TechCrunch » Pentax

Ricoh Plans To Expand Camera Business, Buys Pentax Brand From Hoya

Serkan Toto — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:35:50 +0000

Camera brand Pentax will soon have a new owner: Tokyo-based Hoya group, which purchased the brand in 2007, is ready to sell [notice of sale as an English PDF] it to Ricoh in October this year. According to Japanese business daily The Nikkei, the office equipment maker plans to pay an estimated US$124 million for Pentax.

Through the acquisition, Ricoh plans to bolster its relatively small camera business (the company is estimated to have sold less than half a million cameras last year). Another goal is to use Pentax’ single-lens reflex cameras to enter developing countries.

Hoya itself sold 1.6 million cameras last year, but under the deal, all plants, employees and the Pentax name will become part of Ricoh in three months.

The camera you see above is the so-called Q that Hoya/Pentax introduced a few days ago.

Pentax Releases The Q Camera, The Smallest Interchangeable Lens Camera In Most Of The World

John Biggs — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:49:36 +0000

The ultra-tiny Pentax Q is the smallest interchangeable lens camera (which leaked today) in all the land and costs a little over $800, a wild price to pay for a camera that is arguably tiny. Sadly, as Engadget points out, the value for money just isn’t there with a “1/2.3-inch backlit CMOS image sensor” that competes with other compact cameras rather than other cameras from Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Samsung. It’s tiny, sure, but it’s not particularly better.

However, doesn’t it look like a little cutie?

PR after the jump.

PENTAX UNVEILS THE PENTAX Q: The World’s Smallest, Lightest Interchangeable Lens Camera

GOLDEN, CO. (June 23, 2011)… PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Q – the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera (ILC).* The Q offers the versatility and precision of an advanced DSLR in a body that is significantly smaller than every other digital ILC body available on the market today.

* The world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX research).

The camera’s tiny size, lightweight design, and superior image quality are made possible by an innovative PENTAX-developed imaging system. With a high-resolution 12.4 megapixel, 1/2.3 inch CMOS image sensor, the Q carves out an entirely new camera category that extends beyond traditional digital compact, APS-C or 4/3 digital cameras. The backlit sensor is a highly efficient light-gathering instrument that produces very little noise at high sensitivity levels particularly in low light settings. Further, the new Q lens mount is a perfect match with the new sensor and every interchangeable Q lens is designed for more advanced image quality than may be found on traditional compact digital cameras. This innovative PENTAX design is the foundation of the Q’s position as the world’s smallest, lightest ILC system with superior image quality.

Several important features of the PENTAX Q include:

• A newly designed PENTAX Q-mount lens system for convenient interchangeability with a variety of specialty Q lenses including prime, zoom, fish-eye and more.
• Exceptional image quality in 12.4 megapixels from the Q’s 1/2.3 inch backlit CMOS image sensor. Capable of producing 12 bit DNG RAW and JPG images, the backlit CMOS sensor is a highly efficient light-gathering instrument designed specifically to produce very low noise at high levels of sensitivity.
• Extremely compact, durable, lightweight, scratch resistant magnesium alloy body.
• The power and flexibility of traditional DSLR shooting modes such as Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority, and Metered Manual exposure control as well as highly convenient PENTAX Auto Picture and 21 scene modes for casual shooting, including new Forest and Stage Lighting options.
• A variety of creative modes, Smart Effect options, or camera settings that assign to the Q’s Quick Dial located on the front of the camera. Smart Effects modes enhance digital photography by applying a series of effects to images to achieve high quality finishing. Brilliant Color, Vintage Color, Warm Fade, Bold Monochrome, and Water Color are just some of the Smart Effects available and may be assigned on the Q’s Quick Dial.
• In-camera HDR capture mode shoots 3 images of varying exposures, blending them to bring out the details in even the darkest shadows and brightest highlights of extreme contrast shots.
• High quality motion video with stunning full 1080p HD clarity at 30 frames per second. The Q processes the full HD video using high quality h.264 compression for superior color and detail and offers creative video effects through custom image modes, digital video filters, and interval shooting.
• A sensor-shift Shake Reduction system with integrated DRII Dust Reduction for blur and dust free images even in low lighting.
• 5 frames per second continuous shooting mode for any fast action setting.
• Effortless bokeh control with the Q’s Bokeh Control filter. (Traditionally controlled through a DSLR lens’s aperture, bokeh is the out of focus part of the background that helps to emphasize the subject, drawing the viewer’s eyes to the most important part of the photo.) The Q offers a fine degree of extra control over image bokeh via an in-camera filter operation.
• Powerful USER modes allow the creative photographer to save a series of favorite camera settings, filters, and custom image modes for instant reuse.
• Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 30 seconds for freezing fast action or capturing long nighttime exposures. Bulb mode adds flexibility for low light photography and motion effects.
• A built-in popup flash adds the perfect amount of extra light to an image with a high extension to naturally reduce the redeye effect common to compact cameras. The Q’s flash is effective to 23 feet at 200 ISO, and covers a wide angle 28 degree field of view.
• Compatibility with the latest generation SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards for ultra-high capacity storage as well as outstanding image file portability.

Along with the Q, PENTAX introduced the PENTAX 01 Standard Prime kit lens and an optional optical viewfinder. The unifocal standard lens has a focal length equivalent to 47mm in the 35mm format. The lens offers a natural perspective similar to that of the human eye and is ideal as a multipurpose, everyday standard lens for various subjects including landscape and portraiture. With a maximum aperture of F1.9, it performs superbly in dim lighting and may be easily adjusted for bokeh. Incorporating two high grade aspherical optical elements, this lens compensates various aberrations to a minimum.

Featuring high-end optics incorporating special optical glass elements and PENTAX exclusive lens coating technology, this lens delivers beautifully defined, high quality images that are sharp and high contrast even at the edges. The AF motor installed in the lens assures smooth, quiet focusing operation. The lens shutter mechanism allows the PENTAX Q’s built-in auto flash to be synchronized to the camera’s top shutter speed of 1/2000 second (or 1/250 second when using an accessory flash unit). This lens is also equipped with a built-in ND (neutral density) filter, which comes in handy when shooting with open aperture at bright locations or when using slower shutter speeds.

The shoe-mounted viewfinder attachment is an optional accessory. This External Viewfinder O-VF1 offers outstanding compositional framing, even in the brightest sunlight where viewing an LCD screen is traditionally a challenge. (Note: The Viewfinder offers framing marks for the Standard lens.)

The PENTAX Q will be available in white or black body models and shipped in a Standard Prime lens (available in silver) kit. Initially, the PENTAX Q system will ship in Japan. Anticipated shipping time to the United States is early Fall 2011 at around $800 for the standard lens kit.
The optional shoe-mounted viewfinder will be available at the same time for $249.95 USD. Each may be pre-ordered now on www.pentaxwebstore.com The PENTAX 01 Standard Prime kit lens will not be sold separately. More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

Pentax Q Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera Leaked

Devin Coldewey — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:31:45 +0000

It seems someone hit the “go” button a little early over at Pentax, as for a few brief minutes a new camera called the Q appeared, with pictures and specs. It’s an interchangeable lens system with a rather small sensor (1/2.3″, which is what’s in many point and shoots), though unfortunately no information on the new lens mount (called Q as well) other than the one on the camera in the picture, an 8.5mm F/1.9.

The price is supposedly $800, though it’s not clear whether that’s with a kit lens or no. I’ve got to say, that off-white color is pretty nasty. Give me good old black/silver any day. I’d expect an official announcement shortly.

Pentax Outs Camouflage Design Grips For Its K-r Camera

Serkan Toto — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:02:07 +0000

Do you think the TOWER RECORDS×PENTAX RAINBOW K-r Pentax showed two days ago was ugly (as quite a few readers do)? Maybe you already own a K-r but just want to beef it up instead of shelling out over $1,000 for an entirely new one? If yes, then check out these new grips Pentax announced [JP] yesterday.

As you can see, all these grips come with some kind of “camouflage” design. Each one costs $64, and as they’re Japan-only, I suggest you contact specialized online stores like Rinkya or Geek Stuff 4 U if you’re interested in importing a grip.

Limited Edition Camera From Japan: TOWER RECORDS×PENTAX RAINBOW K-r

Serkan Toto — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:03:54 +0000

Another month, another Pentax special edition camera from Japan: the company today announced [JP] the so-called TOWER RECORDS×PENTAX RAINBOW K-r. The device is a follow-up to the TOWER RECORDS × PENTAX RAINBOW K-x from last year.

Technically, Pentax didn’t change anything from the conventional K-r – apart from creating the special “No Music, No Life” home screen you can see below (that’s Tower Records Japan’s slogan).

Pentax will start shipping the camera on July 22 but start accepting pre-orders tomorrow (price: $1,100, including a DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens). The device is limited to 300 units, so if you’re interested in importing one, I suggest you contact Tokyo-based shopping service Rinkya as soon as possible.

Photos Of Pentax's Upcoming NC-1 Mirrorless Camera Leaked

Contributor — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:15 +0000

Some photos of Pentax’s NC-1 have leaked ahead of the supposed May / June release. If anything, this says they’re close, if not finished, with the smallest mirrorless camera in the world. According to the leak, the NC-1 will sports a 14 megapixel sensors with a pair of lenses (8.5mm f/1.9 prime and a 5-15mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom) to pick from. Also leaked are rumors that later in the summer Pentax will release a larger, APS-C sized camera that will use K-mount lenses.

Looks great, but I’m still more interested in the Fuji X100 at this point, white or not.

[via Engadget]

New Pentax Optio S1 Is A $200 Point-And-Shoot, No More, No Less

Devin Coldewey — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:30:23 +0000

Ahh, this is a nice break after all that iPad 2 craziness. Pentax has released a new mid-range point-and-shoot called the Optio S1, and it’s just a camera. It doesn’t do stuff, it just takes pictures.

The S1 has 14 megapixels, a 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent), a 2.7″ LCD (probably 320×240 since the resolution isn’t specified), and electronic image stabilization. It’ll do 720p video and has a special HDR mode that probably doesn’t really create HDR images, but could still be useful for making interesting exposures. It even comes in three pretty colors: black, chrome, and “green,” which is really more of a turquoise or aqua. But I digress.

It should be available later this month for $200, and you can pre-order it here.

Is it just me, or does the turquoise one look a little bigger than the others in that picture? ☛

The Pentax K-r Gets Yet Another Special Edition (In Japan)

Serkan Toto — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:42:53 +0000

I don’t know what it is about Pentax and special editions, but today the company announced [JP] yet another one, for the K-r. This time, Pentax inked a licensing deal with Tokyo-based San-X to use their star cartoon character, super-cute bear Rilakkuma, in a special version of the camera.

Apart from the now much cuter body, Pentax says users will see Rilakkuma when switching the camera on or off (see below). Needless to say, the device wasn’t changed technically.

Pentax is bundling the K-r Rilakkuma special edition with a 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL lens. The company already accepts pre-orders and will start shipping the camera on July 8 (price: $1,150). Ask specialized online store Rinkya if you need help in importing the device.

Pentax Releases Silver K-5 And Limited Edition Lenses

Devin Coldewey — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:06:33 +0000

Despite having only ever used one for a few minutes, I’m a fan of the K-5. It’s a solid-feeling camera, and it’s got a lens selection going back decades. And with Pentax, if you don’t like the look of the camera, wait a few months and they’ll put out one with a new paint job. This month, it’s silver!

The camera itself is the same, and the price is the same at $1700 for body-only. It really is just a paint job.

The lenses are the same, too. Now you can get the…

21mm F/3.2 AL
40mm F/2.8
70mm F/2.4

in silver.

Does your next project involve werewolves? This might be a good investment, even if it’s just paint. The werewolves don’t want to take the risk, really.

New Pentax WG-1 Rugged Cameras Look Adventure-Proof

Devin Coldewey — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:59:51 +0000

I managed somehow skipped Pentax’s rugged camera when I last did a rugged roundup, but I’m definitely not missing this one. The WG-1 is the “12th rugged generation” camera from Pentax, and looks to be quite a solid piece of kit. It’s just got that rugged look too, you know?

The camera has a 14-megapixel sensor and a 5x zoom (28-140mm equivalent) F/3.5-5.5 lens, and the 2.7″ LCD on the back is a industry-standard 320×240. It’ll take 720p video and ISO goes from 80-1600, though you can reduce the megapixels and it’ll pixel-well the sensor to produce a higher ISO (up to 6400, but I wouldn’t go there).

The point of this guy is the ruggedness, though, so here’s how it holds up:

Waterproof to 33 feet
Dropproof to 5 feet
Crushproof to 100 \”kilogram-force,\” which sounds like it can withstand a sit-down but not a car
Dustproof… a side effect of waterproofing, really
Coldproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit — that\’s really more cool-proof, but hey

It’s also got some image stabilization and a nice LED ring on the front there for lighting or macro work. The WG-1 also has a cousin, the WG-1 GPS, which as you might expect has a GPS component for geotagging and such.

All in all it’s a nice-looking camera. The non-GPS version will cost $350, and the GPS version will cost $400. Pretty expensive, but this is probably about as nice as rugged point-and-shoots get.

"K-r BONNIE PINK MODEL": Yet Another Pentax DSLR Special Edition

Serkan Toto — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:05:37 +0000

Pentax seems to have a sweet spot for digital cameras with funky designs, and this time it’s the Pentax K-r that will receive a limited edition treatment. Pentax today announced [JP] the so-called K-r BONNIE PINK MODEL”, a redesigned version of the camera, which was released last year.

Bonnie Pink is the name of a fairly famous Japanese pop star.

Technically, Pentax didn’t change anything, apart from adding a boot screen that shows the singer’s logo. Buyers will get a DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL BONNIE PINK MODEL lens that’s bundled with the camera.

The camera will be limited to just 100 units (price: $1,100). Pentax will start selling it next month: ask specialized online store Rinkya if you want to lay your hands on one but don’t live in Japan.

Pentax Unveils "Robot Version" Of The K-r DSLR

Serkan Toto — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:01:48 +0000

For some reason, Pentax can’t stop making special versions of their digital cameras. In the last few months, for example, they updated their K-x DSLR with a robotic version and one designed in rainbow colors. And today, the company announced [JP] a special model for its successor, the Pentax K-r. It’s a “robotic” camera again, but this one is cooler.

Technically, the so-called “K-r Kore Janai Robo Model” is the same as the regular one, just in different colors and with a robot head mounted on the flash hot shoe. This limited edition (just 100 units will be produced) was designed by Tokyo-based creative agency ZariganiWorks [JP]. Pentax also throws in a small robot figure and this 35mm lens.

The company will start accepting pre-orders on December 24, but needless to say the Pentax K-r robo edition is Japan only (price: $1,200, release date: early January).

If you’re interested, ask specialized online dealers like like Rinkya, Geek Stuff 4 U or the Japan Trend Shop to get one for you.

Pentax K-5 DSLR Pictures And Specs Leak

Devin Coldewey — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:30:22 +0000

Hot on the heels of the consumer-level K-r released yesterday, Pentax’s K-5 is making an appearance, though not quite as officially. Some unethical retailers leaked the specs, and Lens Tip found the leaked photo, though they appear to have taken it down. Chances are this thing is right around the corner, probably set to be released next week.

The K-5 costs $1699, and while you can scope the full details over at the Pentax forums, I’ll limit myself to the high points.

16.2 megapixels (1.52x cropped sensor)
ISO 200-12800, expandable to 50/25600
HD video: 1080p, 720p, VGA at 25 or 30 FPS
Weather-sealed magnesium body
Penta-prism viewfinder
Dual SD slots

I’m guessing it’s also got the new high-res LCD that’s in the K-r, if not a superior one. We’re missing burst speed and a couple little specs, but that seems to be the full picture. They mention a translucent LCD displaying focus points and framing grid in the viewfinder. I wonder how they can do this without darkening the image?

Anyway, the K-5 looks like a real solid camera. I’m not sold on the K-r, but this seems like a pretty good match for the other options at the $1500-$2000 price point.

[via Photography Bay]

Pentax Goes For The Bargain Market With The Optio RZ10, RS1000

Contributor — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:04:51 +0000

Pentax just announced two new budget P&S cameras, both of which are quite reasonably priced and ready to go into your purse or pocket for taking snaps of the kids. The RS1000, is customizable based on the color or design you chose, with a removable face plate and free Skinit gift card. Of the two, the RZ10 is a more serious camera, with a choice between four different colors: black, white, lime, and violet, as well as 10x optical zoom.

The RS1000 is a 14 megapixel, 4x optical zoom, ultra-compact camera with 720p video. Roughly the size of a credit card, the RS1000 is quite obviously aimed at the casual snapshot shooter. MRSP is $149.95

If you want one, I say go for it, but keep in mind that the picture quality may not be the best.

