Camera Labs

Hi folks,

From this press release:

PENTAX ANNOUNCES K-5 DIGITAL SLR FOR ADVANCED AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

GOLDEN, CO (September 20, 2010)…PENTAX Imaging Systems has announced the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR camera. The K-5 DSLR offers a true high-end prosumer design and features normally found only on the most costly of professional cameras. With exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation, and the compact, lightweight body of its predecessor, the PENTAX K-7, the new K-5 offers several important and improved features.

The pro-oriented “prosumer” features that take this latest PENTAX DSLR to the next level include:

• High resolution 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor.
• Fast up to 7 FPS to capture fast action shots.
• High sensitivity 80-12800 ISO range, expandable to 51200, with improved noise performance overall.
• Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS with sound via built-in microphone or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack.
• Newly improved, highly responsive and accurate 11 point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelength sensor.
• Focus and shutter speed priority during AF-C.
• Native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG 14 bit RAW files.
• Improved in-camera HDR image capture with more blending modes and better image alignment for handheld HDR shots.
• SDXC memory card compatibility (via firmware update).
  
  Additional important features on the new PENTAX K-5 digital SLR include:
• A fully weather sealed and coldproof design.
• A large 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution.
• Durable magnesium alloy that surrounds a rugged stainless steel chassis.
• Highly accurate 77 segment metering system.
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view and 0.92X magnification.
• PENTAX body-based Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system that works with every PENTAX lens ever made.
• A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed.
• HDMI port outputs high definition images and video (and sound).
• A wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters.
• Customizable RAW/Fx button.
• Built-in electronic level with tilt scale display in LCD panel.
  
  These improvements and features are a direct result of customer feedback provided to PENTAX by dedicated “prosumer” Pentaxian shooters who have helped refine the K-5 to deliver a wide feature set and make it a perfect all-purpose camera for field or studio use. The K-5 is an excellent choice for advanced enthusiasts looking for a compact, yet highly advanced camera without spending thousands of dollars more. The PENTAX K-5 digital SLR will ship in October 2010 as a body kit only for $1,599.95 USD or as a lens kit with the 18-55mm WR for $1,749.95 USD.
  
  
  PENTAX Imaging also announced the smc PENTAX-DA18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR lens designed exclusively for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This interchangeable zoom lens features a simplified weather-resistant construction and extra-smooth autofocus operation using a built-in motor, in addition to its high 7.5X zoom ratio. This new lens will ship in October for $529.95 USD. More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/pentaxian1

And here's what it looks like:

Looks like a winner if they can get their marketing act together. Let's hope Pentax NZ breaks the habit of the century and actually gets a review copy to Gordon this time.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

looks like everything the Olympus E5 should have been. Another great midrange model - it's where all the action is at the moment.

The only problem is - will Pentax ever have one available to try within 100 miles of where I live?

C'mon Pentax. Give one to Gordon to play with

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/53061745@N02/

Panasonic G3: 9-18mm, 14mm, 20mm, 45mm

Going down in model numbers in a model range where it's supposed to be the successor and not a less-featured little sibling? Am I the only one who thinks that's strange?

Ben
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When in doubt..... Press the shutter.

Sounds better than the D7000 with 7 FPS and a weatherproof full steel and alloy body. And also getting on the 16.3 sensor bandwagon.
Mind you the price difference is substantial.

Pentax link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCee0R1sow&feature=player_embedded

Interesting camera, but it remains to be seen whether I'll upgrade from my K-7. Maybe when the K-3 comes?

As far as naming conventions go, Pentax are horrid but they've improved lately. They've gone from atrocities like the *ist D to the K-5.

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PhilipGoh.com