PENTAX DSLRs: 5/1/12

Monday, May 21, 2012

Introducing the new Pentax K-30

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

Well...here it is:

I'm sure this is going to be the topic of all Forums and Blogs for several days.

Other sites with an introduction to the K-30:

Sensor - 16.28 Megapixel APS-C CMOS
ISO Range - 100-25,600
Weather Sealed - Yes (81 seals)
Image Processor - Prime M
AF System - 11-point (9 cross-type) SAFOX IXi+ Phase Detect
Live View: Contrast Detect w/ manual focus assist
Video Recording - Full HD at 30 FPS720p at 60/50/30/25/24 FPS VGA at 30FPS
Metering - 77-segments
Video AF: Yes
Viewfinder - Pentaprism, ~ 100% coverage 0.92x magnification Interchangeable focusing screens
Shutter - 6FPS Mechanical 30s-1/6000s
Shake Reduction - In-Body (w/ optional horizon correction)
Power Source - AA via D-BH109 or Rechargeable Li-ion D-L1109. )Approx. 480 images / charge
Dust Removal - Yes
Rear LCD - 3-inch VGA (921,000 dots)
Colors - Black, Blue, White
Body Price: $849 MSRP

Official Pentax Press Release:

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

Official Pentax Press Release:

PENTAX Introduces New K-30 Digital SLR Camera

Featuring weather resistant capabilities, new mid-level DSLR is the perfect creative companion for active travel and outdoor photographers

Denver, CO (May 21, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new weather and dust resistant digital SLR camera – the PENTAX K-30. Ideal for photographers with active outdoor lifestyles, the new PENTAX K-30 combines a compact, lightweight body with many advanced features found only in higher end DSLR camera models, such as a weather, dust and cold resistant body, a glass prism optical finder with 100% field of view, state-of-the-art autofocusing, and full HD video recording capabilities.

“No detail was overlooked when designing the dynamic new K-30 to be weather resistant,” explains John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX. “Every seam, every button, every hinge has been weather sealed for adventure-proof creative photography. Whether enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains or on vacation cruising along on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, photographers can stop worrying about weather conditions and start focusing on capturing the perfect shot.”

In addition to its versatile weather-proof capabilities, the new K-30 offers features including high-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of six images per second, a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and convenient dual electronic dials for quick, fingertip access to exposure control and several Auto Picture and scene modes. Coupled with an ergonomic grip that provides firm, comfortable control of the camera, and a sporty, functional design, the K-30 assures dependable, flawless performance in the field. The new K-30 is available in three body colors: Crystal White and Crystal Blue, with brilliant, glossy finishes reminiscent of the finish of an exclusive sports car; and Classic Black, for a traditional SLR look. It is also compatible with all PENTAX K-mount lenses.

Major features include:

Weather resistant design ideal for travel and outdoor photography

Featuring 81 seals set in its compact, lightweight, portable body, the K-30 is built to be weather, dust and cold resistant with proven functionality in sub-freezing temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Its exterior has been designed to be both sporty and functional for active outdoor photographers – a large grip provides a firm, secure hold of the camera; a low-profile pentaprism housing for reduced height; and a rounded, soft-rubber casing for a solid grip of the camera during vertical shooting.

Newly developed SAFOX IXi+ Autofocus (AF) module for improved autofocus performance

The K-30 features the new state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation by incorporating a diffraction lens to minimize chromatic aberration in accordance to the characteristics of each individual lens. A dedicated sensor also factors the light source into its calculations at the time of shooting. Additionally, 9 of its 11 focus points have cross-type sensors to capture subjects in sharp focus, while a spotbeam assists the AF system during low light situations. The K-30’s AF algorithm has also been upgraded in all areas for efficiency and accuracy. A new expanded area AF function allows the sensor module to continue to track a moving subject in AF select mode, even when it moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. This greatly improves the accuracy and speed of detecting moving subjects during autofocus shooting, and autofocusing performance when using a telephoto lens.

High resolution, low noise, true-to-life image reproduction

The K-30 incorporates the latest 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm. It assures high speed image data readout to deliver super high resolution, rich gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. This image sensor is coupled in the K-30 with the PENTAX “PRIME M” imaging engine for outstanding full 1080p HD movie clips (1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second), in addition to outstanding still image capture processing. The camera also minimizes luminance noise at low sensitivities, while offering a wide sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 (ISO 25600 maximum when expanded via a custom function).

