New Pentax lens

Here's one more new product from Pentax:

PENTAX Imaging Company announced the addition of a second lens for the 645D Medium Format digital camera. As the second model of the 645D lens series, the smc PENTAX D FA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW is designed as an ultra-wide-angle lens that features PENTAX-original optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to assure exceptional image- performance as well as dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction for active outdoor photographers.

Offering a focal length of approximately 19.5mm in the 35mm format (or approximately 15.5mm when mounted on a PENTAX 645-format film SLR camera body), this new lens provides the widest perspective of all PENTAX 645 lenses. Creating visual effects unique to ultra-wide-angle lenses — such as exaggerated perspective and enhanced depth of field — this lens may be used for a wide range of subjects including spectacular landscapes and indoor shooting in confined spaces.

      Priced at $4999.95 USD, the smc PENTAX D FA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW lens will become available in April 2011.  More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

The lens is available for preorder on: www.pentaxwebstore.com

More Pentax news

Pentax also announcd a new version of their K-5 dSLR. Here's the announcement:

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced that the popular K-5 digital SLR will be available soon in Limited Edition Silver.  Available in the US in limited quantities this special-edition model of the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR camera will feature an exclusive design with an original exterior color scheme and a uniquely shaped grip. 

    

Along with the silver K-5, PENTAX announced three popular PENTAX DA Limited Edition Silver lens models designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras also which will ship in the near future.  Each limited edition lens will feature a high-quality, silver finish applied to the high precision machine shaped lens barrel, hood and cap.

    

The three prime lenses that will be available in silver include:

·         smc PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited Silver

·         smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Silver

·         smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited Silver

The special edition, silver finish K-5 will match existing PENTAX FA-Limited series lenses and the new DA Limited Silver series lenses. The camera’s mode dial, control buttons and levers all feature the elegant silver color. To improve handling, this special-edition model comes with an exclusively designed grip that is thicker than the standard K-5 model.  Shock-resistant, scratchproof reinforced glass has been used to protect the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel and the status panel on the top panel. 

   

 First announced in September 2010, the K-5 DSLR offers a true high-end, weather-resistant prosumer design and features normally found only on the most costly of professional cameras including:

•    High resolution 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor.

•    Fast 7 FPS to capture fast action shots.

•    A high sensitivity 80-12800 ISO range, expandable to 51200, with improved noise performance overall.

•    Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS with sound via built-in microphone or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack.

   The unique DA Limited series of prime lenses offers incredible sharpness and image quality, and are made specifically for PENTAX DSLR cameras. These lenses are ideal for even the most discerning photographer who demands top performance in an ultra-compact package. The high-grade aluminum construction of the DA Limited series provides the utmost durability and elegant design.

    

Whether paired or purchased separately, the Limited Edition Silver K-5 and the smc PENTAX DA Limited Silver lenses will offer owners a classic, high-end photography expererience.  Priced at $1699.95 (body kit), the PENTAX K-5 Limited Edition Silver will be available in April 2011.

The PENTAX DA Limited Edition Silver lens pricing and availability are TBA. More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available here:

http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html 

Preorder is available here: www.pentaxwebstore.com

News from Pentax cameras

We had our annual briefing from Pentax at CES under NDA and we've had to keep things under our hat, until now! The first of the new 2011 products have officially been announced. The first one is the WG-1, the replacement for the superb W90 we reviewed a few months ago. Here's some information on the new WG-1 cameras:

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced its12^thgeneration of adventure series digital cameras – the PENTAX Optio WG-1 and PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS.  Featuring outstanding waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, coldproof, and crushproof capability, these extra-rugged models take adventure photography to new heights (and depths).

The new and improved features on the PENTAX Optio WG-1 include:

·         14 megapixel sensor.

·                                 Waterproof to 33 feet.

·         Shockproof, ruggedized design to withstand falls up to 5 feet.

·         New crushproof construction* to withstand weight force up to 220 pounds (100kgf  kilogram-force).

·         Enhanced Digital Microscope mode that offers five macro LEDs for excellent macro lighting  plus a detachable macro stand for steadier capture.

·         Fast Face Detection technology, Smile Capture, and Blink Detection for portraits including a handy new Self-Portrait Assist mode perfect for facebooking and other social networking activities.

·         Available with and without GPS, the WG-1 GPS functionality* tracks and records positional data recording with images for geo-tagging applications making it easy for users to check the shooting locations of captured images and link the data with PC-based maps.

*Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards.** GPS included only on the select WG-1 GPS model.

Other important WG-1 features include:

•          Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F).

•          Dustproof protection for dry, dusty environments.

•          Wide angle 5X internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent).

•          Large 2.7 inch LCD features a wide angle 16:9 aspect ratio with anti-reflective coating.

•          Video capture in widescreen 720p HD at 30 frames per second.

•          Pixel Track and Digital Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images.

•          An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in challenging lighting.

•          An HDMI port to play back beautiful, high definition images and video on HDTVs.

•          Infrared remote control compatibility with the waterproof Remote Control WP, as well as other PENTAX infrared remotes.

•          Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, the new Optios includes a woven web fabric strap in complementary color accents complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear.

•          Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity for built-in Wi-Fi capability to transfer photos and videos from the camera to a computer or an online sharing site (Eye-fi cards sold separately.)

Priced at $349.95 USD, Optio WG-1 will be available in a choice of Black or Purple, while the Optio WG-1 GPS will be priced at $399.95 USD and available in Black or Yellow Green.  Both cameras will ship in April 2011. 

A waterproof infared remote control (sold separately) for use with the PENTAX Optio WG-1and other infrared compatible Optio models  is available now for $29.95 USD.  More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.comand product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

The PENTAX Optio WG-1is available for preorder on: www.pentaxwebstore.com

New Samsung cameras

We received news on two new digital cameras from Samsung. Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced two new compact cameras, the PL20 and ES80 –stylish point-and-shoot cameras which will bring fun and great quality photography to everyone. The cameras make clear, sharp images accessible to all users, through a combination of high-quality features and cutting edge innovation, all at an affordable price.

The PL20 packs a 14-megapixel sensor, a 27mm wide angle and a 5x optical zoom, plus HD movie recording, into a simple to use and stylish device. It also removes the need for the ongoing purchase of AA batteries with a unique Li-ion rechargeable battery to keep the fun lasting longer.

The ES80 provides another smart point-and-shoot option for consumers who seek affordability and value in their camera technology. The camera offers easy-to-use features such as an internal charging system which helps to ensure that power isn’t lost at that crucial photo moment. The ES80 also boasts 12-megapixel resolution and a 5x optical zoom to make taking great quality images effortlessly simple. 

Both the PL20 and the ES80 come in four vibrant colors – Silver, Tomato Red, Pink and Black – meaning there’s a model to suit every taste.

The PL20 will be available in March and will have an MSRP of $119.99. The ES80 will be available in April with an MSRP of $99.99. Here's a pic of the PL20:

Teaser

I  want everyone to know that there will be some exciting new products announced in this blog next week. Make sure your read it every day so you don't miss any hot news.

Verizon iPhones

For all of the people who have been waiting for the iPhone to be available on a network other than AT&T, I have some good news and some bad news.

First the good news. Verizon has announced that the pre-sales of the iPhone have set new records. Clearly there are a LOT of people who were not satisfied with AT&Ts dropped calls and slow data connections. Does anyone remember when AT&T stopped selling iPhones in NY because they overstressed their system?

Now the bad news. Verizon just announced that they will be slowing down the data rate for their highest data speed customers whenever there is too much stress on their system. Guess what people, performance will be the same as AT&T's is!!

To paraphrase a line from Casablanca: I'm shocked, shocked, to hear this!!

CES conclusions

Now that I’ve had a chance to reflect a bit on what I saw, and didn’t see, at CES 2011 in Vegas I’ve come to a couple of conclusions.

The first conclusion is that WiFi systems can be easily overtaxed. There were times when the WiFi pipes were so overloaded that no one was able to connect to the internet. One of the evening events we attended actually asked the press to turn off all of their WiFi devices so the vendors would have access for the products they wanted to show off.

When you consider the number of different products we saw at CES that offered wireless connectivity it’s no surprise that systems get overloaded. And what are promised for the future? Why even more wireless of course! I’m getting more convinced every day that Powerline networking is the smart path for many home/SOHO users.

The second thing that I noticed was the “wave” of tablets that were announced or hinted at. Vendors announced over 80 new tablets/slates using many OSs. Android seemed to be the OS of choice with Win7 and WebOS both far behind. We had a chance to try some of them hands-on and expect to review a slew of them this year. HP had no announcements at all but I was told by a very reliable source that they will have an announcement in early February.

Many companies that had tablets/slates all had the same caveat: the products we saw didn’t necessarily reflect what the final product would look like or the software would be like! It was obvious that the catch up with the iPad scramble was on!