Articles tagged "pentax"

UPDATED: now with larger 2000px samples instead of original VGA size. It may be true that much of the appeal of the Pentax K-1 lies with existing Pentax owners. But are its impressive spec sheet and even more impressive price going to sway owners buying into a new system? At CP+ 2016, we had a chance to use a pre-production K-1 around Yokohama. Find out what we thought. Read more

It's finally here! We're at the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan where we got our hands on the new Pentax K-1. While we were at Ricoh's booth we also got a glimpse into the not-so-humble beginnings of Pentax's flagship full-frame DSLR. Read more

It's not just the Ricoh GR II getting the special treatment. To commemorate the company's 80th anniversary, Ricoh has announced it will produce a version of its Pentax K-3 II with a textured, silver finish. Just 500 units will be produced in total, and will be sold online exclusively for $999.95. Read more

The new Pentax K-1 has been long awaited by Pentax users past and present, but the road to its creation has been long, winding and not without some wrong turns. In this article, DPReview editor and old (ish) fart Barnaby Britton turns back the clock and looks at what went wrong with Pentax's original, canceled full-frame DSLR, and how the company came through two buy-outs and several changes of strategy to end up with the K-1. Read more

The long-awaited Pentax K-1 fits some interesting new technology into a solidly constructed, tough-as-nails frame. We had the chance to take an in-depth look at some of the camera's new features and grabbed some hands-on shots while the K-1 paid our office a brief visit. Take a closer look at what makes this Pentax full-frame camera quite impressive. Read more

To say that a full-frame Pentax DSLR is one of the most anticipated cameras of all-time is probably an understatement. With the arrival of the K-1, Pentaxians have finally had their wish granted, with an impressively spec'd camera at a relatively low price. We got to spend a bit of time with the K-1 recently and have put together some first impressions. Read more

After years of development, not to mention months of teasers, Ricoh has made its Pentax K-1 full-frame DSLR a reality. The first 35mm format Pentax DSLR, the K-1 offers a 36.4MP CMOS sensor, 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, a 'nearly 100%' optical viewfinder and 33-point AF system with 25 cross-type points – all for under $1800. Read more

Ricoh has expanded its full-frame lens range, announcing the HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 and FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 alongside the introduction of the full-frame K-1 DSLR. Read more

In September 2015, Ricoh published a teaser website for a Pentax full-frame DSLR set to launch in spring 2016. Additional teasers have been released on occasion since the website went live, including a new one today. In a post, Ricoh has released a pair of sample photos alongside details about the HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR lens and how it functions with the upcoming full-frame camera. Read more

Ricoh has announced a software plug-in for Adobe Lightroom supporting tethered shooting with the Pentax 645Z medium-format camera. Read more

Ricoh has announced it is to offer an infrared-sensitive version of its 645Z medium format camera, the 645Z IR. Sadly, the new model is not intended for public consumption, but will be aimed at museums and scientific establishments who will have to sign a usage agreement before they can make a purchase. Read more

Ricoh's string of teaser coverage for its upcoming full-frame Pentax DSLR continues today with a new image of the camera and a press release - though not much in the way of more concrete information. Read more

Ricoh has announced a new wide-angle prime for its Pentax 645D/645Z medium format digital bodies. This lens' name is a mouthful: HD PENTAX-D FA645 35mm F3.5 AL [IF]. The top-line specs are that it acts as a 27.5mm (in 35mm terms) on a digital 645 body, has a minimum focus distance of 0.3m, giving a maximum magnification ratio of 0.25x. Read more

Ricoh Imaging US has announced the Medium Format by PENTAX Advantage Program, a new support and service offering for the Pentax 645Z camera. Under this program, camera owners are given three years of extended service and support from the date of purchase, as well as loaner lenses and camera bodies and a toll-free support number. Read more

Ricoh's upcoming full-frame Pentax DSLR is getting more real! The last time we saw it, the as yet unnamed camera was barely more than a chunk of carved plastic, but at this week's Photo Plus Expo in New York, a much more advanced mockup was on display at the Ricoh booth. Briefly. Shortly after we asked for a closer look it was removed permanently from display and locked in a cupboard. Oh well. Click through for some closeups

We're still waiting for the much-teased full-frame DSLR, but Ricoh has today announced another full-frame zoom lens - the HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR, which features a weatherproof design and bright, constant maximum aperture. Read more

Ricoh has launched a teaser website promoting the introduction of its Pentax full-frame DSLR in spring of 2016. The news of a full-frame K-mount camera came in February when we also got a glimpse of an early mockup at CP+. Read more

We've just added Ricoh's Pentax K-3 II to our studio test scene. An evolution of the K-3, it offers a 24MP stabilized CMOS sensor with a clever Pixel Shift mode that uses the camera's stabilization system to record full color information from a scene. We tested it out on our studio scene - take a look at the results. Read more

Ricoh is addressing an anomaly found on a small group of its Pentax K-3 II digital SLRs in which the camera will not turn off, even when the power lever is in the 'off' position. Ricoh will service any K-3 II within a specific range of serial numbers at no charge, regardless of whether the camera is having the issue. Read more

