Pentax K-x Camera In Rainbow Colors

Pentax K-x Camera In Rainbow Colors

Pentax has collaborated with Tower Records to produce 1,000 units of the limited-edition ‘Rainbow Colors’ Pentax K-x. This special edition camera has the same specifications as the standard K-x. The camera supports a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD screen with Live View and Face Detection that can detect up to 16 different faces. The new ‘Rainbow Colors’ Pentax K-x captures up to 12,800 ISO in expanded range and records HD videos in 720P at 24fps. These cameras will be released on July 23rd, 2010 at Tower Records for 74,800 Yen ($809) each. [Akihabara]

Pentax's X90 Has An Optical Power Zoom of 26x [Digital Cameras]

Pentax's X90 Has An Optical Power Zoom of 26x [Digital Cameras]

If you haven't got nearly enough of the cameras coming out of the PMA show this week, you couldn't go wrong with the 26x optical zoomer X90 from Pentax, which takes last year's X70 and ups the zoom-factor.

It's still got a 12.1-megapixel sensor, but going back to that zoom lens it now spans a 26mm wide angle to 676mm super telephoto. The LCD measures 2.7-inches and it shoots HD video (no word on specifics, yet) and has face detection, triple shake reduction, anti-shake, an electronic viewfinder, Eye-Fi compatibility and a HDMI interface with USB 2.0 port. Battery life has also been improved by 50 per cent over the X70. You'd be pretty steaming if you splashed the cash on last year's model, though as the date of release hasn't been mentioned by Pentax just yet, it could still be some way off.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Pink Pentax K-x DSLR For Your Girl

Pink Pentax K-x DSLR For Your Girl

Pentax has rolled out the pink version of their K-x DSLR, which is perfect for Valentine’s day gift. FYI, this camera is currently available in red, white, navy blue and black. The entry-level DSLR features a 2.7-inch LCD screen, a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor that is capable of shooting up to 12,800 ISO in expanded range. It is also able to record HD video in 720P at 24fps. The pink Pentax K-x DSLR retails for around $770. [Engadget]

Pentax Optio I-10 Old-fashioned Point-and-shoot Camera

Pentax Optio I-10 Old-fashioned Point-and-shoot Camera

Pentax has launched the Optio I-10 retro point-and-shoot camera that features a gyro-based image stabilizer, a 12.1MP CCD sensor, up to 6400 ISO sensitivity, a 5x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, Face Detection and a 26.7MB built-in Memory (expandable with SD/SDHC memory Cards). Measuring 100.5mm x 65.0mm x 28.0mm and weighing 153grams, this camera is able to record HD video in 1280×720 pixel resolution. The Pentax Optio I-10 is scheduled to be released at the end of February 2010 for 26,000 Yen ($289). [Akihabara]

Pentax's Trio O' Cameras Features Something For Everyone: Specs, Style, and Cheapness

Pentax's Trio O' Cameras Features Something For Everyone: Specs, Style, and Cheapness

They made a brief online appearance over the weekend but were promptly yanked off, but now Pentax has made them official—meet the Optio I-10, H90 and E90 cameras.

Pentax is one of those camera brands that you never really consider unless you're over a certain age and can remember their glory days, but actually, I've always been pretty pleased with their compacts. They're no Panasonic Lumix, but when all three of the below models come in at under $300 and look very different to the rest of the identikit cameras out there, I think they're worth considering. Until reviews start pouring in, of course.

Top of the pile is the I-10 which has a 12.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and can shoot 720p video at 30fps. The LCD screen measures 2.7-inches, and in case you hadn't noticed, there's an inbuilt flash unit and speaker. It'll cost $299.95 when it becomes available next month, and will be in black or pearl white options.

That electro-orange '80s model is the H90, and has similar specs to the I-10, but is quite a bit cheaper at $179.95. Of course, you're compromising on the lens, but with all these '80s throwbacks rearing their heads recently, you may prefer style over substance. It also comes in a nice black/white colorway, and silver/white, if that orange is too offensive for your little eyes.

