Pentax K20D Digital SLR

Improving on the technology of the award winning K10D, the flagship Pentax K20D is the highest resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera.

Newly Developed CMOS Image Sensor

The Pentax K20D features a newly developed CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. In designing the K20D, Pentax made the significant transition to a higher resolution 14.6 megapixel sensor, rivaling the detail previously only found in images captured with 35mm film. This considerable gain offers 50 percent more resolution than 10 megapixel sensors, and 20 percent more resolution than 12 megapixel sensors. Pentax Imaging (a leading innovator in the imaging business) collaborated with Samsung Electronics (a market leader in developing and producing semiconductors) in the development of the 14.6 megapixel CMOS Sensor found in the Pentax K20D Digital SLR. The larger photo diode in the sensor gathers more light in a shorter time and therefore can respond more sensitively. As a result, the K20D is able to achieve higher sensitivity levels (up to 6400 in the expanded ISO mode). Also, there is a more direct light path to the pixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating Pentax-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life images, the new model assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images.

Pentax Original Shake Reduction Mechanism

The K20D is equipped with the Pentax-developed Shake Reduction mechanism, which reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as shooting with a telephoto lens, shooting in low light conditions or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers outstanding compensation equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm offer improved image stabilization over previous models. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with existing Pentax interchangeable lenses. Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: Pentax K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

Large 2.7 Inch Wide-view LCD Monitor

The K20D features a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots resolution (One dot equals 3 pixels). The wide-view design allows the photographer to view the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

New Live View Function

The K20D features a Live View function that allows users to view an image on the LCD monitor during shooting. This feature is beneficial when the photographer moves his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low and high-angle shooting, or when perfecting composition. The function also allows users to confirm the Shake-Reduction effect on the monitor while shooting.

High-performance, High-speed PRIME Imaging Engine

The K20D incorporates the Pentax-original PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine). Designed exclusively for Pentax digital SLR cameras, the engine ensures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor. It also allows complete control over other photographic factors including white balance and the new Custom Image functions. This imaging engine also features a Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Custom Image Function

The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the user select one of the six modes and adjust an image'S processing to their preference by automatically adjusting tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. These modes include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and B&W image modes. The photographer can make further fine-tuned adjustments to each setting. The effect on each of the primary colors is shown in a radar-type display on the LCD panel. The user can easily see the effect of their adjustments by using the digital preview option.

Expanded Dynamic Range Function

The K20D adds a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand the dynamic range (or range of gradation reproduction) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.

Dust-proof, Water-resistant Construction

The K20D boasts an extremely reliable weather-resistant and dust-proof construction with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

Comprehensive Dust Removal System With Prevention, Removal and Alerting Devices

The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). The Pentax-original Super Protect (SP) coating, applied to the image sensor surface through vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, effectively prevents dust from sticking to the surface. In the next step, dust that may remain on the surface will be shaken off when the system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor falls onto an adhesive strip positioned at the bottom of the unit, eliminating any possibility of the dust returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded Dust Reduction system also offers a new Dust Alert function, which shows the user exactly where dust may be sticking to the sensor surface.

Hyper Program Function

The K20D'S Hyper Program function allows users to instantly switch to the Shutter-Priority or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.

Hyper Manual Function

When shooting in Manual mode, one push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

Sensitivity-Priority Mode

The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.

Shutter/Aperture-Priority Mode

Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras, which permit automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. This mode allows users to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with greater ease.

Bright, Clear Viewfinder

Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D'S viewfinder offers an approximately 95 percent field of view and an approximately 0.95X magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

Continuous Shooting at Approximately Three Images Per Second

To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject'S expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately three images (frames) per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user may capture up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second (The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode).

High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF

The K20D'S sophisticated Safox VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Powerful Rechargeable Batteries

The K20D features large capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images* when fully charged. The dramatically improved battery capacity (over the previous K10D) is the result of a new energy saving design.

* Under testing condition prescribed by Pentax, when using D-LI50 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with no flash.

