Monday, February 19, 2007

Pentax will unveil new lenses at Photokina

Pentax will be exhibiting three new interchangeable digital SLR camera lenses, as well and a new medium-format camera, at this year's Photokina in Cologne.

Press Release:

Still in pre-production, Photokina will represent the first opportunity for anyone outside of Pentax's engineering team to view these exciting new products.

Also on demonstration at the show will be the recently launched K10D - Pentax's flagship digital SLR camera, featuring 10 megapixels, Pentax's proprietary shake reduction system and a host of other innovative features. These in turn will be supported by Pentax's current digital compact line-up, which includes marketing leading cameras such as the Optio A20, Optio W20 and Optio T20.

Photokina is one of the world's largest photo and imaging merchandise fairs and runs from 26th September to 1st October in Cologne, Germany. It provides the perfect platform for Pentax to showcase its flagship models to Europe's photographic industry.

Three interchangeable lenses designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras

* Wide-angle zoom lens; model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]
* Telephoto zoom lens; model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]
* Super-telephoto zoom lens; Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA* 60-250mm F4ED [IF]


Other product information:
These products are designed for use with PENTAX K- and *istD series of digital SLR cameras. They are being developed as premium, high-end 'star' (*) lenses, which will deliver exceptional performance and optimal image quality. They will feature the PENTAX KAF2 mount, which incorporates additional electrical contacts to drive a built-in supersonic motor used in auto focusing. All three lenses will be available in March 2007.

Lens-interchangeable medium-format SLR camera
Model name (tentative): PENTAX 645 Digital

Product information:

* 18 effective megapixels
* PENTAX 645AF mount
* Compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645-series lenses


Other information:
This product will be continuously upgraded by incorporating newly developed image sensors, with its final effective megapixels expected to reach 30-megapixels.