The Pentax K100D and Pentax K110D - the first Pentax DSLRs to forgo the company's "*ist" branding - both share an identical (newly developed) body and feature set, with the exception of this anti-shake mechanism. The cameras have a sensor resolution of six megapixels, and accept lenses using the Pentax KAF lens mount. The stabilization mechanism - dubbed "Shake Reduction" - found on the K100D is undoubtedly the standout feature. Konica Minolta has used a similar CCD-shift based system for a while now, and it has offered the ability to stabilize images on almost every lens compatible with the camera body. Absent from the K110D model, the Shake Reduction system is said to have been developed by Pentax themselves, and to work with "almost all" existing Pentax lenses, although the company notes that "[certain] lenses may lose part of their functions".

Focusing can be controlled automatically or manually, and uses a phase detection system with 11 points (nine of them cross-type) to determine focus. Images can be framed using a penta-mirror optical viewfinder, and reviewed on a 2.5" LCD display with a resolution of 210,000 pixels. A choice of program, aperture- and shutter-priority or manual exposure modes; 16-segment multi, center-weighted or spot metering; shutter speeds from 30 - 1/4000 second; user-selectable ISO sensitivity from 200 - 3200 equivalent, plus eight white balance modes including fully manual white balance let your creative juices flow. For fun snapshots, the cameras offer a range of automatic controls including eight scene modes and four Picture modes (the latter essentially being scene modes that have positions on the mode dial rather than being accessed through the LCD display). A five-mode flash strobe is also available, along with a two or twelve-second self timer.

The K100 and K110D store images on optional Secure Digital or MultiMediaCards, in either Raw (uncompressed) or JPEG (compressed) formats. Connectivity includes both NTSC / PAL switcheable video output and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed computer link, as well as a DC input connection for powering the camera when batteries are impractical (in a photo studio, for example). Power otherwise comes from four AA or 2 CR-V3 batteries including disposable types, offering a little extra versatility when you're on the road and can't get to a power point to charge up.

The Pentax K100D will reach the market first this July, priced at $699.95 including an smc 18-55mm kit lens. The K110D will follow from August, priced at $599.95 with the same lens. Pentax also simultaneously announced availability of its smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited lens, previewed earlier this year at the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow. That lens will ship in July, priced at $549.95.

Pentax K100D
General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Pentax
Model Number	K100D
Dimensions	5.1 x 3.6 x 2.8" 129.5 x 92.5 x 70.0mm
Weight	635.0 g 22.2 oz
Planned Price	$699.95
Planned Availability	Jul 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type	CCD 6.31 megapixels (total) 6.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Image Dimensions	3008 x 2008 (6.0 megapixels)2400 x 1600 (3.8 megapixels)1536 x 1024 (1.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 2.8 frames per second for 5 frames
Image Quality	4 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, -Pentamirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen 96% field of view
LCD	2.5", 210,000 pixels 100% field of view
Playback Zoom	12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens
Lens Mount	PENTAX KAF; KAF2, KAF, KA lens
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focusing System	11-point TTL phase-matching (SAFOX VIII) with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	16-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash, Manual, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 16 Modes: - Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction Range: 15.6m (at ISO 200)
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/2EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 12 seconds
Time Lapse	No
Storage
Recording Medium	SD/MMC
File System	Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG (EXIF v2.21)
Connectivity
Video	Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	DC In
Power
Battery Type	Alkaline or Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	4 x AA or 2 x CR-V3
Product Bundle
Software	Software (CD ROM) S-SW53
Battery / Charger	4 x AA alkaline battery
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	No
Tripod Mount	Yes
Remote Control	Yes, Remote Control F
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Pentax K110D
General
Camera Type	SLR
Manufacturer	Pentax
Model Number	K110D
Dimensions	5.1 x 3.6 x 2.8" 129.5 x 92.5 x 70.0mm
Weight	635.0 g 22.2 oz
Planned Price	$599.95
Planned Availability	Aug 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type	CCD 6.31 megapixels (total) 6.10 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Image Dimensions	3008 x 2008 (6.0 megapixels)2400 x 1600 (3.8 megapixels)1536 x 1024 (1.6 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 2.8 frames per second for 5 frames
Image Quality	4 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	Yes, -Pentamirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
LCD	2.5", 210,000 pixels 100% field of view
Playback Zoom	12.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Interchangeable Lens
Lens Mount	PENTAX KAF; KAF2, KAF, KA lens
Image Stabilization	No
Focusing System	11-point TTL phase-matching (SAFOX VIII) with AF assist lamp Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed	30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	16-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash, Manual, Manual
Internal Flash	Guide Number: 16 Modes: - Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction Range: 15.6m (at ISO 200)
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 2.0EV in 1/2EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 12 seconds
Time Lapse	No
Storage
Recording Medium	SD/MMC
File System	Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW, JPEG (EXIF v2.21)
Connectivity
Video	Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	DC In
Power
Battery Type	Alkaline or Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	4 x AA or 2 x CR-V3
Product Bundle
Software	Software (CD ROM) S-SW53
Battery / Charger	4 x AA alkaline battery
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	No
Tripod Mount	Yes
Remote Control	Yes, Remote Control F
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