It ’s not a micro four third , but Pentax has lifted the eyelid on the 645Dmedium format camera , which will be available this May for close to $ 10,000 . Why so expensive , you ask ? There ’s that 40MP Kodak sensing element for starters .
It ’s also bugger off a SAFOX IX+ autofocus arrangement with 11 detector points , a Pentax original Real Image Engine , 14 bit A / D converter , and is the ultimate kick - around television camera , with 70 seal of approval progress to it dustproof , weather resistant and cold - proof . There ’s also a detritus removal II system , just in suit . It read SD / SDHC memory cards , and while that May release is scheduled for Japan , the rest of the world should be getting some Pentax love soon after . [ Photography Blog ]
Full ( UK ) release below :

The PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of HOYA Corporation in Japan will declare on 10th March 2AM CET ( 1AM GMT ) a new digital average - format television camera , the 645D , and its 55 millimeter lens , which will be launch in Japan only .
Here are the principal feature of the 645D.
PENTAX 645D

– 40 Megapixels sensing element ( 44 x 33 mm ) , designed by Kodak
– PENTAX original Real Image locomotive engine
– 14 moment A / five hundred converter

– Dustproof , weather condition - immune and coldproof eubstance ( 70 seals )
– Dual SD / SDHC card slots
– New SAFOX IX+ autofocus system , with 11 sensing element points

– Dust Removal II mechanism
– Trapezoid - shaped glass prism viewfinder
– free weight : 1480 gramme loaded and quick with battery and 2 SD circuit board

PENTAX D - FA 645 55 mm F2.8 AL [ IF ] SDM AW
– tantamount to 43.5 millimetre in the 35 format
– Dustproof , weatherproof

– Aero Bright coating
– First PENTAX wholly rounded diaphragm
– SDM focus mechanism

– Weight : 416 g
Planned launch date in Japan : May 2010 .
The 645D does not have a RRP in Japan but is bear to sell for ¥ 850,000 while the lens is expect to have a street price around ¥ 100,000 .

It is not yet decided whether this camera will be usable in other food market .
Pentax Press Release
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to harbinger the launch of the PENTAX 645D lense - interchangeable , intermediate - formatting digital SLR camera . Thanks to the internalization of a large image detector , adequate in performance to professional - standarddigital camerabacks , this high - carrying out model delivers tiptop - high - resolution images with approximately 40 efficacious megapixels . It also offer outstanding dependability and superb operability and maneuverability to make out-of-door shooting effortless and well-off for demanding photographers .

The PENTAX 645D has been developed to provide tiptop - high - solvent images produced by big image sensors – something antecedently available only on professional model – to serious landscape and out-of-door photographers . It combines exceptional image quality with excellent maneuverability and great reliableness to simplify professional - grade outside shooting . Thanks to the internalization of a orotund , high - execution image sensor ( measuring 44 millimetre by 33 mm ) and PENTAX - original ikon - process technology , it produces extra - acute , first-rate - high - resolving persona with approximately 40 effective megapixels . It features remarkable durability and dependableness , thanks to its lightweight but solidly built body featuring a magnesium - blade - alloy frame , reinforced chicken feed LCD dialog box protectors and a dependable dustproof , weather - resistant construction . In improver , it is project to be compatible with the majority of the existing PENTAX 645 system , so that current PENTAX 645 - series television camera substance abuser can take advantage of their valuable asset , admit high - performance smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses .
Major Features
1 . Unprecedented image quality

1 . Super - high - resolution images made potential by just about 40 effective megapixels
The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-pitched - functioning CCD picture sensor produced by Kodak . It value 44 millimeter by 33 mm , and is approximately 1.7 time larger than its 35mm - format counterparts . Thanks to approximately 40 effective megapixels , it assures a wide dynamic range to faithfully regurgitate the prevailing ambience and the sense of profundity in super - high - resolution images that are fertile in gradation and truthful in texture description . to bring in out the full potential of the crystalline lens and the range of a function sensor and check the gamey level of image - conclude magnate , the CCD whole is plan with no low - strait filters .
2 . gamy - performance , gamey - speed PRIME II tomography engine

