When is a camera more than a photographer’s tool?  The answer is when it’s an object designed by Marc Newson, one of the most acclaimed and influential contemporary designers.

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation introduces the Marc Newson designed PENTAX K-01* interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The new PENTAX K-01 is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit. Widely known for designing a wide range of objects from furniture and household products to bicycles, cars, aircraft and yachts, Marc Newson has had collected works displayed in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and many other major museums.   

The contemporary, timeless K-01 houses a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function. The elimination of an optical viewfinder and quick-return mirror gave Newson more freedom in designing the camera body, and the K-01 showcases Newson originality in every detail.  Available in black, white and Newson’s signature yellow colors, the K-01 features the designer’s autograph logo stamp on the bottom of each camera.

The famed designer’s touch also is evident in a new smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS interchangeable lens.  As the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens,* the new 40mm combines with the PENTAX K-01 camera body to deliver a unique ILC system that is perfect for photographers who are as keen on design as they are on performance. Together, the K-01 and 40mm lens system mark the intersection where high technology and high design meet.

Key features of the PENTAX K-01 include:

• Durable machined aluminum frame under a stylish black, white, or yellow exterior.
• PENTAX mirrorless body design is compatible with 25+ million PENTAX K-mount lenses spanning decades.
• Large 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios.
• Bright, high resolution 3 inch LCD with 920,000 dots.
• Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60 FPS at 720p) features outstanding video capture flexibility.
• Sensor-shift PENTAX Shake and Dust Reduction system is compatible with every mounted PENTAX lens.
• Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.
• Flexible ISO range of 100-25600 ensures gorgeous noise-free imaging in any lighting condition.
• Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.

* The world’s thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX’s research).

The K-01 will be available in yellow, black and white in March 2012 for $749.95USD (body only) and $899.95USD (lens kit including new DA 40mm XS) in Marc Newson designed packaging and with the Marc Newson designed strap.  The smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal interchangeable standard lens will ship at the same time for $249.95 USD.

Additional information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news and a video interview with Mark Newson regarding the K-01design may be viewed here: www.youtube.com/pentaxian1  Images of other Marc Newson creations are available here.

Pentax K-01 specifications

Today, Thursday 2 February, the World Photography Organisation announces the shortlist for the 2012 Sony World Photography Awards.  Billed as the global photographic event of the year, the Sony World Photography Awards celebrate the very best in photography from around the world, from the next generation of emerging photographers through to the established masters of the art.

 

Read more: Sony World Photography Awards 2012 Shortlist announced

Today, Nikon Inc. introduced a new line of COOLPIX digital cameras that combine affordability and convenience with performance and versatility to create a lineup of cameras that are ideal for the modern, fast-paced and connected family. Perfect for any type of family adventure from the sidelines to the backyard, the COOLPIX L810, L26 and S30 each offer a simple, convenient and fun way to capture great photos and HD movies with ease.

Expanding on Nikon's outstanding long zoom reputation, the COOLPIX L810's extremely powerful zoom (26x) offers a chance to capture every detail without giving up the convenience of a compact point-and-shoot camera. The COOLPIX S30 is a new type of camera from Nikon, providing worry-proof construction with a simple to use interface and an affordable price point so any family can enjoy photography with a camera that instills confidence. The COOLPIX L26 is ideal for casual photographers and streamlines photo-taking with intelligent Nikon technologies like automatic Scene Modes and easy-to-understand controls. All three cameras are AA battery compatible for the ultimate on-the-go convenience. "Today's family spends time together in more places than the dining room table; they are on adventures and vacations together, constantly in motion and creating memories," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's latest COOLPIX cameras combine Nikon's renowned image quality, advanced performance and superior technology to offer simple and affordable cameras for every member of your family."

Read more: Nikon updates compact lineup, including Coolpix S30 entry-level rugged camera

Today, Nikon Inc. introduced two new COOLPIX cameras into the P-series, providing photographers with amazing optics from compact offerings for their next adventure-packed outing. Breaking the zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 brings the action close with an impressive 42x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, from a wide 24mm to an amazing 1,000mm* focal range. When the adventure begins once the sun sets, the new COOLPIX P310 tackles demanding low-light conditions with a 16.1-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, NIKKOR glass lens. From the expansive Serengeti horizon, thunderous waterfalls of the Amazon to the jazz-infused nightlife setting of New Orleans, Nikon's new COOLPIX P-series cameras enable photographers to capture any adventure with astounding clarity.

Read more: Nikon's new Coolpix P-Series pair packs a potent punch of optical excellence and powerful performance

Today, Nikon Inc. introduced four new digital cameras to the COOLPIX S-series lineup to give consumers new ways to go super-zoom or super chic. These new cameras deliver on Nikon's rich optical heritage and benefit from new technologies poised to create an amazing camera experience for any user, such as GPS and enhanced resolution.

The Spring 2012 line of Nikon COOLPIX cameras help capture memories with advanced features including extraordinary low-light capabilities, powerful optics and HD video recording with full stereo sound. Added features such as the built-in GPS of the COOLPIX S9300 and Easy Panorama mode of the COOLPIX S6300 bolster the S-series lineup, in addition to the easy-to-use, slim and stylish COOLPIX S4300 and S3300. These cameras also include Nikon core technologies for amazing photos, including Nikon's Smart Portrait System for flattering portraits and HD video capability across the line.

Read more: Nikon's new S-Series Coolpix cameras are the slim, stylish and smart way to capture life's great moments.

Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-ZS20, the newest member of the acclaimed LUMIX ZS-Series, and the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 20x optical zoom lens*1. With a powerful zoom, a 24mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the ability to shoot full-High Defintion (HD), the new LUMIX ZS20 builds on the series’ success as an extremely versatile point-and-shoot model.  With a newly-redesigned lens system, the LUMIX ZS20 features a new mechanical structure and optical system to further improve image quality and with Nano Surface Coating technology, the LUMIX ZS20 offers stunning image clarity with minimized ghosting and flare.

Read more: Panasonic expands its popular zs-series of digital cameras with new advanced features and creative shooting options packed in a slim body