Breaking: New Pentax K-X coming out tomorrow!

The Pentax K-X full specs and pics were very briefly displayed on a web site (I will not mention which one for now):

pentax-k-x

KEY FEATURES

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
• Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
• Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

Full Specs after the jump:

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Red Pentax K-x rumor

Two pictures are currently circulating the net of what appears to be an unidentified red Pentax. You can currently see both pictures on the Pentax forum.

red-pentax-k-x

Posted in Pentax| Tagged | 2 Comments

Pentax also evaluating Micro Four Thirds options

From Amateurphotographer:

Stephen Sanderson, product coordinator at Pentax UK said ‘We are looking into it and investigating different options. We will find out in due course whether we will do it [Micro Four Thirds] or not.’

Sony has also shown interest in a mirrorless camera.

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Sigma DP-1 listed as discontinued

Sigma DP-1 listed as discontinued @ B&H:

sigma-dp-1-discontinued
Is Sigma DP1s coming soon?

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Samyang 14mm f2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical

This lens just got announced in Europe (September 16th European time):

samyang_14mm_w

“The lens is designed to work both with cameras equipped with a matrix of full frame and APS-C matrix. Its optical structure is based on 14 elements in 12 groups optical. It was equipped with two type-ED lens and two hybrid aspherical elements and high-quality anti-reflection coating. Through such a lens solutions provide the highest quality imaging. The field of view for 35mm cameras with the matrix is 114 degrees, while the APS-C matrix is 92.5 degrees (in the case of cameras from Canon 89 degrees). Minimum focusing distance is 0.28 meters. Will be provided with bayonet systems from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony. Release date in Poland is in November 2009, more information soon on www.samyang.pl Below is a diagram of construction of optical lens.”

Posted in Samyang| 13 Comments

Sony will have a photography related press conference on September 23rd

sony-exmor-r-sensorI have no confirmation yet, but the press conference may be related to the Twilight Football event that promotes Sony’s Exmor R CMOS sensor. Not sure if new products will be announced on that event. At that point the Exmor R CMOS sensor technology is impplemented only in Handycams and the Cybershot WX1. Stay tuned for more.

Posted in Sony| Tagged | 3 Comments

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount

Another rumor (previously reported here) came out to be true today: Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount.

zeiss-18-3.5

Full press release after the jump:

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Sony CCD SuperHAD II sensor

This is another anonymous picture I received for the Sony CCD SuperHAD II sensor:

CCD FF SuperHAD II

and this is the cryptic text that came with it:

  • Series ICX (66X?) the blue band confirms it.
  • 20 connection pins
  • 43.3 Diagonal Width (36x24mm 3:2)
  • T 2.7?
  • is very like to ICX413 of 6MPx Sony CCD…
Posted in Sony| 9 Comments

New Sony full frame sensor CCD SuperHAD II with 34.8MP

I received the following anonymous tip about the new full frame (35mm) CCD SuperHAD II sensor with 34.8 mega pixels. It is expected to come out the next year in a high resolution studio Alpha camera. This camera is expected to be the same level as the Leica S2 (but much cheaper I guess). No anti-aliasing filter, electronic shutter with high flash sync with a new anti-blooming structure. Also, new Carl Zeiss and Sony G prime lenses will be announce with this camera. There is some more information on Sony’s website for this CCD SuperHAD II sensor.

I will say it again: Sony is very aggressive in the DSLR market and should not be underestimated. They already have capture some significant market share and imho this trend will continue in the future. The big question is who will be the market share looser(s)?

35mm_CCD_SuperHAD_II

35mm CCD SuperHAD II 2

Posted in Sony| Tagged | 20 Comments

Ritz Camera no longer does business with Sigma (rumor)

This could be based on the rumor that Nikon injected an undisclosed amount of money in Ritz Camera in order to bring it back to life. Maybe this is now Nikon’s payday – they will not carry Sigma lenses any longer.

I did a search on Ritz website for Sigma:

no-more-sigma-in-ritz

Via Nikon Rumors Forum

Posted in Sigma| 16 Comments