Pentax dSLRs make world debut in Sydney

By Zennith Geisler on 24 January 2008

Tags: digital slr | dslr | k200d | k20d | pentax | lens | raw | dust

This morning, Pentax, at its first global launch held in Australia, announced the release of its latest digital SLR models, the K20D and K200D.

Retailing for AU$1999 with an 18-55mm lens, the Pentax K20D is based on the older K10D. It keeps the weather resistance of the old model, while adding a host of new features, including a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and Live View functionality. There's also, what Pentax claims are, improved Shake Reduction and Dust Removal systems.

The Pentax K200D features a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, 2.7-inch wide angle LCD, a dedicated RAW button for switching between JPEG and RAW image formats, and mechanical image stabilisation. Like its big brother, it too features water-resistant and dust-proof systems. It will retail for AU$1119, again with an 18-55mm lens.

Five new lenses were also announced along with the cameras:

  • smc Pentax-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II (ships with the K200D)
  • smc Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED
  • smc Pentax-DA 200mm f/2.8 ED(IF) SDM
  • smc Pentax-DA 300mm f/4 ED(IF) SDM
  • smc Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited

Lens name decoder:

  • AL = Aspherical Lens
  • DA = designed for digital (not full frame) cameras
  • DA* = DA with dust- and weather-sealing
  • ED = Extra low Dispersion
  • IF = Internal Focus
  • SDM = Supersonic Drive Motor

Lens pricing has not been announced.

Both cameras will been shown to consumers for the first time at the PMA show in Las Vegas next week.


Click here for more details

Pentax K20D

  • 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor
  • Live View LCD
  • Shake Reduction and Dust Removal systems
  • Water-resistant construction
  • Dedicated RAW button
  • In-body RAW processing
  • 36 custom functions to personalise camera operations
  • Price: AU$1999 with 18-55mm lens

Click here for more details

Pentax K200D

  • 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor
  • Shake Reduction and Dust Removal systems
  • Water-resistant construction
  • Dedicated RAW button
  • In-body RAW processing
  • 2.7-inch wide angle LCD
  • 22 custom functions to personalise camera operations
  • Price: AU$1119 with 18-55mm lens

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