Two new DSLR's from Pentax

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:21 am

K100D

Full-featured, user-friendly, affordable K100D
Compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced* and featuring Shake Reduction, the affordable PENTAX K100D is the kind of camera that makes history. Picture a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial offering Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision PENTAX mirror viewfinder features with 0.85X magnification. All these features combine in a compact design with high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis that is built to last. *With adaptor for screw mount and 645/67 lenses.

K100D WITH 18-55MM LENS - UNDER $700.00

Type:: Auto-exposure digital SLR still camera with TTL auto focus and built-in retractable P-TTL auto flash

Effective Pixels:: 6.1 megapixels

Image Capture Device:: Type – Interline interlace CCD with a primary color filter; Total Pixels – 6.31 megapixels; Color Depth – 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW) x 3 colors; Recorded Pixels - JPEG: 3008x2008 pixels, 2400x1600 pixels, 1536x1024 pixels; RAW: 3008x2008 pixels

Focus System:: Type - TTL phase-matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII) w/AF assist lamp; Autofocus Modes - AF-Single (with focus lock), AF-Continuous, Manual; Illumination Range – EV1 - EV19 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f1.4 lens); Shake Reduction – CCD Image Sensor Shift

Lens Mount:: Type - PENTAX KAF mount compatible with PENTAX KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses; Power zoom function - Not available; 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 – F3.5 – F5.6; Construction - 12 elements in 9 groups

Exposure Control:: Light Metering Method - TTL open-aperature metering with choice of: 16-segment, Center-weighted & Spot meter; Metering Range – EV1 - EV21.5 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f1.4 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 - White balance control: TTL Auto, Pre-set, Custom white balance; Available Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash, Manual; Flash - Built-in series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash; Operation Modes - Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction; Guide Number - 15.6 (at ISO 200/m); Angle of View Coverage - 28mm (equivalent to 35mm); Flash Exposure Compensation - +1 to -2 (1/2 steps); Flash Synchronization - With RTF and via hot shoe; Synchronization Speed - 1/180 sec, P-TTL high speed sync with PENTAX dedicated flash

Shooting Specifications:: 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)

Time:: Modes - dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy, yy/mm/dd; World Time - Displays the time in 70 cities (28 time zones)

Image Storage:: Storage Media - SD memory card removable; File Formats - Still: JPEG (Exif 2.21), RAW, DCF (Design rule for Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), PRINT Image Matching III Storage Capacity - Quality Levels: Best, Better, Good with 128MB Card

LCD/Viewfinder:: Optical Viewfinder -Pentamirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screenl; Viewfinder Coverage - 96%; Viewfinder Magnification - 0.85x (with 50mm f1.4 lens, -1-1); Diopter Adjustment - -2.5m-1 to +1.5m-1 ; LCD 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 Specifications:: Operating Temperatures - 32 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees to 40 degrees 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

The perfect step-up from your digital compact
Who says a starter digital SLR has to be stripped? Not PENTAX. The vast array of features packed into the affordable PENTAX K110D is impressive. This including a fast, high-precision 11-point auto focus (9 cross-type sensors) with SAFOX VIII and superimposed AF-point display. Add to this a 6.1 megapizel APS-C size CCD, sensitivity equivalent to ISO 200 to 3200, a 2.8 frames per second capture rate for action photography, and abright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder with 0.85X magnification. The sleek, compact body design with a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis offers convenient SD media Card storage and High Speed USB 2.0 data transfer and operates on AA batteries, 2CR-V3 lithium batteries, or optional AC adapter.

K110D WITH 18-55MM LENS - UNDER $600.00

Type:: Auto-exposure digital SLR still camera with TTL auto focus and built-in retractable P-TTL auto flash

Effective Pixels:: 6.1 megapixels

Image Capture Device:: Type – Interline interlace CCD with a primary color filter; Total Pixels – 6.31 megapixels; Color Depth – 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW) x 3 colors; Recorded Pixels - JPEG: 3008x2008 pixels, 2400x1600 pixels, 1536x1024 pixels; RAW: 3008x2008 pixels

Focus System:: Type - TTL phase-matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII) w/AF assist lamp; Autofocus Modes - AF-Single (with focus lock), AF-Continuous, Manual; Illumination Range – EV1 - EV19 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f1.4 lens)

Lens Mount:: Type - PENTAX KAF mount compatible with PENTAX KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses; Power zoom function - Not available; 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 – F3.5 – F5.6; Construction - 12 elements in 9 groups

Exposure Control:: Light Metering Method - TTL open-aperature metering with choice of: 16-segment, Center-weighted & Spot meter; Metering Range – EV1 - EV21.5 (At ISO 200 with 50mm f1.4 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 - White balance control: TTL Auto, Pre-set, Custom white balance; Available Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash, Manual; Flash - Built-in series-control retractable P-TTL pop-up flash; Operation Modes - Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction; Guide Number - 15.6 (at ISO 200/m); Angle of View Coverage - 28mm (equivalent to 35mm); Flash Exposure Compensation - +1 to -2 (1/2 steps); Flash Synchronization - With RTF and via hot shoe; Synchronization Speed - 1/180 sec, P-TTL high speed sync with PENTAX dedicated flash

Shooting Specifications:: 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)

Time:: Modes - dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy, yy/mm/dd; World Time - Displays the time in 70 cities (28 time zones)

Image Storage:: Storage Media - SD memory card removable; File Formats - Still: JPEG (Exif 2.21), RAW, DCF (Design rule for Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), PRINT Image Matching III Storage Capacity - Quality Levels: Best, Better, Good with 128MB Card

LCD/Viewfinder:: Optical Viewfinder -Pentamirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screenl; Viewfinder Coverage - 96%; Viewfinder Magnification - 0.85x (with 50mm f1.4 lens, -1-1); Diopter Adjustment - -2.5m-1 to +1.5m-1 ; LCD 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 Specifications:: Operating Temperatures - 32 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius); Dimensions (W x H x D) – 5.1 x 3.6 x 2.8 inches (129.5 x 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

Taken from Pentax.com

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 8:59 am

GO Pentax GO

Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 214 Location: Corona, CA

Has anyone else noticed that Pentax has had the same sensor for some time now? I like that they are releasing new cameras but until they offer a competing product with the likes of the Canon 5D, Canon 1Ds Mark II, or the Nikkon D2X nobody is going to take them seriously professionally.

