PENTAX has announced their new K2000 entry level digital SLR system designed specifically for consumers. The K2000 features easy to use Auto Picture modes, a small, light body, a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch wide-view LCD display, and an ultra-compact design that “facilitates one handed operation”

Additional specs and features include:

• Compact, lightweight stainless steel chassis
• Redesigned camera grip
• Newly designed control system which positions most buttons and levers on the camera’s grip side
• PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) imaging engine
• high speed continuous shooting at approximately 3.5 frames per second
• Five point wide-area AF system
• Up to ISO 3200
• Shake Reduction technology compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX lenses
• Auto Picture Mode selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes
• Dust Removal System
• Bright, clear viewfinder
• Built-in digital filters (14 in total)
• 10 scene modes
• Energy-efficient power supply
• Choice of 16 segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
• Supports SD/SDHC memory cards

The new PENTAX digital SLR is known as the K2000 in the U.S. while the rest of the world knows it as the PENTAX K-m.  The K2000 will ship in two kits – the PENTAX K2000 Lens Kit with the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens and the PENTAX K2000 Double Zoom Kit with the smc PETAX DA L 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED lens.

PENTAX also announced two high performance interchangeable lens – the smc PENTAX DA Star 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM telephoto lens, and the smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm f/1.4 SDM compact medium telephoto lens. Finally, the company announced the PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash.

Here’s what you need to know about pricing and availability:

• The PENTAX K2000 digital SLR system with smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens and PENTAX AF200FG flash will ship in November 2008 at US $699.95.
• The PENTAX K2000 digital SLR system with smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm and smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm lenses will ship in early 2009.
• The smc PENTAX DA Star 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM lens will ship in January 2008 at US $1499.95.
• The smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm f/1.4 SDM lens will ship in January 2008 at US $799.95.
• The PENTAX AF160FC Ring Flash will ship in November 2008 at US $499.95.
• The smc PENTAX DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens and 1.4X Rear Converter SDM price and availability are to be announced.

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