Optical finder with 100% field of view

Despite its compact body, which is smaller and lighter than traditional mid level DSLR camera models, the K-30 comes equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92X maximum magnification (with a 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity) to cover the entire field of view for easy focusing and framing. Since its viewfinder delivers a clear view of the subject even in the brightest sunshine while also eliminating parallax, the K-30 responds efficiently and reliably to demanding applications and subjects, such as landscapes requiring delicate, high-precision framing, and sports scenes where the timing of shutter release is critical. The K-30 also accepts interchangeable PENTAX Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screens to facilitate manual focusing operation. Optional focus screens include cross-lined and scale types, to accommodate more specialized applications.

High-speed burst shooting at approximately six images per second

When photographing sporting events, concerts or wildlife, the K-30’s high-speed burst shooting function comes in handy, allowing the photographer to capture active, fast moving subjects in a series of images at a maximum speed of approximately 6 frames per second (in JPEG format).

Advanced Live View shooting

Thanks to the latest CMOS image sensor and PRIME M engine, the K-30 offers a clear, true-to-life Live View at a smooth 60 frames per second. It also features a focus peaking function during live view to improve manual focusing speed and accuracy. Live View on the K-30 also offers a choice of three grid display patterns including a Golden Section overlay, and detailed information overlay if desired by the photographer.

High quality video recording

The PENTAX K-30 features full HD video recording to capture high quality movie clips in 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels). The efficient h.264 compression format offers a choice of frame rates (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) at 1080p, or up to 60 FPS at 720p, to accommodate user specific applications. Video recording options are flexible, allowing the photographer to select aperture or shutter exposure control, while PENTAX Shake Reduction helps stabilize captured video. Users may add creative artistic effects to recorded clips using various Custom Image modes or record subjects in a series of video clips with the Interval Movie Shooting mode.

User friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes

The K-30 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which analyzes a scene then automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Macro as well as others. This allows the photographer to concentrate on image composition and other creative elements while leaving more technical settings to the K-30, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. The K-30 also offers 19 creative Scene modes, including Night Scene Portrait, Pet, Backlight Silhouette, and more, to simplify photographing unique subjects and scenes that often require uncommon camera settings.

PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism for sharp, blur free images

The PENTAX K-30 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR mechanism, which effectively reduces blur due to camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all PENTAX compatible lenses*, including those produced for film format SLR cameras, this mechanism produces sharp, blur free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in twilight. The K-30's SR system also offers several other useful features to assist the photographer during shooting, including an Automatic Horizon Correction function to assure high precision image framing and effortless adjustment of horizontal alignment, a Composition Adjustment function to allow minute adjustments of image alignment horizontally/vertically/axially, and an ASTROTRACER mode to eliminate light trails during astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit (available separately).

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

A selection of image processing tools for creative, personalized expression

The K-30 features a Custom Image function, which allows the user to easily and quickly select the desired finishing touch for a particular image. Choose from 11 custom settings including Bleach Bypass that creates a dramatic visual effect similar to that used in motion pictures, and Cross Process to produce fanciful, eye-catching images boasting dramatic colors. The K-30 also offers a choice of 19 creative digital filters including Miniature, which transforms an actual scene into what appears to be an image of miniature models. These filters add distinctive visual effects to captured images producing creative, artistic images without the need for a computer. The user can further expand the creative possibilities by applying multiple filters and processing modes to a single image.

Choice of two power sources

In addition to the included lithium ion battery capable of capturing approximately 480 images with a single charge**, the K-30 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using the optional D-BH109 AA Battery Holder. Since AA batteries can be easily obtained almost anywhere around the world, there’s no worry about battery shortages, even when shooting for an extended period of time or in remote locations.

** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, using the D-LI109 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with no flash discharges.

Additional features include:

Large, wide angle viewable 3-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots of resolution
77 segment multi-pattern metering system for accurate light measurement
DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure fast and flexible response to the photographer’s creative intentions
Dynamic range expansion function to compensate for blown out (overexposed) and muddy (underexposed) areas of an image
Retrieve and save RAW data from buffer memory for a just-recorded JPEG image
RAW/Fx multi-function button for on-the-fly switching of image file formats, as well as for assignment and instant recall of other specific functions
SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX (RAW processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included

Pricing and Availability

The new PENTAX K-30 will be available at retail outlets nationwide and online in July 2012 with a suggested retail price of $849.95 for body only, and $899.95 for the kit including the DA L 18-55mm zoom lens.

♦K-30 is a trademark of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.

♦ All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

Additional information including product specifications is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news and product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html.

About PENTAX

PENTAX is a 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 new headquarters in Denver, Colorado, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is a subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. effective October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

# # #

More Pictures of the K-30

Friday, May 18, 2012

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

Interview with Ned Bunnell:

From: PHOTOREPORTER

http://www.photoreporter.com/article/strategy-session-pentax-ricoh-levels-playing-field/1

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The K-01 "Everything you need to know...and then some" for iPad. Watch for it

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Monday, May 14, 2012

Officially accepted as an Apple iBook Author and Publisher.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

I got my official acceptance to the Apple iTunes / iBook store.

