10.09.12
Pentax unveil their new range of cameras and lenses
Pentax have revealed their three new cameras and their lenses and accessories
The three new cameras to be announced are:
- K-5 II
- K-5 IIs
- Q10
Firstly, let’s look at the K-5 II and K-5 IIs:
These new models are designed to be the successor to the Pentax K-5.
The K-5 II boasts a range of advanced functions and user-friendly features. These include a newly developed AF sensor for a broader AF working EV range.
Launched in conjunction with the PENTAX K-5 II is the Pentax K-5 II s, which is available without an anti-aliasing filter. The K-5 II s is designed for photographers who value image resolution above all other factors and fully understand the function and characteristics of an anti-aliasing filter.
Major features include; a new SAFOX X AF module, LCD monitor with outdoors visibility, high-resolution images with minimal noise, high-speed continuous shooting, Pentax-original SR mechanism with user-friendly options and image-processing functions.
The PENTAX K5 II and K5 II s will be available from early October.
Pricing:
*K5 II
- K5 II Body only: £799.99
- K5 II + 18-55mm WR: £869.99
- K5 II + 18-135mm WR: £1,119.99
*K5 II s
- K5 II s Body only: £949.99
The third camera to have been announced is the Q10:
The Q10 is a digital interchangeable-lens camera. The latest model in the PENTAX Q series, this camera is said to offer digital-SLR-quality photography to everyone.
The PENTAX Q10 is based on the PENTAX Q (launched in August 2011) — which claims to be the world’s smallest, lightest digital interchangeable-lens camera.
Thanks to a newly adopted CMOS image sensor and an upgraded algorithm, the camera is said to deliver an improved basic performance, such as higher-quality images and faster AF operation. At the same time, it retains all the creative features of its predecessor — including the bokeh control function to create a defocused effect typical of an SLR camera and the Smart Effect modes that allow the user to apply various filters.
While its overall exterior design closely resembles the PENTAX Q, which was designed as a miniaturised version of a full-scale digital SLR camera, the PENTAX Q10 has several upgrades to its body design, such as a special grip for a more stable hold of the camera, and improved operability and manoeuvrability.
Some major features include; interchangeable-lens camera system, upgraded AF performance, quick-Dial to simplify the application of creative visual effects, a selection of image-processing tools to create personalised images, custom Image function to add finishing touches, digital filter function to apply artistic visual effects, smart Effect function for simple dial control of finishing touches, high-quality, Full HD movie recording of extended movie clips, bokeh control, SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images, simple, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes, flexible exposure system, high-speed continuous shooting at approximately five images per second, DRII mechanism for effective dust removal and built-in auto flash with pop-up mechanism.
The PENTAX Q10 will be available from early October in white, black and red.
RRPs:
-Q10 + 5-15mm: £379.99
-Q10 + 5-15mm + 15-45mm: £539.99
Next up on the Pentax release list are the new lenses and accessories:
Firstly is the Adapter Q for K-mount lenses. This lens mount adapter makes it possible to use Pentax K-mount lenses on the Pentax Q series cameras:
The new mount adapter allows the full range of K-mount lenses to be used on the Pentax Q series cameras. This range consists of 215 lenses and ranging from fish-eye to uni-focal wide-angle to telephoto zoom lenses. The adapter allows the photographer to take full advantage of a wide variety of perspectives and visual effects. In addition, it gives the user the opportunity to capture a microscopic world usually impossible to view with the naked eye.
The new mount adapter is said to extend the focal length of the Pentax Q series by approximately 5.5-times in the 35mm format.
A mechanical shutter has also been incorporated into the adapter to prevent “rolling shutter distortion.” This occurs when there is camera shake caused by photographing fast-moving subjects and/or by using a super-telephoto lens resulting in distorted images of the subject.
Major Features:
-Manual aperture control possible
-Tripod bracket (optional) available to stabilise the camera system
-Camera shake is automatically compensated for with any lens, simply by inputting the focal length of the mounted lens to the Pentax Q series
The PENTAX Adapter Q will be available from early October. RRP £249.99.
The next lens is the Pentax-06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM, an interchangeable telephoto zoom lens designed for exclusive use with the super-compact Q-mount digital interchangeable-lens cameras:
The third release of the high-performance Q-mount lens series, this telephoto zoom lens covers focal lengths between 83mm and 249mm (in the 35mm format) and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its entire zoom range.
Thanks to its retractable design, the lens is designed to be super-compact and ultra-lightweight.
Major features include; telephoto zoom lens, image rendition, super-compact and ultra-lightweight design.
The Pentax Q Telephoto lens will be available from mid-October. RRP £249.99.
Other lenses include;
The high magnification zoom lens Pentax-DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM,
the super telephoto HD Pentax-DA 560mm f/5.6 ED AW
and the medium telephoto lens HD Pentax-DFA645 MACRO 90mm f/2.8 ED AW SR.
The HD Pentax-DA 560mm f/5.6 ED AW will be available from early December. RRP £5,999.99. The HD Pentax-DFA645 MACRO 90mm f/5.6 ED AW SR will be available from early October. RRP £3,799.99. The Pentax-DA 18-270mm will be available from early November. RRP £699.99.
To see all the specs for these products please visit pentax.co.uk
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