Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.
Pentax K-5 new firmware version – Increases continuous shooting in RAW format and other bug fixes [coming mid-November]
PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 version 5.200 for Canon “offers optimized compatibility with the PowerST4 Receiver for Elinchrom and the AC9 AlienBees Adapter for Paul C. Buff flashes.” [PocketWizard Website]
A couple of new stock updates for Pentax’s new cameras.
The Pentax K-r can be found in stock at Adorama.
Amazon.com is listing single Pentax K-5 in stock at the time of this update, which means: (1) it will likely be gone soon, and (2) the K-5 should be available at B&H Photo and Adorama soon too.
Pentax USA has finally made it official. The 40-megapixel Pentax 645D medium format camera will arrive in the US in December 2010. The camera will be priced at $9999.95 initially. A 55mm f/2.8 lens will also be available for $1199.95.
Both B&H Photo and Adorama are expected to carry the camera. However, tt is not listed on either site at the time of this post.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
You may recall the Pentax 645D announcement from earlier this year. As it stood at that time, the 40MP medium format camera was set to only be available in Japan.
Well, that seems to have changed with apparent word from Pentax USA President Ned Bunnell that the Pentax 645D will, in fact, be available later this year in the US. [Read more…]
The Pentax K-5 is a 16.3MP DSLR geared toward the enthusiast photographer and looks to compete directly with the Canon 7D and Nikon D300s. The K-5 features 7 fps still image frame rate, ISO 80-51200 (w/ expansion) and 1080p HD video capture at 25 fps.
The Pentax K-5 should be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $1599.95 for body only and $1749.95 with an 18-55mm kit lens. Check availability on Amazon.com.
Alongside the new K-5, Pentax has also announced a new 18-135mm lens, which should be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $529.95.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Along with above image that’s rumored to be a leaked shot of the new Pentax K-5 uncovered up by Lens Tip, additional rumors have surfaced about the Pentax K-5’s specifications. A poster over in the Pentax forums provides detailed specifications passed along from a retailer.
The Pentax K-5 is rumored to be announced on September 22. Full spec list is below. [Read more…]
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.
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…]
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…]