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Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Pentax NB1000: Taking "customizable" to a whole new level
By
(Thursday, September 9, 2010 - 13:47 EDT)

Alongside its globally available Pentax RZ10 and Pentax RS1000 digital cameras, Japan's Hoya Corp. yesterday unveiled one further model that's only destined for sale in its home market -- the Pentax Optio NB1000.

In terms of its core imaging features, the Pentax Optio NB1000 is identical to the RS1000, in all respects except size and weight, which differ due to a change in the camera's face plate. Where the Pentax RS1000 already has an attention-grabbing design, with interchangeable skins positioned under a removable, transparent faceplate, the NB1000 takes things to an entirely different level.

The entire front panel of the Optio NB1000 is covered in tiny, Lego-like studs, which are compatible with a competing block system from Japan's Kawada Co. Ltd. Dubbed "Nanoblocks", these tiny construction blocks can be attached to the front of the Pentax NB1000 in pretty much any pattern, making it one of the most visually customizable cameras we've ever seen.

Two body colors are available in Japan -- either a monochromatic black and white version, or a two-tone green and black. It appears that a small collection of Nanoblocks are included with the camera, with the block colors varying to match the body scheme. The Monotone NB1000 includes black, white, yellow, and red blocks, while the Safari NB1000 comes with black, green, yellow, and brown blocks.

As you can see in our pictures of the camera below, Pentax's example designs include two Safari layouts (one with a camouflage theme, and the other with a lion), and two example Monotone layouts (one intended to look somewhat like a classic camera, and the other rather bizarrely including a bicycle design.)

Pricing and availability for the Pentax Optio NB1000 haven't yet been disclosed, with the company only promising Japanese customers that it will be available "soon". Even in that market, availability is set to be rather limited, with an initial monthly production of some 10,000 Pentax NB1000 units, as compared to the 130,000 unit monthly production of the RS1000. More details are available in our Pentax NB1000 preview.

Pentax Optio NB1000
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeUltra Compact
ManufacturerPentax
Model Number Japan: NB1000
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
14.53 megapixels (total)
14.00 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4288 x 3216 (13.8 megapixels)
4224 x 2376 (10.0 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
0.8 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Capture SpeedContinuous: 3.2 frames per second for 10 frames
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypePentax Zoom; 6 elements in 5 groups, 3 aspheric
4x optical zoom
Focal Length4.9 - 19.6mm (actual)
28 - 110mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.2 (W) to f/5.9 (T)
Focusing SystemContrast Detection; 3-point AF, Spot AF, Auto tracking AF
Focusing RangeNormal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity)
Macro: 3.3" - 10" (8 cm - 25 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto: 100-800, Digital SR 100-6400 (ISO 3200-6400 at 5M) Manual: 100-6400 (ISO 3200-6400 at 5M)
Shutter Speed4 - 1/2000 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesTTL Multi-segment
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Auto + Redeye, On + Redeye
Range: Auto ISO: 16ft (wide), 8.5ft (tele)
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Movie, Landscape, Blue Sky, Sunset, Flower, Sport, Pet, Digital SR (ISO 3200-6400 5M), Natural Skin Tone, Kids, Fireworks, Frame Composite, Party, Food, Candlelight, Text, Surf & Snow, Digital Wide (5M), Digital Panorama (2M per frame)
Digital ZoomUp to approx. 6.7x
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Movie FormatAVI (Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherAC adapter available
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary D-LI108
Product Bundle
SoftwareSoftware CD-ROM S-SW112 with MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary D-LI108 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory18.3MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantNo
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
NotesJapanese-market model. Identical to the Optio RS1000, except for size and weight, and an unusual front faceplate design that allows attachment of Nanoblocks, a Lego-like building block created by Kawada Co. Ltd.
More Photos
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
Pentax's Optio NB1000 digital camera. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
 

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