series digital SLRs. PENTAX Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX lenses to deliver sharp images even when handheld at slower shutter speeds. The K2000 also features the powerful PENTAX developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings for any photographic situation. The camera also has a comprehensive Dust Removal system to help keep images spotless. A dedicated programmable help button clearly explains current camera settings to guide and teach the user about digital SLR photography.

This means it's just the old K10D/K200D shrunk down a bit more in scale and features to make it even lighter and more ergonomic, and entry-level. They even dropped the D from the name to completely jettison all unnecessary ballast. Ha. But really, the top LCD is gone, baby, gone. As is any weather sealing. And 6 of the AF points (we're down to 5 again at the entry level). But they did keep a user favorite feature that confounds some critics: the ability to use AA lithium and NiMH batteries. I can't remember how many times I've read some clueless write up that berates the entry-level Pentax cameras for using the world's most popular standardized battery. Frankly, when you travel, this is the smartest, most affordable option. It adds a bit of bulk, yes, but it's easy to replace batteries. Cheers to Pentax for not dropping it just to slim down the camera size. However, the aggressive battery + energy saving features mean that the flash guide number is a little less, now, too. Aside: losing light, was that meant to make the camera lighter or darker? Kidding.

Some extra good news is that ISO 3200 is finally back and that at 3.5fps the camera is speedier than the K200D. Pair this camera with a DA pancake lens and it should travel really well for tourists.

Between Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon, and Canon, there's a really tight race for small SLR-type cameras. I say "type" because the recently announced Panasonic Micro Four Thirds G-1 is optimized for live view and no longer requires a reflex mirror. Live view is suddenly the must have option. This is the biggest uphill battle for Pentax in the seasonal camera war. The K2000 doesn't have the increasingly popular live view mode. I can justify why I don't need it, but bell and whistle mongers at Best Buy and Ritz Camera will cry crocodile tears of frustration. Whatever. It will come when it comes, and I'm sure Pentax wishes they could implement it right now on every camera, not just the K20D, but it's not time yet.

The K2000 is mean to be sold as a system bundle, and you're going to get at least one lens, which is the DA L 18-55mm, and the AF200G auto flash. Another bundle includes a second lens, the telephoto zoom DA L 50-200mm.

Here are some other links to today's press about the K2000:
- Image samples from Pentax Japan
- Pop Photo: Pentax K2000: First Look
- Gizmodo: Pentax's Entry-Level K2000 DLSR, aka Km, Now Official
- Cnet Crave UK: Pentax K-m: 10-megapixel dSLR with cashback
- Engadget: Pentax's 10.2 megapixel compact K2000 for first time reflexers

Are the new bundled lenses which are designated "DA L" anything new? Well, not really. They have the same optics and similar construction as the previously produced standard DA lenses. They have a silver decorative ring, matching the new decorative silver line on the K2000, instead of the previous green ring, and are a few grams lighter, but that's nothing to make you crave replacing your original DA 18-55 II. The differentiation is that the L stands for "light," as in low weight, not to be confused with Limited. However, this is one naming scheme change that might be a bit confounding to the public who may know the Limited lenses or Canon's L series of lenses, which are top tier quality lenses, where as with Pentax they are the entry level. Mind you, I don't think Canon would make a bundle with L series of glass for under $700, though.

Two new lenses that are top tier (designated * or "star") were announced, too: PENTAX DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM (sug. ret $1499.95) and PENTAX DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM (sug. ret. $799.95). These are super multi coated with all the bells and whistles, and the latest innovation (from a marketing perspective) Aero Bright, which helps light transmission. The DA* 55mm strikes me as the most interesting, as this is a lens that would normally have been released with "Limited" in the name, but it's not there. Still, this should be a terrific portrait lens no matter what they call it. It'll be neat to see how it compares to the old 50mm F1.4 lenses of yesteryear.

Also, from the bag of goodies we get the updated PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash. Okay, I love ring flashes, so I'll admit that the suggested retail price of $499.95 just about knocked me down. That's a lot more expensive than they used to be. But the old ones never had P-TTL support, which is what just about every Pentax digital camera (except the *ist and *ist DS) require. Though you can get similar solutions without any truly auto features, the AF160FC is going to make it easier for photos of bugs, small objects, and close portraits to have perfectly even lighting using just one flash. This is on my wish list already, although, based on recent developments I will not be trying to reproduce Jill Greenberg work (not that you could with a small ring flash anyway).

Link for more info about the flash at PentaxUser.co.uk.

That's not all at Photokina: Pentax is also previewing two spring 2009 lens releases, the PENTAX DA15mm f/4 ED AL (a super-wide angle) and the PENTAX DA 1.4X SDM Rear Converter (with SDM - finally!), which should be top notch for macro and telephoto enthusiasts. No prices have been announced for these yet.

Here's a link to some info about the two new lenses at Let's Go Digital.

