Pentax K-30, la nuova reflex mid-range - [NEWS]

[MAN]

 

Avevamo parlato della nuova Pentax K-30 in un rumor di qualche giorno fa, anticipandone le specifiche tecniche: tutto confermato, con qualche novità.

La reflex mid-range del Produttore Giapponese è basata sull'evoluzione del sensore utilizzato sulla mirrorless K-01, quindi si tratta dell'imager da 16MPixel di derivazione SONY caratterizzato da un IQ elevato ed in grado di registrare, in questo caso, video 1080/30p.

Tra le feature relative alla parte foto, il range ISO 100-25.600, i 6 scatti al secondo in burst, la velocità max. dell'otturatore di 1/6000mo di secondo e la presenza del sotto-sistema AF SAFOX IXi+ (rilevazione di fase + rilevazione di contrasto per il LiveView) ad 11 punti di cui 9 cross-type; non ancora confermata la possibilità di catturare immagini RAW con profondità a 14bit.

Di notevole interesse il corpo macchina, realizzato esternamente in policarbonato e caratterizzato da una rinnovata ergonomia e da una più efficiente disposizione dei comandi: innanzitutto da notare la presenza di due control wheel per l'accesso rapido alle funzioni foto; nuovo anche l'arrangiamento dei tasti, con la possibilità di richiamare due modalità custom pre-impostate; non manca lo switch per le modalità dell'AF e compare anche il pulsante dedicato RAW; posteriormente domina l'LCD da 3" e 920K punti.

Grazie all'impiego di ben 81 sigilli, la K-30 è tropicalizzata e resistente ad umidità, polvere e basse temperature (fino a -10°C); la costruzione interna del frame è mista, metallo/policarbonato.

Un'ultima considerazione va al mirino ottico: si tratta di un classico pentaprisma con copertura del 100%, 0,92x ingrandimento e possibilità, stando a quanto dichiarato da Pentax, di supportare focus screen intercambiabili.

Press Release
PENTAX Introduces New K-30Digital SLR Camera

Denver, CO (May 21,2012) - PENTAXRICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its newweather and dust resistant digital SLR camera - the PENTAX K-30. Ideal for photographerswith active outdoor lifestyles, the new PENTAX K-30 combines a compact,lightweight body with many advanced features found only in higher end DSLRcamera models, such as a weather, dust and cold resistant body, a glass prismoptical finder with 100% field of view, state-of-the-art autofocusing, and fullHD video recording capabilities.

"No detail was overlookedwhen designing the dynamic new K-30 to be weather resistant," explains JohnCarlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX. "Every seam, everybutton, every hinge has been weather sealed for adventure-proof creativephotography. Whether enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the RockyMountains or on vacation cruising along on the Maid of the Mist at NiagaraFalls, photographers can stop worrying about weather conditions and startfocusing on capturing the perfect shot."

In addition to itsversatile weather-proof capabilities, the new K-30 offers features includinghigh-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of six images per second, ahigh-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and convenient dualelectronic dials for quick, fingertip access to exposure control and severalAuto Picture and scene modes. Coupled with an ergonomic grip that providesfirm, comfortable control of the camera, and a sporty, functional design, theK-30 assures dependable, flawless performance in the field. The new K-30 isavailable in three body colors: Crystal White and Crystal Blue, with brilliant,glossy finishes reminiscent of the finish of an exclusive sports car; andBlack, for a traditional SLR look. It is also compatible with all PENTAXK-mount lenses.

Major features include:

Weather resistantdesign ideal for travel and outdoor photography
Featuring 81 seals set in its compact, lightweight, portable body, the K-30 isbuilt to be weather, dust and cold resistant with proven functionality insub-freezing temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Its exterior has beendesigned to be both sporty and functional for active outdoor photographers - alarge grip provides a firm, secure hold of the camera; a low-profile pentaprismhousing for reduced height; and a rounded, soft-rubber casing for a solid gripof the camera during vertical shooting.

Newly developedSAFOX IXi+ Autofocus (AF) module for improved autofocus performance
The K-30 features the new state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, whichassures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation by incorporating adiffraction lens to minimize chromatic aberration in accordance to thecharacteristics of each individual lens. A dedicated sensor also factors thelight source into its calculations at the time of shooting. Additionally, 9 ofits 11 focus points have cross-type sensors to capture subjects in sharp focus,while a spotbeam assists the AF system during low light situations. The K-30'sAF algorithm has also been upgraded in all areas for efficiency and accuracy. Anew expanded area AF function allows the sensor module to continue to track amoving subject in AF select mode, even when it moves out of a pre-assignedauto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focussensors. This greatly improves the accuracy and speed of detecting movingsubjects during autofocus shooting, and autofocusing performance when using atelephoto lens.

High resolution,low noise, true-to-life image reproduction
The K-30 incorporates the latest 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensorwith a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm. It assures highspeed image data readout to deliver super high resolution, rich gradationdigital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. This image sensoris coupled in the K-30 with the PENTAX "PRIME M" imaging engine for outstandingfull 1080p HD movie clips (1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second), inaddition to outstanding still image capture processing. The camera alsominimizes luminance noise at low sensitivities, while offering a widesensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 (ISO 25600 maximum when expandedvia a custom function).

