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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

First K 30 (Very) Brief Hands-on

http://www.facebook.com/PentaxSingapore

The AA battery holder:


Focus Peaking:


AF Adjustment with Individual Lenses (Just like the K-5):

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Fully Disassembling the Fuji X100



This is not Pentax camera related. But for the sake of those camera hackers who read this Blog, I feel it is yet good to share:-

http://www.jamesmaherphotography.com/photoblog_view_post/767-taking-apart-the-fuji-x100

Transformer Cameras!



I don't know who is the original author of the above second-tier creation. But surely it is interesting!

And finally, I can see something that proves the existence of Pentax marketing. The first modelling photo is cool:-

Why One Would Want Plastic and Rubber for a Camera?

This K-5 was cracked after a crush:-



Source: http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1000353-1-1-1.html (in Chinese)

The new K 30 looks like shockproof, with its plastic/rubber outer shell construction. So, it seems that sometimes plastic and rubber is better than metal, especially consider that the K-5 metal shell seems to be flimsy and not thick enough. This can be seen in the above photo for the wound. Surprisingly, this was exactly my own feeling when I first picked up the K-5 in my hands. In contrast, the Pentax MZ-S film body is a different story (except for the filmsy "data back" of it).

Monday, May 21, 2012

K 30 Full Specs and Product Images Leaked!

New Products' Images with Detailed Specs!



See: http://www.pentaxturk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1309.msg15245;topicseen#new

This is the Google translation of the specs:-

Open SLR Weather resistant stainless steel chassis and
(Splashing water, snow, dust and sand, protecting electronic circuits against)
* Excellent Image Quality

16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
High-speed image data signals to read and full detail a newly developed CMOS image sensor 16 MP APS-C (23.7X 15.7mm)
Vibration Sensor Blocker SR (Shake Reduction) available.
ISO 25 600 sensitivity.
Cleaning System

* Outstanding Video Image Quality

1080p Full HD video recording (1920 x 1080 pixels) High-quality video capture
Codec H.264 recording format
Frame rate to the user a choice to accommodate specific applications (Full HD 30, 25 or 24 fps, and HD resolution of up to 60 fps) to provide
Exposure Compensation (P, Av or M)
Video Editing and Customization
Custom Image (Cross Processing, Monochrome, inverse Movie, Bleach Bypass, Muted, Bright, Vivid, Landscape, Portrait, Natural, Glossy)
Digital filters (Color, Color Invert, Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast Extract)
Intermittent Feature Film (within the specified range is a series of images, and (99 hours) makes a video clip

* Fast and Sharp

Continuous shooting 6 frames / sec. Up to 30 JPEG and RAW 8
Estantane speed 1/6000 'e sec. To freeze the action in an image. Sports photography, and action for children

* Ease of Use

3 "(inch) LCD screen, 921 000 points, extra-wide 170 ° viewing
100% pentaprism viewfinder for a great comfort
Dual-Processor for direct access to various settings
Dual Power AA / AA batteries feature lithium-ion or
Auto exposure modes and a wide selection of digital filters

* Many Features

Custom Photo 9 modes (Bright, natural, portrait, landscape, lively, bright, quiet, ağırtmasız positive, unlike film, single-color, cross-processing)
Extending the dynamic range of highlights and shadows for more information
Multi-exposure
Interval Timer Shooting
Built-in RAW development
23 custom functions
Buttons / privatization
Flicker Reduction
Electronic level
Focus peaking
Lens correction
Copyright Information
Pixel mapping
Electronic level



Additon 1: Plus the following leak about the new AF system at my Blog by someone:-

"The K-30 features the state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation by incorporating a diffraction lens to minimize chromatic aberration in accordance to the characteristics of each individual lens. It also factors the light source at the time of shooting into its calculations. Nine of its 11 sensor points have cross-type sensors to capture all kinds of subjects in sharp focus, while its spotbeam projector assists the AF system at poorly lit locations. The K-30’s AF algorithm has also been upgraded in all areas. A new select-area expansion function allows the sensor module to continue to track a moving subject, even when it moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. The accuracy and speed of detecting moving subjects during autofocus shooting, and autofocusing performance when using a telephoto lens, have been greatly improved as well."

