The following report headlines the news section of the UK's Amateur Photographer (22 March issue) and includes a cover splash with main photo....
[my comments in brackets] **** PENTAX REVEALS 6-MEG DIGITAL SLR FLAGSHIP Pentax has released details of its flagship digital SLR - the 6.1 megapixel Pentax *ist D. The camera measures 23.5 X 15.7 mm [sic - they obviously mean the sensor] which creates a 1.5 factor. It is due out in July at a price our sources say will be 'competitive'. Pentax UK's marketing manager John Dickins told AP: 'Both new models, the *ist 35mm SLR and the *ist D, show Pentax's commitment to enthusiast photographers. We are very excited about them both [what- both photographers? ;-) ] as are many existing Pentax lens owners who can use the new technology.' To coincide with the launch, Pentax has unveiled a new wide angle J series lens. The FAJ zoom 18-35mm f/4-5.6 AL is a 12 element in ten-group optic delivering a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28-54mm when used with the *ist D. The new J series lenses - which do not have aperture rings - are compatible with both the new digital SLR as well as the *ist 35mm SLR that was announced in February. The *ist D will be compatible with Pentax K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses. Pentax 645 and 67 series lenses can also be attached via an adapter. The functions available will depend on the lens used, says Pentax. The new lens is believed to work with the MZ series of Pentax 35mm SLRs, though it will not be fully compatible with the MZ-5 and MZ-3. More lenses compatible with he *ist D are expected to be announced in the autumn. There are no official details, but sources tell us that a 75-300mm J series lens is likely. Measuring 129X95X60mm and weighing 510g without batteries, Pentax claims the *ist D is the 'smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital SLR'. The CCD sensor measures 23.5X15.7mm. The camera - which was launched at the PMA show - boasts a new 16-segment metering system and 11-point autofocus sensor (SAFOX VIII). It has a top shutter speed of 1/4000th sec and high speed flash sync at 1/150th sec. Continuous shooting is possible, says Pentax, at around 2.7 frames per second, and shutter and aperture priority and a custom function are included. There are individual dials for shutter and aperture priority. The model sports a new pentaprism viewfinder to deliver 95% field of view and a .95X magnification. The AF points are illuminated in red in the viewfinder display. The *ist D is compatible with Microdrive and Compact Flash type I and II memory cards and powered by 4 AA batteries or two CR-V3 lithium ion batteries. Highlights are also expected to include a 1.8 inch LCD monitor and a choice of recording formats in JPEG, TIFF and RAW. A dedicated battery grip is expected to be available... **** Amateur Photographer is published in the UK and available worldwide. For international subscriptions enquiries, call +44 (0)845 676 7778, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or check http://www.amateurphotographer.com **** Cotty
