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August
8th
Pentax
provides news on the
Pentax
*ist D Digital SLR Camera
6.1 Megapixel, Compact and
Light D-SLR
Pentax
*ist D features
- New 16-segment
metering system achieves more accurate exposure
- New 11-point
AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) realizes enhanced focusing
- Fast 1/4000
sec. shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 sec.
- Continuous
shooting at approx. 2.7 fps
- 2-dial
system separates aperture and shutter speed settings
- With individual
dials for shutter and aperture selection, Hyper program makes
it easy to switch between Shutter-Priority AE and Aperture-Priority
AE.
- Hyper manual
let you achieve the proper exposure with simple button operation.
- Custom
function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy user
preferences
- Noise reduction
function activates for long exposures
- Compatible
with MicroDrive™ and CompactFlash™ Type I/II
- Takes four
AA batteries or two CR-V3 lithium-ion batteries
- PC-based
camera control and easy data transmission with USB 1.1 compatibility
- 1.8 inch,
118,000-pixel LCD monitor for easy, high-precision viewing
- Convenient
playback functions, such as nine image- and 12X magnification-display
- Choice
of JPEG, TIFF and RAW recording formats
- Comes complete
with software compatible with RAW format data
- Special
battery grip (availability to coincide with *ist D)
Update:
5pm CST August 8th, 2003
Pentax
Canada informed us today that the suggested retail price of the
Pentax *ist D body only will be $2599 CAN. Pricing on the new
lenses has not yet been announced.
 
*ist
D Digital SLR Camera. See latest price at Ritz!
Pentax
press release and specs below:
Pentax
Inc. has today announced that the long anticipated digital SLR
*ist D camera (pronounced ist-dee) will begin shipping in September
2003*.
*
Date subject to change.
Housed in one
of the world’s smallest, lightest SLR camera bodies, the
*ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and
user-friendly features, including an APS-sized CCD with impressive
6.1 effective megapixels, a responsive SAFOX VIII autofocus system
with 11-point AF sensor, a sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern
metering system, a bright viewfinder with a newly developed compact
glass pentaprism, an innovative “Hyper” operating system
and 22 user-adjustable custom functions. The *ist D is compatible
with existing PENTAX 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.*
*
Some restrictions and conditions may apply to certain lenses and
accessories.
To further delight
advanced users, PENTAX will expand its interchangeable lens lineup
for *ist D users with two new lenses in the coming months. The
smc PENTAX-FA J Zoom 18mm-35mm FA-F5.6 AL (equivalent to 27.5mm-53.5mm
in 35mm) and the first model of a new DA series designed to match
the *ist D CCD size—the PENTAX-DA Zoom 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL.
Initially previewed
in March 2003 at the Photo Marketing Association Trade Show in
Las Vegas, the new *ist D features a user-friendly direct-access
operation system so users may adjust many digital camera functions,
such as white balance control, with pushbutton ease to eliminate
the trouble of recalling the menu settings each time the camera
is used.
Offering a combination
of high-resolution digital images with SLR photography, PENTAX
suggests the new *ist D will outperform competitive digital SLR
camera models currently on the market. This high-performance PENTAX
digital SLR camera will have tremendous appeal for a wide range
of photographers, both compact digital and conventional 35mm SLR
users, looking for superior image quality and SLR versatility
and the convenience and benefits of the advanced digital format.
Major
Features:
6.1
effective megapixels for outstanding image reproduction
Incorporating an APS-sized CCD (23.5mm by 15.7mm) and driven by
high-performance data processing circuitry, the *ist D offers
impressive 6.1 effective megapixels to capture super-clear, high-resolution
digital images and accurately reproduce subtle hues and fine details.
One
of the world’s smallest, lightest bodies
Dimensions:
5.1” wide (129mm) x 3.7” high (94.7mm) and 2.4”
thick (60.1mm)
Weight: 19.4 ounces (550 grams) without batteries
With the PENTAX
industry-leading 3D CAD design technology and a newly developed
super-compact glass pentaprism, the *ist D offers outstanding
portability and maneuverability in a wide variety of photographic
applications. A stainless-steel chassis offers exceptional rigidity,
especially against torsion, to protect the interior mechanisms
from shock.
Compatibility
with 35mm-format lenses and accessories
Featuring the acclaimed PENTAX K lens mount used in conventional
35mm-format SLR cameras, the
*ist D accepts a large number of existing 35mm-format interchangeable
zoom and special-application lenses and accessories to help accommodate
diversified photographic requirements and maximize creativity
and image quality.**
**
Some restrictions and conditions may apply to certain lenses and
accessories.
