Exciting news for Pentax, as it announced the release of its very first medium format camera. The Pentax 645D is the Japanese company’s first medium format digital camera which features a 40 mega-pixel, 44 x 33 CCD sensor. The camera will be available this May at a reasonable US$9,400 price tag.

The Pentax 645D is reasonably priced for a medium format digital camera, as the same class of camera like Mamiya’s can cost a hefty US$22,000. However the medium format’s quality has yet to be reviewed.

According to Pentax it has developed the 645D to simplify professional level shooting especially for photographers and hobbyist who specialize in landscape and outdoor photography.

“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” said Pentax in a press release statement.

It is dubbed by professional photographers (who have conflicting opinions about the 645D release) as the ‘first amateur medium-format digital camera’.

The Pentax 645D is similar to an old film body, squarish with an easy grip. The medium format uses SD cards as well as compact flash memory card which is convenient and a cheap option. Features of the 645 D include an in-camera HDR mode which can combine three images into one.

Pentax also released the accompanying smc D FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW lens. This is the first lens in Pentax’s D FA 645 lens series. The Pentax medium format lens is a weather-resistant prime lens which features a Supersonic Direct-drive Motor (SDM) autofocus drive and Quick-Shift for instant AF/MF switching. It is Pentax’s first 645 system lens to incorporate a rounded diaphragm. The 55mm lens will be available alongside the 645D camera to be sold for US1,000.

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Pentax Imaging Co. is launching a 26x mega zoom digital camera, the Pentax X90 and it looks zooper fine.

UK can get its hands on the Pentax X90 this April for a £329.99 price tag. The X90 is a best buy camera!

Any camera fanatic will look forward to the X90, it has 12 mega-pixel sensor plus an impressive 26x super-telephoto lens (26-67mm equivalent) which also has a Macro mode. So you can zoom to an image from far away or take close up pictures (focuses to less than one inch).

Other features of the Pentax X90 include an Intelligent Zoom function which vamps up the focal length to ‘4225 mm’.
The X90 can be controlled manually (like a digital SLR) and also has an Auto focus mode.

The Pentax X90 also has an electronic viewfinder, a High Definition video function.
Load your photos directly from the camera to Facebook or Flickr or to your computer via the Pentax X90 WiFi connectivity.

The Pentax X90 boasts of fast continuous shooting of up to 11 frames per second. It also has a 32 faces Fast Face Detection capability.

Pentax created a digital compact camera with SLR technology that is still a relatively light weight.
Available for pre-order at www.pentaxwebstore.com

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Say hello to the cute digital SLR camera, Pentax K-x, now available in 12 colours! You can choose Pentax K-x in new hues such as Beige, Chocolate, Metal Fuchsia, Pink, Metal Turquoise, Metal Dark Grey, Olive Green and Soft Brown. The Pentax K-x already exists in Black, Pearl White, Red and Navy Blue. A total of 12 colours for Pentax digital SLR are now available in Europe.

You know your budget is in danger when the digital SLR is as photogenic as your subject! Whether you decide to collect all the colours in the Pentax K-x series (good luck with that) or just decide to get one, the fact is Pentax K-x is a decent entry level digital SLR camera.

The Pentax K-x, priced $649.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), is perfect for point and shoot camera users who have decided they want to try digital SLR.

Aside from a sashay of colours the Pentax K-x’s body is light weight and ergonomically designed for one-handed shooting.

Pentax K-x also boasts of a 12.5 megapixel CMOS sensor. The camera can shoot a decent 4.7 frame per second and it also captures 24 frames of 720p HD video per second.  It also uses a live view screen in a 2.7 inch LCD.

Shooting at night produces relatively good shots as K-x is equipped with a 6400 ISO which is expandable to 12800.

A photography newbie can also benefit from the Pentax K-x cross-processing mode added to the impressive range of filter and processing options. This means photos can be altered to suit your vision whether that be an artsy family photo or a retro looking self portrait.

Portrait photographers will also be happy to know the camera has an orientation sensor.

The biggest problem a user might have with the Pentax K-x is that it uses AA batteries rather than the rechargeable lithium kind.

PENTAX K-x KEY FEATURES

√ High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.

√ Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).

√ Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.

√ Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.

√ True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.

√ Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.

√ Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.

√ Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.

√ Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

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Pentax has come up yet again with another powerful and innovative digital camera that can outlast any harsh element that one can encounter while shooting. The Pentax Optio W80 is designed to perform at its best even when submerged in water up to 5 metres in depth for two hours, dropped up to 3.3 feet in height, or exposed to extreme temperature up to -10o Celcius. Enjoy the convenience of its robust built while taking advantage of its state-of-the-art 12.1 megapixel image sensor and 5x optical zoom lens that can guarantee high quality images at all cost.

