PENTAX Optio WG-2

PENTAX Optio WG-2 and PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS

Adventure proof digital compact cameras, offering underwater shooting to a depth of 12 meters and a new image sensor for much-improved, high-sensitivity images and movie clips

Mississauga, ON – February 7, 2012

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is pleased to announce the introduction of the PENTAX Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Featuring waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant construction, these rugged, adventure proof models offer improved image quality in high-sensitivity shooting and Full HD movie recording capability.

Equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and a state-of-the-art imaging engine, the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS perform superbly in high-sensitivity shooting, such as when shooting at night or in poorly illuminated indoor sports arenas, delivering much clearer, sharper images with minimized noise than previous models. With approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, they also offer high-resolution Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080 pixels). Coupled with a new wide, high-resolution LCD monitor, assuring effortless viewing of captured images even in bright sunlight, and outstanding underwater shooting capability to a depth of 12 meters, the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS perform well, even under demanding outdoor conditions, and can capture a wide range of subjects and scenes in beautiful, high-quality images and movies.

PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS

The Optio WG-2 GPS is also equipped with a newly designed GPS module that offers some improvements over its predecessor, including a shorter time lag before the start of GPS operation, and a longer battery life when the GPS logging function is activated.

The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS will be available in Canada March 2012.

Major Features
1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting to 12 meters deep for up to two hours continuously
By further enhancing the water tightness of the camera body, PENTAX has upgraded the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS’s underwater performance to 12 meters compared to 10 meters for their predecessor, for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8 waterproof performance). These cameras are also designed to be highly shock-resistant*, dustproof**, cold-resistant ***, and crushproof****. All these features make the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS dependable, heavy-duty imaging partners in harsh, demanding shooting conditions.

* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of 1.5 meters, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to the Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F, to show the stable operations.
** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6.
*** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, with which camera is proven to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C to show the stable operations.
**** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, by which weights up to 100 kgf (kilogram-force), are put on the camera to show the stable operations.

2. Newly incorporated back-illuminated CMOS image sensor for high-quality images
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS come equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which offers much lower noise even when camera is set to higher sensitivities. With the combination of a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and 16.0 effective megapixels, this image sensor delivers super-high-resolution images. The new imaging engine applies the latest super-resolution technology to its image processing operations to assure sharp, clear, high-resolution images. These models also feature the new Handheld Night Snap mode, which captures four images of the same scene, then produces a single blur-free, composite image from them.

3. Full HD movie recording for extended recording of high-quality movies
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS offer a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. They also feature a high-speed camera function* for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips and an interval movie function to simplify advanced movie-recording techniques. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on their camera body allowing output of Full HD movie clips and sound to external devices.

* When this function is selected, the recorded size is fixed at VGA (640 x 480 pixels).

4. Large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS feature a new high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide 16:9 proportions and approximately 460,000 dots. The AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimizes annoying glare and reflections to assure a sharp, clear on-screen image even in bright sunlight, while its wide-view design offers a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, which is useful in low and high angle shooting.

5. Digital Microscope mode with six LED Macro Lights for close observation of the microscopic world
By positioning six LED Macro Lights around the circumference of the lens barrel for macro shooting — compared to five on their predecessor — the Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS provide brighter, more uniform illumination on the subject when 1cm Macro mode or Digital Microscope mode areselected.* With these Macro Lights, the user can clearly see a magnified view of the microscopic world, often unnoticeable with the naked eye, on the camera’s LCD monitor and effortlessly capture it in eye-catching images. Its instant illumination enhance function, which automatically raises the illumination level of the LED Macro Lights at the moment of shutter release, has also been upgraded to allow for the use of a higher shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake. In addition, the Macro Lights can provide other userfriendly features, such as a Self-Portrait Assist mode to check if the subject’s face is safely captured within the picture frame using the blink of an LED lamp, and a new LED lighting mode in which the Macro Lights can be used as a lighting device in the dark.

* When the Digital Microscope mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed at 2.0 megapixels (at 16:9 proportions).

6. Advanced GPS function adds a new dimension to digital photography (available with the Optio WG-2 GPS only)
The Optio WG-2 GPS comes equipped with an upgraded GPS module, which not only shortens the time lag before the start of GPS operation, but also greatly extends the battery life when the GPS logging function is activated. The Optio WG-2 GPS allows the user to record position data when shooting a still image and take advantage of various GPS-compatible applications and services provided by the included software* and such Web sites as Google Maps™. It also corrects the built-in clock automatically to match local time of a particular shooting location. In addition, by simply carrying the camera, it automatically creates log data and stores it as a KMLformat file on to the SD memory card. With this log feature, the user can keep accurate track of the movement during outdoor shooting, and display it later on the computer using various online services such as Google Earth™.

