Pentax has brought out a special-run DSLR with genuinely uncommon optics. The K-5 Silver Special Edition both outfits the 16.3-megapixel DSLR with a semi-retro look as well as a very thin 40mm, f2.8 XS lens. Along with being a complement to the body, the lens keeps the overall size small and provides a prime lens to join more conventional options.
A new rumor originating from 43rumors maintains that Olympus will release a new weather-resistant Four Thirds camera with an integrated viewfinder next month. Next week's CES will be skipped altogether and the camera will instead be revealed between February 6 and 11. That same week is also supposed to mark the reveal of a new Fujifilm camera system with a recently patented integrated viewfinder and an organic sensor.
Ex-Olympus chief Akira Watanabe has revealed that Olympus will continue deliver new E-series DSLRs in the single and double-digit lines. The triple digit E-series models have been replaced by the PEN series. The mid-range Four Thirds camera series had been rumored to be discontinued, although when the new models will arrive was not specified.
Pentax on Wednesday spurred sales ahead of the PMA expo by slashing prices on its mainstream digital SLRs and launching a handful of new K2000 kits. The 14.6-megapixel K20D mid-range camera is getting an immediate $100 discount that lasts until February 22nd; the K2000 flash bundle that carries an 18-55m lens and an AF200FG external flash is also dropping permanently to $600. The special white K2000 bundle is also seeing a price reduction to $680.
Olympus today tackled the absence of a mid-range digital SLR in the E-system lineup with the E-30, a step between the entry-level E-520 and the more professional E-3. The 12.3-megapixel camera has the faster and more accurate 11-point autofocus performance of the higher-end E-3, an electronic level to ensure straight landscape shots and image stabilization built into the sensor rather than just the lens. Simultaneously, though, it also carries beginner-oriented features such as face detection and live visual effects dubbed Art Filters.
