Pentax Continues Along Compact and Colorful Camera Path

Pentax recently introduced three new cameras to their lineup. Each new addition to the Pentax digital camera family has traits similar to their predecessors and offers refinements that will satisfy the upper entry-level photo market. A pair of new DSLRs, the K-50 and K-500, lead Pentax’s most recent wave of new products; their announcement also included the Q7 Mirrorless Digital Camera, a sensor-updated version of the popular Q10 Mirrorless Digital Camera.

Pentax Q7 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Custom styling and an impressive performance-to-portability factor characterize the Q7 Mirrorless Digital Camera. Pentax’s most recent interchangeable-lens iteration packs 12.4MP Full HD imaging prowess and broad functionality into a 4 x 2.3 x 1.3” housing that is barely larger than the average point-and-shoot.

From an image performance perspective, the Q7 incorporates a new 12.4MP 1/1.7” Back-Illuminated CMOS sensor capable of ISO speed up to 12800. Like its Q10 mirrorless relative, the Q7 accepts the entire series of Pentax Q-Mount lenses, incorporates in-camera, sensor-shift shake-reduction image stabilization, and is capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. An extensive range of shooting modes and in-camera image manipulation tools are available for creatively modifying photographs, including a Bokeh Control mode that allows you to alter the amount and appearance of defocused backgrounds. In-camera HDR image creation is possible as well as RAW image development for outputting RAW files as easy-to-upload JPEGS for expedited sharing.

Besides a range of automatic shooting modes, the Q7 supports full manual exposure control and supports continuous full-resolution shooting up to 5 fps. For live view monitoring and image playback, an anti-glare-coated 3.0” 460k-dot LCD screen is integrated into the camera’s design, and a micro-HDMI port is available for linking to an HDTV for large-scale playback. Also incorporated into the design are a pop-up flash and a hot shoe for using an external flash or an optional electronic viewfinder for precise eye-level viewing.

With 120 color combinations to choose from, you’re likely to find a Q7 color scheme that will show your school spirit or help you support the home team while capturing the action. Select the blue and orange Q7 to represent your squad next time you’re at The Garden to see the Knicks play.

In addition to the range of color combinations and camera functions, the Q7 will be available with three different lens kit options to better suit your photographic or gift-giving needs. The first option is the Q7 body, available in black, silver, and yellow. The second thing to note is that the Q7 is available with the 5-15mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens in black, silver, and yellow body colors. This lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 23-69mm, covering wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives. It integrates four extra-low dispersion elements into its design to minimize chromatic aberrations and produce sharper overall imagery. Third, the Q7 is also available in a two-lens kit, also in black, silver, or yellow body colors and in addition the 5-15mm lens, includes the 15-45mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens. This lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 69-207mm, covering a long-ranging telephoto range to suit photographing faraway subject matter. This lens utilizes two extra-low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and also integrates a Quick-Shift focus system for expedited switching between auto and manual-focusing methods.

Pentax K-50 and K-500

Pentax’s new APS-C size DSLRs, the K-50 and K-500, also manage to fuse image quality and functionality in a slimmed-down body. A user-friendly interface, compactness and ergonomics have defined their DSLRs for years. The K-50 and K-500 represent the company’s return to a familiar shape and control layout. Eschewing the comparatively angular silhouette and dimpled hand grip of the K-30, these new DSLRs revert to a look and feel that is more common to Pentax shooters. Yes, Pentax faithful, the K-50 and K-500 will have the beloved K-Mount lens bayonet and programmable front and rear e-dials.

Housed within this familiarly shaped housing, the K-50 and K-500 use a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor to capture high-resolution images at ISO speeds up to 51200, and to record Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps. They are also equipped with a PRIME M imaging engine that is ready to handle the 11-point SAFOX IXi+ autofocus system, 77-segment exposure metering system, and 6 fps burst shooting. Both cameras can also be powered by AA or the D-LI109 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Although the K-50 and K-500 offer identical imaging performance, the K-50 is enhanced by dust- and cold-resistant weather seals and a dual-axis electronic level that assists the camera’s Shake Reduction system and provides an in-view level indicator that is sure to assist handheld shooting.

For photographers looking to step up from their point-and-shoot or entry-level DSLR, the K-50 delivers a user-friendly and relatively compact option with notable resolution and durability. Besides weather sealing, the K-50 also stands apart from the K-500 by being available in an extensive array of color combinations, each of which comes in a kit with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. This lens, the smc Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR, provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27.5-84.5mm to suit working in everyday conditions. It incorporates aspherical elements into its design to minimize weight and minimize chromatic aberrations, and an SP (Super Protect) coating has also been applied to repel dust, water, and oils from lens elements.

Besides these color combinations, the K-50 is available as a body only in black, red, or white; in a kit with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens in black, red, or white; or in a kit with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens in black, red, or white. The smc Pentax DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL IF DC WR provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27.5-207mm and, similar to the 18-55mm lens, incorporates aspherical elements as well as extra-low dispersion elements into its construction to improve imaging performance. The K-50 is also available in a kit with both an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and a 55-200mm f/4-5.6 lens, in black, red, or white. The smc Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 76.5-307mm, which, when combined with the 18-55mm lens, brings the total focal length range of the two lenses to 27.5-307mm to encompass a wide range of perspectives.

The K-500 is available in black only, and with either the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens or with both the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 lenses.

To learn more about these Pentax compact cameras, stop by the B&H SuperStore in New York, speak with a sales professional on the telephone at 1-800-606-6969 or contact us online via Live Chat.