The bottom of the pile comes in at $100, and while the zoom isn't as attractive on the E90 as the first two models, at 3x, the 10-megapixel sensor and 2.7-inch LCD are pretty decent, as is the fact that it takes AA batteries. $100 is next to nothing, but the lack of optical stabilization may put you off.

[Pentax]

Pentax Optio H90 and Optio L10 cameras

Pentax Optio H90 and Optio L10 cameras

An update on the last Pentax rumors: those images were briefly displayed on a retailer website today and then were quickly removed but thanks to Google cache, I was able to retrieve them - here are the Pentax Optio L10 and Pentax Optio H90 looking good:

There was a third template for another Pentax camera but the image was not downloadable.

(Via Photo Rumors.)

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

The Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Every Purpose

Mark Goldstein is the Editor of Photography Blog. And he's been so kind as provide us with his favorite point and shoot picks in every key category.

Best for lowlight

Canon PowerShot S90 ($400)



The camera of the moment, the popular PowerShot S90 is a small but perfectly formed compact for the keen photographer. Concentrating on image quality rather than simply joining in the megapixel race (just like Sony's TX1 / WX1 models), the S90 offers DSLR-like results in a pocketable device, making it the perfect second camera for any self-respecting DSLR owner. A sensible resolution of 10 megapixels and fast zoom lens make the S90 an excellent choice when the lighting drops. This is one camera that you carry everywhere and still achieve breath-taking photos that will look great on your wall. [Review]

Best bang for your buck

Samsung HZ15W ($250)



Samsung can always be relied upon to deliver more for less, and the HZ15W is certainly no different. The HZ15W can't quite match every feature that its main rivals offer, but it does cost a lot less than them. With an amazingly versatile 10x zoom lens, high-definition video and a wealth of beginner-friendly modes, this well-designed camera is simple to use yet offers enough features and quality to satisfy more experienced photographers. The HZ15W could well be the only camera that you ever need. [Review]

Best video/still crossover

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 ($400)



The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is not only one of the best video compacts on the market, it's also one of the best cameras full stop. Support for the AVCHD Lite format almost doubles the recording time, albeit at the expense of editing ease. The dedicated Record button, stereo microphone, wind cut function and audio sampling at 48kHz combine to make the TZ7 a star performer for moving images. It's also a fantastic stills camera too, with an incredibly versatile 12x zoom and top-notch image quality - a great do-it-all, carry-everywhere device. [Review]

Best super slim model

Sony TX1 ($300)



Sony has long ruled the roost in the 'it's so slim you can barely see it' category, and the desirable TX1 continues that tradition. Combining a sturdy yet stylish metal body, clever sliding front plate and impressive folded lens optics in a frame that's just 14.1mm thick, the TX1 still manages to pack in a 4x zoom lens and 3-inch touch-sensitive rear screen. You also get the added bonus of Sony's impressive 'Exmor R' back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which greatly improves low-light performance. Available in a variety of attractive colors to match your personality, the TX1 is guaranteed to look as good as you. [Review]

Best wet and rugged

Pentax Optio W80 ($210)



Ed note: Brian Lam reviewed most every rugged camera under the sun last summer, and his favorite all around performer went to the Pentax W80, a Jack-of-all-trades rugged cam featuring a 5x internal zoom lens. Its picture quality doesn't compete with the best point and shoots, and the W80 can only be dropped from around 3 feet, but it can go underwater up to 16 feet and function in temperatures down to 14 degrees. [Review]

There are obviously a lot of other great cameras this year for every budget and level of experience. See all of Photography Blog's camera reviews here (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/).

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Pentax's entry-level K-x DSLR receives glowing review

Pentax's entry-level K-x DSLR receives glowing review

Pentax's K-x has been shipping in various corners of the globe (in various hues) for a hot minute now, but at long last the entry-level DSLR has found itself on the test bench. The good folks over at Tech Radar were able to take the $650 shooter for a spin, and with few exceptions, they absolutely adored it. Image quality was deemed fantastic, and without qualification, that's easily the most important aspect of a camera. Critics also appreciated the build quality, rear LCD and ergonomics, though they did note that the 720p movie mode was 'hit and miss.' They found it to be a good fit for novices and amateurs, and while they did feel that it was somewhat less comfortable to wield than Nikon's D5000, they still maintained that it'll be a great bargain when the street price falls just a bit. Tap the read link for the full skinny -- but only if you feel compelled.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Pentax's waterproof Optio W80 reviewed: tough as nails, 'so-so' image quality