Summary Facts:

PENTAX K2000 Fact Sheet

Compact, lightweight body for enhanced portability and maneuverability

Despite the large image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the PENTAX K2000 offers a compact, lightweight body to assure remarkable portability and maneuverability. The design incorporates a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, a more compact Shake Reduction mechanism and circuit boards, and the latest in high-density body component assembly to ensure efficient positioning and layout of various parts, including the repositioning of the battery compartment, to maximize ergonomics. The camera grip has also been redesigned for a firm, comfortable hold of the camera body.

Simplified ergonomics with dedicated Help button

The PENTAX K2000 features a newly designed control system that positions most of the buttons and dials on the camera’s grip side making it easier to operate the camera with one hand. Additionally, a dedicated reprogrammable Help button displays camera functions on the camera’s LCD screen. This built-in user’s manual is ideal for those who are unfamiliar with digital SLR cameras.

PENTAX original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The PENTAX K2000 comes equipped with the PENTAX developed Shake Reduction (SR) * mechanism to reduce
camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions - such as with telephoto
lenses, in low light, at night without supplementary flash illumination and for extended exposures in sunset scenes. This innovative SR mechanism shifts the position of the image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in exact proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. SR offers an outstanding compensation effect up to the equivalent of approximately four shutter steps. As a result, the body does not require special anti-shake lenses and may be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

Comprehensive Dust Detection and Removal system

The PENTAX K2000 features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from appearing on images. Applied to the CCD image sensor low pass filter surface through the vapor deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX developed original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively prevents dust from sticking to the sensor. For any stubborn dust that still remains on the surface, the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed to shake off these particles. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor falls onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system also offers a Dust Alert function, which allows the user to detect any placement of dust on the sensor in advance of cleaning operations.

Auto Picture and creative Scene modes

The PENTAX developed Auto Picture mode is programmed to automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode such as Portrait, Landscape, Action, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, and Macro for a given subject. Since all camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness are then automatically adjusted by the camera for optimum results, users can concentrate on image composition rather than mode selection. For more unconventional subjects and environments, PENTAX also includes 10 creative scene modes. Combined, the K2000’s automatic modes offer users great flexibility as they explore digital SLR photography.

High-quality image

The PENTAX K2000 combines a large, 10.2 megapixel sensor with the sophisticated PENTAX Real Image Engine (PRIME) as the imaging engine. This combination produces beautiful, detailed images with subtle gradations. The K2000 also features a Custom Image function, which offers a choice of six processing presets to give photographers high quality image processing flexibility.

High-speed continuous shooting at 3.5 frames per second

The PENTAX K2000 allows users to shoot images up to approximately 3.5 frames per second (in the JPEG recording format), allowing photographers to capture fast action sequences with ease.

High-precision 5-point AF system

The PENTAX K2000 incorporates a five-point, wide-area AF system (SAFOX VIII with five cross-type sensors) for dependable, high-precision autofocusing. Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over the image field, this system automatically selects the optimum focus sensor for a given subject. Additionally, Center Focusing allows the photographer to enable only the centermost focus sensor. PENTAX engineers were also able to improve the focus speed under poor lighting conditions for improved autofocus performance overall.

Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 3200

The PENTAX K2000’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity between ISO 100 and ISO 3200, based on such data as the subject brightness level and lens focal length. Since this allows the user to take advantage of faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce blur due to camera shake and subject movement.

Enhanced Dynamic Range and Shadow Adjustment Mode

The K2000’s Enhanced Dynamic Range function allows the user to extend the dynamic range to prevent clipping in the highlight areas of the image. Additionally, Shadow Adjustment mode brings out detail in the darkest parts of the image. Combined, these functions help the user to produce beautiful, detailed images when shooting high-contrast subjects.

Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch LCD monitor

The PENTAX K2000 features a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. This monitor’s wide-view design allows the photographer to check the on-screen image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally and offers digital zooming of playback images up to 16X for easy confirmation of the image’s focus and subject details.

Bright, clear viewfinder

With a lightweight penta-mirror prism and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the PENTAX K2000’s viewfinder delivers a large, bright image with an approximately 96 percent field of view and approximately 0.85X magnification.

Digital filters for unique visual expressions

The PENTAX K2000’s built-in digital filters allow users to effortlessly add creative and artistic touches to recorded images without the use of a PC. Users may select one of 14 different digital filters including the new Toy Camera and Retro filters to create the desired visual effect.

Additional Features

- Energy-efficient power supply, recording approximately 1,650 images with four AA-size lithium batteries (included)
- Status screen, displaying camera settings on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance confirmation
- Index function, for five different types of display and printing modes
- Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
- Simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG format images
- Compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards
- In-body development of RAW images
- Compatibility with SDM autofocus lenses for quiet, smooth focus operation
- PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software included

SMC PENTAX-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens

- A compact standard zoom lens with focal lengths from 27.5mm to 84.5mm (in the 35mm format) covering wide-angle to medium-telephoto ranges.
- Latest optical design featuring a high-performance aspherical lens element to minimize aberrations.

