Digital SLR Camera PentaxThe Pentax K20D is Pentax’s latest midpriced lens-interchangeable digital SLR based on the successful K10D body with a 14.6 megapixel 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor, upgraded from the 10.2 megapixel sensor in the K10D, that was newly developed to take advantage of Pentax interchangeable lenses by detecting diagonal light better. It also has improved noise reduction, a dustproof and weather resistant body with several dust reducing features like Dust Alert, 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor with the Live View function for high and low angle shooting, SAFOX VIII autofocus system featuring 11 sensor points.
Other features:
Shake Reduction compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced, including new SDM lenses, minimizes the effect of camera shake
PRIME image processing engine maximizes image properties and allows custom adjustment of image parameters
Custom Image modes, with six preset options, offer superior control of how the PRIME processor develops images
Enhanced Dynamic Range mode gives 200% more dynamic range
Advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, ensure perfectly exposed and focused images
Unique exposure modes, such as hyper-program, Sv and TAv, offer shooting versatility
And best of all you’ll be able to use all of your old Pentax compatible lenses.
February 5th, 2008
Digital SLR Camera PentaxAs dpreview.com/ says: “K10D is Pentax’s first foray into the serious-amateur digital SLR market. It’s bigger, tougher and more feature rich than any Pentax digital SLR before it and it certainly carries a wide enough range of features to worry the ‘big name’ brands. Headline features include a stabilized ten megapixel CCD, high quality image processing pipeline, dust and weather proof seals, 11-point AF (with 9 cross-type points) and some unique exposure modes. A full detailed list of the top 20 features can be found below. It’s clear that Pentax are targeting the likes of the Canon EOS 30D and Nikon D200, on paper it’s a very strong contender.”
Pentax has succeeded in producing a 10 megapixel digital SLR at a competitive price that exceeds what Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLRs has to offer. Image quality is good although not extremely crisp. The body is solid and has been well tested. Autofocus works well even if it takes a second to focus. The continuous shooting feature is great. And the Shake Reduction system is in the camera rather than in expensive lenses and it’s not “fake” digital shake reduction. Best of all the camera can be had for under $700, nearly $500 with some rebates.
Features and basics:
10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints.
2.5-inch LCD display.
In-camera Shake Reduction (SR) and Dust Reduction (DR) systems; dust-proof, weather-resistant body.
Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME).
Dust Removal (DR) system incorporating Pentax-original Special Protect (SP) coating to help keep the CCD surface dust-free, and a shift mechanism to shake dust off the CCD.
11-point wide-frame AF.
5.6 x 4 x 2.7 inches ; 1.7 pounds
December 18th, 2007
Pentax
“Underwater images came out sharp and satisfying in Auto or Program picture mode, with good color balance, but the dedicated underwater mode simply adds a blue appearance to the image and otherwise acts as Program mode. I found the color to be too blue in this mode, and much preferred the normal color balance underwater … Images out of the water were simple to shoot and gave pleasing results. There’s a shooting mode for just about any situation, though the sheer number available can be confusing at times. … Overall, there’s little not to like about this camera. It’s similar to many other shirt-pocket compacts on the market, with the added bonus of going with you into the pool or ocean instead of sitting behind on the beach. So go ahead, jump right in - the Optio W30 will happily go along with you.”
Source
June 14th, 2007
Pentax
Vnunet has a review of the Pentax Optio A30 and writes, “with higher ISO settings image noise is often an issue and certainly here there’s plenty of that in all but the brightest of light. The reason for much of this disappointing performance is the 10-megapixel sensor. While that many dots may sound alluring, the sensor is not physically large enough to have to draw in enough light to prevent the resulting image noise. … Pentax’s reputation for making solid, feature-heavy, attractive cameras while keeping the cost down remains in place with this device – it’s a snip at the price, but it’s not as accomplished as some seemingly less well-equipped models.”
 Source
June 14th, 2007
PentaxIT Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio A30 and writes, “The speed of operation has also been quickened and the overall detail and colour tones, brightness and contrast of the final images are well above average. Having an extra Super Macro setting means you can now get as close as 2.3 inches from your target and the rechargeable D-LI8 lithium ion battery allows for approximately 150 photos and 110 minutes of playback time. … Pentax has wasted no time in bringing the Optio range bang up to date with a vastly improved and highly effective Shake Reduction system, plus Face Recognition and an extra Macro setting.”
Source
June 4th, 2007
Hoya Pentax
We’d say “another one bites the dust,” only that in the case of multi-billion dollar company takeovers, the metaphorical particulate is invariably of the gold form. Yeah, the latest mega-corp takeover is here, as Pentax has been taken over by Japanese company, Hoya.
The deal was overshadowed by some rough internal wrangling in Pentax, involving calls from shareholders to reinstate an ex-President in favor of the takeover: the end result being that the current one, Takashi Watanuki, was forced to agree to the merger.
We can’t draw much from this deal at the moment, but as Hoya is involved in technology like medical imaging equipment, we’d expect a proportion of the impact to fall outside of our gadgetry remit. We’ve no fear that Pentax will be dropping out of the con / prosumer camera market just yet though,
so for now just think of this as a business blip on your gadget radar.
Source: Engadget
May 30th, 2007
PentaxBlogCritics has a review of the Pentax K100D and writes, “I was pleasantly surprised by the K100D. The camera is a perfect entry into the DSLR market, and one that can be easily built on. The use of the KA-Mount lenses is a good idea, these can be (more…)
May 10th, 2007
Pentax
Pros: Excellent image quality, though very softLow noise all the way to ISO 1600Robust performanceAll the benefits of a D-SLR: lenses, flashes, and full manual controlsUses AA (or CR-V3) batteriesRAW and TIFF modes with no performance penaltyGreat low light foc…
(more…)
May 7th, 2007
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