Pentax's waterproof Optio W80 reviewed: tough as nails, 'so-so' image quality

We've always heard that life was full of compromises, and evidently Pentax made a few when it decided to build its toughest, most rugged point-and-shoot camera of all time. On paper, the Optio W80 looked mighty promising, but in practice, the all-important image quality was found to fall short. Over at PhotographyBLOG, critics found that the camera could withstand 'virtually anything' within reason, and while the 5x optical zoom and HD movie mode were both appreciated, most everything else was at least somewhat disappointing. The anti-shake system was found to simply slow the camera down, and the image quality was hamstrung by excessive noise at all ISO levels -- even 100. Feel free to peek the full review down in the read link, but make sure to keep your expectations in check.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

We'll admit -- compared to the ketchup-colored K-x, these two just seem lackluster. And, perhaps they are. But there's still some merit to Pentax introducing a new pair of point-and-shoots, with both the M85 and E85 sporting 12 megapixel CCD sensors and relatively slim bodies. The former can also shoot 720p video and features a 3-inch touchscreen, shake reduction and face detection, while the lower end E85 gets saddled with a 2.7-inch LCD, a VGA movie mode and an awkward feeling of incompetence. Both should be available in Euroland next month for €179 ($263) and €129 ($186), respectively.


[Via Engadget German]

Pentax K-x DSLR now official: 12.4MP, 720p video, coming October for $650

Pentax K-x DSLR now official: 12.4MP, 720p video, coming October for $650

Looks like we didn't have to wait long after today's leak. Pentax has made its not quite entry-level DSLR, the K-x. All the earlier specs have panned out, so we're looking at a 12.4 megapixel CMOS censor, a 200 to 6400 ISO sensitivity expandable to 100 to 12,800, 4.7 frames per second continuous shooting, and 720p HD video at 24 frames per second. Sized up to the K-7, its wider ISO range is the only improvement, otherwise on par in features or lacking, as is in the case of AF / AE, video, and continuous shooting speed. It's due out in October available in black, white, red, or navy blue, with an attractive base price of $650 that nets you a 18-55mm lens.

Gallery: Pentax K-x DSLR press shots

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Pentax Optio M85

Pentax Optio M85

Looking for a simple and stylish digital camera? Well, be sure to check out the recently announced Pentax Optio M85. Coming in a metal body, the camera offers a 12-megapixel CCD sensor, 32-96mm 3x optical zoom lens and a large 3.0-inch LCD display. It also sports several advanced features including ISO up to 3200, Face Recognition and the ability to record HD video in 1280 x 720 resolution at 15fps. The Pentax Optio M85 will go on sale in October for unannounced price yet.

[Via PhotographyBlog]

Pentax Optio P80 and E80 Wallet-friendly Compact Digicams

Pentax Optio P80 and E80 Wallet-friendly Compact Digicams

Pentax will release the Optio P80 and E80 wallet-friendly compact digital cameras in September 2009. Available in three fashionable colors including Black, Pearl, and Mint, the Optio P80 comes jam packed with a 12.1 Megapixel sensor, a 4X PENTAX wide angle zoom lens with 27.5 wide angle, a 2.7-inch LCD display, PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology, Face Detection, Smile Capture and ISO up to 6400. This camera is able to record 720p HD video at 30fps.

The Pentax Optio E80 is an entry-level camera that features a 10 Megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, ISO up to 6400, and Face Detection. The camera is able to record 720p HD video at 15fps. The Pentax Optio P80 retails for $199.95, meanwhile the E80 is priced at $129.95.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in 'his-and-her designs' with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400.

As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.

Gallery: Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80

Continue reading Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

(Via Engadget.)

