photo credit: yellowcloud

Pentax vient d’annoncer de nouveaux firmware pour ses appareils haut de gamme. Un vrai tsunami :

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

Caractéristiques :

• 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

Le prix me parait un tout petit peu haut mais convenable avec un tarif suggéré de 850 US$ pour le kit 18-55mm, 780 US$ pour le boitier seul, 900 US$ pour le double kit en 18-55mm et 50-200mm ou encore 999 US$ pour le double kit avec 18-55mm et 55-300mm.

Disponibilité : octobre 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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Pendant ce temps, les caractéristiques techniques devraient être annoncées d’ici quelques heures :

• 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,

Tout cela pour un tarif de 649$ en boitier seul ou 699$ avec un 18-55mm.

Comme prévu, l’appareil reflex le plus intéressant sera le Pentax K-5, avec un jeu de fonctionnalités qui le place parfaitement pour les photographes experts.

• Capteur APS-C à 16 MP
• Sensibilité : xxx-25600 ISO
• Rafales à 7 i/s
• Annonce le 20 septembre
• Disponibilité: oct 2010
• Prix de vente suggéré : US$1600

Si les grosses valeurs d’ISO vont avec un bruit numérique discret et une sensibilité réelle élevée, les amateurs de Pentax vont être vraiment heureux et quelques autres seront attirés. Néanmoins, je crois comprendre que le capteur sera le CMOS 16MP de Sony que beaucoup s’acharnent à installer dans les nouveaux appareils de ces jours-ci. Il sera peut-être difficile de se différentier sur ce seul sujet.

La partie basse de la gamme est également concernée avec un Pentax KR qui ressemble aussi beaucoup à ce que nous attendions (donc, excellentes nouvelles pour Pentax) :

• Capteur APS-C à 12 MP
• Plus de 120 combinaisons de couleurs (Pentax est maintenant le spécialiste de l’appareil reflex multicolore)
• Rafales à 6 i/s
• Annonce le 20 septembre ?
• Disponibilité: oct 2010
• Prix de vente suggéré : US$875

Revoilà Pentax ! Il ne fallait pas les compter dans les morts-vivants.