Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax K-r Announced

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The Pentax K-r is an entry-level 12.4MP DSLR with a ton of features.  In addition to a CMOS image sensor, the Pentax K-r features a 3-inch LCD 921k-dot resolution screen, a 6 fps frame rate, built-in Shake Reduction and low light sensitivity up to ISO 25600. In addition to the still image features, the K-r can capture 720p video at 25fps.  The K-r is powered by either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or by 4 AA batteries.

The Pentax K-r should be available in October 2010 starting at an initial retail price of $799.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

In addition to the K-r, Pentax also announced a new 35mm f/2.4 lens, which will be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $219.95.  Check availability at Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below.

[Read more…]

 

Pentax Optio RS1000 and RZ10 Announced

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The Pentax Optio RS1000 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom lens.  The RS1000 is an ultra-compact caemra that is about the size of a credit card and comes with a bargain initial price point of $149.95.

The RS100 should be available in October 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Pentax Optio RZ10 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 10x zoom lens, built-in image stabilization and a 2.7″ LCD screen.

The RZ10 should be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $219.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

New Pentax DSLR(s) This Week?

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Pentax K-x

An interesting tidbit from RiceHigh’s Pentax Blog points to a new Pentax DSLR coming on September 9th.  His news is based on the Japanese Business Live Calendar, which apparently points to a new DSLR product from Hoya (Pentax’s parent company) on that date.

Additionally, other recent rumors suggest a new Pentax K-5 and K-r DSLR model.  The K-5 is rumored to be Pentax’s flagship model and the K-r is more of an entry-level model like the Pentax K-x (above).  Rumored specs are listed below. [Read more…]

Pentax K-x Gets Pink, Olive, Beige and Chocolate Color Treatments

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The very popular (and colorful) Pentax K-x has received another series of color treatment updates, and is now available in pink, chocolate, olive and beige.

You can see the entire lineup of the K-x rainbow at the Pentax US webstore ($650 for body and lens).

Although, if you can live with black, you can get the K-x with lens for under $500 now.

Pentax Mirrorless Camera Coming Soon?

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Is a Pentax mirrorless camera just around the corner to compete with the lineup from the likes of Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Samsung?

If CitiGroup’s recent report on Pentax’s parent company, Hoya, is to be believed, then the answer is: Yes.

The following quote appeared in the CitiGroup report at issue:

“Hoya plans to release a mirrorless camera under Pentax brand that is distinct from models already on the market.” – CitiGroup

With Photokina 2010 just around the corner, we could see this new camera sooner rather than later.

[Mirrorlessrumors via Photo Rumors]

Pentax Optio W90 Now Available In Orange, Earth Remains on Axis

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In perhaps some of the most exciting news of the week, the Pentax Optio W90 is now available in orange (in addition to green and black).  While Pentax’s press statement failed to reveal the reasons for the delay of an orange camera, rumors continue to circulate that the long wait for an orange W90 was due to an actual shortage of the color orange, which was in turn caused by a less than stellar year on the color wheel, along with the fact that it is no longer receiving compliments from blue.

Additional sources cited fears that UT Vol fans would lose such a camera in or around the checkerboard end zone at Neyland Stadium.  Local Best Buy stores in Knoxville, Tennessee report that consumers are already forming lines outside for the anticipated July release of the orange W90 at $329.95. You can also check availability on Amazon.com.

In other news, your refrigerator is running.

Pentax Adds More Color to the K-x in America

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Pentax K-x in Color

The Pentax K-x has become a hit entry-level camera, and has been available in black, white, red and navy blue since its US release.  However, it’s also been available in a ton of colors in Japan.  Now, it seems US shooters will get a few more color options for the Pentax K-x – 4, to be exact – bright blue, orange, green and purple.

I’m generally not a fan of a DSLR in any other color but black; however, that orange camera is drawing me in.  Go Vols!

What about you?  Which color? And why?

In any color, the K-x will continue to retail at $649.95 as a kit with an 18-55mm lens.  The new color options aren’t available on B&H Photo, Amazon or Adorama at the time of this post; however, you can get a pre-order at Pentax USA’s website if you can handle the wait.

Pentax DSLR Firmware Updates

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Pentax has issued updates for four of its DSLRs – the K-m/K2000, K20D, K200D and K10D.  The new firmware is designed for “Improved stability of recording image for some SDHC Memory card.”

You can download the firmware at Pentax’s website via the following links.

Pentax K-m/K2000 Firmware Ver. 1.11

Pentax K20D Firmware Ver. 1.04

Pentax K200D Firmware Ver. 1.01

Pentax K10D Firmware Ver. 1.31

Pentax 645D

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Pentax 645D

The Pentax 645D is a medium format, interchangeable lens camera.  It features a 40MP Kodak CCD image sensor measuring 44mm x 33mm, and a 14-bit A/D converter. The 645D offers a sensitivity range of ISO 200-1000, which is expandable to ISO 100 and ISO 1600.  The 645D also features an 11-point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle, and a 77-segment multi-pattern metering system.  The 645D’s optical viewfinder offers 98% frame coverage.  Additionally, the 645D features a 3-inch LCD with 920k dot resolution. The 645D stores images via dual SD card slots, which accept SDHC cards (but not the newer SDXC cards).

Initially, the Pentax 645D will only be available in Japan at an initial retail price of ¥850,000, which is a bit under $10,000 USD at the time of the camera’s official announcement.

[Read more…]

Pentax Optio W90 Brief Hands-On

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Pentax Optio W90

While the Pentax Optio W90 has just been announced, I had the opportunity to get some hands-on time with a preproduction model of the new camera at CES 2010 last month.  For my first impressions on the 12MP deathproof camera, keep reading. [Read more…]