Pentax K-x offers entry-level DSLR, high-end features including HD video for $650

Japanese camera company Pentax Corporation has brought a new Pentax K-x Digital SLR camera that is extremely compact and light weighted. It is the first DSLR camera that has video capturing functions comparing to the same product of other camera makers and has low price.

Pentax K-x DSLR camera is coming to the market with four different colors. By targeting the women users Pentax has brought white color. It has 12.4 mega pixels cmos sensor with face recognition mood with shake deduction technology. Its another version K20D has 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor.

i4u wrote:

The cam will sell for $649.95 for the body and a DA L 18-55mm lens and the kit is aimed at first time DSLR buyers. The cam has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and sensor-shift shake reduction. The rear LCD is a 2.7-inch unit with Live View and Face Detection. Pentax also crammed in HD video recording capability at 720p and 24 frames per second with any lens. The cam gets its power from plain old AA lithium batteries, which is a bonus in some minds.

Picture source: Pentaximaging

The news addition of the camera is video recording mood. It has ability to capture high-definition video of 1280x720 resolutions with cinematic frame rate.

Previously I mentioned that it is a compact and light weighted camera that may be the more preferable for the travelers and the users can take images with one hand. As it has auto picture and scene modes so it could take perfect images and that will be perfect for the new photographers learn DSLR photography.

I have impress to see that the camera will run with an easy-to-find AA lithium batteries and that will help anyone to take 1900 shots in a single charge. When you will buy the product the retailer will provide you the following equipments:

• Software CD-ROM S-SW99
• USB Cable I-USB7
• Strap O-ST53
• Hotshoe Cover FK
• Eyecup FQ
• Body Mount Cover
• AA Lithium Batteries

Some information of Pentax K-x digital SLR camera:

Resolution: 12.4 mega pixels

LCD display size: 2.7-inch

Sensor dimension: 23.6mm x 15.8mm

ISO: ISO 100/200 - ISO 6400/12,800

Continuous shooting: 4.7 fps

Image formats: 5RAW/17 JPEG

Auto focus: 11-pt AF

Video: 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS

Shutter speed: 1/6000 to 30 sec; bulb

Battery life: 1900 shots with lithium batteries

Color: White, Black, Navy Blue and Red

If you like to get more information then you can visit Pentax official website pentaximaging.com

Pentax Optio W80 Rugged digital camera and supports

By reading about the specifications of Pentax Optio W80 Rugged digital camera two things noticed my attention; 28mm Wide angle lens and Super Macro Mode for 1cm close shots.

‘Rugged digital camera’ may be the new added words in camera age. But in computer era it is well know words. Basically, the cameras, that cane be operated in extreme environments. We already have some cameras that considered Water Proof, Shock Proof and can be used under water and will not damage if it fall from hands.

Olympus may be brought this series camera first time. Later Panasonic DMC-TS1, ViviCam 6200W, PowerShot D10 etc come to the markets. Recently, Pentax has brought out Optio W80 digital camera that is claiming waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof.

Pentax Optio W80 digital camera has brought to the users with 12.1 Megapixels image sensor with 5X Internal Optical Zoom and has added 28mm wide angle lens. The large 2.5 LCD display has anti-reflective coating and brightness adjustment facilities and the camera will be available in three different colors Gunmetal Gray, Azure Blue and Cardinal Red, and the price will be $299.95 USD and will be available in July 2009.

To get the Customer Service you can contact with them by two ways; Live Chat and form the authorized dealers. But only for the U.S.A customer they can get support by calling at (800) 877-0155 directly. And online chatting can help the users to get support. For the customers of different regions can contact with the listed authorized dealers.

Source: http://www.pentaximaging.com

Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 and 8000 SWand Freezeproof digital cameras

Stylus Tough-6000 and 8000 Shockproof, Waterproof and Freezeproof digital cameras are new innovation from Olympus. Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 has been included10 megapixel CMOS sensor and Stylus Tough-8000 with 12 megapixel sensor. Both the cameras have 3.6x optical zoom with and have TAP control technology and by using it you can control touching any area of the body of the camera even wearing gloves even in tremendous conditions. 

Stylus Tough-8000: Shockproof Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 will not protect your camera if it falls from 6.6ft up and Waterproof technology will help you to take images from 33ft under water and the new adding technology Freezeproof will provide you to snap images if you want to brought it when you like to want any events during the snowfall like Skew (-10oC/14°F). It has a rugged body and reinforced LCD, the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 withstands up to 220 pounds of pressure so your camera and images are protected.

