Along with the K-7 DSLR and the Smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR lens, Pentax has launched the Smc PENTAX-DA50-200mmF4-5.6ED WR - compact, lightweight, and weather-resistant zoom lens. It is treated with Super-Protect (SP) coating for dust resistance and designed with environmental sealing.

This telephoto zoom lens covers focal lengths from 76.5mm moderate telephoto to 307mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format).

The front surface of this lens is treated with PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating, which applies a special fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process and this results in improved durability and reliability during shooting in rain, fog or mist and at locations subject to a spray or splash of water.

The Smc PENTAX-DA50-200mmF4-5.6ED WR incorporating an extra-low dispersion (ED) glass optical element in its optics, which assures excellent description of the subject in various telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports/action and landscape, while effectively compensating chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.

Digital-SLR-exclusive optical design practically frees it from  flare and ghost images to bring out the best in the PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies it is coupled with.

Quick-Shift Focus system for instant AF/MF switching lets the photographer instantly switch to manual-focus operation for final pinpoint focus adjustment.

Smc PENTAX-DA50-200mmF4-5.6ED WR - Specifications:

• Format Size APS-C
• Focal Length: 50-200mm
• Diagonal Angle of View (APS-C): 31.5°- 8.1°
• Maximum aperture: F4.5-6
• Minimum aperture: F22-32
• Lens Construction: 11 elements/ 10 groups, 1 extra-low dispersion element
• 6 Diaphragm Blades
• Minimum Focus: 1.1m (3.6mft.)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
• Filter Thread: 49mm
• Supplied Accessories: Front and rear caps, Lens hood PH-RBD 49mm
• Weight: 285 g (10.1 oz)
• Lens Mount: PENTAX K-AF Mount

Official Information: pentaximaging.com.

What’s new: SLRgear have reviewed this lens!

Along with the K-7 DSLR, Pentax has launched the Smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR - compact, lightweight, and weather-resistant zoom lens. It is treated with Super-Protect (SP) coating for dust resistance and designed with environmental sealing. This standard zoom lens covers focal lengths from 27.5mm wide angle to 84.5mm moderate telephoto (in the 35mm format).

The front surface of these lenses is treated with PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating, which applies a special fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process and this results in improved durability and reliability during shooting in rain, fog or mist and at locations subject to a spray or splash of water.

The PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR features a high-performance aspherical (AL) optical element and a super-low dispersion glass optical element in its optics to assure outstanding image resolution and remarkable brightness, even at the edges, and to compensate for various aberrations.

Digital-SLR-exclusive optical design practically frees it from flare and ghost images to bring out the best in the PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies it is coupled with.

Quick-Shift Focus system for instant AF/MF switching lets the photographer instantly switch to manual-focus operation for final pinpoint focus adjustment.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
Optically, the Pentax 18-55mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 is quite good, perhaps sharper than it should be for the price point. CA is a slight issue in the corners at wide angle.

Smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL WR – Specifications:

• Format Size: APS-C
• Focal length: 18-55mm
• Diagonal Angle of View (APS-C): 76°- 29 °
• Maximum Aperture: F3.5-5.6
• Minimum Aperture: F22-38
• Lens Construction: 11 elements/ 8 groups, 1 aspherical element, 1 super-low dispersion element
• 6 Diaphragm Blades
• Minimum Focus: 0.25m (0.82 ft.)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.34x
• Filter Thread: 52mm
• Supplied Accessories: Front and rear caps, Lens hood PH-RBC 52mm
• Weight: 230 g (8.1 oz)
• Lens Mount: PENTAX K-AF Mount

According to http://www.dpreview.com.

Since its introduction at this year’s CES, the 3-megapixel portable HD video recorder from Kodak, the Kodak Zx1 has been given much attention from the tech world.

The 2.0 inch display is a bit smaller than the LCD you’ll find on it’s predecessor, the Zi6. The screen is large enough for video capture and quick review. But the LCD is difficult to view in bright sunlight.

The 1.6 megapixel CMOS sensor at the heart of the Zx1 captures crisp, detailed videos at its highest quality settings. Still images are boosted up to 3 megapixels via interpolation. So it will take a decent photo, but it won’t replace a point-and-shoot.

The style and concept of the camera are solid - the Zx1 is a camera in an MP3 player’s clothing, but it doesn’t just look like an iPod. The layout of the camera controls also mirrors that of an MP3 player.

The Zx1 is has a weather-resistant construction. The ports on each side of the device are protected by rubberized covers, and the buttons are sealed away from rain. The rubberized surface also provides a nice grip.

Camera Reviews:

Digitalcamerareview.com:
Among the Zx1’s pros they found flexible shooting options, attractive design, weather-resistant build and good value for low cost. Its downsides are less than intuitive interface, popping sound created by zoom and some distortion with fast camera movement.

Kodak Zx1 – Specifications:

• 1 / 4.5–type 1.6 MP CMOS Sensor
• 3 Megapixels (interpolated)
• Fixed Focus Lens (No Optical Zoom)
• Aperture: f/2.8
• 2X Digital Zoom
• 2.0 inch LCD Display
• 128 MB Internal Memory
• SD/SDHC Card Expansion Slot
• Focus range 27.6 in. (70 cm)–infinity
• White Balance Auto
• Video quality HD60: 720p at 60 fps—16:9
• Video quality HD: 720p at 30 fps—16:9 (default)
• Video quality VGA: 640 × 480—4:3
• Microphone Mono Speaker
• Power: Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery or 2 AA Batteries
• Dimensions: 50.1 × 107 × 20 mm (2.0 × 4.2 × 0.8 in.)
• Weight: 90 g (3.2 oz)
• Pricing: $150