If I was shooting film I would have no problem getting a Pentax except that I have all these Canon lenses laying around.

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:31 pm

I love my Pentax gear, I really do, but I wish they would stop making minor changes to the *ist and calling it a new camera. Only thing of note I see here is that K100D is a much more sensible name, at least there's no ambiguity about how it should be pronounced!

All these have over the DL2 is 11 point SAFOX VIII autofocus as far as I can see, and the DS and D both still have superior viewfinders.

Bryansix, if the new 10MP body Pentax promissed earlier in the year is as good as some people have speculated, you may get your wish. There was talk of a revival and update of the MZ-D. I don't think that's likely, but it would truely be something to behold.

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:35 pm

I take it back slightly, the K100 has anti-shake! go Pentax Go, I suspected they'd have anti-shake in the next body but expected it would be more expencive than this.

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:46 am

Hi,

all the indicators direct into going Pentax much more dedicated to pro users in future. I think the K100 is just a gap filler (though a very welcome one!), which gets rid of the ridiculous naming (*istD...) and introduces the anti-shake system. The serious products will be with us by the end of the year and I would look to the Sony Alphas for the basic specs. And then there will be the 645 digital too.
What we won't see is a ff-sensor, Pentax has simply announced too many APS-optimized lenses and none new full-format lenses.
With 10 MP and anti-shake the next Pentax generation is exactly what I am looking for, just a couple of months more to wait...
In the mean time I will try to get my hands on the K100 and will post my experiences.

regards
René

Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Lansing

I love the K100D
I just got it and it feels so good in my hands, and the quality is quite good.

So I'm happy :D

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:15 am

dezie wrote:

I love the K100D
I just got it and it feels so good in my hands, and the quality is quite good.

So I'm happy :D

Hi

how is your experience with the anti-shake system? How many exposure stops can you gain for handhold photography with it? Have you got time to test this out? It would be great if you could find time to post some of your impressions.

regards
René

Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Lansing

René wrote:

dezie wrote:

I love the K100D
I just got it and it feels so good in my hands, and the quality is quite good.

So I'm happy :D

Hi

how is your experience with the anti-shake system? How many exposure stops can you gain for handhold photography with it? Have you got time to test this out? It would be great if you could find time to post some of your impressions.

regards
René

I'm totally happy to!
I just formated my harddrive and have to find my copy of CS2 before I can post any more pix from the camera.
With the anti-shake system I have been able to go from 1/30 (I have always been able to get a blur free photo from 1/30) to 1/20 I did shoot a couple at 1/15 there was a little blur. This was at about 5-10 feet and F22.

It's a very light body (of course my only compairson is film SLRS) except when I have my Kmount lens' on it, but I actually like the wight with them on.

The auto focus system is pretty impressive, what I like best is with every lens it tells me (when im in MF) when it is sharp. It will give me an audio cue and a small red light inside the view finder. Its quite helpful.

Give me a day or two and Ill post more pictures from the camera once I reinstall photoshop.

In the mean time, feel free to look at the picture I did post, its in this thread.
http://phototakers.com/forum/ftopic56833.html

Dezie

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:01 am

dezie wrote:

With the anti-shake system I have been able to go from 1/30 (I have always been able to get a blur free photo from 1/30) to 1/20 I did shoot a couple at 1/15 there was a little blur. This was at about 5-10 feet and F22.

Good to hear - but with which focal length?

dezie wrote:

The auto focus system is pretty impressive, what I like best is with every lens it tells me (when im in MF) when it is sharp. It will give me an audio cue and a small red light inside the view finder. Its quite helpful.

How about focusing speed? Has Pentax finally arrived at a level comarable to Canon or at least Nikon? Neither my PZ-1(p) nor my *istDS are anywhere near Canon's focusing speed. Nevertheless focusing is fairly accurate with all of my lenses. And the focus indicator (the light in the viewfinder) is more reliable than my eyesight...

regards
René

Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Lansing

René wrote:

Good to hear - but with which focal length?

This was shot at F22 and 1/8 focal length was 80MM probably 4 feet from me. OH ya hand held!

Quote:

How about focusing speed? Has Pentax finally arrived at a level comarable to Canon or at least Nikon? Neither my PZ-1(p) nor my *istDS are anywhere near Canon's focusing speed. Nevertheless focusing is fairly accurate with all of my lenses. And the focus indicator (the light in the viewfinder) is more reliable than my eyesight...

regards
René

I have no idea, I've never shot with a Canon or Kikon.
But to me it seems pretty fast, faster then my ZX-60.

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:38 am

dezie wrote:

This was shot at F22 and 1/8 focal length was 80MM probably 4 feet from me. OH ya hand held!

Hi dezie

Despite the necessary low resolution, the image looks quite good for such a long handheld time.
Thanks for posting this example.

regards
René