We've finally made it to one of the first steps in the Pentax/Samsung partnership.  As expected, the first model out has the Samsung name on an existing Pentax camera.  A jointly developed camera will come later.  For now, the Samsung GX-1S digital SLR has been announced. 

Bascially, a rebadged Pentax *ist DS, the camera shoots 6 megapixels, features a Pentax lens mount and a 2.5 inch LCD.  The camera can shoot 2.8 frames per second up to 8 images and has an ISO range of 200-3200.  The camera is powered by 4 AA-sized batteries.  For storage, the camera accepts SD memory media.

Other specs:

• 11 area auto focus
• Shooting modes: Auto/SCN, Portrait, Flash Off, Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual, Bulb
• Scene modes: Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene
• Weight: 505 grams (without batteries)
• Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 in
• USB 2.0

The Samsung GX-1S will be available starting in February