The PENTAX 645D features the hail , PENTAX - original PRIME ( PENTAX Real Image Engine ) II as its imaging locomotive engine . Thanks to its high - speed datum - processing capacity and unexampled algorithm entirely program for average - format digital SLR cameras , this high - performance imagination railway locomotive raise super - in high spirits - character double full-bodied in grade and close in color reproduction , while appropriate speedy data point transmittal of large - intensity image data – even RAW - format images as big as some 50 MB per single file .
3 . 14 - piece A / 500 convertor for faithful conversion of image datum to digital signal
The PENTAX 645D sport a high-pitched - carrying into action A / D convertor , which reliably converts the expectant bulk of analog icon data output by the heavy CCD image sensing element to digital signal carrying an extensive amount of epitome datum , include closure and gradation .

2 . substantial , maneuverable body
The PENTAX 645D ’s main frame is made of lightweight but substantial magnesium - steel alloy , while the chassis is made of diecast aluminum to minimize the elaboration and extension because of heat and also to optimize kinematic accuracy and caloric constancy . The LCD panel – one on the camera ’s top panel , another on the back panel – are incubate with tempered glass denture for extra security . The PENTAX 645D ’s body is also designed to be a summary and highly manoeuvrable intermediate - format camera , despite the incorporation of such dependable features as a dust - substantiation , weather - resistant construction with 70 special seals , outstanding cold - resistant performance to ascertain self-coloured functioning at a temperature as humiliated as – 10 ° C , and a newly designed shutter unit with a top shutter velocity of 1/4000 sec that can defy as many as 50,000 shutter release .
3 . Dual SD / SDHC storage card slot

The PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory identity card slots for the recording of image on both SD and SDHC memory cards . This dual - expansion slot invention gives the lensman supererogatory information - storage options : for case , recorded images can be assign to dissimilar cards according to transcription format ( such as RAW or JPEG ) , or one of the cards can be used as the backup of the other . The options for each memory visiting card slot can be easy made by consecrated button .
4 . Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots
The PENTAX 645D comes fit out with the highly dependable DR ( Dust Removal ) II mechanism , which effectively derogate plaguey dust smudge on immortalize picture , even when the lenses are changed in detritus - prostrate outdoor configurations . By switch ultraviolet / IR - reduce filter placed in front of the CCD range detector at ultrasonic speed using a piezoelectric element , this mechanism in effect and efficiently shakes junk off the mental image sensor . Thanks to the exploiter - friendly dust - qui vive scheme , the photographer can check at a immediate glimpse for junk adhering to the image sensing element prior to the factual shooting .
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5 . freshly designed , gamy - preciseness 11 - point all-inclusive - frame AF detector
The PENTAX 645D ’s new SAFOX IX + wide - frame autofocus system features 11 detector tip ( with nine ill-tempered - type sensors positioned in the middle ) to assure the extra - high - precision focalisation need of medium - format digital SLR cameras . To develop this sophisticated AF scheme , the entire optical system was redesign , at the same time with the addition of the new functionality to canvass and make manipulation of the light sources datum in the playing field of view .
6 . Advanced 77 - section multi - pattern metering

The PENTAX 645D employs a res publica - of - the - art , 77 - segment multi - pattern metering organization to guarantee first-rate - high-pitched - truth light metering . The photograph truth is further raise by collecting such extra data as image orientation ( horizontal or vertical ) and the distance to and magnification of the subject using the sensing element installed inside the camera eubstance , with the obtain data incorporated into exposure calculations .
7 . Large , easy - to - see ocular view finder
Incorporated in the PENTAX 645D ’s viewfinder unit , a trapezoid - work glass optical prism not only assure an approximately 98 % field of scene , but also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera body . Coupled with a bright , well-heeled - to - focus Natural - Bright - Matte focusing screen , the PENTAX 645D ’s viewfinder offer a large , clear purview of the national .

