Pentax Digital SLR System

[Photo-John]

Pentax didn't introduce a new digital SLR system at this year's PMA show. But the K10D is still pretty recent - we only just did a pro review for it. But they do have new pro lenses to go with their bodies and a new confidence that comes with the success of the K100D and K10D digital SLR bodies.











Pentax introduced two new lenses at the show, the Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM wide angle zoom, and the Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM telephoto zoom. Together the two lenses cover the most used focal length range and make a very powerful and compact package. They both have gaskets on the mount to help make the K10D an even more weatherproof camera. The new SDM lens motor has smoother and quieter auto focus performance. These additions to the Pentax digital SLR system show that Pentax is dedicated to designing and building a system that's special and suited for professional use.

Samsung also had new auto focus K-Mount optics in their booth. The Samsung GX-10 digital SLR is basically the same hardware as the Pentax K10D with a slightly different feel and finish and different firmware and menus. But the mechanics of the camera are the same and they both use the Pentax K-Mount. So they can both use the same lenses.

Samsung uses Schneider optics for their SLR lenses and they had three new offerings, a 100mm f/2.8 macro, an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, a 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom, and a 35mm f/2.0 wide angle prime. I checked out the 35mm f/2.0 lens on the GX-10 body and it was really, really nice. It's super bright and looks very crisp and contrasty in the camera's viewfinder.

The Samsung / Schneider lenses are another compelling reason to take a hard look at the Pentax system or the Samsung SLR counterparts.