PENTAX K-01 & smc PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 XS - Official Embargo Date: 2/2/2012

[ndroo]

Actually, is the K-01 an export only model? It seems they didn't announce the camera in Japan and it's absence from their homepage there. :think:

Maybe they are keeping the candy colored ones for the Japan market

 

[ageha]

Maybe they are keeping the candy colored ones for the Japan market

At least we have a digital Diana now after the Yashica EZ F521 got discontinued some time ago.

 

[fengwei]

Cool. That's funny, for some reason I had the impression that the X100 was a lot larger than the K-01.

Interesting point to note is that both the other 2 cameras have optical VFs/EVFs.

K-01 definitely looks cleaner w/ much less buttons to play around

 

[fengwei]

K-01 is on the front page of a design website :dezeen magzaine:

Dezeen » Blog Archive » K01 by Marc Newson for Pentax

Newson’s K-01 is a modern digital camera with a contemporary yet timeless design. The body consists of clean and simple lines creating an elegant graphical composition whilst preserving all the functions of a professional camera. Original-design push buttons and control levers are efficiently laid out across the body, while bright colours are used on two key buttons for instant recognition: red for the video recording button, and green for the functional green button. The combination of machined aluminium and natural rubber provide the user with a tactile and durable piece of technology. The mode dial and the power switch are made of a high-quality aluminium alloy, while the memory card slot and connectors on the comfortable, easy-to-hold grip are covered with protective rubber.

Newson’s original design concept is evident in all elements of the K-01, including the product logo, the camera strap and even on the start-up screen when the K-01 is turned on.

The optical viewfinder and quick-return mirror were eliminated during the design process to allow more freedom in the design of the camera body. The result is a camera that shows Marc Newson’s originality in every detail.

 

[hjbyeo]

DA wide zoom, but seems like 12mm widest.

Eh.. I was thinking of the rumoured 12-35, but now, I think it may just be the 10-24.

 

[sbc]

Look at the tele lens on the roadmap, it's gonna be a somewhere between 500 to 600mm, that's great news wildlives and bird shooters

Since it will be a DA and not DA*, I am guessing it would be a mirror lens?


•DA 50mm replacement for the FA 50mm
•DA ~20-200mm walkaround zoom
•DA 550mm non-star telephoto prime
•DA limited short zoom (~20-40mm)
•DA wide zoom (~10-25mm)
•DA* zoom (~20-80mm F2.8)
•DA telephoto zoom (~100-300mm)
•DA 1.4x SDM teleconverter

 

[fengwei]

Most if not all cameras were designed by engineers, so far K-01 is one of the very few which were designed by a professional designer

Sometimes it's just like when we see some arts at the museum, we don't understand what's the fuzz about those stuff displayed there (my wife always says I'm a layman in arts anyway ). But when you look harder, and tried enough to understand where the designer's idea came from, you might just start to understand, and then appreciate or even like it.

I didn't feel K-01 appealing at all when I saw its photos the first time. But after a couple of days of looking at different photos from different angles, it kinda grows in me. I'm sure I'd feel different again when I actually hold the camera (which might be today or tomorrow the latest btw )

 

[edutilos-]

Eh.. I was thinking of the rumoured 12-35, but now, I think it may just be the 10-24.

The map doesn't seem to show the DA wide zoom touching the 10mm line.

I've always waited for a Pentax UWA to invest in that went wider than 12mm... I hope it will come.

 

[hjbyeo]

Most if not all cameras were designed by engineers, so far K-01 is one of the very few which were designed by a professional designer

Sometimes it's just like when we see some arts at the museum, we don't understand what's the fuzz about those stuff displayed there (my wife always says I'm a layman in arts anyway ). But when you look harder, and tried enough to understand where the designer's idea came from, you might just start to understand, and then appreciate or even like it.

I didn't feel K-01 appealing at all when I saw its photos the first time. But after a couple of days of looking at different photos from different angles, it kinda grows in me. I'm sure I'd feel different again when I actually hold the camera (which might be today or tomorrow the latest btw )

Will we get to see it in action on Saturday?

 

[lepentaxy]

I agree with fengwei, the K-01 grows on you after repeat viewing. The styling is clean, spatial yet functional; especially the back panel. It is an original design that's cool looking. And Pentax should be lauded for allowing the straight use of current lenses on this body; granted an adaptor would've done the trick, but i believe it's not the same to hardcore Pentaxian!

 

[pinholecam]

Someone did a photoshop to make full black colored one and actually I find that I like this version the best.

link here : Petition pentax for all black k-01 - PentaxForums.com


But I'd make do with the black knobbed one too...

 

[Silverback84]

It looks Retro n clean but I still prefer the dslr camera

 

[simon6z]

I want it in BRIGHT ORANGE colour to make more of an attraction to people so they will ask what's that wonderful camera you are holding!!!

 

[Bridgerock]

The map doesn't seem to show the DA wide zoom touching the 10mm line.

I've always waited for a Pentax UWA to invest in that went wider than 12mm... I hope it will come.

The line is a blurred line. Who knows it might hit the 10mm?

 

[pinholecam]

The line is a blurred line. Who knows it might hit the 10mm?

Yeah, I think they are not sure themselves ATM, but want to give reassurance that things are in the works.
So lets see what those blurred lines turn out to be in the near future.

 

[banana0ne]

Someone did a photoshop to make full black colored one and actually I find that I like this version the best.

link here : Petition pentax for all black k-01 - PentaxForums.com


But I'd make do with the black knobbed one too...

I like this one better, but I have a gut feeling that the could have made the grip deeper and provided some thumb rest at the back. They might have taken the k-5's internals but they have left its ergonomics.

 

[Bridgerock]

The surface area is wider on that side. Thats why don't require a deeper grip. Recalling the video, seems like need to press the red or green button to activate some functions on the wheel at the back. Hmm...I wonder how it really works.

Internals cannot be the same since it uses a new engine. So the PCB will be different. Luckily the battery is still the same as K5. That's a very considerate move as compared to other makes. Seems like selling batteries do make tons of money though.

 

[creampuff]

I hope after this launch, K-r price can stabilize at 6xx then I can trade my K-x up to K-r!

I sell you my new K-r to you cheap, cheap...

 

[CorneliusK]

I think the size from the front is ok but its really kinda thick from the top compared to other mirrorless cameras.

Mind you this is without any lens attached.

Though I must say that the design is slowly growing on me.

Look how big it is!

[video=youtube;xNUJpxO7_BQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNUJpxO7_BQ[/video]

 

[Vulpix0r]

I am swooning at the design. The blocky look is very nice, dunno why so many haters.