BIOS: Technology Means Business

Pentax has today announced the K100D, which combines 6.1 effective megapixels with a host of advanced technologies including a Shake Reduction (SR) system to deliver high-quality digital SLR photography.

The Pentax-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system in the K100D effectively offers a two-stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens or shooting in low light without a flash.

The SR mechanism is designed to minimise camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the system does not require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with almost all existing Pentax interchangeable lenses.

“The ease-of-use, advanced features and attractive price make the Pentax K100D digital SLR a perfect choice for users moving up from a point-and-shoot camera,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, Pentax Imaging Company.

Also announced today is the Pentax K110D, an entry-level digital SLR camera, which has all of the features of the K100D with the exception of Shake Reduction. Both models reflect a new digital SLR naming system that references the reverse compatibility that each body has with the legacy of Pentax K-mount lenses.

The Pentax K100D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in July 2006 for $699 US, while the Pentax K110D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in August 2006 for $599.

Along with the two new SLR models, Pentax announced the smc Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited interchangeable wide-angle lens. Previewed at PMA 2006 in Orlando, the lens features a versatile angle of view and an ultra-thin, pancake design that offers go-anywhere portability that is ideal for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography.

The latest lens inherits all the attributes of the acclaimed Pentax Limited lens series including high-quality image reproduction, distinctive visual description, and high-grade lens-barrel finish. The smc Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited lens will ship in July 2006 for $549.

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