"Yvon Bourque Publishing" is the Business name.

My first iBook will be published shortly. I just have to review it one more time. I'm nervous, this is a big deal. It will first be published for the newest multi-media iBook for iPad. The latest figures shows that Apple has sold 76 millions iPad worldwide. That's a pretty serious audience. It will be followed by an e-pub version that will work with iPad, iPhone and iPod as well. This brings the audience to around 200 million plus. The first iBook is about the Pentax K-01 Digital camera, which will probably not be the world's best selling camera, but it introduces my "Everything you need to know...and then some" series of Digital camera. It is the wave of the future. It's a readable electronic book with videos,photo galleries, interactive images, internet access, flash cards, questions and answers, search through the book and Internet, it's an incredible new tool for learning. Take a look at what it does here.

It will then be available under another ISBN number for the PC (Adobe PDF) platform from my Website.

This first iBook has kept me busy since December 2011, in learning all the ins and outs of the Apple "iBook Author" software. This opens a lot of opportunities. With my iBook Template now completed, it's going to be much easier to write more iBooks for other brands of cameras (Nikon and Canon primarily) as well future Pentax cameras. I will never betray my Pentax friends.

It's time to grow.

This is also a great time to thank everyone that purchased one of my previous e-books for the Pentax line of Digital Cameras. The K-5 "Everything you need to know...and then some" sales have surpassed the sales of all my previous e-books combined...and then some.

Stay tuned,

Yvon Bourque

Friday, May 11, 2012

Have you ever had back or front focusing problems? Your problems can be reduced drastically with the Pentax K-01

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

Have you ever had any back or front focusing problems with your DSLR? It's not an uncommon problem with all brands of DSLR cameras. The tolerance of factory settings are often the cause, but most often, it's caused because the light coming into the camera lens is first reflected onto the mirror and through the prism . If the distance from the mirror center to the Matte glass (A) is slightly different than the distance from the mirror center to the sensor surface (B), or from the mirror center to the AF detectors (C), you will have a back or front focusing problem. That's a lot of elements that have to be just right to work homogeneously.

Well, the Pentax K-01 can solve that problem. The K-01 is not necessarily the fastest auto focus camera in the world, but AF speed and front/back focusing are completely different problems.

The mirror less cameras don't have front or back focusing problems because they don't have any mirror in the pathway.

That's another reason why I do like the K-01. Admittedly, I would have like an Optical Viewfinder, (OVF) and actually you can use any OVF from other manufacturers, as long as they fit on the flash bracket and the angle of view matches that of the the lens you are using. See examples here and here

Image from Nikon.

Image from Samsung

Image from Pentax

I just thought this would be interesting for the photographers complaining about front or back focusing.

Best Regards,

Yvon Bourque

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Retro looking Pentax K-01 is a really good camera.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

I just don't really understand all the complains about the Pentax K-01. RiceHigh, the fake Pentax friend, is going to great length to discredit the image quality of the K-01. Personally, I have the K-01 and I've been using it for about two Months. I think it's got excellent image quality, right off the camera and in JPEG.

I took pictures with my K-5, using the new 40mm lens that came with the K-01, used the JPEG format @ 16MP and took the same images with the K-01. In JPEG, right off the camera, the K-01 images were by far better. With the K-01, Pentax has produced an entry-level camera that gives excellent results, without the photographer having a degree in photography. Okay, Okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but it seems to me that Pentax is finally doing what Nikon and Canon have done for years. The images straight from the camera are processed with more saturation and vibrance that prior models. That's my opinion of course, but the K-5 images in JPEG looked bland compared to the K-01. I haven't compared images from both cameras in RAW format, but that's inconsequential to me as RAW files can really look any way you want to, by using software like Lightroom or Aperture.

Now for the complains about the lack of EVF or OVF, you really have to try the camera before making a negative judgment. Side by side, the K-5 has a lot more reflection problems that the K-01, when shooting in Live View. I held the K-01 at noon, with the sunlight on the screen and I had no problem seeing my subject and compose my image.

Because there are no mirror or prism, you know that the Movie Mode is much better with the K-01. The image quality in Movie Mode is the best that Pentax has produced yet. You can shoot Full HD video at 1080p and at frame rates ranging from 24 to 60fps. I bet it's as good or maybe even better that the Canon EOS 5D. For around $700.00 for the K-01 without a lens, I think it's a great deal.

If you are a people person, this camera will surely start many conversations. I first got the Black model but soon exchanged it for a "Mark Newson" Yellow camera. I don't care about who Newson is, but I do like the boxy style of the camera and the yellow just adds an even more retro look.

Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque