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01-31-2012, 12:20 PM   #1
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Pentax K-01 Press Release

PENTAX K-01

A Unique and Stylish State-of-the-art Hybrid Camera


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Designed by Marc Newson


2nd of February 2012,

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the new PENTAX K-01 digital hybrid camera. Its unique stylish design was created by Mr. Marc Newson, one of the world’s most acclaimed designers. Time magazine ranked him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. His art work is displayed in many major museum collections around the world, including the MoMA in New York, London’s Design Museum and V&A, the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Vitra Design Museum.

QuoteQuote:
I wanted to present an image of quality and of expertise in the area of photography. Some of my most favorite photographic devices have been Pentax products. So I wanted to come back to the roots of quality of the brand and try to create something which was really unique, and which was very iconic too.” Marc Newson.
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY’s will has long been to propose unique, quality products. Through this collaboration with Mr. Marc Newson, PRI wishes to continue stressing its difference. It has been the first company to develop color digital SLRs, front customizable compacts, as well as concept models designed in collaboration with various firms and artists.
The PENTAX K-01 comes with outstanding basic characteristics. This includes sharp, high-resolution images captured by an APS-C 16.28 effective megapixel CMOS sensor, high-speed burst shooting of 6 frames per second, an extra-wide sensitivity range with a top sensitivity of 25600 ISO (when expanded), and Full HD video recording with a stereo sound system.
It features the PENTAX SLRs’ K lens mount, and is the only hybrid on the market offering such a large range of lenses. Users can make use of their entire lens stock — even lenses produced for film-format SLR cameras. This adds up to 214 types of lenses (including the new 40mm XS lens) since Pentax's creation, which equals to 20 million lenses sold on the market up to now.
The K-01 makes the perfect choice for start-up digital interchangeable lens camera photographers looking for an easy-to-operate camera, as well as those who demand originality and style from their imaging tool. It can also be a wonderful second camera for current PENTAX digital SLR users who find pleasure in totally new photographic styles that only the K-01 can offer.


His design scheme has also been applied to the new smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal interchangeable standard lens — the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens,* to be launched on the market simultaneously with the PENTAX K-01 camera body — to make the lens-mounted K-01 a complete design package.
* The world’s thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX’s research).


The K-01 and the smc 40mm XS lens will be available from the 15th of March 2012 on
RRP: 699€ (body+ the 40mmXS lens)



Major features

1. Unique design by Marc Newson

The PENTAX K-01’s body consists of neat, straight lines to optimize both functionality and visual attractiveness. Original-design push buttons and control levers are efficiently laid out across the body, while brilliant colors are used on two key buttons for instant recognition: red for the video recording button, and green for the functional green button. The mode dial and the power switch are made of high-quality aluminum alloy, while the memory card slot and connectors on the comfortable, easy-to-hold grip are covered with protective rubber. What’s more, Mr. Newson’s original design scheme is evident in all elements of the K-01, including the product logo, the camera strap (included) and even the start-up screen that comes on when the K-01’s power is turned on.

2. Exceptional image quality assured by digital SLR camera system


The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a newly developed CMOS sensor measuring 23.7 millimeters by 15.7 millimeters. With 16.28 effective megapixels, this extra-large sensor assures high-speed readout of image data signals. The K-01 also features the new “PRIME M” imaging engine to assure first-rate movie recording performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range — from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or to ISO 25600 when expanded using a custom function — while minimizing annoying digital noise at all sensitivity levels.

3. Compatibility with all PENTAX lenses


The ability to change lenses is a great benefit of the digital interchangeable lens camera system. That’s why the PENTAX K-01 is designed to
accept a wide array of PENTAX interchangeable lenses,** including those produced for film-format SLR cameras. Thanks to this lens compatibility, the user can choose a most suitable lens for a particular subject or scene and create the desired visual effect and perspective with great ease.
** K-, KA- KAF, KAF2, and KAF3- mount lenses can be used with the PENTAX K-01, while screw-mount lenses, 645-system lenses and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available on certain lenses.

4. High-quality video recording


The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a
Full HD video-recording function to capture high-quality movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels). With the H.264 recording format, it offers a choice of frame rate (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) to accommodate user-specific applications. It also comes with two new features to facilitate video recording: Red button for instant pushbutton start, and a stereo microphone for more realistic sound. You can add personal touches to recorded clips using various Custom Images, or recording the subject in a series of video clips using the interval movie shooting mode (timelapse movie). The PENTAX K-01 also comes with an HDMI type C terminal, which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and stereo sound, as well as an external microphone input terminal.


5. New-generation HDR mode


The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which produces one extra-wide-gradation composite photo from three images taken at different exposure levels, has been upgraded to create a greater range of visual expressions. This upgraded HDR mode
can be instantly selected with a turn of the mode dial. The user can take advantage of newly added features to select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effects, while an automatic position adjustment function assures precise alignment of three images even when they are taken with a handheld K-01.