* This function is only available with the Windows version supplied software.

7. 5X optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
The Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS feature a high-performance 5X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approx. 28mm wide angle to approx. 140mm telephoto in the 35mm format). This versatile zoom lens can capture beautiful, lively pictures in a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to family/group shots in a confined space. With their Intelligent Zoom function, the user can further extend the zoom range to approximately 36 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 1008mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format) to capture extra-high-magnification images without compromising image quality.

8. Triple anti-shake protection for sharp, blur-free images
(1) Pixel Track SR mechanism
When recording still images, this sophisticated shake-reduction mechanism effectively compensates for camera shake by digitally processing affected images.
(2) Digital SR mode
When the cameras detect low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, they automatically raise the sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed to effectively minimize the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions.
(3) Movie SR mode*
During movie recording, this digital shake-reduction mode effectively compensates for camera shake through the use of exclusive software to produce beautiful, blur-free movie clips.

* When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

9. Other features
1) Carabiner strap included for hooking the camera to a backpack or other outdoor gear
2) Comes with two remote-control receptors which allows the user to send in the remote signal either from front or back of the camera
3) A Macro Stand is included as a standard accessory to make extended observation effortless, even at a minimum distance of one centimeter away from the subject and also allows the use of 46mm filters such as polaizing filters to reduce glare and increase colour saturation
4) High-speed Face Detection function can capture up to 32 faces in approx. 0.03 seconds, and Smile Capture function automatically releases the shutter the instant the subject’s smile is detected
5) Instant startup with the playback mode by pressing and holding the playback button
6) Auto Picture mode automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from 16 different scene modes
7) 12 digital filters
8 ) Digital Wide mode composes an extra-wide-angle picture (equivalent to approx. 21mm wide angle in the 35mm format) from two separate images
9) Pet mode automatically detects the face of a dog or cat
10) Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.5 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)
11) Compatible with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD., with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. markets ddigital SLR’s, compact cameras, lenses, camera accessories, sport optics and closed circuit television lenses. PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.

Pentax K-01

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION INTRODUCES PENTAX K-01 DESIGNED BY MARC NEWSON

DENVER, CO February 2, 2012… When is a camera more than a photographer’s tool? The answer is when it’s an object designed by Marc Newson, one of the most acclaimed and influential contemporary designers.

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION introduces the Marc Newson designed PENTAX K-01* interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The new PENTAX K-01 is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit. Widely known for designing a wide range of objects from furniture and household products to bicycles, cars, aircraft and yachts, Marc Newson has had collected works displayed in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and many other major museums.
*prounouced kay zero one.

Pentax K-01 Top View

The contemporary, timeless K-01 houses a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function. The elimination of an optical viewfinder and quick-return mirror gave Newson more freedom in designing the camera body, and the K-01 showcases Newson originality in every detail. Available in black, white and Newson’s signature yellow colors, the K-01 features the designer’s autograph logo stamp on the bottom of each camera.

smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS

The famed designer’s touch also is evident in a new smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS interchangeable lens. As the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens,* the new 40mm combines with the PENTAX K-01 camera body to deliver a unique ILC system that is perfect for photographers who are as keen on design as they are on performance. Together, the K-01 and 40mm lens system mark the intersection where high technology and high design meet.

Pentax K-01 Back View

Key features of the PENTAX K-01 include:
• Durable machined aluminum frame under a stylish black, white, or yellow exterior.
• PENTAX mirrorless body design is compatible with 25+ million PENTAX K-mount lenses spanning decades.
• Large 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios.
• Bright, high resolution 3 inch LCD with 920,000 dots.
• Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60 FPS at 720p) features outstanding video capture flexibility.
• Sensor-shift PENTAX Shake and Dust Reduction system is compatible with every mounted PENTAX lens.
• Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.
• Flexible ISO range of 100-25600 ensures gorgeous noise-free imaging in any lighting condition.
• Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.
* The world’s thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX’s research).

Pentax K-01 Colors

The K-01 will be available in yellow, black and white in March 2012 for $749.95USD (body only) and $899.95USD (lens kit including new DA 40mm XS) in Marc Newson designed packaging and with the Marc Newson designed strap. The smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal interchangeable standard lens will ship at the same time for $249.95 USD.

