Samsung NX10, new format exchangeable-lens camera, which like Micro Four Thirds is mirror-less. And the format is bigger than M4/3. Might be interesting!
Talking about Samsung, right now you can get a super-zoom camera for $230. Man, that's cheap!
In other camera news, DPreview has posted a highly positive review of Pentax' very compact and economical K-x model. Which I think is kewl, because CaNikon needs the competition, and because I used to use Pentax, and because I like compact cameras.The K-x is indeed super-compact, actually barely larger than the Panasonic G1, which is a smaller-format camera. And pretty cheap too, £550 in the UK, and typically much cheaper in the US, $560. And I think it's the only camera which has stabilization (though not the best on the market) even if you use it with a pancake (compact) lens, of which Pentax has more than anybody else.
Despite the size, it's no kids' camera, it will shoot almost 5 frames per second and has ISO settings up to 6400, and not just for show either. Impressive.
Update: DPReview has samples, I think the 1600 ISO ones are nice, certainly tons better than the M4/3 cameras', and impressive for such a tiny camera.
From the review:
Lining the K-x up against its most direct competitors makes it apparent just how compact it is. It's noticeably smaller than the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000 and, especially in combination with Pentax' 40mm pancake lens, makes a very compact package that is very well suited for traveling.
Remarkable, I did not think they could make a DSLR smaller than the 500D.If I were Pentax, I'd (also) sell the camera in a kit with one of the pancake (very small) lenses, for instance the DA 21mm (32mm-equivalent). Just to make a point about the super-compact-ness. To get top-of-the-class performance in a package this compact really is something they should point out.
And I think the 21mm lens goes well with the DA 70mm 2.4 lens, which is barely larger than the 20mm, I have never seen anything like that in a 105mm-e lens.
Update Nov 2011: I now have the K-x, as well as the K-r and the K-5. They are all outstanding cameras, and whereas I am a bit lukewarm about the Pentax 18-135mm zoom (a bit soft at the edges), these prime lenses are fantastic, compact and dead-sharp.
Yes, the K-X is an impressive little camera, and it will use almost the full range of Pentax lenses.
ReplyDeleteE., the K-x goes up to ISO 12,800, not 6400. And I've seen some very usable samples at max ISO, so it's not just for emergencies.
ReplyDeleteThey say it's *extendable* to 12.800. And usually the extended range is indeed for emergencies only, so I listed only the standard range.
ReplyDeleteIf you have seen decent pictures at 12.800, that's very impressive indeed!
Ah, I see your point, E.
ReplyDeleteA quick tag search on Flickr shows only a few photos from one guy who shot the K-x at ISO 12,800, but you can see the IQ is quite impressive given that it's an APS-C camera. I know there is a thread or two on PentaxForums with high ISO examples from the K-x, but I'm too lazy to look for it :-)
They are soft and grainy, but yes, the color and contrast is very nice considering.
ReplyDeleteUsed Canon for many years but sold most of it now and am seriously considering Pentax. Excellent value for money, and pro-am centric design.
ReplyDelete