Pentax has updated the firmware for its K20D semi-pro DSLR.
Pentax has announced a new high-grade consumer zoom lens today, the Pentax DA 17-70mm f/4 [IF] SDM.
While it wasn't the flashiest, the smallest, or the fastest camera we reviewed this month, the Pentax K200D is a huge leap forward for Pentax's base-level SLR line.
Aesthetically, the Pentax K20D is virtually identical to the previous generation K10D, and it takes an experienced eye to notice the differences between these two SLRs. Pentax added a X-sync port for connecting studio strobes and a slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD monitor, but beyond these differences there is little to differentiate the exterior of the K20D from the K10D. Despite the visual similarity, however, the K20D is a unique animal. The addition of a 14.6-megapixel CMOS image sensor, improved high ISO performance, live view, and an amazing burst shooting mode capable of up to 20 frames per second make the K20D a truly impressive camera.
After a few minutes of hands-on time with both the new Samsung GX-20 and its technological counterpart, the Pentax K20D, it was surprising to see not how much the two devices have in common, but how much they differ. Previous Samsung DSLRs have been, for the most part, straight-up Pentax rebrands, but with Samsung looking to assert itself more dominantly in the digital camera market, the GX-20 provides a somewhat different shooting experience from that found in the K20D.
Coming on the heels of Pentax's K20D announcement and in light of a pre-release leak on a Norwegian website several weeks ago, Samsung's release of their latest GX-20 14.6 megapixel DSLR yesterday is hardly breaking news. As with its technological twin, the GX-20 is a 14.6 megapixel camera with a Samsung-manufactured CMOS sensor, a live view system, and weather/dust sealing.
Working in tandem with its new DSLR releases, Pentax has announced the addition of five new DA-series lenses to its lineup. New glass includes two additions to the DA* line of high-end lenses, a new limited macro lens, and an improved version of the company's 18-55mm kit lens.
The 8 megapixel Pentax Optio M50, 12 megapixel Optio S12, and 8 megapixel Optio E50, in addition to the previously announced Optio A40, should all begin finding their way to store shelves in the coming months.
In a move sure to appeal to consumers who like to use digital SLRs but don't like to carry a lot of glass, Pentax is announcing the smc Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL lens. The lens provides an approximate 14x optical zoom (equivalent to a 27.5 - 383mm lens on a 35mm camera), so can cover a wide variety of shooting conditions - from wide angle group portraits to long zoom nature photography. The 18-250mm lens will be available in October for $500.
Pentax has added another website to it's growing family of mini-sites. The new one is www.pentaxian.com, celebrating the self-appointed label that Pentax photographers use to describe themselves.
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