photo credit: yellowcloud

Pentax has announced a tsunami of firmware updates for its SLR photo cameras:

• Pentax K-5 firmware v1.02
• Pentax K-r firmware v1.01
• Pentax 645D firmware v1.01

Features:

• 12.4 MP CMOS sensor,
• 6 im/s in JPEG mode,
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-25600
• Shutter speed: 30s to 1/6000s
• In-camera HDR and night modes
• 720p HD video capture at 25 fps
• Safox IX AF module, 11-point AF system
• 96% 0.85x pentamirror viewfinder,
• Infra-red data transmission to another camera or to a cell phone
• 3″ 921,000 dots LCD screen,
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Custom Li-ion battery, with optional AA-batteries adapter,
• Weight: 595g

The price seems a bit high, but adequate with MSRP 850 US$ for the 18-55mm kit, 780 US$ for the body only, 900 US$ for the double kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm and 999 US$ for the double kit with 18-55mm and 55-300mm zooms.

Availability: October 2010.

Press Release

PENTAX ANNOUNCES K-r DIGITAL SLR AND NEW 35MM LENS: LATEST PENTAX OFFERS COLOR CHOICES TO REFLECT OWNER’S PERSONAL STYLE

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

More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

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

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In the mean time, the technical characteristics should be announced in the coming hours:

• 12.4 MP CMOS sensor,
• 6 im/s in JPEG mode,
• Safox IX AF module,
• 96% 0.85x pentamirror viewfinder,
• infra-red data transmission,
• 3″ 921,000 dots LCD screen,
• Li-ion battery with optional AA-batteries adapter,

All this at a price of 649$ for a body only and 699$ within a 18-55mm kit.

As expected the most interesting camera would be the Pentax K-5, with a set of features putting it right into the competition for expert photographers.

• 16 MP APS-C photo sensor
• Sensitivity: ISO xxx-25600
• Continuous shooting at 7 fps
• Launch on Sept 20
• Availability: Oct 2010
• US$1600 suggested retail price

If the high ISO values go with a low noise and high real sensitivity, all Pentax lovers will be happy and a few other may be attracted. However, it seems that the sensor may be the 16MP CMOS sensor from Sony that nearly everybody seems determined to used these days and it may be difficult to differentiate themselves completely from the crowd on this issue only.

The low-end Pentax KR is also very near to what we were expecting (good news again for Pentax):

• 12 MP APS-C photo sensor
• Up to 120 color combinations (Pentax is now specializing if unmistakably visible photo cameras)
• Continuous shooting at 6 fps
• Launch on Sept 20?
• Availability: Oct 2010
• US$875 suggested retail price

Pentax is back in the game! Don’t count them out.

Thanks Tim for the heads-up call.