 

Stylus Tough-6000: Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 is not similar to the Tough-8000, you will use it 10ft down under water and if it falls 5ft ups but Freezeproof is similar to Tough-8000. Its main focused technology is TAP control. By using this option you can easily operate it by wearing gloves. Dual Image Stabilization is that technology which will provide you to take bluer free images. 

 

Main features of Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 and Olympus µ TOUGH-6000 

The Olympus µ TOUGH-8000 – main features:

Shooting in toughest situations – shockproof  to 2m**, waterproof  to 10m***, crushproof to 100kg**** and freezeproof to -10°C

Available in Platinum Silver, Midnight Black, or Steel Blue

High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture landscapes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions

Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)

TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves

12 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size

6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)

Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology, other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.

The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically

Easy checking of air and water pressure thanks to on-screen manometer

LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries

Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound

(up to VGA resolution at 30fps)

xD-Picture Card and microSD Card***** compatible

 

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6000 – main features:

Shooting when it's getting tough, wet and cold – shockproof  to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m*** and freezeproof to -10°C

Available in Lemon Yellow, Pure White, Arctic Blue or Sunset Orange

High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm*) to capture landscapes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions

Avoids camera shake and blurry images thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)

TAP Control Menu for great convenience also when wearing gloves

10 Megapixels to make prints up to poster-size

6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)

Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.

The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically

LED illuminator to lighten up underwater or macro sceneries

Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)

xD-Picture Card and microSD Card***** compatible

Sigma DP2 DSLR and SD15 Digital Camera overviews

Recently, Sigma has launched two cameras in its digital camera line up. One is DP2, which is the next version of the DP1 and second one is SD15 the upgraded of SD14. Both the cameras has image sensor that are designed with Foveon X3®. After getting huge supports from the users they have improved and brought the upgraded version.

Sigma claims that their newly introduced DP2 has 20.7mm x 13.8mm image sensor that is seven-twelve time larger than the ordinary compact digital cameras. DP2 has 24.2mm lens with F2.8 big aperture, by using it you can get extra facilities in low light but in DP1 it was just 16.6mm F4 lens. Another important improvement is in AF moods. DP2 can focus in 9 points where as DP1 was just single or more at a time.

 

Sigma DP2 DSLR specification:

 

Format	FOVEON  X3(R) Direct Image Sensor (CMOS)
Image Sensor Size	20.7×13.8mm (0.8 inch×0.5 inch)
Number of Pixels	Effective Pixels 14.06MP (2652×1768×3 layers)
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Focal Length	24.2mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent focal length:41mm)
Lens Construction	6 Groups 7 Elements
Shooting Range	28cm～∞(Full Mode)
Storage Media	SD Card/Compatible with SDHC,Multi Media Card
Recording Format	Exif2.21, DCF2.0, DPOF
Recording Mode	Lossless compression RAW data (12-bit), JPEG(High, Wide, Medium, Low), Movie (AVI), Voice memo to still image (10 sec./30 sec.), Voice recording (WAV)
File Size/Movie	QVGA:320×240（30 Frames Per Second）, Approximately 30minutes is possible with a 1GB SD Card.
White Balance	8 types (Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom)
ISO Sensitivity	AUTO (ISO 100-ISO 200) : With Flash (ISO 100－ISO 400), ISO 50, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600
Auto Focus Type	Contrast Detection Type
AF Point Selection	Selection of 1point from 9points
Focus Lock	Shutter release halfway-down position (From Menu Settings AE Lock is possible by AE lock button)
Manual Focus	Dial Type
Shutter Type	Electronically controlled lens shutter
Shutter Speed	1/2000-15sec.
Metering System	TTL Full Aperture Metering [1]Evaluative Metering, [2]Center Weighted Average Metering, [3]Spot Metering
Exposure Control System	[P]Program AE, [S]Shutter Priority AE, [A]Aperture Priority AE, [M] Manual
Exposure Compensation	1/3 EV Steps up to±3EV for Appropriate Exposure
Auto Bracketing	3 pictures in appropriate, under and over exposure levels. It can be set in 1/3EV stop increments up to ±3EV.
Built-in Flash	Pop-up (Manual)
Guide Number	6(ISO100/ｍ)
Built-in Flash Coverage Range	28cm－3m(ISO200)
External Flash	Hot shoe (X Sync. Contact, dedicated contacts)
Drive Modes	[1]Single, [2]Continuous (3 Frames/second), [3]Self Timer (2sec./10sec.)
LCD Monitor Type	TFT Color LCD Monitor
Monitor Size and Pixels	2.5inches / Approx. 230,000 dots
LCD Monitor Language	English/Japanese/German/French/Spanish/Italian/Chinese (Simplified)/ Korean/ Russian
Interfaces	USB (USB2.0), Video Out (NTSC/PAL),Audio Out (Monaural)
Power	Dedicated Li-ion Battery BP-31, Battery Charger BC-31, AC Adapter (Optional)
Battery Life	Approx.250 shots(25℃)
Dimensions	113.3mm/4.5"(W)×59.5mm/2.3"(H)×56.1mm/2.2"(D)
Weight	260g/9.2oz. (excluding batteries and card)
DP2 Accessories	Li-ion Battery BP-31, Battery Charger BC-31, Lens Cap LCP-11, Neck Strap NS-11, Soft Case CS-70, Hot Shoe Cover HSC-11, USB Cable, Video Cable, SIGMA Photo Pro Disc, Instruction Manual