Pentax K-01 Flash

Additional information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news and a video interview with Mark Newson regarding the K-01design may be viewed here: www.youtube.com/pentaxian1 Images of other Marc Newson creations are available here.

Pentax K-01 Lenses

PENTAX is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With new headquarters in Denver, Colorado, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is a subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. effective October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: www.pentaximaging.com/news

Pentax Optio VS20

PENTAX Optio VS20

An all-purpose digital compact camera, featuring a high-power 20X optical zoom lens and extra shutter-release button, zoom lever and tripod socket for effortless vertical-position shooting

Mississauga, ON – January 25, 2012

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is pleased to announce the introduction of the PENTAX Optio VS20 digital compact camera. In addition to an extra-powerful 20X optical zoom lens featuring broad focal-length coverage from wide angle to super-telephoto with a macro mode, this versatile model offers a second shutter-release button, zoom lens lever and tripod socket to facilitate vertical-position shooting.

Within its compact body, the Optio VS20 incorporates a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features, including approximately 16.0 effective megapixels to produce sharp, high-resolution images, a powerful 20X optical zoom lens with a 1cm macro mode, sensor-shift PENTAX Shake Reduction image stabilization and an extra-large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch colour LCD monitor. The new Handheld Night Snap mode captures beautiful images with minimal blur and noise, even in poorly illuminated locations. The PENTAX Optio VS20 is a high-performance, all-purpose camera that can flawlessly respond to a greater range of subjects and scenes than most conventional models — from casual snapshots to travel pictures and sports photos.

The Optio VS20 will be available in Canada February 2012 in a choice of black or white.

Major Features

1. 20X optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage to handle a variety of subjects and scenes
The Optio VS20 features a high-performance, extra-powerful 20X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 560mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). Thanks to its extra-wide zoom range, the Optio VS20 can capture beautiful pictures in a wide range of subjects and scenes — from landscapes to sports events. It also offers other advanced features, including: high-quality macro shooting down to just one centimeter from the subject; and the Intelligent Zoom function to further extend the zoom range to approximately 144 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 4032mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality.

2. Effortless, comfortable vertical-position shooting
The Optio VS20 features two shutter-release buttons and zoom levers on its grip to assure natural posture and comfortable hold of the camera during both horizontal and vertical shooting. The camera automatically adjusts its on-screen display by detecting vertical alignment with its orientation sensor, allowing the user to effortlessly capture images of vertically extended subjects, such as high-rise buildings. The Optio VS20 even offers dual tripod sockets, allowing the user to securely set the camera up on a tripod for either vertical or horizontal shooting with ease.

3. Exceptional image quality
Thanks to the combination of approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, the state-of-the-art imaging engine, a high-performance smc PENTAX zoom lens and the sophisticated CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, the Optio VS20 delivers well-defined, high-quality images with extra-fine resolution. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

4. Triple anti-shake protection for sharp, blur-free images
(1) CCD-shift-type SR mechanism
The advanced CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism produces sharp, blur-free images even under shake-prone shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, or when shooting a sunset or indoor scene with incident light only.
(2) Digital SR mode*
During still-image shooting, the Optio VS20 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400 by detecting the subject’s brightness level. This user-friendly feature allows the user to capture the subject at faster shutter speeds to minimize the risk of camera shake and subject shake.
(3) Movie SR mode**
During movie recording, this digital shake-reduction mode effectively compensates for camera shake to produce beautiful, blur-free movie clips.

* When the Digital SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed at five megapixels (2592 x 1944 pixels).
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

5. Automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
The Optio VS20 features the PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions over the entire image field. This user-friendly mode instantly and reliably selects one of 15 shooting modes (including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings (such as sensitivity and shutter speed), to assure the best results .

6. New scene modes for greater creative options
With the user-friendly scene modes, the user can effortlessly capture beautiful images simply by selecting a desired scene mode for a given subject or application. With the addition of three new modes (Handheld Night Snap, Fish-eye and Sketch), the Optio VS20 offers an even greater range of creative options. Visual-effect modes, such as Fish-eye, allows you to take pictures while confirming the level of filtering effect on the LCD monitor, making it easy to produce more personalized visual expressions.

