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Pentax's face-tracking, vertical-snapping, HD-recording Optio P70

The $199.95 Optio P70 isn't short on the point-and-shoot features I've come to expect from new models. You get your Smile Capture, your Blink Detection, and some manner of shake reduction (in this case, it's the company's new Pixel Track Shake Reduction, which promises "sharp images in challenging lighting conditions without adding ISO noise").

There's also face detection, and while that's not new, the P70 is apparently capable of hunting down up to 32 faces in as little as 0.03 second. And if you've never been good about switching … Read more

Pentax's white SLR for Imperial stormtroopers

It can be hard to get your lower-end SLR to stand out in the crowd of options these days, which is doubtless why Pentax on Tuesday announced a white version of its entry-level K2000 SLR and two bundled lenses.

The "very limited edition" model comes with white versions of the smc DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL and smc DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lenses beginning in February, Pentax said. The company won't announce prices until later, but the ordinary versions of those products cost about $800 today.

In the compact camera market, distinctive colors have proved a useful marketing tool, but I'm a crotchety curmudgeon who's generally scorns such superficial gimmicks.

So why do I find myself actually liking the look a little?

Maybe it's a Pavlov conditioning reaction that makes me salivate when I see Canon's distinctive but high-priced L-series telephoto lenses. Or maybe it's just because it's a different look. I don't care for the silver variants of Canon's Rebel line of entry-level SLRs.

There's something slightly whimsical about a white SLR studded with black buttons, eyecup, and hand grip. It reminded me of an Imperial stormtrooper from Star Wars. Or perhaps a ptarmigan in winter plumage. Or maybe James Bond's underwater-ready Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me.

I don't think I'd buy it though. Aside from the premium pricing I'd expect with a "very limited edition" product, I'm not sure how well the white Pentax will hold up against wear and tear, though. The problem with getting something for its distinctive appearance is you're committed to keeping it looking good.

I included some more photos below. Do you think it's ugly or wondrous? … Read more

Amazon.com has the Pentax K200D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only) for $499.99, after $99.96 savings.

Amazon.com has Pentax K200D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only) for $499.99, after $99.96 savings. >> Regular price is $599.95 >> Sale price is $499.99 >> Savings $99.96 (16.66%) >> Click here for deal

Pentax debuts entry-level dSLR, lenses

Pentax has introduced a new entry-level model that perplexes me a bit. The K2000, which will be known as the K-m everywhere but here, is priced the same as its slightly older sibling, the K200D--that competitive $700 mark occupied by the Canon EOS Rebel XS and the Nikon D60, among others--but makes a few tradeoffs. Here are some basics:

  Pentax K2000 Pentax K200D Canon Rebel XS Nikon D60 Sensor 10.2-megapixel CCD 10.2-megapixel CCD 10.1-megapixel CMOS 10.2-megapixel CCD AF system 5 points 11 points 7 points 3 points Maximum ISO sensitivity 3200 1600 1600 1600 LCD … Read more

Zeiss teases new lens mount

Zeiss, maker of a line of high-quality, single focal length manual focus lenses for SLRs, is running an ad on its Web site teasing the announcement of a new lens mount to be announced September 15. They are currently available in Nikon mount (ZF), Pentax mount (ZK), and 42mm screw-mount(ZS). See the ad here.

Internet speculation really runs the gamut, from wishes for it to be for Olympus, to rumors of the rebirth of the Leica R system. There's also talk of it maybe being for the Sony Alpha mount, which is a serious possibility, given the companies' … Read more

Pentax announces cheap 10MP compact for fall

When you're about ready to start carving your Halloween pumpkins, Pentax will be starting to ship the E60, a basic black budget compact point-and-shoot. At the moment, its most notable claim to fame is the price: less than $140, which is pretty aggressive for a 10-megapixel model.

With the low price comes the rest of the parade of budget features: relatively narrow 32-96mm 3x zoom lens, compared to the barrage of wide-angle lenses we'll be seeing this fall; smallish, low-resolution 2.4-inch LCD; and no physical image stabilization. It does run off AA batteries, which many consider a … Read more

Pentax releases K20D firmware update

Pentax has released a firmware update to its top end dSLR, the 14MP K20D, which was released in April 2008. The firmware update, version 1.01, is stated to minimize noise when taking photos with the 2 second self-timer. For more information and instructions click here.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation and … Read more

Pentax announces new 17-70mm f4 lens

Pentax has announced the release of the Pentax SMC DA 17-70mm f4 AL SDM lens for Pentax digital SLR cameras. First shown at PMA 2008, the 17-70mm lens has a constant aperture of f4 through the entire zoom range, with a working focal length of 26-107mm. It has Pentax's SDM system with built-in supersonic motor for quiet and responsive autofocusing when used on a compatible Pentax DSLR. The lens is compatible with the K20D, K200D, K100D Super, and K10D (with firmware 1.30 or later). When used on other Pentax bodies the focus is automatically switched to manual. Featuring … Read more