Optical finder with100% field of view
Despite its compact body, which is smaller and lighter than traditional midlevel DSLR camera models, the K-30 comes equipped with a glass pentaprismfinder featuring a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92X maximummagnification (with a 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity) to cover the entire field ofview for easy focusing and framing. Since its viewfinder delivers a clear viewof the subject even in the brightest sunshine while also eliminating parallax,the K-30 responds efficiently and reliably to demanding applications andsubjects, such as landscapes requiring delicate, high-precision framing, andsports scenes where the timing of shutter release is critical. The K-30 alsoaccepts interchangeable PENTAX Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screens tofacilitate manual focusing operation. Optional focus screens includecross-lined and scale types, to accommodate more specialized applications.

High-speed burstshooting at approximately six images per second
When photographing sporting events, concerts or wildlife, the K-30's high-speedburst shooting function comes in handy, allowing the photographer to captureactive, fast moving subjects in a series of images at a maximum speed ofapproximately 6 frames per second (in JPEG format).

Advanced Live Viewshooting
Thanks to the latest CMOS image sensor and PRIME M engine, the K-30 offers aclear, true-to-life Live View at a smooth 60 frames per second. It alsofeatures a focus peaking function during live view to improve manual focusingspeed and accuracy. Live View on the K-30 also offers a choice of three griddisplay patterns including a Golden Section overlay, and detailed informationoverlay if desired by the photographer.

High quality video recording
The PENTAX K-30 features full HD video recording to capture high quality movieclips in 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels). The efficient h.264 compressionformat offers a choice of frame rates (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) at1080p, or up to 60 FPS at 720p, to accommodate user specific applications.Video recording options are flexible, allowing the photographer to selectaperture or shutter exposure control, while PENTAX Shake Reduction helpsstabilize captured video. Users may add creative artistic effects to recordedclips using various Custom Image modes or record subjects in a series of videoclips with the Interval Movie Shooting mode.

User friendly AutoPicture and Scene modes
The K-30 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which analyzes a scenethen automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from Portrait,Landscape, Macro as well as others. This allows the photographer to concentrateon image composition and other creative elements while leaving more technical settingsto the K-30, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation,contrast and sharpness. The K-30 also offers 19 creative Scene modes, includingNight Scene Portrait, Pet, Backlight Silhouette, and more, to simplifyphotographing unique subjects and scenes that often require uncommon camerasettings.

PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism for sharp, blur free images
The PENTAX K-30 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR mechanism, whicheffectively reduces blur due to camera shake by approximately four shuttersteps. Usable with all PENTAX compatible lenses*,including those produced for film format SLR cameras, this mechanism producessharp, blur free images even under demanding conditions that are prone tocamera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark withoutflash illumination, or capturing landscapes in twilight. The K-30's SR systemalso offers several other useful features to assist the photographer duringshooting, including an Automatic Horizon Correction function to assure highprecision image framing and effortless adjustment of horizontal alignment, aComposition Adjustment function to allow minute adjustments of image alignmenthorizontally/vertically/axially, and an ASTROTRACER mode to eliminate lighttrails during astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1GPS Unit (available separately).
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- andKAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-systemlenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certainlenses.

A selection ofimage processing tools for creative, personalized expression
The K-30 features a Custom Image function, which allows the user to easily andquickly select the desired finishing touch for a particular image. Choose from11 custom settings including Bleach Bypass that creates a dramatic visualeffect similar to that used in motion pictures, and Cross Process to producefanciful, eye-catching images boasting dramatic colors. The K-30 also offers achoice of 19 creative digital filters including Miniature, which transforms anactual scene into what appears to be an image of miniature models. Thesefilters add distinctive visual effects to captured images producing creative,artistic images without the need for a computer. The user can further expandthe creative possibilities by applying multiple filters and processing modes toa single image.

Choice of two powersources
In addition to the included lithium ion battery capable of capturingapproximately 480 images with a single charge**, theK-30 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using the optional D-BH109AA Battery Holder. Since AA batteries can be easily obtained almost anywherearound the world, there's no worry about battery shortages, even when shootingfor an extended period of time or in remote locations.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, using the D-LI109Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with no flash discharges.

Additional features include:

• Large, wide angle viewable 3-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots of resolution
• 77 segment multi-pattern metering system for accurate light measurement
• DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
• PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure fast and flexible response to the photographer's creative intentions
• Dynamic range expansion function to compensate for blown out (overexposed) and muddy (underexposed) areas of an image
• Retrieve and save RAW data from buffer memory for a just-recorded JPEG image
• RAW/Fx multi-function button for on-the-fly switching of image file formats, as well as for assignment and instant recall of other specific functions
• SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX (RAW processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included

Pricing andAvailability
The new PENTAX K-30 will be available at retail outlets nationwide and onlinein July 2012 with a suggested retail price of $849.95 for body only, and$899.95 for the kit including the DA L 18-55mm zoom lens.

? K-30 is a trademarkof PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
? All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarksof their respective companies.
? Designs and specifications are subjects to change withoutnotice.