Only 100 “Robotic Colors” K-xes will be released in Japan this November when they’ll be sold exclusively through Pentax’s online store at $US880 a pop. Rarely do I consider a dSLR without mulling over lens compatibility and high ISO noise, but apparently I’ve always wanted a preschooler-friendly dSLR modelled after an obscure Japanese robot toy. [Pentax via CrunchGear]

And there’s a bunch of them still there. Because weight was such a critical issue in getting the astronauts safely back to earth, they returned with only the detachable film magazines, leaving their weight-modified Hasselblad shooters behind. You could fetch them for yourself, if you can find a way up there. Hasselblad recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the event and there’s a terrific wrap here if you want to read more.

I share this story with you not because of a fascination with cameras abandoned in exotic places, though that’s not a bad story idea, but because on a recent trip to my favourite camera dealer I was amazed to learn that a Hasselblad 500C/M with 80mm Planar lens and finder, much like the one pictured, passed through their hands recently. How much? $1000. Here’s a camera that once was out of reach for all but the most successful photographers of the 60s and 70s but which now can be had for a song.

But here’s the thing. These cameras are still working. Not only were they engineered and built to last but have been owned by photographers who cherished them.

What’s that, you say? Film? Yes, these cameras shoot film, though some can be modified with a digital back. And yes, you can still buy the 120 roll film to load into them and, yes, you can still get that film processed. Why would you do this? If you’re a digital photographer who has never used a lightbox to view a perfectly exposed, beautifully framed, cleverly conceived and perfectly executed colour photograph captured on roll film, you haven’t really experienced the joy of photography.

This week, Gizmodo celebrates these cameras and their accessories. Incredible technology. Going for a song.

Any Gizmodians with tips on dealers in their own city who are still selling these cameras should share the knowledge with their brethren by hitting me up via the Tip Your Editors link at the top of this page. I’ll start it off by nominating Photoco Camera House in Adelaide’s Central Market. Link through to their home page, where they offer a downloadable Excel spreadsheet detailing the latest secondhand gear in stock.

It’s got a 12MP CMOS sensor that’ll shoot up to 12,800 ISO in expanded range, and the 720p video is limited to 24FPS. But despite being bottom o’ the barrel, it actually cribs a feature or two from the K-7, like built-in HDR processing. The $US650 MSRP means you should be able to find it for less, so it looks like you get a ton of features for the money, though we’ll have to see how the photos actually come out to see if it’s actually worth it.

PENTAX ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE, NEW PENTAX K-x

WITH HIGH-END FEATURES INCLUDING HD VIDEO AND LIVE VIEW

GOLDEN, CO (September 16, 2009)… PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.

Priced at $US599.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x forges ahead on the trail initiated by the popular PENTAX K2000. With a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

o High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
o Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
o Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
o Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
o True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
o Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
o Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
o Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
o Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries)

PENTAX K-x

2-2-2

All combined, the PENTAX K-x is the perfect camera for new digital SLR camera users as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.

Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The lightweight design of this

zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all PENTAX lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies.

The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on www.pentaxwebstore.com. Limited edition colours of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.

The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options:

* K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $US649.95.
* K-x twin lens kit for $US749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
* K-x twin lens kit for $US849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press

Product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html

An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1

PENTAX K-x FACT SHEET

12.4 effective megapixels

The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor accurately reproduces true-to-life images with fine detail and rich colour depth. The

K-x offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows users to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function to offer greater creative freedom to photographers.

Compact, lightweight body

The PENTAX K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR cameras in its class. The stainless-steel chassis and overall design offer a space-efficient layout.

Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280×720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24)

The PENTAX K-x movie recording function* captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Compatible with every PENTAX interchangeable lens ever made, the Video Capture mode opens a new world of creativity for PENTA K-x owners.

* When the PENTAX K-x’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are viewed at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shake by as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses – even those designed for film-format cameras.* With this SR mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions such as telephoto lens photography, shooting in dark or low-light setting without a flash illumination, and sunset scenes.

*Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adaptor); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adaptor). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second

The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine

The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) II, that is an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate colour rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.

Live View function with Face detection of up to 16 faces

In addition to the camera’s viewfinder, the K-x features a Live View function that allows users to view subjects on the LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes in Live View:

PENTAX K-x FACT SHEET

* Contrast Auto Focus optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast.
* Face Detection Auto Focus automatically detects up to 16 faces, then selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, and captures it in sharp focus.
* Phase Difference Auto Focus accesses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimise focus on the subject.

Innovative Image Processing Functions

Digital Filter function

The K-x’s digital filter function allows users to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters including colour Extract, Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera, and more (including a custom filter for building multiple effects), photographers may apply multiple filters to a single image for customised effects.

Cross Process mode

The K-x features a new Cross Process mode that automatically and randomly adds finishing touches to exposures to create eye-catching images with unique, intriguing colours (just like images treated with Cross Process* in film photography). This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don’t know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.

* A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colours.

High-precision 11-point AF sensor

The high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system of the K-x features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. Photographers also may select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialised applications.

