Pentax Announces the New K100D Super DSLR

Pentax is upgrading the Pentax K100D by adding one of the hip features in today's DSLR photography, namely the dust reduction system, which supposedly keeps all dust bunnies away from the sensitive sensor.

The Dust Removal (DR) system, previously found on the company's top of the line K10D, works by vibrating the CCD at high frequencies for about half a second. Pentax also applies a special fluorine coating to the low-pass filter that allegedly prevents dust adhesion.

Pentax's press release also informs that the new K100D Super Digital SLR offers full compatibility with the new SDM (Sonic Direct-drive Motor) that improves speed and reduces noise similarly to Canon's ultra sonic motor and Nikon's silent wave motor.

As a quick reminder, the Pentax K100D Super offers a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial featuring Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD, 11-point autofocus mechanism, and sophisticated 16 segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder features a 96% field of view and 0.85X magnification. Moreover, the K100D offers shake reduction system, which allows for slower than recommended shutter speeds to be used.

Aside from the new K100D Super Digital SLR, Pentax also announced a new compact hot-shoe flash, the AF200FG Auto Flash. The unit has a guide number of 20 (at ISO 100/m). In terms of metering, the new flash supports the P-TTL auto flash system, which assures proper exposure level by measuring the flash's pre-discharge with the camera's multi-pattern photometry system. The AF200FG uniformly covers the wide discharge angle of a 28mm lens (in the 35mm format) and includes a flip-down diffuser that can cover the angle of a 24mm lens (in the 35mm format). Unfortunately, it doesn't feature a swiveling head, thus preventing photographers from using the walls and ceiling to create a broader source of light.

Priced at US $599.95, the PENTAX K100D Super with 18-55mm lens will ship in August 2007. (Body alone is $519.95.) The AF200FG Auto Flash unit will ship in August 2007 for US $149.95.

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