Pentax Introduces Two New DSLRs Including One with Shake Reduction Technology
PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the Pentax K100D, which combines 6.1 effective megapixels with a host of advanced technologies including a Shake Reduction (SR) system to deliver high-quality digital SLR photography and user-friendly operation to all levels of photographers.
The PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system in the K100D effectively offers a two-stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens or shooting in low light without a flash.
The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the system does not require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*
"The ease-of-use, advanced features and attractive price make the PENTAX K100D digital SLR a perfect choice for users moving up from a point-and-shoot camera," said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
Also announced today is the Pentax K110D, an entry-level digital SLR camera, which has all of the features of the K100D with the exception of Shake Reduction. Both models reflect a new digital SLR naming system that references the reverse compatibility that each body has with the legacy of Pentax K-mount lenses. The Pentax K100D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in July 2006 for $699.95 US, while the Pentax K110D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in August 2006 for $599.95 US.
Along with the two new SLR models, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited interchangeable wide-angle lens. Previewed at PMA 2006 in Orlando, the lens features a versatile angle of view and an ultra-thin, pancake design that offers go-anywhere portability that is ideal for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography. The latest lens inherits all the attributes of the acclaimed PENTAX Limited lens series including high-quality image reproduction, distinctive visual description, and high-grade lens-barrel finish. The smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited lens will ship in July 2006 for $549.95.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital cameras, lenses, scopes, eyepieces, binoculars, mobile printers, scanners and Internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
PENTAX K100D and K110D Digital SLR Product Information
PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images (K100D Only)
The K100D features a PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens, shooting in low light conditions without a supplementary flash illumination. The K100D SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. This system does not require special anti-shake lenses and may be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Certain camera and/or lens functions may be disabled.
11-point wide-frame AF to capture off-center subjects in crisp focus
The sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation. This high-precision AF system offers a choice of two AF modes: the conventional single AF, and the continuous AF,** which maintains focus on the moving subject as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.
** The continuous AF mode is selectable by the user only when P, Tv, Av, M or B is selected as a shooting mode on the mode dial. This mode is automatically activated by the camera when the Auto Picture Program, or one of the Picture or Scene modes, is selected.
Auto sensitivity control up to ISO equivalent 3200
Both cameras feature an auto sensitivity control function, which automatically sets the optimum standard output sensitivity - up to equivalent ISO of 3200, which is the highest automatic setting in its class - based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps photographers reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images.
Auto Picture Mode for effortless point-and-shoot SLR photography
The K100D and K110D offer the exclusive PENTAX Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects one of the four Picture modes - including Portrait, Landscape and Macro - by calculating various photographic factors to assure optimum results. Since this advanced shooting mode takes away all the concerns about aperture, shutter-speed, white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity.
Large LCD monitor to facilitate image viewing and menu setting
These new Pentax cameras incorporate a large 2.5 inch color LCD monitor on its back panel that offers a wide-view design that allows views from over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With a total of approximately 210,000 pixels, the monitor offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the image's focusing status and details. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations. In addition, the color scheme between the menu listings and the background is optimized for each menu screen to assure at-a-glance confirmation, even under varying shooting conditions.
True-to-life, rich-gradation images assured by 6.1 effective megapixels
The cameras feature a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD as its image sensor, assuring the faithful reproduction of the desired photographic intention in the resulting images - from images with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds to those with edge-to-edge sharpness. Combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K100D is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in gradation. What's more, it offers a choice of two finishing touches of "Natural" or "Bright" to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, with outstanding rigidity
While the K100D and K110D have been designed to be compact and lightweight to enhance operability and portability, they also incorporate newly developed stainless-steel chassis and a fiber-reinforced engineering plastic housing to reinforce its overall rigidity and durability.
Bright, clear viewfinder
The K110D and K100D feature a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines PENTAX finder optics and a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver bright, clear subject image with a 0.85X magnification and a 96 percent field of view.
Top shutter speed of 1/4000 second
The K100D and K110D offer a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture decisive moments and features a flash synchronization speed of 1/180 second and a bulb setting (B) for extended exposures.
Continuous shooting at approximately 2.8 images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject's expressions, the K100D and K110D offer a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture multiple images (up to five images at ?Best? image quality in JPEG format) at a maximum speed of approximately 2.8 images per second.
Upgraded standard software package
The standard software package consists of the PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 that features the reliable SILKYPIX image-processing engine (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) for RAW data processing, and the PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 that offers faster data processing speed and better operability than the previous version, and can convert RAW images to the DNG format. DNG is a public, archival format for digital camera raw data.
Save-by-day Storage Capability on an SD memory card
Images may be stored in a standard format where all files are located in one folder, or the images can be stored in folders for each day of shooting automatically on an SD memory card.