7. Upgraded auto face recognition function with a new face recall function
The Optio VS20’s Face Recognition AF & AE function offers a new face recall function, which puts priority on a pre-registered face when optimizing focus and exposure settings. Since the main subject’s face is always captured sharply and brilliantly, this function comes in handy when taking group shots. To assist in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, the Optio VS20 also provides other user-friendly features, including the Smile Capture mode that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, and the Blink Detection function that warns the user when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

8. High-quality HDTV-standard movie recording with pushbutton start
The Optio VS20 captures beautiful, high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).*** The camera provides an independent movie recording button on its back panel, so the user can instantly start recording movie clips from any shooting mode. It also features three new digital filters (Fish-eye, Miniature and Sketch mode) to allow the user to experiment with more diversified visual expressions.

*** When the Optio VS20’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.

9. Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The Optio VS20 features a high-resolution 3.0-inch coluor LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. This extra-large monitor provides a clear view of images and menus, allowing the user to quickly and efficiently check captured images and menu settings. The monitor is treated with AG (Anti-Glare) coating to constantly keep the screen clear and spotless by minimizing reflections and blocking stains such as fingerprints.

10. Other features

1. Digital level and 48-segment grid display functions for easy confirmation of horizontal and vertical alignment
2. Wireless remote-control shooting using an optional PENTAX remote controller
3. Newly added Stretch filter to extend a particular portion of an image for an eye-catching visual effect
4. 13 digital filters, including newly added Sketch mode, to add creative visual effects
5. Choice of three image ratios (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different applications
6. D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image
7. Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
8. Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.1 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD., with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. markets digital SLR’s, compact cameras, lenses, camera accessories, sport optics and closed circuit television lenses. PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.

Read the [Google translated] article at: Digital Camera Info.

Pentax Q

“I see the market for the "Q" as shooters who like really tiny cameras and available light/natural light aficionados and/or street shooters who like the fast f/1.9 "normal" lens.”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

DigitalCameraReview has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ DigitalCameraReview.

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Q

“The Pentax Q is something of a mixed bag. There’s no denying it has a huge appeal to anyone who loves gadgets.”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

BobAtkins has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ BobAtkins.

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Q

“Many photographers looking towards interchangeable lens cameras do so to be rewarded with higher quality images. [...] the image quality achieved isn’t leagues ahead of many compact cameras that employ the same backlit CMOS sensor technology. ”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

TechRadar has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ TechRadar.

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Q

“Its photo quality, performance, and feature set certainly don’t justify the price premium”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

DCRP (dcresource) has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ DCRP (dcresource).

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Q

“The [Pentax] Q can deliver solid results when used as a regular digital camera, but what it really excels at is the ability to deliver effects-laden photography on the fly.”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

TrustedReviews has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ TrustedReviews.

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Q

“DSLR money on compact camera image quality.”

We’ve added a new Pentax Q [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

PhotographyBLOG has published their review of the Pentax Q interchangeable lens prosumer compact camera, with 12.4MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CMOS), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Pentax Q-mount, 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), optional shoe mounted optical viewfinder O-VF1 available for 01 Standard Prime lens, built-in Flash, PASM, Scene Modes, RAW, In-camera HDR, Continuous Shooting 5fps, in-camera Bokeh Control Filter, Smart Effects Mode, Shutter Speeds of 1/2000 to 30 seconds plus B, Hotshoe, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps in a magnesium-alloy body. There are currently 3 lenses for the Q-mount: 01 Standard Prime lens 47mm (equiv.) F1.9 with 5 aperture blades, 03 Fish-Eye lens 17.5mm (equiv.) F5.6, and 05 Toy Lens Telephoto 100mm (equiv.) F8.

Read the Pentax Q Review @ PhotographyBLOG.

Related Links:

• Pentax Q Press Release
• Pentax Q Technical Specs

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS

“But for all its toughness we were disappointed in the images except for those who only print 8×10 or smaller most of the time.”

We’ve added a new Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

Imaging Resource has published their review of the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS, with 14MP resolution (1/2.3-in. CCD), 5x wide-angle optical zoom (28-140mm equiv.), 2.7-in. LCD (230k-dot), waterproof (33 ft), coldproof (10 degrees C / 14 degrees F), dustproof, shockproof (5 ft), crushproof (100 KGF), GPS, and HD Movie 1280×720 @ 30fps.

You can read the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Review @ Imaging Resource.

Related Links:

• Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Press Release
• Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS Technical Specs

Pentax Optiio RZ18

PENTAX Optio RZ18 A slim, lightweight digital compact camera combining an extra-powerful 18X optical zoom lens with simple, user-friendly operation

Mississauga, ON – September 12, 2011

PENTAX Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio RZ18 digital compact camera. Sporting a slim, lightweight body for outstanding portability, the Optio RZ18 is the latest addition to the popular PENTAX Optio RZ series.