Additional features

* Custom Image modes offer high quality processing for images
* 2.7 inch, high-resolution colour LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution
* Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
* Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD monitor
* Ten scene modes, including Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Sunset, Kids, Museum, and more, available via simple icon selection
* PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and image browser functions

PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED Lens Fact Sheet

A lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm (in the 35mm format)

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to assure true-to-life image descriptions and faithful colour renditions through effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.

SPECIFICATIONS
Focal Length 55-300mm
(Equivalent to 84.5-460mm in 35mm format)
Aperture F4-5.8
Minimum Aperture F22-32
Lens Construction 12 elements in 8 groups
Angle of View 29 – 5.4° (wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body)
Minimum Focusing Distance 4.6 ft.
Maximum Magnification 0.28X
Filter Diameter 58mm
Diaphragm control Fully Automatic
Number of Diaphragm Blades 6
Maximum Diameter & Minimum Length 2.8 x 4.4 in
Weight 15.0 oz.
Notes Includes SP (Super Protect) Coating

[Pentax]

The key features:

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
• Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
• Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

It looks pretty nice, if all this is true (and it certainly looks realistic), but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get confirmation and most importantly, price. [Photorumors via Engadget]

The Price: $US300

The Photos and Video: In sample shots on our kiteboarding trip and at the local beach, the W80 was not the best but sill surprisingly good. Compared to periscoped lens setups, the traditional internal 5x zoom lens made the 12-megapixel shots look sharper than most other waterproof cameras. The 28mm equivalent lens was sharp edge to edge. Colour was good, too.

But I noticed the lens was a little too slow to capture sharp motion underwater where light is rarer than on the surface. (The first sample shot I took in dim light triggered the flash where other models didn’t need one.) Colours and exposure was fine, but the grunge resisting lens and LCD were only marginally helpful in combating substances like suntan lotion, grime and surfboard wax. Video is captured at up to 720p, but it didn’t look so great. Face detection locked on pretty quickly, and there are several shake reduction capabilities, including digital and movie modes.

The Design: The casing is still one of the smallest and is by far the most pocketable ruggedised model around, but it’s only good for drops up to one metre. Models by Lumix and Olympus are far more rugged, although more Hummer-esque, too. Pentax’s various scene modes are amongst the most useful around, and there’s an simple button to switch between them, but that button and menu is also the only way to easily switch between video and still mode. Quite a chore.

The camera could use a design refresh, in all honesty, and more metal. But it’s also good for winter sports, rated to function down to -10 degrees Celcius. I liked Pentax’s optional floating wrist strap, too.

The Waterproofness: Good down to 4.8 metres, up from 3.9 metres in the last generation. Good enough for light to medium beach duty.

The Recommendation: My favourite rugged-ish waterproof camera when size is a consideration.

Compact considering its quasi-rugged chassis.

Decent shot quality.

There are tougher cams out there that take better photos, but only slightly so in all regards.

Could use a redesign, since the W60, W40 and W20 had similar cases.

[Giz, Pentax]

The $US200 P80 can even detect faces at an angle and can find up to 32 of them in 0.3 seconds. It will be available in September. [Crunch Gear]

It’s good enough for a casual splash in a pool or a river swim, but not worthy of a lake or ocean jaunt. The camera has a 10mp rating, and does 720p video at 30fps, which is good news. It also has face detection and some forms of shake reduction including a movie version, and an ISO equivalent of 6400 (but like all high ISO point and shoots, I wouldn’t count on that being very grain free.) The lens is a 35mm equivalent of 35-175mm.

Huh, weird. It also has a small face filter, that makes people with big faces look more attractive.

At $US250, I might go up to a higher end waterproof camera or buy last year’s model used.

PENTAX UNVEILS NEW WATERPROOF COMPACT WS80:
Dunkable, Affordable Optio WS80 Sports Bold Colors

GOLDEN, CO. (August 5, 2009)…A bold, new waterproof digital camera jumped into the swimming pool today. PENTAX Imaging Company announced the Optio WS80, the newest contender in the durable, affordable digital camera category.
Available in two bold, his-and-her’s designs, the water and dustproof Optio WS80 is a perfect choice for travel, outdoor activities and families. Featuring a 10 megapixel CCD and a 5X internal optical zoom housed in a slim, palm-sized body that is less than an inch thick, the Optio WS80 has a large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for easy composition. With waterproof construction that can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 meters), the Optio WS80 captures underwater photos and video including high resolution, widescreen, HD video up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second. Other features include:
• Fast Face Detection technology sees up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 of a second for easy portrait photography.
• Smile Capture automatically releases the shutter when a subject smiles and Blink Detection alerts the photographer if the subject’s eyes are closed during the exposure.
• PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) technology features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR, stabilizing your images and video for beautiful, blur-free results.
• PENTAX Auto Picture mode automatically selects from eight shooting modes for beautiful images in any setting.
• Sensitivity up to ISO 6400 boosts shutter speeds to freeze subject movement for blur-free images even in low lighting.