8 . Custom Image function to create desired visual effects with simpleness
The PENTAX 645D ’s Custom Image social occasion lets the user easily insure an range of a function ’s stop ghost to more precisely reflect the user ’s originative intentions , or to more reliably reproduce the ambiance of the scene . The user can take one of eight modes , including the new Reversal Film mood designed to make simulacrum with the people of colour that are typical of reversion film . In addition , all parametric quantity – such as saturation , hue , contrast , sharpness , primal , and highlight / dark contrast – can be easy conform to desired levels , so that the photographer can shoot images with great relief .
9 . various , multi - mode exposure system for faithful facts of life of creative intentions
1 . Hyper Program purpose
The PENTAX 645D ’s Hyper Program function allows the user to straight off throw from Programmed AE mode to Shutter- or Aperture - Priority AE mode with a simple turn of the electric dials positioned around the clutches . A exclusive pushing of the green clit shifts the exposure fashion back to the original Programmed AE mode .
2 . Hyper Manual function
When dash in the Metered Manual fashion , the PENTAX 645D ’s Hyper Manual modal value let the user to instantly plant the proper exposure for the subject with a single push of the green button .
3 . Sensitivity - Priority style
The unequaled Sensitivity - Priority ( Sv ) modal value mechanically selects the optimal compounding of aperture and shutter pep pill for the user - selected sensitivity . The sensitivity can be shift swiftly by electronic dial on the back control board . The variable amount of the ISO could be configure to either 1/2 or 1/3 steps per click .
4 . Shutter / Aperture - Priority mode
take full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for the automatic shift of sensitivity at any time , the Shutter / Aperture - Priority ( TAv ) mode mechanically take the most appropriate sensitivity for the user - selected aperture / shutter - speed combination . It take into account the drug user to effortlessly experimentation with a bully orbit of photographic expressions .
10 . Large , easygoing - to - view 3.0 - in LCD monitor with just about 921,000 acid
Positioned on the television camera ’s back control panel , a large 3.0 - in people of color LCD monitor with roughly 921,000 dot supply a unmortgaged , shining view of onscreen image and computer menu . Since its wide - view design allows quick , effortless check of the proctor image from more or less 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically , the photographer has little difficulty shooting images from miserable and high angles . The LCD monitor lizard is also treated with single AR ( Anti - Reflection ) coating to minimize reflections on the concealment , even in the outdoor locations under bright sunlight .
11 . Long battery life sentence
The PENTAX 645D is power by a large - capacity , rechargeable Li - ion bombardment , which can capture about 800 images * when fully charged .
- Under examination shape prescribed by PENTAX , when using a rechargeable D - LI90 lithium - ion battery with no flash .
12 , . Other features
1 . HDR ( high active range ) mapping to create one composite image with an extra - wide gradation range of a function from three effigy with dissimilar exposures
2 . Dynamic - Range elaboration function to compensate for both whitewash ( excessively overexposed ) and blacked - out ( too underexposed ) area
3 . Digital Level function for well-off checking of the figure of speech ’s levels
4 . automatonlike compensation of straining and lateral chromatic aberration ( usable in combining with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lens )
5 . Versatile white - counterbalance control arrangement , including the CTE mode plan to emphasize the dominant coloration component part of the appropriate images , which function especially well with such scene like sunset .
6 . Mirror shock / operation - noise decrease affair to ensure placid , quiet operation of the mirror during shooting
7 . Attachment of copyright credits on record look-alike
8 . Compatible with the SDM ( Supersonic Direct - movement Motor ) autofocus mechanics , designed to assure politic , quiet surgery using the ultrasonic motor installed inside SDM lens system
9 . HDMI end ( for case light speed mini connection ) for high - resolution image data point output
10 . exploiter - favorable , colour - classified control buttons / switch , base on the color general design conception
11 . PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software software system , including a RAW - data processing applications programme ( based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW - data processing locomotive developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory ) and browser app lotion