 

Kodak Z980 and M380 digital camera specifications

Kodak has announced that it has brought two Kodak EasyShare digital cameras. The cameras are from two series one is from Z980 and other is. Z980 will be available in US market from the spring season. These two new products were displayed at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2009 in Las Vegas that was held on January 8-11, 2009. The price of the Z980 is $399.95 and M380 is US$179.

Kodak Z980 shot specifications

Turn photography on its side. Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip

24X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Optical Zoom Lens

26 mm wide-angle lens

Smart Capture feature

Fast click-to-capture speed (<0.2>

Hot shoe and optional KODAK EASYSHARE P20 Zoom Flash

3.0 in (7.6 cm) LCD

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G reasonable lens from Nikon

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a single-focal-length lens that has been brought out from Nikon Corporation. It may be considered as a wide angle lens with a large maximum aperture. It hopes that the price will be reasonable. The users can use it in multi purpose suitable for natural portrait and landscape shooting. 

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Specifications

Focal length	35mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.8
Minimum aperture	f/22
Lens construction	8 elements in 6 groups (with one aspherical lens)
Picture angle	44°
Closest focus distance	0.3 m/0.98 ft.
No. of diaphragm blades	7 (rounded)
Filter attachment size	52mm
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)	Approx. 70 x 52.5 mm/2.8 x 2.1 in.
Weight	Approx. 200 g/7 oz.
Supplied accessories	52mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52, Rear lens cap LF-1, Bayonet hood HB-46, Flexible lens pouch CL-0913

 By observing some website, it become clrear that the price of AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is around $199.95.

Nikon Coolpix P90 camera with 24X zoom lens

Recently, Nikon Inc. has announced its new product of the ‘P’ series on 3 February 2009. The first version of that series coolpix P80 was launched in March 4, 2008. Just after one year, it has announced about the super-zoom Digital SLR Nikon Coolpix P90 camera with 24X zoom lens. In the last year, the previous version of Nikon Coolpix P90 camera was stirred to the photographers.

 

Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX P90 Specifications

 

Effective pixels	12.1million
Image sensor	1/2.33-in. CCD; total pixels: approx. 12.7 million
Lens	24x Zoom-NIKKOR; 4.6-110.4mm (35mm [135] format picture angle: 26-624mm); f/2.8-5; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 2496mm)
Focus range (from lens)	50cm (1 ft. 8 in.) to infinity (∞), Macro close-up mode: 1cm (0.4 in.) to infinity (∞)
Monitor	3-in., approx. 230k-dot, vari-angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating, Electronic Viewfinder, 0.24-in., approx. 230k-dot
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 47 MB), SD/SDHC memory cards*1
Image size (pixels)	4000 x 3000 (12M), 3264 x 2448 (8M), 2592 x 1944 (5M), 2048 x 1536 (3M), 1600 x 1200 (2M), 1280 x 960 (1M), 1024×768 (PC), 640 x 480 (TV), 3984 x 2656 (3:2), 3968 x 2232 (16:9), 2992 x 2992 (1:1), 1920 x 1080 (16:9: 2M)
Vibration Reduction (VR)	Image sensor shift VR
ISO sensitivity	ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*2, 6400*2, Auto (auto gain ISO 64-800), High ISO Sensitivity Auto (ISO 64-1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 64-100, 64-200, 64-400)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62A (optional)
Battery life	Approx. 200 shots with EN-EL5 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 114 x 83 x 99 mm (4.5 x 3.3 x 3.9 in.) excluding projections
Weight	Approx. 460 g (16.2 oz.) without battery and SD/SDHC memory card
Supplied accessories*3	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5, Battery Charger MH-61, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP18, Lens Cap LC-CP19, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	AC Adapter EH-62A

 

I will post another article detailed on Nikon Coolpix P90 camera.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX 580 with Face Recognition

Panasonic has release at least five new digital cameras in running month January 2009. LUMIX DMC-FX 580 has been added recently in this family. DMC-FX 580 is the next version of DMC-FX500 that got huge popularity to the personal Digital Camera users. The 3 inch display FX 580 touch screen camera is with increasable resolution from 10.1-megapixel to 12.1-megapixel. 