Addition 2: Fengwei has leaked more things at the Chinese Xitek Forum. Although he just points to the above Turkey forum, the information he writes does NOT appear over there! (Maybe the last time he was warned more seriously! ;-))

* High performance 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor.
* Full weather sealing for worry-free use in any weather condition.
* Rugged coldproof design for sub-freezing use (-10C, 14F).
* PRIME M image processing engine, optimized for video, also captures outstanding still images.
* Full 1080p30 HD video features h.264 compression, flexible exposure control, and HDR finishing options.
* Advanced SAFOX IXi+ autofocus engine features AF assist lamp, light source sensor, and improved optical components.
* Large 3 inch LCD is wide angle viewable, and features 921,000 dots of resolution.
* Live View focus peaking highlights in-focus surfaces for fast and accurate manual or autofocus.
* Low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder achieves a 100% optical field of view.
* Highly accurate 77 segment metering system for accurate exposure, even in complex lighting.
* Fast 6 FPS continuous shooting mode and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speed.
* ISO speeds up to 25600 improve shutter speeds while minimizing noise in low lighting.
* Programmable front and rear e-dials for convenience and PENTAX Hyper shift operation.
* Sensor-shift Shake/Dust Reduction ensures sharp, dust-free imaging with any mounted lens.
* Traditional modes combine with automatic modes for powerful, user-friendly operation.
* In-camera HDR shooting modes feature multiple blending options and pixel alignment.
* Compatible with both rechargeable Li-Ion and AA batteries (via optional AA battery holder).
* Highly compact yet durable body with comfortable ergonomics.

Addition 3: Some more product photos leaked at the Pentax Forums!




It seems to be a new K-5 + K-01 afterall, with little missing features, at least on paper, i.e., for the published specs! And there are even more for some little improvements, finally!

K-01 is a Piece of Furniture!? :-o



Via Ned Bunnell's Blog, Here and Here.

Oh, really? :-o I guess next Pentax can put the K-01 in an architectural exhibition or even a construction industry one, as the K-01 is now well known and recognised as a piece of BRICK! ;-p

DA 50/1.8 Will be Marketed Soon



See this latest announcement at the PF.

And here are the disclosed specs:-
  • Large maximum aperture for shallow depth of field: F1.8
  • 6 lens elements in 5 groups
  • Diagonal field of view: 32 degrees
  • 7 aperture blades, rounded for a smooth bokeh
  • SP coated front element repels dirt and grease and is easy to clean
  • Image format: APS-C
  • Screwdrive autofocus
  • Plastic bayonet
  • Not a pancake, but still quite compact with a length of 38.5mm/1.5 inches
  • 52mm filter diameter
  • Light weight: 122g/4.3 oz
Well, a quick comparison to the old Pentax 50mm F1.7 lenses reveals that it is yet 6 elements in 5 groups, but the size, weight and number of aperture blades are different. The DA50 is actually longer but a bit lighter, owing to the deletion of the aperture ring and mechanism as well as it is a "plastic lens" as designed and meant.

Btw, the old FA 50mm F1.7 lens is quite nice optically and it was sold cheap at around $100 at its time. Let's see what how this trimmed down but "digital optimised" "new" version perform and how much Pentax will ask for! Last but not least, I don't believe that it is a cropped lens, i.e., it should cover 135 Full Frame (as even the 40XS actually is)!


Read Also:-

Pancake "Standard" Prime Shootout: FA 43/1.9 Limited Vs A 50/2

Compatibility of DA Lenses on Full Frame

When the Super Pancake Meets Different Bodies~

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pentax K-r Mirrorless Edition! ;-D



So, the dream of many Pentaxians have come true, for a K-mount mirrorless with a finder! ;-D

Do You Still Want 24MP in APS-C? (D3200 Vs K-5 ISO Shootout)

http://www.neocamera.com/camera/nikon/d3200/samples/indoor


Related:-

When the Sensor Outresolves the Lens.. (How Meaningful is a 24MP APS-C Sensor?)

Truly the Thinnest DC on Earth



http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120518_533774.html
(in Japanese)

Well, unlike the K-01, it has a viewfinder!



The lens is also thinnest!



So, this camera takes all the crowns from Pentax! ;-)

Sample photos are available for measurbation, too. Go figure yourself!