Bright,
high-precision viewfinder with superimposed AF-point display
Exclusively designed to complement the high-performance CCD, the
*ist D viewfinder offers a super-clear, high-precision view of
the subject at a magnification of 0.95 times (with a 50mm F1.4
lens at infinity, diopter at -1m-1), improving focusing accuracy
in manual focus operations and assuring precise framing. The display
system offers a wide range of information to inform the photographers
of the camera’s operational status at the shooting position.
The *ist D is equipped with a built-in diopter adjuster with an
adjustable range of -2.5-1 ~ +1.5m-1.
High-precision
11-point autofocus with SAFOX VIII
With a newly developed SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus system,
the camera’s 11-point AF sensor covers a wide area of both
horizontal and vertical image fields with exceptional speed and
precision even under poor lighting conditions. Nine of the 11
AF sensors are a horizontally extended, cross-shaped type, improving
focusing accuracy and aligned to effectively cover the middle
section, while two additional sensors are positioned at each side
of this section. In addition to the versatile “Auto”
mode and the pinpoint “SPOT” mode, the *ist D offers
the innovative “SELECT” mode, which allows the photographer
to select one of the 11 AF sensor points using the four-way controller
on the back panel. The user-selected sensor point is superimposed
in the viewfinder with a red LED indicator.
Sophisticated
16-segment multi-pattern metering
The *ist D’s sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering
system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions efficiently
and instantly to produce beautifully exposed images frame after
frame. Spot and center-weighted metering modes are also available
to accommodate specialized applications.
Multi-mode
exposure system with flexible “Hyper” operations
The *ist D features a sophisticated exposure system with six distinctive
exposure modes. In addition to the all-purpose Green Program mode
and the conventional Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE
and Bulb modes, it also comes equipped with the innovative “Hyper”
exposure modes, which were originally developed by PENTAX to simplify
camera operations and maximize creativity.
The Hyper Program
mode allows the photographer to instantly shift the exposure program
using the Tv and/or Av dials without the trouble of resetting
the exposure modes. The Hyper Manual mode allows fingertip adjustment
of shutter and/or aperture settings in Metered Manual operation.
In both Hyper modes, the photographer can instantly jump back
to the original program or settings using the IF button. In the
Hyper Program mode, the user can choose from the High-Shutter-Speed-Priority,
Depth-Priority or MTF-Priority programs as the default program,
rather than Normal program, using one of the custom functions.
User-adjustable
custom functions
The *ist D features 22 user-adjustable custom functions, allowing
the user to preprogram important camera functions to suit individual
preferences. The user-selected function is clearly displayed on
the LCD image monitor for at-a-glance confirmation.
Continuous
shooting at 2.6 frames per second
In the continuous AF mode, the *ist D is capable of successively
recording up to nine images at the speed of 2.6 frames per second,
making it possible to capture the flow of the subject’s motion.
1/4000-second
high-speed shutter with 1/150-second flash sync
The *ist D offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze
the decisive moment of the subject’s action or motion. It
also offers a high flash synchronization speed of 1/150 second
to create dramatic flash images using large apertures.
Versatile
multi-source power supply (AA-sized batteries, lithium batteries
and AC adapter)
The *ist D can operate from three different power sources to maximize
user convenience. In addition to the two accompanying CR-V3 batteries
and the optional AC adapter, the *ist D can be powered by four
AA-sized batteries (lithium, alkaline, and NiMH), which are commonly
available around the world. The optional battery grip can also
be combined with the batteries to accommodate extended photo sessions.
Storage
media compatibility (MicroDrive™ and CompactFlash™ Type
I and II)
The *ist D accepts the widely available CompactFlash™ Type
I and II memory cards and the large-capacity MicroDrive™
for high storage volume and fast access speed.
High-precision
1.8-inch LCD image monitor and multi-data status LCD monitor
Located on the back panel, the 1.8-inch 118,000-pixel LCD monitor
allows the instant viewing of a just captured image and the playback
of recorded images with exceptional clarity and high precision.
Positioned at the upper right corner of the top panel, the status
LCD monitor provides a host of information on the camera’s
operational status at a glance.
Convenient
playback functions
Using the large image LCD monitor, the *ist D features four convenient
playback modes: (1) The single-frame mode displays capture images
one by one and allows the photographer to magnify a selected image
up to 12 times; (2) The multi-frame mode lets the photographer
view nine recorded images simultaneously; (3) The quick view mode
shows a just captured image for one, three or five seconds; (4)
The slide show mode automatically displays captured images one
after another at an interval of three, five, 10, 15, 20 or 30
seconds.
Choice
of recording formats (JPEG, TIFF and RAW) and image file sizes
The *ist D offers a choice of three recording formats: compressed
JPEG, and uncompressed TIFF and RAW. The user can select one of
three file sizes (“L” at 3008 x 2008 pixels, “M”
at 2400 x 1600 pixels, and “S” at 1536 x 1024, 1152
x 768 or 960 x 640 pixels) and one of five image quality levels
(good, better, best, TIFF and RAW) to meet specific requirements.