“With the new LUMIX FX580, Panasonic provides for our digital camera consumers, by offering a touch-screen model, for those users who are accustomed to touch-screen technology,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the FX580, we remain true to Panasonic’s commitment to providing high-quality photos, by advancing our Intelligent Auto mode and using a bright Leica DC lens, we want to help consumers capture beautiful photos, regardless of their interface preference.” 

The old edition of LUMIX DMC-FX 580 was released in last year. Like DMC-FX500 it has a touch screen with 3.0inch wide screen so that the users can easily locate the objects and also can playback the images. DMC-FX 580 is considering 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens with a 5x optical zoom and users can make their objects brighter by using F2.8 even they could control the shutter speed too. Normally when anyone increases the ‘F’ the shutter speed comes slow automatically but by using LUMIX DMC-FX 580 anyone can control it too. 

Silver and black colored, featured with aluminum body LUMIX DMC-FX 580 has been added some new operation in its operating system. By using the touch screen the users can control AF and AE during capturing images as he wants. Even he can use AF and AE part by part of the objects it means multi focus and multi expose. 

The most important parts of LUMIX DMC-FX 580 is iA. By using this system technologies, such as MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, AF Tracking*1, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Scene Selection, that engage automatically, without the user having to adjust any settings.

Nikon D3X 24.5 megapixel dSLR is a revelation in digital camera

Nikon has brought a 24.5 effective megapixel dSLR camera in the digital camera market. May this is the highest regulation in the digital camera era. Dec. 1, 2008, Nikon launched the digital camera named Nikon D3X. Nikon D3X is different from all kinds of camera that introduced ago. In September 2007 Nikon Canada Inc. introduced the first version of the Nikon D3X by named Nikon D3 and it is called sports photography of12.1 MP FX Format digital SLR. They got amazing supports from the users who used it in different kinds sport photography. This product will make another revolution in the photography media.

 

Nikon Japan Inc. press release:

Designed to meet the demands of a growing multitude of serious professionals, such as studio photographers, for whom exquisite detail is a vital part of their work, the D3X achieves resolution comparable to medium-format cameras — with an entirely new level of operating ease. It's perfect for the broadest range of detailed work, from fashion and product shootings, to weddings, architecture, landscapes and large poster production. And it shares the robust body structure of the D3, for superior mobility and operation in virtually any shooting environment, indoors or out.

 

Newly developed Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm sensing area)

24.5 million effective pixels

Superior-resolution image quality equivalent to medium-format digital cameras

High-speed continuous shooting of up to approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (24.5 megapixels) / 5:4 (20.4 megapixels); 7 frames per second in DX format (10.5megapixels)*1

Wide ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600 at normal setting, with low noise performance

Two Live View modes — Handheld and Tripod

High-density 51-point (world's largest number*2) AF system

 

They are claiming that Nikon D3X DSLR camera will able to shoot very good quality picture without noise during the low light. On the other hand it is highlighting the CMOS sensor that is sensing 35.9 x 24.0 mm area and it may cover the big area during the shoot.

Pentax Optio A40, shake reduction and low light

In digital cameras, there are always some problems to shoot images in low lights. The image goes to haggis especially in low lights it becomes blurred or could easily feel the shacking effect over the images.

Newly released Pentax Optio A40 producer is claiming that their produce Pentax Optio A40 is free from these kinds of unexpected movements. The product will suppose to be kept free and the users can use tension free.

The 12-megapixel and will 3X optical zoom, Pentax Optio A40 is user friendly that can be operate easily. It could snap very good quality of images with flash or with flash. The most important things are that the users could abele to control the flash very easy.

With the still digital cameras, the users keen to shoot videos and Pentax Optio A40 digital camera can assist you with its 640-by-480 resolution at 30 frames per second in DivX-based MPEG-4 format video.

Now, digital camera users like to take images in two ways one using viewfinders and other is using display that is built the back side to the cameras. Pentax Optio A40 has 2.5 inch LCD display. Its optical viewfinder is handy for shooting in bright conditions too.

Saving power is another difficulties for Digital cameras but Pentax Optio A40 digital image capturer’s has been designed that it will be used a little bit charges to take snaps. If you use rechargeable lithium ion battery you can take 760 images easily.

Pentax Optio A40 is a small size camera of Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.9”; Weight - Without battery or removable memory: 4.6 oz, Loaded and ready: 5.3 oz; Construction material(s): aluminum alloy; operating temperature: 32-104 degrees F. It has a 21 MB internal built-in memory card. Beside this, the users can use SD and SDHC external cards.