Pentax K100D Super announced

[Groucho]

For those who are interested... link here

PENTAX Imaging Company announced the PENTAX K100D Super digital SLR with innovative features usually found on more advanced, higher-priced cameras. The newest member of the K Series of digital SLRs combines the PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) system, an innovative Dust Removal (DR) system, and full compatibility with PENTAX SDM lenses.

The K100D Super builds on the popular PENTAX K100D digital SLR camera that first shipped in July 2006. Incorporating the PENTAX-original Dust Removal (DR) system previously available only in more advanced models, PENTAX takes entry-level SLR users to the next level with the new K100D Super Digital SLR. A PENTAX-original design, the Dust Removal system helps keep the CCD surface dust-free to ensure spotless images. The new PENTAX digital SLR also offers full compatibility with PENTAX SDM lenses. Together, these features upgrade the K100D Super to a technologically advanced SLR at a very affordable price.

Compatible with any PENTAX SLR lens ever produced,* PENTAX K100D Super offers a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial featuring Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD, 11-point autofocus mechanism, and sophisticated 16 segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder features a 96% field of view and 0.85X magnification. With this array of advanced features and an easy-to-hold, easy-to-use design, the K100D Super delivers high-quality digital SLR photography to users of all levels including SLR beginners.

Also a new cheap flash:

Along with the SLR, PENTAX has announced a new compact, easy-to-use AF200FG Auto Flash. The hot-shoe mount flash features a compact, lightweight body, a guide number of 20 (at ISO 100/m) and simple dial operation to assure effortless flash photography for everyone. The P-TTL auto flash system assures proper exposure level by measuring the flash's pre-discharge with the camera's multi-pattern metering system. The AF200FG uniformly covers the wide discharge angle of a 28mm lens (in the 35mm format) and includes a flip-down diffuser that can cover the angle of a 24mm lens (in the 35mm format

The retail for the K100D Super body is $520 or $600 with kit lens, and the flash is only $150. Both should come out in August. I'd guess that we'll see street prices similar to the K100D a few months afterwards.

Looks like it's probably not enough to make existing K100D owners feel the need to upgrade, but a couple nice extra features for new buyers. Unfortunately, they didn't upgrade the buffer size. Hopefully they will when they come out with a 10mp version, which'll probably happen in the fall.

It sounds like we may see a K10D Super in the fall as well, that's the one I'm waiting for.

 

[Cricket2]

I wonder if the regular K100D will drop in price before the rebate ends?

 

[Groucho]

I doubt we'll see much of a price drop. $419 after rebate is pretty ridiculously low already.

The big question is how many of Pentax's upcoming lenses will have SDM focusing? Currently, only the K10D and K100D Super can use the SDM focusing. SDM-equipped lenses will autofocus the old-fashioned way on other Pentaxes. This is not a big deal at the moment but that may change over the next few years if Pentax begins replacing its lenses with SDM ones, if someone is looking forward to having that available.

In other news, Pentax also announced the limited-production (5,000 run) Grand Prix K10D to commemorate winning the 2007 Camera Grand Prix award in Japan. Pop Photo also just gave the K10D their Camera of the Year award for Advanced DSLR, but I doubt we'll get a special edition for that.

 

[Cricket2]

Is that the one with the different color grip?

 

[Master Mason]

OT alert...

Groucho, when you come to DL in September are you bringing the family or just you? I might be able to get down there at that time if you wanted to meet up and shoot some, but don't want to interfer with your family time either.

 

[RBennett]

Ok.....I realize I am SUCH a newbie at cameras, but I can't really see the big advantage of the K100D and the Super. I haven't bought my camera yet, but I just don't see what would make it so much better than the original to justify the more money. Don't shoot me, but am I missing it??

 

[ukcatfan]

Ok.....I realize I am SUCH a newbie at cameras, but I can't really see the big advantage of the K100D and the Super. I haven't bought my camera yet, but I just don't see what would make it so much better than the original to justify the more money. Don't shoot me, but am I missing it??

As a K100D owner, I cnnot see the advantage either. I might pay ~$50 more for the SDM, but the dust removal is worthless IMO. Save your money and go with the K100D, or go higher to a K10D or the anticipated K10D Super.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Cricket, the Grand Prix one is the one with the dark brown grip and brown leather strap. Very retro-'70s. Kind of neat but I'd be more interested in the 50th anniversary one they did as a show-only camera a couple months ago.

RBennett, I don't think the K100D and K100D Super will exist at the same time. I believe that the Super will replace the K100D. As for cost, according to Pentax's own site, the K100D w/kit lens retails for $649, and the price given for the K100D Super is $599, though it's not clear if that's with or without lens.

So, I think that, without rebate, the Super should be the same or cheaper than a K100D. However, being a new camera, I'm sure that the prices will remain a little higher for a few months.

If someone had a choice between the two and the Super cost more, then yes, I'd certainly agree that it's probably not worth paying much extra. It's a fairly minor evolution.

Master Mason, I'd not sure just how my schedule is going to look - I haven't booked our rooms yet for DL Hotel, just the airfare to CA, but I'm pretty sure I'll be hitting DL on the dates in my sig. This should give me one probably busy day with the parks open late, hopefully Electrical Parade will run, and then two days that should be pretty quiet. It'll be my wife and son and for probably at least one day, a couple we're good friends with in LA, and maybe their kids. It's still not completely nailed down, obviously.

My only concern is whether or not they'll have the fireworks at DL on the weeknights. They seem to not list the firework schedule very far in advance on their site, and I'd really like to be able to be able to watch it properly. Doing it Labor Day might be tricky as I know that'll be the only day we'll be able to see Electrical Parade, as DCA closes before dark the next few nights, and making it from DCA to DL to find a spot to set up the tripod for the fireworks, especially on Labor Day, would be quite a challenge, I think.

I would certainly be up for a Dis Photography board meet-up if anyone's interested... that might be a topic anyway as my friend from there just ordered his first DSLR, K100D of course. It was an easy sell as he still has some old Pentax lenses from his film SLR days. And I'm planning to haul along the usual pile of lenses, tripod, etc.