Pentax has announced new DSLRs, mirrorless interchangeables and lenses making their debut at Photokina in Cologne next week.
Leading the list are the updates to the popular K-5 model, which comprise two cameras: the K-5 II and the K-5 IIs. Pentax is following Nikon’s lead here by offering the same camera with or without an anti-aliasing filter, the latter being the K-5 IIs. The ‘s’ model is designed to provide superior resolution for highly detailed images. Both models come with 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensors that feature integrated Analog to Digital (AD) conversion circuitry. Both camera bodies are fully weather sealed and have a stainless steel chassis with magnesium alloy cladding. Both include Pentax’s body-integrated Shake Reduction (SR) stabilisation.
A new 11-point SAFOX X autofocus system claims the widest EV focus range in its class and can operate in light levels as low as -3EV. Both cameras support an ISO range of 80-51,200, with improved noise performance throughout, including ISO-specific noise reduction. A 77-segment metering system provides accurate exposure measurements in all lighting conditions. Burst shooting is available at up to 7fps and both cameras can record HD video clips with full 1080p resolution and 25 fps. Each camera has a 3.5mm stereo microphone jack for external microphones.
The 3-inch LCD has 921,000 dots of resolution and features an air-gap-free, scratch resistant cover to display a brighter and sharper image. The glass pentaprism viewfinder covers the full sensor field of view and provides 0.92x magnification.
A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed freezes action for sports photography. Native support is provided for both Pentax PEF and Adobe DNG 14-bit RAW files, including the ability to retrieve RAW data from JPG files if still present in buffer memory. A customisable RAW/Fx button allows easy access to common shooting settings. Both cameras come with a wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters and feature SDXC memory card compatibility.
Pentax will also release a new Q-series model, the Q10, which features a new 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and upgraded processing algorithm. It promises improved image quality and faster autofocusing but retains all the creative functions offered in the Pentax Q. With a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400, the Q10 features 5 fps burst capture and Full HD movie-recording function using H.264 compression. It is due for release from October and will be manufactured in white, black and red.
Pentax has also announced new lenses: a new 90mm f2.8 FA D lens for 645 medium format cameras and the 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 DA SDM and 560mm f5.6 DA telephoto prime lens for K-mount cameras. A new 15-45mm f2.8 zoom lens has also been unveiled for Q system cameras, along with a new adapter that allows K-mount lenses to be used on Q-camera bodies. A new HD coating technology will make its debut on the new lenses.
The previously-announced Pentax X-5 superzoom will also be featured on the Pentax stand.
-Margaret Brown, Photo Review
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