DSLR Photography » 2006

September 2006 - Monthly Archive

Adobe Announces Camera Raw 3.5 and Updates DNG Converter

PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the PENTAX K10D digital SLR camera with 10.2 effective megapixels and a host of advanced technologies including a PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system and a weather- resistant body.

Designed to deliver high-quality digital images and responsive operation for advanced photo enthusiasts, the K10D features an array of PENTAX innovations in image capture and camera functionality.

The most significant features in the K10D include:

A PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system that effectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by built-in sensors. As a result, the system does not require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with more than 24 million PENTAX lenses produced since 1964.

A newly-developed Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras to produce well-balanced, true-to-life images. In order to meet the performance requirement in handling 10 megapixel data, PENTAX also incorporated a new high performance 22 bit A/D converter to quickly transfer images with accurate color tones and richer gradation from the CCD to the imaging engine.

A new Dust Removal (DR) system incorporating PENTAX-original Special Protect (SP) coating to help keep the CCD surface dust-free, and a shift mechanism to shake dust off the CCD.

A dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body construction featuring 72 seals throughout the camera to allow photographers to continue shooting even in dusty or rainy environments.

Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

First Water-Resistant Digital SLR with 10-Megapixel Resolution and Shake Reduction “Advanced photographers will not find another 10 megapixel digital SLR that offers features such as a weather-resistant body, shake reduction, and great ergonomics, at any price,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. “With the K10D introduction, PENTAX is now able to offer digital SLRs for two important users — the first time SLR customer who can buy the K100D and now the K10D for the more advanced users.”

New D-BG2 Battery Grip for Pentax K10D Along with the body, PENTAX announced a D-BG2 battery grip for exclusive use with the PENTAX K10D. This battery grip can be used in combination with the camera’s rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to double the camera’s battery life. With a vertical shutter-release button, preview lever, two control dials, AE-lock button and green button, the new battery grip makes vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. It also features the same dust-proof, weather-resistant construction as the K10D camera body.

Pentax-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited Lens PENTAX also announced the smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited lens, designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras and featuring an ultra-thin pancake design and uni-focal, medium-telephoto optics. With a medium-telephoto perspective, this new lens is ideal for many applications including portraiture and landscape. The high-performance optics ensure outstanding image quality, and provide distinctive visual expression. Materials used for this lens are selected for optimum holding comfort and operability, and the new lens is designed to be extremely thin and lightweight, for go-anywhere portability for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography.

Price and Availability

The K10D body will ship by November 2006 for US $899.95, and as a kit with the DA 18-55mm lens for $999.95. The D-BG2 Battery Grip will ship at the same time for less than US $190.00. The PENTAX DA 70mm lens will ship in October 2006 for less US $600.00

About Pentax

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces, mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

Zigview S2 Digital Angle Finder for DSLRs

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The NEW Zigview S2 attaches to your DSLR viewfinder and displays a live video feed from the viewfinder to its large 2.5 inch high resolution LCD, which can be moved to fully tilt and rotate for viewing at any angle.

The new unit has excellent low light properties and a high frame rate which displays a bright live image making it fantastic for low and high angle situations as well as being capable of acting as a waist level finder to improve communication with clients during portrait photography.

Images from the Zigview S2 can also be relayed live to a remote monitor using the TV output, or alternatively with the Remote Video accessory cables/extensions, the screen can be detached from the main unit to view the subject and fire the shutter from a remote location up to 10 meters away. This makes it ideal for use in bird hides, high level photography of properties or any situation where it would be beneficial for the photographer to be placed distance from the camera.

The Zigview S2 also incorporates the same 9 area TTL motion sensor and interval timer facilities from the Zigview R model making it a hugely versatile accessory which can help you to achieve new and exciting images in a whole range of new situations. Eyepiece adapters and shutter cables are available to fit most DSLR cameras.

Website : Zigview S2 Digital Angle Finder for DSLRs

Pentax Firmware Updates for *istDL and DS Series Cameras

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