Featuring a high-magnification 18X optical zoom lens, the Optio RZ18 can handle a wide variety of subjects and occasions — from travel and landscape to action and sports. While retaining many of the convenient features of its predecessors — including the dependable dual shake reduction for effective reduction of camera shake, and the advanced PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode— the Optio RZ18 incorporates a16 megapixel sensor to deliver higher-resolution images, while the built-in LCD monitor has been upgraded to a larger 3.0-inch version with approximately 460,000 dots to assure a sharper, clearer subject image.

The Optio RZ18 will be available in Canada October 2011 in a choice of black, pearl white or metallic orange.

Pentax Optiio RZ18

Major Features

1. 18X optical zoom lens with 25mm ultra wide-angle coverage to handle a variety of subjects and scenes
   Within its slim, lightweight body, the Optio RZ18 incorporates a high-performance, extra-powerful 18X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 25mm ultra wide angle to 450mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). Thanks to this extra-wide zoom range, the Optio RZ18 can capture beautiful pictures in a wide range of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes to fast-action sports events. It also offers other advanced features, including: high-quality macro shooting down to just four centimeters from the subject; the digital wide function for a super-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approximately 19mm lens in the 35mm format) from two separate images; and the Intelligent Zoom function to further extend the zoom range to approximately 130 times to cover the focal length of an approximately 3250mm super-telephoto lens (in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality.
2. Exceptional image quality is assured by latest super-resolution technology
   Thanks to the combination of approximately 16 effective megapixels, a high-performance smc PENTAX zoom lens and the advanced image processing system — a system that uses the latest super-resolution technology to optimize image quality through meticulous section-by-section treatment of the captured image — the Optio RZ18 delivers well-defined, high-quality images with extra-fine resolution. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.
3. Dual shake reduction for sharp, blur-free images
   By combining a CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism with Pixel Track SR, the Optio RZ18’s dual shake reduction effectively reduces camera shake to a minimum. The user is assured of sharp, blur-free images even under shake-prone shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, or when shooting a sunset or indoor scene with only available light.
4. Automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
   The Optio RZ18 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions on and around the subject. This user-friendly mode instantly and reliably selects one of 16 shooting modes (including Blue Sky, Sunset and Pet) and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results.


Pentax Optiio RZ18 Back View

5. Extra-large 3.0-inch LCD monitor
   The Optio RZ18 features a high-resolution 3.0-inch 460,000 dot colour LCD monitor. This extra-large monitor provides a clear view of images and menus, allowing the user to quickly and efficiently check captured images and menu settings.
6. High-quality HDTV-proportion movie recording
   The Optio RZ18 captures beautiful, high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive in- camera software. With the Optio RZ18, everyone can enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.
   * When the Optio RZ18’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.
   ** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
7. Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots
   The Optio RZ18 features the Face Detection AF & AE function. This sophisticated feature instantly and accurately detects as many as 32 faces within the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds — even when some of the faces are tilted or turned away from the camera. The Optio RZ18 also comes equipped with other convenient features to assist the photographer in capturing beautiful snapshots including: the Small Face filter that makes the subject’s face appear smaller when the face appears unnaturally large in recorded images, Smile Capture mode that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, and the Blink Detection function that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.
8. Upgraded Pet mode for automatic detection of dog and cat faces
   The Optio RZ18 features the latest version of the Pet mode, which comes in handy when taking pictures of dogs and cats. This unique mode not only detects the faces of dogs and cats with great accuracy, but it also gives priority to three pre-registered pet faces over unregistered ones, so that users can effortlessly capture the best expressions of their beloved pets.


Pentax Optiio RZ18 Top View

9. Other features
   (1) Wireless remote-control shooting using an optional PENTAX infrared remote control
   (2) Burst shooting of up to 40 images, at a maximum speed of approximately 9 images per second
   (Resolution is fixed at 5 MP in Burst Mode)
   (3) Digital filters, including Miniature and Toy Camera, to add creative visual effects
   (4) Choice of three image aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different applications
   (5) D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image
   (6) Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
   (7) Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.1 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)
   (8) Eye-Fi connected: optimized for use with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards
   (9) IQ Enhancer Processing maximizes the image quality

PENTAX Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of Japan and maintains offices in Mississauga. PENTAX Canada Inc. markets digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, sport optics, closed circuit television lenses and medical equipment. PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.

Pentax Optiio RZ18 - Black

Pentax Optiio RZ18 - White

Pentax Optiio RZ18 - Orange