The new Pentax Optio LS465 point-and-shoot has now started shipping, and is available from Amazon.co.uk as well as select retailers in Europe, Japan, Canada, and other countries, with the exception of the US.  It doesn't seem to be available in as many stores as the Pentax's other compact cameras such as the WG-2 or VS20.

The LS465 retails for 99 pounds or 125 euros, which works out to be approximately $150.

This ultra-slim (101 x 46.5 x 22.5mm) and light (122g) camera features a 16-megapixel sensor and Pentax's usual suite of point-and-shoot features.  Pentax seems to be marketing the look and size of this camera above all else.  More information on the LS465 can be found in our camera database.

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Last week we were happy to observe that online Pentax lens prices fell to much more reasonable levels, but as of this morning, it seems that all B&H and Amazon prices are back to their ridiculous norms.  In other words, if you want a new Pentax lens from an authorized dealer in the US, you are once again forced to pay full MSRP.

Following the April Pentax lens price increase, new Pentax DA lens purchases by our forum members came to a virtual standstill, and third-party (Sigma, Tamron) and legacy lenses proved to be much more popular alternatives.

For a complete listing of Pentax lens prices, please take a look at the second column in this Pentax lens price table.

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The price of the Pentax K-5 (click here for our review) keeps on diving in the US, with pricing as low as $899 at Adorama camera, $909 at B&H photo, and $919 at Abe's of Maine and Amazon.  These are among the largest Pentax retailers in the US, and they are all authorized Pentax dealers, meaning your camera will come with the full manufacturer's warranty should you decide to buy it from one of them.

At a price of practically half the original MSRP, there's no doubt that the Pentax K-5 will soon see a successor and in turn be discontinued.  If you wish to learn more about the K-5, visit its entry in our camera database!

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Our latest in-depth lens review examines the SMC Pentax-DA 15mm F4 Limited, a lens which practically receives universal acclaim by our members.  This compact lens features an elegant metal construction, exceptional aberration control, and solid sharpness.  It can be used for much, much more than just landscape photography— but is it perfect? Continue reading the review to learn all about this lens!

Read the 15mm Limited Review

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Sigma has just announced a new version of their 18-250mm superzoom for Pentax called the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 HSM Macro.  Compared to its predecessor, this lens features improved optics and can focus on subjects as close as 35 centimeters.  In addition, its external barrel is made of a special composite material which does not respond as much to variations in temperature as normal plastic, meaning that the new lens will perform better consistently in extreme weather conditions.

This new lens is also both smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at only 16.6 oz (470 grams).  More details on it can be found in our Sigma lens database.

It will ship in July for $499 and is also available for Canon and Nikon DSLRs.  The new 18-250mm is already available for pre-order at retailers, and at this price, it costs only $20 more than the current lens.

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We are very happy to announce that the World Pentax Day Book commemorating World Pentax Day #11 (held on February 4th) is now available through Blurb!  All of the photographers featured in this book deserve to be commended for their stunning work!  We'd also like to congratulate forum members jase036, Phil Thomson IPA, and david94903 whose photos received the highest ratings by our members, and have in turn won a free copy of the book!  The photos are shown in order below (click each photo to enlarge):

The book features these and 53 other photos, from members in over 20 different countries.

The World Pentax Day book is available in two hardcover versions and one softcover version, with pricing ranging from $37.95 to $47.95.  The book will be on sale for a limited time only: through the end of June. We will be giving away another handful of books after sales end, and then the book will be history!  International shipping is available.

Click here to order your book, or watch a video preview!  We hope you like it!

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We are very happy to be bringing you a second update about our World Pentax Day #11 photo book!  The book contains 55 of our members' favorite photos from the February 4, 2012 WPD event, which were taken by PentaxForums.com members in over 20 different countries.  Below each photo you will find its title and the author, and in the back of the book there is an index of what camera and lens was used to take each photo.

The WPD Book will be available from Blurb starting next week.  The price will be $34.95 for the soft cover edition and $49.95 for the hardcover edition (shown in the video).  Blurb frequently offers generous discount codes, so you will likely be able to take 10-20% off these prices when you go to pick up your copy of the book.

Three books will be given away to the three lucky winners from among those who were featured in the book.  In addition, we are planning on giving away more copies in a future site event.

Here's a quick overview of the book:

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We've just updated our review of the Pentax 18-135mm lens, adding a brick-wall test as well as other edits to make the review more current.

This lens has always been one of our favorites for its versatility, and the recent price drop from $529 to $459 in the US is making it even more attractive.  If you are in need of a weather-resistant all-purpose lens or simply want to upgrade your kit lens, then we recommend reading the reaview to learn more about it!

Proceed to the 18-135mm review | Read User Reviews

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