SMC PENTAX-DA L 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens

- A super-compact, ultra-lightweight telephoto zoom lens with focal lengths from 76.5mm to 307mm (in the 35mm format).
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element to minimize chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range and overall enhanced optical performance.

SMC PENTAX-DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM Lens

- When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this zoom lens provides focal lengths from 92mm to 383mm in the 35mm format. The 4.2X zoom ratio covers a broad telephoto range, making it ideal for capturing sporting events and portraits.
- Two extra-low dispersion (ED) optical elements are incorporated into the lens to minimize chromatic aberrations. A unique nonlinear shifting system in the zoom mechanism effectively reduces field curvature aberrations and assures outstanding optical performance at all focal lengths.
- The large F4 maximum aperture is consistant over the entire zoom range for faster shutter speeds and flexible the depth of field control.
- An innovative hybrid AF system offers both extra-smooth, super-quiet SDM autofocus operation using a supersonic motor installed in the lens body, and conventional autofocus operation using a motor built into
the camera body.

SMC PENTAX-DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM Lens

- When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this medium-telephoto lens offers a focal length of 80mm in the 35mm format. Coupled with its large F1.4 maximum aperture, it is ideal for portraiture applications.
- A newly developed Aero Bright Coating enhances lens performance by ef/fectively reducing reflections over a wider wavelength range. Compared to conventional multi-coatings, this new coating greatly improves light transmittance through the lens, while drastically reducing flare and ghosting that deteriorate image quality.
- Rounded diaphragm blades create a more circular aperture for smooth, beautiful bokeh at large aperture settings.
- The advanced SDM mechanism assures extra-smooth, super-quiet autofocus operation using a supersonic motor installed in the lens body. With an SDM exclusive autofocus system, the lens is designed to be quite compact, despite its large maximum aperture.

Blog Reboot: OK1000 Resumes

2008-09-21T16:23:00.011-04:00

Regular updates are about to resume for this website now that my batteries have recharged a bit.

If you've visited here in the past, you'll notice that there's a fresh coat of paint on the blog as of this weekend. The namesake camera, the Pentax K1000, is now proudly hanging from the top left corner, and for those who might notice, yes that's an SMC 50mm F1.2 lens (a very sweet lens). Some new blogroll requests have been added as well.

Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day with news from Pentax at Photokina 2008. This follows on the really great review of the K200D by DPReview and Lars Rehm this summer (be sure to read it, the camera comes out Highly Recommended even with the sour grapes about it having no Live Preview). I hope you've all been doing well over the summer and have been happily taking pictures!

All best,

Michael

You know who LOVES the K20D? DPReview, that's who.

2008-06-25T16:04:00.004-04:00

From the review that calls the K20D "Highly Recommended":

"In short, the K20D is a great stab at making a photographers' camera - a camera for people who love taking images, are happy to invest in lenses (perhaps the primes that can make the most of those 14.6 million pixels), but aren't going to be recouping the cost of their equipment through regularly selling images. It offers a very pleasant, near pro-level, photographic experience at a reasonable cost and in a body that feels solid, well built and as if it was designed by someone who used one themselves.

Because the K20D offers so much that the enthusiast photographer would enjoy, it would be churlish to let the sensor-based flaws, which have little impact in real-world shooting, prevent us giving the camera our highest award. This isn't to say it's a faultless camera or one that's suited to everybody but one with only minor drawbacks that should only dissuade a small number of potential buyers."

Link: DP Review's IN-Depth Review of the K20D

DP Review previews its Pentax K20D review (whew!)

2008-06-19T15:23:00.005-04:00

It looks like the big review a lot of people have been waiting for is almost ready at DP Review, thanks to Richard Butler. There's nothing here we don't already know, but it shows that we're going to get an in-depth appraisal when the final review is ready. I, for one, think that if you have any Pentax DA lenses, this camera is the best thing since sliced bread (or the *ist original DS).

Links: DPReview K20D Preview

Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1

2008-05-28T17:23:00.008-04:00

Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.1: This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto '08 for the following cameras: Pentax K200D, Pentax K20D - yes! But only for 10.4.11 or 10.5.2 or higher... (2.4MB download via Software Update)

Link: Apple Support for DC RAW Comp. Update 2.1

Lightroom 1.4.1 Update Now Supports K20D and K200D

2008-04-11T15:42:00.003-04:00

Good news for Adobe Lightroom users: the Pentax K20D and K200D are now officially supported (although if you used the native DNG format or JPEG for capturing pictures with you camera, you were good all along).

Link: Lightroom 1.4.1 Update for Mac and PC, Adobe LR 1.4.1 Update Information PDF