Pentax: Two new DSLRs, one with anti-shake By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource (Monday, May 22, 2006 - 18:00 EDT)Pentax Corp. has today announced two new closely related digital SLR models, including one that features a CCD shift-based anti-shake system reminiscent of that used in Konica Minolta's DSLRs.
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: Two new DSLRs, one with anti-shake