Additional features

• A PC Sync socket for shooting with studio lights. The camera remains weather and dust sealed even when the PC socket cap is removed.
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases
• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Universal-type X-sync socket
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Digital Preview for verifying camera settings
• Optional Battery Grip (D-BG2) for extended shooting sessions
• Nine digital filters to add creative and artistic touches
• In-body RAW data development for image filing in JPEG and TIFF formats
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• Pentax Photo Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software, Pentax Photo Browser 3, browser software and Pentax Remote Assistant 3, camera control software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

Pentax, and smc Pentax are trademarks of Pentax Corporation - Pentax Photo Laboratory, Pentax Photo Browser, Pentax Remote Assistant, and SDM are trademarks of Pentax Corporation - All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies - Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice

Tenba new Shootout Backpack Bags

Tenba adds new Backpacks to “Shootout” collection

Tenba has added two new backpacks to its popular Shootout collection of professional outdoor photo/imaging bags. The first is a Daypack which offers an expandable outer compartment that adds 246 square inches of storage space, and the second is a medium-sized Rolling Backpack.

The new Shootout Daypack is a compact, lightweight photo backpack that features Tenba’s exclusive new PackOUT compartment—a rear panel which expands to provide over 240 additional cubic inches of “soft” storage space for lighter and non-fragile items like clothing, snacks, first aid supplies, etc.

The New Rolling Backpack is a scaled-down version of Tenba’s popular Large Rolling Backpack. The new size meets most airline carry-on requirements, and will accommodate large D-SLR and medium format camera systems, lenses up to 300mm f/2.8, along with most laptops up to 15 inch screen size. Unlike many rolling backpacks, Tenba’s models feature a full-sized, fully-padded, expedition-type belt. And when converted from rolling case to backpack, the wheels are completely covered by a padded panel for carrying comfort.

Both the Daypack and Medium Rolling Backpack share many of the features of Tenba’s other Shootout backpacks, including fully-adjustable, well-padded interiors, movable/removable media and accessory pouches, weather-sealed zippers, the fast-deploying WeatherWrap auxiliary protection cover, and much more. The large, padded side cargo pockets feature interior panels that can be moved to convert the space from cargo pocket to pass-through interior hatches. These “QuickAccess” pockets allow fast, easy retrieval of a lens or accessory without having to fully remove or open the entire pack.

Shootout Backpacks are made of lightweight but tough dobby and ripstop nylons, available in either black with olive trim or silver with black trim.

The Dual Purpose Daypack has a list (MSRP) price of $246, and the Medium Rolling Backpack is $320.

For more information, visit www.tenba.com

Tenba Xpress Camera Bags

Tenba has introduced Xpress™, its new collection of colorful, lightweight, camera / electronics bags.

The new series is launching with three pouches, three shoulder bags and a photo backpack, all offered in five color combinations. The company, long-known for its high-end professional bags, says that the Xpress designs, colors and pricing will appeal to a broader audience, including casual shooters and hobbyists.

The Xpress collection features pouches to fit all popular point-and-shoot digital cameras, as well as a range of other portable electronics such as iPods/mp3 players, PDAs, and portable video games. For the photo hobbyist, the various-sized shoulder bags will hold everything from bridge cameras up to digital SLRs, some with room for additional lenses. All Xpress shoulder bags have room for accessories, memory cards, instruction books and other small items. The compact, comfortable and versatile photo backpack can be configured to meet the needs of virtually any imaging enthusiast, with room for a full-sized DSLR and multiple small- to mid-size zoom lenses.

The new collection stands out with its colorful micro-ripstop trim panels and color-matched woven logos. The bags are crafted of durable, weather-resistant, 600 denier outer material in black with teal, red, grey or olive accents, or in gray bags with orange trim. Streamlined zippers with concealed coils and easy-grip, rubberized pulls, padded shoulder straps with heavy-duty, twistfree hardware, and protective rubber bottom feet (on shoulder bags) are among the other features included. All Xpress bags and pouches also include Tenba’s exclusive Clearview media card windows, for protective storage and easy identification of flash cards.

Tenba, founded nearly 30 years ago, has traditionally focused on elite/high-end professional camera bags and shipping cases. But according to Tenba product manager Peter Waisnor, “with the introduction of Xpress, the hobbyist or casual shooter can own a quality, ‘status’ brand with great features, at a consumer-oriented price point.”

Xpress products range in (manufacturer’s suggested) retail price from $13.50 to $90.00.

For more information, visit www.tenba.com