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the smc PENTAX - D FA 645 55 mm F2.8 AL[IF ] SDM AW . Developed as the first model of the PENTAX - D FA 645 lens series , it not only features young optics optimized for high - quality digital picture taking to assure exceptional image - verbal description execution , but also allow an paradigm circle covering the image area of be 645 - format moving picture SLR cameras . This unifocal standard lens also come with a true , dust - validation , atmospheric condition - immune construction for combat-ready outside photography .
1 . State - of - the - artistic production optics to fit the requirements for super - mellow - settlement photography using medium - data format digital SLR camera
integrate high - carrying into action , hybrid aspheric optic element in its eye , this fresh standard electron lens offers exceptional epitome - resolve power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges , while redress various aberrations to a minimum . All lens characteristic are optimized for digital picture taking : for example , solar flare and trace picture are minimize by applying exclusive lense covering to opthalmic elements and employing anti - reflection stuff for the interior of the lens barrel . As the solution , this lens system can bring out the full potential of the PENTAX 645D medium - format digital SLR camera .
2 . Versatile standard lense
When mount on the PENTAX 645D camera dead body , this standard lens offers a focal distance of 43.5 mm ( in the 35 millimetre format ) , which produces an angle of view close to that of the human eye . As the result , it can be used for many unlike kinds of subjects and applications , including landscape and portraits .
3 . rock-steady dustproof , weather - resistive construction
Using seven special seals , the lens ’ dustproof , atmospheric condition - resistant construction effectively prevents the intrusion of dust and water to the crystalline lens upcountry . By coupling this lens with the PENTAX 645D camera body , the user is assured of a indestructible , reliable digital SLR camera organisation that performs superbly in out-of-door configurations , even in rain or mist or at locations prone to water splashing or nebulizer . PENTAX plans to use the “ AW ” ( All Weather ) identification in the product name of all dustproof , weather - insubordinate average - data format similar lenses to be commercialize in the future .
4 . Aero Bright coating to dramatically improve image verbal description in backlight
The lens is treated with PENTAX - original Aero Bright coating , which delivers brilliant , in high spirits - tone image by prevent annoying flare and ghost image more efficaciously than ever before . Born as the fruit of PENTAX ’s advanced nanotechnology , this sole coating efficaciously reduces lens reflectance and greatly increase promiscuous transmittance by work a silica aerogel layer with uniform pores on the aerofoil of optical component .
5 . Rounded contraceptive diaphragm to create a beautiful bokeh
This is the first PENTAX medium - format interchangeable lens to features a completely rounded diaphragm . It produce a natural , beautiful “ bokeh ” ( out - of - focus interpretation ) , while minimizing the streaking upshot of point lightsome sources .
6 . legato , still SDM autofocus mechanism
The SDM ( Supersonic unmediated - drive Motor ) autofocus chemical mechanism operates smoothly and quietly using the ultrasonic motor installed inside the electron lens barrel . *
- Only manual - focal point operation is useable when this lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645N or PENTAX 645N II photographic camera body .
7 . SP finish to block dust and dirt
The front aerofoil of the lens is treated with PENTAX - original SP ( Special Protect ) finish , which applies an exclusive fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process . This SP coating not only effectively repels junk , body of water and grease , but also makes it easy to wipe off fingerprint and cosmetics .
8 . Other feature
1 . mental image circle breed the image area of 645 - format film SLR camera
2 . Functional , simplified design , with no aperture ring
3 . Quick - transmutation Focus organisation for inst shift to manual - focus operation , after the subject is captured in focal point by the AF system
4 . PL filter windowpane for well-off installation of a polarizing filter without remove the lens thug
5 . PH - SA67 Square Plastic Hood ( optional ) * * for more effective bar of solar flare and shade image when jump on on the PENTAX 645D camera body
- This hood can not be used with a 645 - format film SLR camera body , as it causes vignetting .
CameraCamerasDigital cameraPentax
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