Press Release:

PENTAX ANNOUNCES ITS MOST SHOCK AND WATERPROOF DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA EVER: THE OPTIO W80

Golden, Co (June 24, 2009) – The manufacturer that builds digital cameras to go boldly where none have gone before has announced the PENTAX Optio W80. More adventure-proof than ever, this latest PENTAX digital camera is waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than three feet (one meter).

PENTAX first introduced dunkable digital cameras in 2003 to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and families everywhere. Today, the PENTAX Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video for up to two hours. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills. Also featuring 12.1 megapixels, a 5X internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim one inch body, and a wide angle 28mm lens, the Optio W80 offers an expanded perspective that is ideal for landscape, group and more confined shots. With a PENTAX-developed imaging engine and a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. A Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the mineral crystal cover of the internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime and finger marks.

Other important features in the Optio W80 include a:

* Coldproof design that allows the camera to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
* 2.5 inch LCD monitor that features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight.
* Widescreen, HD movie capture that records resolutions up to 1280×720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second.
* Fast Face Detection technology that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots.
* Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) that ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. * Digital SR and Movie SR are also available.
* Close focusing, Super Macro mode that brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm (less than one inch).

Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $299.95 USD. To help keep the Optio W80 fresh and at hand, PENTAX offers a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95 USD) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($19.95 USD). More information about the Optio W80 and these accessories is available at www.pentaximaging.com and preorders may be placed now at www.pentaxwebstore.com.

Check other camera accessories in our camera accessories section.

PENTAX OPTIO P70 DIGITAL CAMERA

An impressive handy digital camera is what the Pentaz Optio P70 is. Its sleek, aluminum casing, 2.7” LCD monitor, and 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens make it an ideal carry around camera. It has features like the Pixel Track Shake Reduction and it can take high definition videos at the rate of 15 fps with its Movie Capture function.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX OPTIO E70 DIGITAL CAMERA

When you look for style and function in a digital camera, the Pentax Optio E70 is the perfect choice. It is packed with modern features that will ensure high quality photos at all times such as the Auto Picture mode and the Smile Capture function.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX OPTIO E60 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Pentax Optio E60 is perfect to bring when shooting for long hours since it can be powered by two AA batteries. There is no need to limit your shots just to make sure your camera last the day. Its Digital Panorama mode make it an excellent choice for landscape photography.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX OPTIO W60 DIGITAL CAMERA

A water resistant and cold proof camera, the Pentax Optio W60 is sure to take your shooting to a higher level. It’s designed to take high quality photos with 10 megapixels and videos up to 13 ft. below the water surface and even with sub-zero temperature level.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX OPTIO A40 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Pentax Optio A40 is ideal for portraiture because of its Natural Skin Tone mode that levels the subject’s skin tone and texture in the photos. Also, its Dynamic Range Adjustment feature minimize shadows and unwanted highlights.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX X70 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Pentax X70 is equipped with a 24x wide-angle optical zoom lens. This allows up to 12 million effective pixels to be translated into sharp and detailed photos. It is an excellent choice for macro shots. With this capability, it’s almost like a digital SLR.

Camera’s Specifications:

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PENTAX K20D DIGITAL SLR

Inside its dustproof and weather-resistant casing is a CMOS sensor that produces high quality images with up to 14.6 million effective pixels and minimal image noise. Its primary feature is the Pentax Real Image Engine, a processing engine that allows maximum control of image properties and parameters such as colour tones and ISO sensitivity among others.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX K200D DIGITAL SLR

The Pentax K200D is designed to perform even in challenging shooting conditions. Its stainless steel body is armored with fiber and polycarbonate and is carefully sealed to make sure that humidity, moisture and dust particles cannot interfere with the camera’s performance. It is equipped with the Dust Reduction and Dust Alert functions so you can do without the tedious process of correcting images with dust imprints.

Camera’s Specifications:

PENTAX K2000 DIGITAL SLR

Aside from being small and light, the Pentax K2000 has functions that automatically adjust the camera’s settings depending on the shooting condition, like the Pentax Auto Picture. On the contrary, the PRIME engine allows changing the camera’s settings manually. Its Shake Reduction function minimizes blurs in your images.

Camera’s Specifications:

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A digital SLR that’s compact enough and equipped with a wide array of features that every photographer (and even first time users) will find handy – this is what the Pentax K20D is vouching for. Inside its dustproof and weather-resistant casing is a CMOS sensor that produces high quality images with up to 14.6 million effective pixels and minimal image noise. Its primary feature is the Pentax Real Image Engine, PRIME for short, which is a processing engine that allows maximum control of image properties and parameters such as colour tones and ISO sensitivity among others.

The Pentax K200D digital SLR is designed to perform even in the most challenging shooting conditions. Its stainless steel body is armored with fiber and polycarbonate and is carefully sealed to make sure that humidity, moisture and dust particles cannot interfere with the camera’s performance. In addition to that, it is equipped with the Dust Reduction and Dust Alert functions so you can do without the tedious process of correcting images with dust imprints.