Ricoh has announced it is to push back the availability date of its premium Pentax-D 70-200mm lens, as it needs more time to ensure it meets the standards required for a member of the Star-lens series. Initially due this Spring, the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW is now set to arrive in Autumn. Read more

The Pentax K-3 II is a modest update to its predecessor, but that doesn't mean that its new features are insignificant. While faster autofocus and more shake reduction is great, we're most excited about the Pixel Shift Resolution feature. While we can't share any samples photographs yet, we can give you an overview of what's new with the K-3 II. Read more

Ricoh has just launched the Pentax K-3 II semi-pro DSLR with an improved image stabilization system that drives a new Pixel Shift Resolution feature. Retaining its predecessor's 24MP sensor, 27-point AF system, and durable construction, the K-3 II now offers sensor-shift IS with a claimed 4.5 stops of shake reduction. Read more

Ricoh has released new firmware for three of its DSLR cameras in preparation for the arrival of new HD lenses to the K-series. The Pentax K-3, K-S2 and K-S1 will receive updates that allow them to get the most out of the forthcoming HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA*70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lenses, while the K-3 and K-S1 also gain compatibility with the HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE standard zoom. Read more

Historically, Pentax's entry- and mid-range DSLRs have managed to offer a number of features usually reserved for higher-end models, and the K-S2 is no exception. Omitting the blinking lights and unconventional mode dial placement of its K-S1 sibling, the K-S2 provides a 20MP APS-C sensor, fully articulated 3" 921k-dot LCD, 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Take a look at how it performs against other cameras in its class. Read more

We're at CP+ in Yokohama Japan, where Ricoh is showing off two new Pentax lenses designed for full-frame imaging. Although the company's upcoming full-frame DSLR is still in the mockup stage, the D FA* 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW are very real indeed. We snuck into the show early this morning before the crowds arrived, to take a look. Click through for more details and images. 

Ricoh has released its lens roadmaps for the new year (and potentially beyond), and in the works are seven lenses spanning a wide range of types and focal lengths. The highest number of additions will come in the Pentax K-Mount lineup, which is set to get four new lenses this year or next. Read more

The Pentax K-S2 doesn't replace the K-S1, but sits above it in Ricoh's Pentax lineup. And quite right too - it's a considerably more serious camera, even if we do miss the shiny disco lights on the handgrip. We're at the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan, where Ricoh is showing off its new 20MP APS-C DLSR, in all manner of color combinations. Click through for some hands-on images

After announcing the development of a full-frame DSLR recently, Ricoh is showing a very early mockup at the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan. Although details are extremely limited (limited, in fact, to the words 'Full-frame' in the press release and 'Pentax' written on the front) Ricoh's mockup does give some clues as to the camera's specification. Kind of. Click through for images and some - frankly - rampant speculation. 

Ricoh has announced the Pentax K-S2 DSLR, offering a 20MP APS-C sensor, fully articulated LCD, weather-resistant construction and Wi-Fi with NFC. Where the K-S1 took an unconventional approach, the K-S2 is more traditional with a mode dial on the top panel, dual control dials and a standard grip without the preceding model's flashing LED lights. Read more

Ricoh has just announced a new collapsible standard zoom lens. The HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE is the world's shortest zoom when its stored position, and is to be sold as a kit with the just-launched Pentax K-S2 DSLR. The lens offers weather-resistant construction for shooting in rain or mist, and uses Pentax's multi-layer HD coatings to reduce flare and improve light transmittance. Read more

Ricoh has announced the AF201FG external flash for Pentax interchangeable lens cameras. The AF201FG is weather-resistant, can tilt down ten degrees and up ninety, and has a  guide number of 20 meters at ISO 100. It also weighs just 141g (5oz). The AF201FG will be available in March for $149/£129. Read more 

And so it was written that since the beginning of recorded time, Pentax shooters have predicted the release of a full-frame K-mount DSLR. Today, their prayers have been answered, as Ricoh has announced the development of exactly that. The company didn't share a whole lot of detail, other than to say that it will be compatible with DA lenses via a crop function and that it will be available by the end of 2015. Click through for (very little) additional information

Ricoh has announced two new zoom lenses for Pentax K-mount DSLRs, the HD Pentax-D FA * 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW. Both are designed to cover a full-frame sensor and are built to withstand exposure to dust and moisture. Read more

Thanks to a beta firmware version, Promote Control adds support for the Pentax 645Z. The remote shutter control connects to compatible cameras via USB and offers a variety of shooting features including HDR bracketing of up to 45 images, timelapse and long exposure shooting. Read more

Pentax owner Ricoh has released very limited details of a DSLR and a collection of three lenses that it says it will launch in the future. Reference images that accompany the announcement appear to show a mid-range APS-C DSLR that the company says will feature a CMOS sensor. This may arrive in stores in spring this year. The camera is shown with a new 18-50mm f/4-5.6 collapsible zoom lens attached - which will be available at about the same time. Read more

