Fresh from the Pentax Ricoh launch event in New York, we’ve put together a real-world samples gallery from the Pentax K-50. The 16MP mid-range DSLR builds on the very likeable K-30 and promises improved image processing. We take a closer look at the K-50 and its similar sibling, the K-500, to see just what they bring to the table, as well as presenting a selection of full-resolution sample images.
Pentax Ricoh has announced the Q7 – its latest Q-mount camera and the first to feature a larger, 1/1.7″ type sensor. The 7.44 x 5.58mm, 12MP BSI CMOS sensor is the same size as the one used in many enthusiast compacts, with the company claiming a 60% improvement in S/N ratio over the existing Q10. This improvement also allows the camera to focus faster in low light. The Q7 will cost around $ 500 with the ’02’ 5-15mm zoom lens and can be custom-ordered in any of 120 color combinations. The company has also introduced a body-cap ‘Mount Shield’ lens for the Q system – the 11.5mm F9 lens will cost around $ 80.
Pentax has refreshed its entry level DSLR lineup with the announcement of the K-50 and K-500. The K50 is an update of the K-30, featuring less controversial styling and slightly tweaked processing, helping it offer a maximum ISO of 51,200. The K-500, meanwhile, gets most of the K-50’s features – the main loss being weather sealing – in a less expensive package. While not radically different from the K-30, both cameras bring twin dial controls and 100% glass prism viewfinders to price points ($ 799 and $ 599 respectively), where both those features are rare. Alongside the cameras, Pentax is launching revised, DA-L versions of its 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR and 55-200mm F4-5.6 WR lenses.
Sony’s flagship Xperia Z offers some head-turning specs, including a 13-megapixel primary camera and a high-definition 1920×1080 443 ppi display on its 5-inch screen. It’s even and water- and dust-resistant — the ad campaign shows users rinsing the Xperia Z off by pouring water over it. We were eager to see if these exciting features make for a quality mobile camera. See our findings on connect.dpreview.com.
Apple updated its Raw engine to include more cameras. The new update applies to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’11. Cameras now supported include the Canon EOS-1D C, Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D / Kiss X7, Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D / Kiss X7i, Hasselblad Lunar, Nikon COOLPIX A, Nikon D7100, Nikon 1 J3, Nikon 1 S1, and Sony Alpha NEX-3N.
A new smartphone gadget promises to use your mobile device to digitize your 35mm film. Compatible smartphones snap photos of backlit film inserted into the device while an app automatically inverts the negative image. See the Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner in action on connect.dpreview.com.
In a world that can feel visually oversaturated with images, some photographers are seeking solutions that draw viewers’ attention and ask them to linger a little longer. Model Coco Rocha recently shared her take on the dynamic image trend, exploring how animated GIFs, Cinemagraphs, Lytro images and interactive 360-degree panoramas are helping photographers stand out. We take a longer look at connect.dpreview.com.
Microsoft has announced a Raw compatibility update for Windows Vista, 7 and 8, adding support for 22 cameras. This includes the previous generation of Canon Rebel cameras, along with the Pentax K-01, Sony RX100 and the Fujifilm X10. It also adds support for the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D600, along with ‘richer’ support for images shot in AdobeRGB.
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galazy S4 Zoom – the nearest thing yet to a true camera / phone hybrid. The ‘camera side’ features a 24-240mm equivalent F3.1-6.3 lens with a zoom ring around the barrel, in front of a 16MP 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor. It includes optical image stabilisation, a built-in xenon flash, ISO 100-3200, 4 fps continuous shooting, and 1080p30 HD video; images are stored to internal memeory or microSD. On the ‘phone side’ you get a 4.3″ Super AMOLED display, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and all the other features you’d expect of a modern smartphone. The S4 zoom will go on sale this summer.
Just posted: Our review of the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens. In the latest of our lens reviews brought to you in partnership with DxOMark, we take a look at Canon’s slimline ‘pancake’ prime for its APS-C and full frame SLRs. It’s one of the smallest and cheapest lenses currently on the market, and includes a stepper motor for silent focusing during movie recording. But does its small size and low price result in compromised optics? Read our review to find out.