Pentax's Optio W80 point-and-shoot shrugs off water, haters

Pentax's Optio W80 point-and-shoot shrugs off water, haters

While Canon's PowerShot D10 has been hogging the spotlight in the waterproof point-and-shoot arena, Pentax is dropping in a formidable opponent this evening with the Optio W80. Said shooter measures in at just one inch thick and features a 12.1 megapixel sensor, a 5x internal optical zoom, a wide-angle 28mm lens and a SuperProtect coating that helps repel water, grime and finger marks from the len's crystal cover. The chassis is built to handle submersion in water up to 16 feet deep, not to mention extreme cold, dust and drops of one meter or less. There's also a 2.5-inch rear LCD, a 720p movie mode, face detection and shake reduction. It's slated to ship next month for $299.95; now you've just got to decide between Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray. Tough call, right? The full release is just past the break.

Gallery: Pentax's Optio W80 point-and-shoot shugs off water, haters

Continue reading Pentax's Optio W80 point-and-shoot shrugs off water, haters

(Via Engadget.)

Pentax K-7 review roundup

Pentax K-7 review roundup

We've been nothing if not comprehensive in our coverage of this new Pentax shooter, and early reviews are showing why. Photography Blog praised the K-7 for its weatherproofing and for having 'one of the best LCD screens' they've ever seen on a DSLR, while ePHOTOzine were impressed by the image quality and Wired found the package of features and specs exceedingly robust given the $1,300 asking price. Some shortcomings were found, such as the slightly unintuitive interface and noise levels at higher ISO settings, but impressions were overwhelmingly positive.

(Via Engadget.)

Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera

Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera

Pentax introduced the first waterproof digital camera in 2005 - the 5-megapixel Pentax Optio WP. Five Optio W cameras later, Pentax announces their latest and greatest – the Pentax Optio W80. The Optio W80 increases resolution to 12 megapixels and adds shock resistance, cold resistance, a 5x wide-angle zoom lens and waterproofing has been increased to handle depths up to 16 feet (5 meters).



This is the year of the waterproof digital camera - everybody’s doing it. We’ve gone from two manufacturers and a couple of waterproof digital cameras per year to five new waterproof cameras and three new players (Canon, Fujifilm and Panasonic) at PMA this spring. It’s not enough for these cameras to just be waterproof now, either. To really kick some booty, a camera needs to be shockproof as well as waterproof.

Frankly, Pentax was starting to lag a little behind with their waterproof camera features - until now. The new Optio W80 is droppable, dunkable, and freezable. It can capture 720p HD video and the 5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) offers more zoom range than any other waterproof digital camera. Spec-wise, the W80 is waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof from 3.3 feet (1 meter) and it will operate in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius). The 28mm wide end of the zoom is even a real wide-angle – not something you get with every underwater digital camera. The W80 also has Face Detection, Auto Picture mode, Auto Macro, AF Assist, and D-Range to protect highlight and shadow detail. To help keep photos sharp, Pentax has the Pixel Track SR mode. This is a different image stabilization strategy than the traditional optical or sensor-shift solutions. It’s also different than digital image stabilization modes that increase camera sensitivity for faster shutter speeds that can freeze action. Instead, Pixel Track SR uses a dedicated processor to analyze images at the pixel level and correct for camera shake. The W80 also has High-Sensitivity SR and Movie SR modes. I haven’t seen the Pixel Track SR system in action so I can’t say how well it works. But I’m very curious and look forward to testing it.

Performance is number one and we need to see how the new Pentax W80 holds up in the water as well as what the image quality is like. Image quality is the main area where underwater digital cameras really have room to improve. I have yet to use one that impressed me with its image quality. For some reason, the camera makers always compromise on image quality with waterproof cameras. It’s been a while since we’ve tested one of the Pentax Optio cameras and I’m curious about the image quality from the W80’s 12-megapixel sensor. Maybe the new Pentax W80 will be the first point-and-shoot digital camera to finally offer a rugged, waterproof build with great image quality. I hope we get one soon so we can find out if this is the one.

(Via Photography Review Blog.)

Pentax K7 Digital SLR Announced

Pentax K7 Digital SLR Announced

'
It’s been over a year since Pentax introduced the K20D, their current top-of-the-line digital SLR body. Even though they did make a lot of announcements in 2008, my impression has been that things have been a little on the quiet side for Pentax in the past year. They need something big to bring the buzz back. The new 14.6-megapixel Pentax K7 DSLR should do that. Pentax system owners should be very happy and other digital SLR owners might be a little jealous. It may have taken a while for Pentax to produce a new camera. But in July, $1299 will buy you a whole lot of Pentax-badged digital SLR. And yeah - it’s got video.