Additional features
* 19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
* SD memory card compatibility
* Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
* Choice of two depth-of-field preview functions (digital/optical)
* Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
* Noise reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
* Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries, or four AA-size batteries)
* USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
* Choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) and RAW
* Five digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
* PictBridge compatibility
SD Logo is a trademark
PENTAX, K100D, K110D and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
PENTAX PHOTO Browser and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice
Features
* 6.1 MP APS-C size CCD with high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies
* High-precision SAFOX VIII 11-point auto focus (9 cross-type sensors) system with single and continuous AF
* Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 200 to 3200 with an auto mode that takes advantage of the entire range
* Mode Dial includes the standard Exposure Modes, Auto Picture Mode, Picture Modes, and now Scene Modes
* Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution, wide viewing angle and 12 time zoom
* Sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering determines the optimal exposure settings
K110D and K100D Specifications
* Pixels: 6.1 Megapixels (Effective), 6.3 Total
* Color Depth: 8-bit (JPEG) or 12-bit (RAW) x 3 colors
* Image Sizes: (JPEG) 3008x2008 pixels, 2400x1600 pixels, 1536x1024 pixels
(RAW) 3008x2008 pixels
Focus System
* Type: TTL Phase-matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VII) w/AF assist lamp
* AF Modes: AF-Single (w/focus lock), AF-Continuous, Manual
* Illumination Range - EV1 - EV19 (@ ISO 200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)
* Shake Reduction: (K100D Only)
Lens Mount
* Type: Pentax Kaf Mount compatible with Pentax Kaf2, KAF and KA mount lenses
* K-Mount Lenses: Usable with restrictions
* S-Mount Lenses: Usable with adapter and restrictions
* 67/645 Lenses: Usable with adapter and restrictions
DA 18-55mm Lens
* Type: DA Series smc Pentax Zoom
* Focal Length: 18mm-55mm
* 35mm Equivalent: 27mm-83mm
* Aperture Range - f/3.5 - f/5.6
* Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
Exposure Control
* Light Metering Method: TTL-open-aperture metering with choice of 16-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot Meter
* Metering Range: EV1 - EV21.5 (@ ISO 200 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)
* Sensitivity - ISO auto 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
* Exposure control method: Program AE, Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode, Scene Mode, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb
* Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)
* Auto Exposure Lock - Pushbutton type with approx. 20 sec. timer
* Depth of Field Preview: Via main switch
* Auto Bracketing - 3 frames +/- 1.5EV (1/2 steps) or +/- 1EV (1/3 steps)
* Shutter: Type - Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed - 1/4000 - 30 seconds and Bulb
* White Balance: Control - TTL Auto, Pre-set, Custom white balance
Available Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Flourescent light, flash, manual
* Flash:
o Built-in series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
o Operation Modes: auto, flash-off, flash-on, auto+red-eye reduction, flash-on + red-eye reduction
o Guide Number: 15.6 (@ ISO 200 / m)
o Angle of View Coverage - 28mm (equivalent to 35mm)
o Flash Exposure Compensation: +1 to -2 (1/2 steps)
o Flash Synchronization - With RTF adn via hot shoe
o Sync Speed - 1/180 sec., P-TTL high speed sync with Pentax dedicated flash
* Picture Modes: Mode Dial: Auto Picture, Scene, Standard, Portrait, Night-scene Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Flash Off, Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb ? Scene Modes: Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
* Digital Filter: Black & White, Sepia, Color (18 types), Soft (3 levels), Slim, Brightness
* Drive Modes: Single-shot, Continuous (2.8fps, 5 JPEG, 3 RAW), Self-timer (12sec, 2sec), Auto bracketing, Remote Control (0sec, 3sec)
LCD / Viewfinder
* Optical Viewfinder -Pentamirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
* Viewfinder Coverage - 96%
* Viewfinder Magnification - 0.85x (with 50mm f1.4 lens, -1-1)
* Diopter Adjustment - -2.5m-1 to +1.5m-1LCD Monitor ? 2.5 inch, TFT color LCD (Low Reflection) ?with Histogram display
* LCD Coverage - 100%
* LCD Resolution - Approx. 210,000 pixels
* Angle of View - Approx. 140O
Playback Specifications
* Playback Modes File - Single, Index - Nine image
* Magnification ? 12x
* LCD Function - Image rotation, Slide show, Digital filter, Histogram, Exposure warning
* Erase and Image Protect Modes - Single, All
PictBridge
One image print, All image print, DPOF, Paper size, Paper type, Paper quality, Border
Language
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Swedish, Dutch
Interfaces
* Type - USB 2.0 high speed
* Video Output - Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
Power Supply
Power Source - Four AA (Lithium, Alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH) batteries, or Two CR-V3 lithium batteries, Optional AC adapter also available
Physical Dimensions
* Operating Temperatures - 32° to 104° Fahrenheit (0° to 40° Celsius)
* Dimensions (W x H x D) ? 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.8 Inches (129.5x 92.5 x 70mm)
* Weight ? 19.8 oz. (560g) without battery and SD memory card
22.4 oz. (635g) loaded and ready
Computer System Requirements
* Mac Requirements - OS: Mac OS 10.2 or later, standard equipped USB port
* PC Requirements - OS: Windows 2000, XP Home edition / Professional, standard equipped USB port
K110D Lens Kit Information
* Product Code: 19028 / UPC (027075121454)
* Includes: K110D Body, DA 18-55mm Lens, Video Cable I-VC28, USB Cable I-USB17, Strap O-ST53, (4) AA Batteries, Hot-Shoe cover FK, Lens Cap F52mm, lens Hood PH-RBA 52mm, Eyecup FO, Finder Ca for ME, Body Mount Cover, Software CD S-SW53, Operating Manual, and Serial Number Card.
K100D Lens Kit Information
* Product Code: 19018 / UPC (027075121393)
* Includes: K100D Body, DA 18-55mm Lens, Video Cable I-VC28, USB Cable I-USB17, Strap O-ST53, (4) AA Batteries, Hot-Shoe cover FK, Lens Cap F52mm, lens Hood PH-RBA 52mm, Eyecup FO, Finder Ca for ME, Body Mount Cover, Software CD S-SW53, Operating Manual, and Serial Number Card.
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