Pentax Unveils New DSLR Camera Line Up

Pentax has finally unveiled its new mid-range DSLR cameras, the K20D and K200D. The top-end model features a brand new CMOS image sensor which was developed in conjunction with Samsung.

Today’s launch of the Pentax K20D (RRP $1,999) and the Pentax K200D (RRP $1,199) was the first time in the world that the two models were made available for public viewing, and also the first Pentax launch held in Australia before in its Japanese hometown.

Click to enlarge

Building on its predecessor, the K10D, the new K20D is targeted at photography enthusiasts, who require advanced features but still appreciate ease of use. Unlike the successful K10D however, the new model features a new CMOS image sensor, which claims to provide 14.6 megapixel resolution with low noise to capture better photos.

The new sensor claims to detect diagonal light with great accuracy and keeps digital noise at bay by automatically raising its own sensitivity. Another stand out feature, according to Pentax Japan Manager, Imaging, Juni Sasaki, is the shake reduction mechanism in the camera. It means blur free images without having to use anti-shake lenses, he says.

Sasaki said they are planning to adapt the CMOS sensor for use in compact digital cameras in future, but at the moment it will stay exclusively in the K20D.

The camera is equipped with a Live View function, which essentially means you can frame photographs using the 2.7-inch LCD screen instead of only the viewfinder, and while you may see a shake on the screen, the image sensor itself will not shake as you take the photo, according to Sasaki.

Although the K20D has a comprehensive dust removal system on board, it also features a dust-proof and water-resistant body, to allow you to use it in dusty locations or in the rain. However, if you wish to exchange the lens at the beach or a similarly dusty location, Sasaki advises you to do so with caution. Once the lens is on, there shouldn’t be a problem, he says.

The lower-end K200D model, which Pentax calls its “pro-sumer” model (professional-consumer) is designed to provide

Click to enlarge

user-friendly features and functionality, but with enough tweaking and customizable settings to let DSLR beginners develop their skills.

The K200D uses a CCD image sensor and is also equipped with shake reduction technology – this uses a sensor to detect any camera shake and then shifts the image sensor accordingly to compensate.

Designed with portability in mind, the camera is also the only one to be able to run on AA batteries, which are available anywhere in the world, Sasaki said.

Both cameras come bundled with a 18-55mm lens. They will be on sale in March.

RRP:
K20D – $1999
K200D – $1199

See: www.pentax.com.au