The Pentax 645Z is a highly sought-after camera, offering 50MP resolution from its medium-format CMOS sensor, and a range of features closer to those of a 35mm DSLR than a traditional digital MF camera. We've been working with the 645Z for a little while, running it though our studio tests to see what it's capable of. As part of this process we handed the camera off to David Wentworth, a local Seattle studio photographer, for his opinion. Our very own Sam Spencer - DPReview studio manager - provides another perspective. Click through to read more

Ricoh's Pentax 645Z offers a level of consumer-friendliness previously unseen in its class. The 50MP CMOS medium format sensor is complemented by a number of features from the K-3 DSLR, including a 27-point AF system with 25 cross-type points. We've added it to our studio scene tool so you can compare its results to the likes of the Nikon D810. Read more

Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR standard zoom. Covering an equivalent range of 24.5mm to 130mm, this lens uses Pentax's HD coating to cut down on flare and ghosting and offers a weather-resistant construction. It will be available in November for $749.95/£599.99. Read more

Ricoh Imaging is set to introduce three new colors for the company’s Pentax K-S1 DSLR camera in what it calls the 'Sweets Collection'. Already available in 12 different main body colors, the 20-million-pixel APS-C camera will now also come with a white body featuring cyan, yellow or magenta colored panels. The company has named these Strawberry Cake, Blue Cream Soda and Lime Pie, and each features the trademark colored light strip on the handgrip of the original K-S1 that was launched back in August.

Ricoh Imaging has released new firmware for its Pentax 645Z medium format camera to make it compatible with the latest version of the company's IMAGE Transmitter software. Firmware version 1.10, which is available to download by users via the Ricoh website, allows Pentax’s second digital medium format camera to be controlled when tethered to a PC via USB cable, so images can be saved directly from the camera into a chosen folder as they are taken. Read more

Behind Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand is the Ricoh booth, the most colorful we've seen thus far. It's not the design of the booth that's colorful. Rather, it's the dozens of color combinations available for the company's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The waterfall in front was pretty cool, too. Take the tour.

The Pentax K-S1 is a unique-looking DSLR, with pulsing LED lights on the front and a backlit mode dial on the back. There's more to the K-S1 than just its looks, including a new sensor, image processor, and even a new font in the menus. As always, all of the features one would expect to see on a Pentax DSLR are here too. Learn more in our slideshow.

Ricoh and its Pentax brand have never been afraid of a little color, and the introduction of the K-S1 DSLR reaffirms that. The K-S1 offers a 20.1MP APS-C sensor, an AA filter simulator (as seen on the Pentax K-3) and burst shooting at 5.4 fps, but none of that is quite as attention-grabbing as its headline body specification - a set of green LEDs on the front of the camera's grip and around the power switch. Read more

Ricoh has announced the Pentax Q-S1, its latest compact interchangeable lens camera with a Q lens mount. It offers some cosmetic updates, but the internals like a 12MP 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS have remained largely unchanged from the previous Q7 model. The Q-S1 will be sold in 40 different color combinations when it becomes available in September for a price of $499.95/£379.99 with kit zoom. Read more

Ricoh has announced a new 'Prestige' version of its Pentax K-3 DSLR. This special edition camera, which 'commemorates the many awards bestowed upon the K-3' (including from this website), comes in a special gunmetal gray color. The Prestige edition includes a matching battery grip, two batteries, and an 'exclusive' camera strap. If you want your K-3 to stand out from the crowd you'd better hurry, as only 2,000 kits will be sold worldwide. 

Pentax has released new firmware for its flagship K-3 DSLR, adding a new function - diffraction correction to the lens corrections menu. Firmware v1.10 also improves processing times when Digital Filters and Color Fringe Correction are applied, tweaks exposure bracketing in TAv mode, offers improved AWB performance and the usual 'improved stability for general performance'. Click through for more details and a download link.

Ricoh has announced the Pentax XG-1 superzoom, featuring a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and a 24-1248mm equivalent F2.8-5.6 zoom lens - covering a 52x optical zoom range. Other specs include a fixed 460k-dot 3.0-inch LCD, built-in EVF and full resolution burst shooting at 9 fps. Read more

It's hard to resist the opportunity to play with a new medium format DSLR, so we quickly took up Ricoh's offer to try out its 645Z. While it may look intimidating, the 645Z is surprisingly accessible, with an experience that feels strangely familiar to those who have handled Pentax cameras like the K-3. It's also a bargain by medium format standards, and not a huge step up from full-frame. Learn more about the 645Z.

Ricoh has launched the Pentax 645Z, a medium-format camera with a 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. Boasting an articulated 3.2-inch LCD, top ISO of 204,800, 3 fps continuous shooting, and 1080/60i video, the 645Z is cold-resistant, dustproof and weather-resistant with 76 weather-seals. It's also compatible with the Pentax FluCard, offering wireless remote control and image sharing from the camera to a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Pentax cameras have always been innovative, and Ricoh has upped the ante with the K-3. Its image stabilization system not only reduces shake, but it can also simulate an anti-aliasing filter. The K-3 marks the latest evolution of one of the best-handling DSLRs in its class. It features a new autofocus system, 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, 8.3 fps continuous shooting, and USB 3.0 support. Has Ricoh put together a top-notch DSLR in the K-3? Read our review to find out