Available in two eye-catching colour options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $US249.95 USD.
More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com.
Product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX 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.
# # #

Consumer contact:
pentaxinfo@pentax.com
1-800-877-0155
http://www.youtube.com/pentaxian1

PENTAX Optio WS80 Major Features
Exceptional waterproof performance for underwater shooting and adventure
The palm-sized Optio WS80 assures reliable waterproof performance that allows underwater photography up to five feet for up two hours (JIS Class 8 standard). The WS80 also features the PENTAX-exclusive, highly water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass panel that covers the zoom lens. As a result, the Optio WS80 may be rinsed clean with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand. Coupled with remarkable dustproof capabilities equivalent to JIS Class 6, the Optio WS80 may be used without worry in many different situations where water or dirt is a major concern.

High-quality images delivered by 10.0 effective megapixels
Combining 10.0 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio WS80 produces brilliant, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness even when images are enlarged.
High-performance optical 5X zoom lens
The slim, palm-sized Optio WS80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 35mm to 175mm in the 35mm format. The camera offers an Intelligent Zoom function that extends the zoom range up to approximately 28.5X for even tighter zooming in on the subject.
High-quality, widescreen, HD movie recording
The Optio WS80 captures beautiful, flawless HD movie clips at 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720 pixels)* at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The camera also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly features designed to facilitate movie recording: the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates for camera shake during movie shooting; and the Underwater Movie mode, which automatically optimizes colour settings for underwater movie shooting.
*When the Optio WS80’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
High-speed Face Detection, with a range of user-friendly features
The Optio WS80’s advanced Face Detection AF & AE function captures 32 faces in sharp focus and perfect exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds. It also accurately detects a subject facing the camera at an angle or with a tilted head. The Optio WS80 offers other user-friendly features, including:
• A Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile.
• A Blink Detection function warns the photographer when a subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.
• A Small Face filter helps reduce a subject’s face so that it appears smaller in proportion to the body to produce more flattering well-balanced portraits.

PENTAX OPTIO WS80 FACT SHEET CONTINUED

Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio WS80’s Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images.
High-Sensitivity SR mode*
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the Optio WS80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject motion blur under poor lighting conditions.
Movie SR mode**
During movie recording, the Optio WS80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake.
* When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

Large 2.7 inch LCD monitor for effortless image viewing
The Optio WS80 features a large 2.7 inch extra bright colour LCD monitor so photographers may view on-screen images, menus and mode-settings with ease while shooting and during playback.

Additional Features:
• Interval shooting mode, convenient for fixed-point observation of starry skies, flowers and plants
• High-speed 9 point AF system, with Auto-Tracking function, to maintain constant focus on a moving subject
• Auto Picture mode automatically selects one of eight shooting modes for the optimum results in a wide variety of shooting conditions
• A variety of digital filters including Toy Camera and Retro to add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
• Dynamic Range adjustment prevents overexposed and underexposed areas in images
• Digital Wide function creates a panoramic, extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 25.4mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
• Digital Panorama mode creates a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
• Style Watch function displays the time with pushbutton operation, even when the camera’s power is turned off
• Image recovery function recovers accidentally erased images
• Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) shoots or composes images with decorative photo frames

PENTAX ANNOUNCES ITS MOST SHOCK AND WATERPROOF DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA EVER: THE OPTIO W80

GOLDEN, CO (June 24, 2009)…The manufacturer that builds digital cameras to go boldly where none have gone before has announced the PENTAX Optio W80. More adventure-proof than ever, this latest PENTAX digital camera is waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than three feet (one meter).

PENTAX first introduced dunkable digital cameras in 2003 to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and families everywhere. Today, the PENTAX Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video for up to two hours. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills. Also featuring 12.1 megapixels, a 5X internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim one inch body, and a wide angle 28mm lens, the Optio W80 offers an expanded perspective that is ideal for landscape, group and more confined shots. With a PENTAX-developed imaging engine and a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. A Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the mineral crystal cover of the internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime and finger marks.

Other important features in the Optio W80 include a:

* Coldproof design that allows the camera to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
* 2.5 inch LCD monitor that features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight.
* Widescreen, HD movie capture that records resolutions up to 1280×720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second.
* Fast Face Detection technology that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots.
* Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) that ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. Digital SR and Movie SR are also available.
* Close focusing, Super Macro mode that brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm (less than one inch).

Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal grey, the Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $US299.95 USD. To help keep the Optio W80 fresh and at hand, PENTAX offers a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95 USD) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($19.95 USD). More information about the Optio W80 and these accessories is available at: www.pentaximaging.com *

and preorders may be placed now at www.pentaxwebstore.com .

Sure, there’s a chance RiceHigh’s Pentax Blog has painstakingly fabricated shots and details of the upcoming Pentax K-7, but let’s go ahead and list the dSLR’s unconfirmed specs anyway.

• 14.6MP sensor with 5.2 FPS shooting
• 3-inch VGA LCD with LiveView
• 720P, 16×9 video at 30FPS
• Integrated HDR (High Dynamic Range) Mode (this feature is essentially an automated bracketing system, but I think that’s sorta neat)
• Updated image processing, dust removal and AF systems
•And much, much more!!

Still no word on price or availability, but head on over to the link to see the full rundown on the Pentax K-7. [RiceHigh's Pentax Blog]