Versatile
white balance control
The *ist D offers a choice of three white balance modes: “Auto,”
“Preset” and “Manual.” The preset mode allows
the instant selection of one of eight different white balance
settings, while the manual mode recalls one of three settings
preset by the user with pushbutton ease.
Histogram
display
Exposure levels can be displayed in graph form on the LCD image
monitor during both shooting and playback, allowing the photographer
to check the images with greater accuracy.
Standard
software for RAW-format data and browser
Enclosed in the *ist D kit, the S-SW10 CD-ROM contains the RAW-format
data processing software “PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory” and
the browser software “PENTAX PHOTO Browser.”
Noise
reduction during extended exposure
The noise reduction function can be activated at slow shutter
speeds to eliminate digital noise that may spoil the quality of
captured images.
Exclusive
accessories
Powered by four AA-sized batteries, the optional D-BG1 battery
grip prolongs the *ist D’s operation time. It can be mounted
onto the bottom of the *ist D without removing the battery stored
inside the camera, so the battery life is extended considerably.
It also comes equipped with a vertical-position shutter release
button, a preview lever, Tv/Av dials and an AE lock button. The
optional O-CC10 camera case stores an *ist D camera body set with
a standard zoom lens and features an inside pocket to hold a lens
cap and the optional remote controller.
Multi-function
auto flash
When set in a pop-up position, the built-in auto flash automatically
discharges in the dark and against backlight to provide supplemental
illumination on the subject. Its red-eye reduction function helps
the photographer avoid the annoying red-eye effect in the subject’s
eyes in flash portraits.**** The flash can be activated or turned
off manually to create specific visual effects or to comply with
flash restrictions.
**** This feature does not eliminate red eyes in all instances.
Creative
shooting modes: auto bracketing and multiple exposure
The auto bracketing function enables the capturing of three different
exposures of the same subject — proper, under- and over-exposure
— with a single shutter release. The photographer has a choice
of three orders (proper/under/over, under/proper/over, and over/proper/under)
and six exposure ranges (±0.3EV, ±0.7EV and ±1.0EV
in 1/3EV increments; ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV and ±1.5EV
in 1/2EV increments).
Remote
shutter release
Using the optional remote controller, the photographer can release
the shutter from a distance with a three-second delay or instantly.
Depth-of-field
preview
Turning the main switch to “preview” position provides
instant confirmation of the depth of field (in-focus area) for
a selected aperture.
PENTAX
Develops the New DA Series of Interchangeable Lenses for Its Digital
SLR Cameras
PENTAX Corporation
is proud to announce that it is currently in the final stage of
development of the compact, high-performance smc PENTAX-DA series
of interchangeable lenses, exclusively designed for use with PENTAX
digital SLR cameras.
The image circle
in the DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the size
of the CCD (23.5mm x 15.7mm) incorporated in PENTAX’s digital
SLRs, optimizing the performance of these cameras. The new design
also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production
cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.
As the first
model of the new DA series, PENTAX plans to market the smc PENTAX-DA
Zoom 16mm~45mm F4 ED AL (tentative name, equivalent to 24.5mm~69mm
in the 35mm format; marketing date to be announced), which features
a three-times zoom ratio with focal lengths covering ultra-wide
to moderate-telephoto ranges when mounted on the new PENTAX *ist
D digital SLR camera. It also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion
(ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life
image reproduction and size reduction. Its simple, functional
design, coupled with the elimination of an aperture ring, considerably
improves the camera’s operability.
PENTAX Markets a Compact 18mm~35mm Zoom Lens for Its 35mm-Format
Autofocus SLR Cameras
PENTAX Corporation
is proud to announce the marketing in September of the smc PENTAX-FA
J Zoom 18mm~35mm F4~F5.6 AL for use with PENTAX 35mm-format autofocus
SLR cameras. Featuring an ultra-wide 100-degree angle of view
at the 18mm focal length, this compact interchangeable zoom lens
produces high-quality images with minimal aberration, thanks to
the incorporation of an aspherical lens element.
Featuring a
simple, functional design without an aperture ring, this compact,
high-performance zoom lens measures only 72 millimeters (2.8 inches)
in diameter and 68.5 millimeters (2.7 inches) in length and weighs
a mere 190 grams (6.7 ounces). It also features an angle-of-view
coverage between 63 and 100 degrees and a minimum focusing distance
of 0.28 meters (0.92 feet) for a maximum magnification of 0.18
times. It comes equipped with a lens hood to cut off excessive
light and minimize flare and ghost images.
When mounted
on the new PENTAX *ist D digital SLR camera, this zoom lens offers
focal lengths equivalent to 27.5mm~53.5mm in the 35mm format to
cover wide-angle to standard ranges.
Pentax
*ist D Digital SLR specifications
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