The Optio RZ10 however, is aimed at a slightly more discerning audience. The RZ10 has a 14 megapixel sensor was well, and it has a much more reasonable 10x optical zoom, 720p video, shake reduction, and support for the Eye-Fi wireless memory card. The RZ10 also has some built in art features (like toy camera and sepia), allowing you to make changes to the image before you upload it to you computer. MSRP on the RZ10 is $219.95, and you’ll be able to pick one up this fall.

Pentax Announces K-r DSLR For $800

Devin Coldewey — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:49:21 +0000

Pentax has updated its DSLR line with the new K-r, successor to the K-x. The improvements are modest: you’ve got improved ISO range (up to 25600 expanded, but I wouldn’t), a better burst rate (6FPS, which is sweet), and a much-improved LCD (3″ at 640×480). You’ve still got the same 12 megapixels and the 720p video is limited to 25 FPS, which is likely what I’d choose anyway (well, 24, but eh).

I’m just not sure it’s competitive — the improvements aren’t very serious, and considering what’s come out in the meantime, it’s not looking so hot any more. The stellar Canon T2i and new Nikon D3100 are nothing to laugh at.

That said, you also have Pentax’s excellent lens selection. To that end, they’ve also released a new 35mm F/2.4 lens for $220, which sounds like a pretty decent buy to me. Also, it comes in storm trooper colors.

The body-only kit will cost $800; adding an 18-55mm kit lens will put it at $850, and a few other lens options bump the price further. Both the camera and new lens will ship in October. Here’s the full press release:

PENTAX ANNOUNCES K-r DIGITAL SLR AND NEW 35MM LENS

GOLDEN, CO. September 8, 2010…PENTAX Imaging Systems Division has announced a new digital SLR line with color accents that allow owners to choose one that matches their personal style. The colorful PENTAX K-r DSLR camera offers advanced yet simple to use features at an attractive price.

The compact, lightweight PENTAX K-r is easy to use with Auto Picture, Scene, and Custom Image Processing modes that take the guesswork out of shooting stunning images while still offering a high degree of manual and priority control. The K-r offers a variety of new and improved features including a fast framerate, high ISO sensitivity, responsive autofocus, an improved 12.4 megapixel low-noise sensor and widescreen HD video capture that take it a step above an entry-level DSLR camera.

Key features of the PENTAX K-r that are new or have been improved upon from the most recent entry to mid-level PENTAX DSLR models include:
• Three stylish color choices include traditional black, the new classic white, and PENTAX red reflect any owner’s personal style.
• Large 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution.
• Faster high speed 6 FPS framerate that captures 25 images in a single sequence.
• A maximum 1/6000 second shutter speed.
• Viewfinder focus point indicator.
• Improved in-camera HDR image capture including a Night Scene HDR mode.
• High sensitivity 100-25600 ISO range with improved noise performance from the new 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor.
• Versatile dual-power-source design, which offers the choice of either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or four AA-size battery power (using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109).
• Infrared data transfer compatible with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system for wireless data transfer to the web or other IrSimple-compatible devices (includes a match-game between two PENTAX K-r’s).

Other important features of the new K-r models include:
• Widescreen 720p HD video at 25 FPS.
• PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images that works with every PENTAX lens ever made
• Dust Removal mechanism, to shake dust off the CMOS image sensor.
• Highly responsive and accurate 11 point SAFOX IX autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp.
• Wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters.

With a highly portable, compact and lightweight body in a choice of colors, the K-r holds appeal for busy parents, family memory-keepers, travelers and anyone who reflects personal style in all their pursuits including their journey into photography or videography as a skill or hobby. The PENTAX K-r digital SLR will ship in October 2010 for as follows:
K-r Body Kit $799.95 USD
K-r Lens Kit w 18-55 $849.95 USD
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 50-200 $899.95 USD
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 55-300 $999.95 USD

PENTAX also announced the smc PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL, standard lens designed exclusively for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This new lens is versatile enough to be used with a wide range of subjects and applications for high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness.
It is a perfect choice for digital SLR beginners to familiarize themselves with the basics of using interchangeable lenses.

The PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens also will ship in October for $219.95 USD.