In 2006, Pentax set themselves apart from other digital SLR makers with the introduction of the K10D, a compact, rugged, weatherproof camera featuring their in-camera Shake Reduction system. It got great reviews and offered a real alternative for photographers who wanted a high-performance digital SLR that could take some abuse and didn’t cost a fortune. The K20D followed about a year later. The new Pentax K7 inherits the design philosophy of the K10D and K20D and packs a whole lot of new features and improved performance into the smallest body in its class. It’s built around a brand new 14.6-megapixel, APS-sized CMOS sensor with Live View and 720p video capture at 30 frames-per-second. Pentax’s new PRIME II image processing engine allows a 5.2 frames-per-second capture rate and as well as improved color and smoother tonal gradations.

Other new features include a 77-segment exposure metering system, an electronic level, auto focus assist lamp, in-camera lens distortion and chromatic aberration correction, mirror lock-up, an in-camera HDR mode that brackets and combines three images, image composition adjustment using the Shake Reduction feature, HDMI output, and the ability to record copyright information in the camera. A new 3-inch 920k-dot LCD will be better for Live View and video shooting. The K7 has an 11-point auto focus system with improved algorithms for faster focusing and a bright, 100% viewfinder will help photographers track their subjects and compose more accurately. The built-in Shake Reduction system now detects rotational as well as X and Y-axis movement to compensate for a claimed 2.5-4 stops slower shutter speed. The camera also has a Dynamic Range setting that adjusts shadows and highlights and 16 in-camera digital filters. A new, improved battery addresses the need for more power when using Live View and shooting video.

The Pentax K7 is aimed at the Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D90, Olympus E30, and Sony Alpha A700. Competitive resolution, HD video, a 3-inch LCD, Shake Reduction and weatherproofing in the smallest body of the bunch should get people’s attention. Add the electronic level, HDR mode, 100% viewfinder and the rest of the new features and it starts to look really serious. The K10D and K20D were especially appealing to outdoor photographers who needed a compact, rugged camera they could use in any environment. The new K7 is a more than worthy follow-up and I’m pleased to see Pentax continuing what they started with the K10D. The Pentax K7 will be available in July for $1299.95 (body only). Pentax is also introducing two new weather-resistant DA lenses and a battery grip to go with the new camera. The Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR and the smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR will also be available in July for $199.95 and $249.95, respectively. The D-BG4 battery grip will be available at the same time for $229.95.

(Via Photography Review Blog.)

Pentax Optio E75 compact is perfect for capturing giraffes in the air or water

Pentax Optio E75 compact is perfect for capturing giraffes in the air or water

In the cutthroat world of compact cameras it takes a certain something special to stand out -- and we're not entirely sure that Pentax's new Optio E75 has it. The 10.2 megapixel shooter offers a CCD sensor with an ISO range of 80 - 1600 tucked behind a perfectly average 3X, 32 - 96mm equivalent, non-stabilized zoom. It has room for a 2.7-inch screen, shoots video in good 'ol VGA, has all the de rigueur face and smile detection modes, and will cost €120 (about $160) when it drops in Europe this July. No word on a domestic release, but perhaps we'll find out more next week.



[Via Engadget Spanish]

Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release

Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release

Got an itch that only a 30 megapixel shooter can scratch? Not really kosher on anything offered up by Hassleblad? For those odd, eccentric souls who somehow managed to answer 'yes' to both of those inquiries, you'll be elated to know that Pentax's long awaited 645 Digital -- which was once rumored as canceled altogether -- is on track to be released next year. According to an update on the company's Japanese website, the device will boast 30 megapixels and will play quite nicely with the FA645 55mm f/2.8 lens that should launch simultaneously. Start saving those tax credits right about now -- we can say with absolutely certainty that you'll need every spare dollar you can find to afford this sucker.

[Via DigitalCameraInfo]

Gallery: Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release

(Via Engadget.)