eK-gadgets info

Pentax announced a new entry-level digital SLR, known as the K2000 (and the K-m outside of the USA) — plus two lenses and a ring flash. In an unusual move, Pentax is including an external flash with the K2000 kit — even though it has a built-in flash. Anyhow, here are the details on the camera and the new toys that go with it. Hopefully I’ll have more photos of these later in the day.

Pentax K2000

• 10.2 effective Megapixel CCD
• Support for all Pentax K-mount lenses
• Compact, yet easy to hold body (which has a stainless steel chassis)
• Sensor-shift image stabilization system, also used for dust reduction
• 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels; camera does not support live view
• Optical viewfinder with 0.85x magnification and 96% coverage
• Full manual controls + auto scene selection mode
• 5-point autofocus system
• Can shoot continuously at 3.5 frames/second
• Adjustment dynamic range and shadow adjustment features
• RAW image format supported; in-camera RAW development feature
• Hot shoe foe external flash; 1/180 sec x-sync speed
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Uses four AA batteries; no battery life numbers yet
• Includes the new F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm kit lens, plus the AF200FG external flash; a double lens kit (adding the new F4.0-5.6, 50 - 200 mm lens) will be available next year
• Shipping in November for $699

Now onto the new accessories. The 18-55 and 50 - 200 mm lenses that I mentioned above are the first Pentax lenses with the “DA L” designation. While I believe the optics are the same, these new lenses are smaller and lighter than their predecessors.

Two lenses that are definitely new are in Pentax’s DA* line. First we have a new F1.4, 55 mm SDM lens. It’ll ship in December for under $800. For telephoto fans, there’s a new F4, 60 - 250 mm ED SDM lens. This one will be priced at $1499 when it ships in November. Pentax will also be previewing an F4, 15 mm Limited lens and a 1.4x teleconverter at Photokina, and they’ll be shipping sometime next year.

The last new Pentax item for today is the AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash, which is well suited for close-up and medical/dental photography. It will ship next month for $499.

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