14 DAY TRIAL // As part of the wave of DSLRs and lenses hitting the consumer and advanced consumer "beaches", Pentax announced two important upgrades to their existent models and five much-needed new lenses.
For those who have been following our reports and the rumors circulating the Internet for some time this will come as no surprise as Pentax's new cameras are the K20D and the K200D.
The flagship K20D comes with a new CMOS sensor with a class-first 14.6 megapixels that was developed together with Samsung. Up until now, Pentax purchased its sensors from Sony, but it appears that the partnership with the Koreans is paying off. However, in-depth tests will be required to see how the new sensor handles high ISO values. Speaking of ISO, the new K20D will be able to go up to 6400.
The CMOS sensor is accompanied by the proprietary PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) processor, but the press release doesn't say what improvements have been implemented compared to the unit in the K10D.
When talking about new DSLRs one of the biggest problems is dynamic range. Photographers want better dynamic ranges to handle problematic shots that get ruined by blown out highlights. Pentax has not been ignorant to this and has implemented a dynamic-range expansion function with an 1EV boost. However, it's likely that the dynamic range will affect the shooting speed as such a function requires extra processing time.
And since we're on the subject, judging from the provided specs it looks like the K20D doesn't bring much to the table in terms of autofocus and continuous speed. The K20D appears to have the same SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points, nine being cross-type and the same continuous speed of 3 frames per second for 38 JPEGs. There is however a high-speed advance mode that captures 21 images per second for 115 images, albeit the maximum resolution is reduced to 1.6 megapixels.
The biggest novelty, at least for Pentax DSLRs, is the Live View mode that "allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the large 2.7 inch LCD monitor. A grid display may be engaged to help assure the perfect arrangement of an image and Auto Focus may be activated by simply pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. Further fine tuning of the image can be confirmed with the 4X or 8X zoom option."
Other features of the K20D include the already ubiquitous weather and dust resistant body, built-in shake reduction system, RAW button for single-action image-file switching, PC sync socket and improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.
The PENTAX K20D (body only) digital SLR model will ship in April 2008 for US $1299.95. Unfortunately for Pentax, the K20D is a little bit too late at the next-gen DSLR party as both Canon and Nikon are already selling bodies with all these features. Pentax's only chance is to employ an aggressive pricing policy aimed at deterring potential customers from choosing the Nikon D300 or Canon 40D.
The second camera on Pentax's PMA08 to-do-list is the K200D, which can be regarded as a much more substantial upgrade compared to the K20D. The successor of the K100D uses a 1.5x crop factor CCD with 10.2 megapixels that is shifted to compensate for unwanted camera movements, the well-known Shake Reduction system. Surprisingly, the K200D also features a weather and dust resistant body and Pentax touts as being unique in this class. As expected, there's also the improved Dust Reduction system, also seen on the K20D.
Just like the K20D, the K200D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.
In terms of autofocus, the new K200D and K20D are identical, meaning that the former also incorporates the SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points
"Our unique approach to building PENTAX DLSR equipment allows each customer to be confident in their camera choice whether they are just learning about photography or they are a more advanced photo enthusiast," said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company.
"The K20D builds on the technology of the award winning K10D and is ideal for the advanced photographer seeking maximum resolution from their camera as well as complete control over how the camera captures images. The K200D offers an easy-to-use interface while incorporating advanced imaging technology from the award winning K10D. This K200D will grow with an amateur photographer's skill as they learn more about their hobby by offering more features than what is found in entry level models," added Bunnell.
The Pentax K200D will ship in March 2008 for US $799.95, which includes the 18-55mm lens. However, it's likely that both the K200D and K20D will retail for less than what the press release mentions.
More important than the two digital single lens reflex cameras, Pentax finally decided to add some new AF lenses to its diminutive lineup. The Japanese company announced five new models, all of them incorporating a Quick-shift Focus System for instant switching from auto focus to manual and the SP coating that protects the exposed lens elements from grease and dust.
Perhaps the most interesting are the smc PENTAX DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM and the smc PENTAX DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM, which boast the company's SDM (sonic drive motors) technology and internal focusing for a fast and silent operation. These models are also weather resistant and dust resistant, making them perfect for harsh environments. The smc Pentax DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM will ship in Marh 2008 for $1099.95, while the smc Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM will ship in May 2008 for $1299.95
There's also the smc PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (focal length equivalent to 52.5mm in the 35mm format), which offers 1:1 magnification in one high-grade aluminum lens barrel. This lens will ship in April 2008 for $599.95.
As part of the more entry level lenses, Pentax has the smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED (focal length equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm in the 35mm format) with ED elements that compensate for chromatic aberration and the improved smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II with improved resolution to match higher resolution sensors. The smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED will ship in May 2008 for $399.95 and the smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II will ship as a kit lens with Pentax K200D in March 2008 (value $199.95).
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