The Pentax K200D is a 10.2-megapixel digital SLR with a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and Pentax’s Shake Reduction image stabilization system. The camera has a dustproof, water-resistant body that is compatible with every Pentax lens ever made. Pentax says the K200D “contains all the advanced imaging technology of the award-winning K10D, but is designed for new digital SLR users who want a camera that will allow them grow as they learn about photography.”

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Pentax K200D Studio Test Images
	ISO 100 Sample >> ISO 200 Sample >> ISO 400 Sample >> ISO 800 Sample >> ISO 1600 Sample >>

Pros Inexpensive Dust and weather resistant Shake Reduction image stabilization built into camera body Surprisingly good image quality at ISO 1600 Uses convenient AA batteries Allows simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG format images Dust Reduction system Big 2.7-inch LCD Good flash metering Light weight	Cons Plasticky body Auto focus lock does not work in continuous AF mode Loud auto focus motor Might be uncomfortable in big hands Exposure compensation is only plus/minus two stops No dedicated ISO button

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PENTAX DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM LENS ANNOUNCED

GOLDEN, CO. (June 3, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This standard lens with extra zoom offers outstanding, well-balanced handling, and covers the most frequently used focal lengths between wide-angle and telephoto making it ideal for a variety of shots including scenery, snapshot and portraiture.

Previously shown in February at PMA 2008, this lens features a 4.1X zoom ratio covering wide-angle to moderate-telephoto ranges, and covers a focal-length range from 26mm wide angle to 107mm telephoto in the 35mm format. When mounted on a compatible* DSLR camera body, the PENTAX-original SDM system driven by a built-in supersonic motor, offers exceptionally smooth, quiet autofocus.

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Official Pentax Optio W60 Press Release

Looks like I’m going to have to update the Outdoor and Waterproof Digital Camera Guide I wrote a few weeks ago. Today, Pentax announced a new entry in the waterproof / outdoor digital camera category. The new Pentax Optio W60 has a 10-megapixel sensor and can submerged up to 13 feet for as long as 2 hours. The 5x internal zoom lens has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide end and the camera can also be used at temperatures below freezing. Among other improvements, the new Optio W60 also has Face Detection and sensitivity up to ISO 6400. Looks like Pentax has been paying attention to the competition. These are significant improvements over the Optio W30 we reviewed last year and I look forward to testing the new Optio W60.
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Rugged Digital Cameras For Backpacking,
Cycling, Boating, And The Worksite

With the summer beach and travel season coming up and the recent announcement of Ricoh’s new G600 water-resistant and shockproof digital camera, I thought it would be good to do a roundup of current outdoor-friendly compact digital cameras. By “outdoor-friendly,” I mean cameras that have some level of moisture resistance and can take some physical abuse - cameras you can take to the beach, camping, etc. Right now, between Olympus, Pentax, and Ricoh, people who want a rugged, moisture-resistant digital camera have plenty of choices.

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PENTAX ANNOUNCES STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM

GOLDEN, CO. (APRIL 1, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a PENTAX Student Photography Program to support budding photographers and photography educators with camera bodies, lenses and flashes at significant savings. Known for producing photography equipment that offers value, quality, ease-of-use, durability, and affordability, PENTAX takes great pride in the commitment to countless users who have learned and taught the art of photography with a PENTAX camera.

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PENTAX ANNOUNCES OPTIO V20 WITH 5X ZOOM, 3 INCH MONITOR AND INNOVATIVE PORTRAIT FUNCTIONS

GOLDEN, CO (March 17, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio V20 compact digital camera with a 5X zoom lens, 8.0 megapixels, and a generous 3.0 inch LCD monitor. Ultra-slim and stylish in design, this latest PENTAX compact digital camera makes it easy to capture and to view images.

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2008 PMA Coverage Complete

The 2008 PMA camera and photography tradeshow was held a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read about the most interesting new photography products, product trends, film news, and more in my 2008 PMA Final Report. Four of us attended the show for PhotographyREVIEW.com. Check out the 20 articles we posted on digital cameras, lenses, software, camera cases, and even GPS for digital photographers! There are also over 20 videos demonstrating new digital cameras, cool camera features like Smile Detection, new camera cases, and more. Visit the 2008 PMA Gallery for almost 200 photos of new products, booths, and general show action.

2008 PMA Camera Tradeshow Final Report
2008 PMA Videos
2008 PMA Gallery
All 2008 PMA Tradeshow Coverage

PENTAX ANNOUNCES K20D WITH 14.6 MEGAPIXELS,
K200D WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND FIVE DIGITAL LENSES

GOLDEN, CO. (January 23, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced today two new digital SLR camera models including the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels and the PENTAX K200D digital SLR with 10.2 megapixels. Both cameras are equipped with advanced features including dust-proof and weather-resistant bodies, an improved PRIME image processor, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 24 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured.

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