6. A selection of image processing tools for personalized expressions


The PENTAX K-01’s Custom Image function allows the user to select the most appropriate finishing touch for a particular subject or scene to express the photographer’s creative intention or taste. Included in
11 Custom Images are: Bleach Bypass to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures, and Cross Process to produce a fanciful image with unusual colors. The K-01 also features 19 distinctive digital filters — including Miniature, which turns an actual scene into an image full of miniature models — to easily apply different visual effects to recorded images. The user can be even more creative and imaginative by applying multiple digital filters to a single image.


7. Smooth, quiet, high-speed burst shooting


The PENTAX K-01’s high-speed burst shooting mode comes in handy when preserving the action of fast-moving subjects in a series of images, since it captures up to
six images per second. With its mirrorless construction, K-01 also offers exceptionally silent mechanical operation incomparable to existing PENTAX digital SLRs that allows user to concentrate on to photography even when shooting such subjects as stage performances.

8. Large, wide-angle 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approx. 921,000 dots


The PENTAX K-01 features a large, easy-to-view, high-resolution
3.0-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. Its wide-view design assures a wonderfully clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low- and high-angle shooting.

9. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The PENTAX K-01 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. Usable with all compatible lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras, this mechanism produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.

10. Effortless, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes


The PENTAX K-01 features the PENTAX-original, user-friendly
Auto Picture mode, which selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene from Portrait, Landscape, Macro and other distinctive shooting modes, while optimizing all camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. As the result, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity. The K-01 also offers 19 different Scene modes, which simplifies the photographing of difficult subjects or demanding scenes — such as Night Scene Portrait mode, Pet mode, and Backlight Silhouette mode — simply by choosing the corresponding icon on the camera’s LCD monitor.

11. Other features

  1. TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, center-weighted and spot modes
  2. Contrast-detection autofocus system, with 81 selectable focus points
  3. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake off dust adhering to the surface of the CMOS image sensor
  4. CTE white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant color of a particular scene, such as the sunset
  5. A choice of four image sizes (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and applications
  6. Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
  7. Interval shooting mode, useful in time laps recording of landscapes and flowers/plants from an exact same location and angle
  8. Compatibility with the new-standard SDXC and UHS Speed Class 1 memory cards
  9. SILKY Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX RAW-data development software (developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included; in-camera RAW-data development also available

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens
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Exterior design by Marc Newson

Together with the PENTAX K-01 camera body, the exterior of this lens has been designed by Marc Newson. Mounting this lens on the K-01 results in a highly stylish imaging tool.


Easy-to-use, super-thin lens for everyday use

This unifocal standard lens offers a focal length equivalent to 61mm in the 35mm format, and measures a mere 9.2 millimeters in length, making it the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens. Thanks to its super-thin design, it is highly portable and easy to store and carry. Its optics were designed based on those of the acclaimed smc PENTAX-DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited lens. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 produces sharp, bright images in a wide range of applications, including snapshots, scenic photos, portraits, and even incident-light indoor shooting.


Exceptional image-description

In addition to numerical evaluations made by various testing machines, PENTAX has also conducted an image-quality evaluation of hundreds of images actually taken with this lens. As a result, it not only offers outstanding specifications, but also demonstrates exceptional image descriptive power and an image rendition unique to this lens. It features a round-shaped diaphragm, which produces a smooth, natural bokeh (out-of-focus) effect in the background.

SP coating to block dirt and dust

The front surface of this lens is treated with SP (Super Protect) coating, which applies an exclusive fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process. This SP coating not only repels dust, water and grease, but also makes it easy to wipe off oily stains such as fingerprints and cosmetics.
HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

Marc Newson’s biography
Marc Newson is the most acclaimed and influential designer of his generation. He has worked across a wide range of disciplines, creating everything from furniture and household objects, to bicycles and cars, private and commercial aircraft, yachts, various architectural commissions, and signature sculptural pieces for clients across the globe.
Born in Sydney, Newson spent much of his childhood travelling in Europe and Asia. He started experimenting with furniture design as a student and, after graduation, was awarded a grant from the Australian Crafts Council with which he staged his first exhibition - featuring the Lockheed Lounge - a piece that has now, twenty years later, set three consecutive world records at auction.
Newson has lived and worked in Tokyo, Paris, and London where he is now based, and he continues to travel widely. His clients include a broad range of the best known and most prestigious brands in the world - from manufacturing and technology to transportation, fashion and the luxury goods sector. Many of his designs have been a runaway success for his clients and have achieved the status of modern design icons. In addition to his core business, he has also founded and run a number of successful companies, including a fine watch brand and an aerospace design consultancy, and has also held senior management positions at client companies; including currently being the Creative Director of Qantas Airways.
Marc Newson was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, has received numerous awards and distinctions; he was appointed The Royal Designer for Industry in the UK, awarded an honorary doctorate from Sydney University, and holds Adjunct Professorships at Sydney College of the Arts and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
His work is present in many major museum collections, including the MoMA in New York, London’s Design Museum and V&A, the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Vitra Design Museum. Having set numerous records at auction, Newson’s work now accounts for almost 25% of the total contemporary design market.
Newson has been the focus of on-going and intense interest in the media, generating significant editorial value for his clients, and has been the subject of a number of books and documentary films.
He is married with two children.




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