The Pentax K-x Is Now Available In Four New Tasty Colors

Matt Burns — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:32:16 +0000

The Pentax K-x might be the most colorful camera on Earth. It’s already available in a bunch of colors including a rainbow color scheme and “robotic colors” in Nippon. Now, the US version is getting a few new color options in pink, chocolate, olive, and beige. Who said cameras are boring. [Pentax via Photography Bay]

Pentax Japan unveils K-x in "rainbow colors"

Serkan Toto — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:41:11 +0000

It seems Pentax Japan just loves redesigning their K-x digital camera. The company started offering extra-colorful versions of the device last September, followed by another limited edition, a K-x in “robotic colors”, one month later. And today, Pentax unveiled [JP] the so-called TOWER RECORDS × PENTAX RAINBOW K-x, designed in collaboration with – you guessed it – Tower Records in Japan.

As usual, Pentax didn’t modify the camera technically and offers this version as a limited edition (1,000 units).

The Rainbow K-x is already listed on Tower Records Japan’s website (through which it will be sold exclusively) and costs $810. Tower Records plans to ship the Japan-only device from July 23. If you’re interested, I suggest you contact Tokyo-based import-export specialist Rinkya if they can help you order the camera.

"Camera-man": This is what Pentax wants your camera to look like

Serkan Toto — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:21:36 +0000

In October last year, Pentax launched a “robotic” version of their K-x entry level digital camera, a colorful variation of the conventional black model. And today, the same company, presented another “creative” approach, the “Camera-man” [JP]. It’s not a new camera (or a special version of an existing device) but a set of accessories, namely a special 52mm lens cap (which shows a smiley) and a puppet body that needs to be fixed beneath the cap.

As a result, you get the Camera-man. Pentax says there are 100 different design variations for the Camera-man. The main selling points are that the accessories were created by a famous Japanese designer, 100% handmade and only available for a limited amount of time.

I don’t know who’d be interested in turning his or her camera into something like this, which is why in this case it’s not a tragedy the Camera-man is Japan-only. Each design costs $33.

X90: Pentax updates its X70 digital camera

Serkan Toto — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:43:16 +0000

In March last year, Pentax unveiled the X70, a 12MP “hybrid” digital camera with 24x optical zoom that currently sells on Amazon for $380. And today Pentax in Tokyo announced [press release in English] the successor, the X90. As to be expected, the new model has been upgraded in some areas.

The X90 has a 26x optical zoom lens with focal lengths from 26mm wide angle to 676mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format). There’s also an “Intelligent Zoom” function that extends the zoom coverage to about 162.5 times (for a focal length of 4225mm in the 35mm format). Pentax says they also boosted battery life by 50%, making it possible to shoot about 255 pictures on a full charge.

The camera still features a 12.1MP sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD, an HDMI interface, a USB 2.0 port, HD recording, Eye-Fi connectivity, face detection, “Triple Shake Reduction technology”, anti-shake mode, and an electronic viewfinder.

There is no word on price or release date in the English press release (which is to be found on Pentax’ Japanese homepage), but Amazon.com is already listing the X90 for $399.95 (as a pre-order). While there’s no information on availability in the US, Japan will get the camera sometime at the end of next month.

Pentax finally makes its W90 rugged and waterproof camera official

Devin Coldewey — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:37:55 +0000

We’ve been looking at leaked pictures of this thing for a week or so, but there wasn’t much to say without the specs and all that. Besides, the leaked picture was just a little too muddy to show off the camera’s tasteful styling. But check this thing out: not only is the W90 waterproof to 20ft and shockproof from 4ft, it’s got a ring of LEDs around the lens to help with low light photos or movies. How come no one else thought of this?

The rest of the specs are pretty much the standard “nice point and shoot”: 12.1 megapixels, 5x zoom, 720p movie recording, 2.7″ 16:9 LCD, HDMI port, image stabilization… the usual fixins. One bonus is the “digital microscope” mode, whereby it can focus on things as close as 1cm away from the lens. To be honest, I think that’s pretty damn cool. Macro is something that’s missing from a lot of pocket-sized cameras. $330 is a kind of a lot of money, though. Just saying.

Honestly, if this thing performs as well as it seems to think it will, it may just be a replacement for the Casio Exilim FC series for my “perfect everywhere camera” recommendation. Looking forward to testing this sucker out.

Update: AHA! More pictures!