Pentax K10D

The new 10 mega pixel Pentax K10D has been released and here are some of the features:

• 10.2 megapixel sensor (APS-C sized)
• Hardware noise-killing processing
• Dust removal function
• 3 fps JPEG streaming
• RAW + JPEG possible
• 22 bit image processing and built-in RAW-JPEG converter (SilkyPix algorithms?)
• SDHC compatible card slot
• Li Ion battery pack, AA batteries also possible
• Li Ion battery/hand grip, AA batteries possible
• Dust and weather sealed body and battery/hand grip
• Full metal body
• KAF3 lens mount with USM motors support
• New DA 16-50 f/2.8 AL ED and 50-135 f/2.8 ED with USM motors.
• Interchangeable focusing screens
• Pentaprism viewfinder
• 11 point AF with 9 cross sensor points (same layout as the current bodies).


Further information are as follows:

1. 22-bit ADC
The K10D incorporates a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the analog data collected by the CCD image sensor into digital data. With the highest resolving power (22 bits, or 4.2 million gradations) among all existing digital cameras, it offers a digital-conversion capacity 1,024 times greater than conventional 12-bit, 4,096-gradation A/D converters.

D-BG2 Battery Grip
Developed for exclusive use with the PENTAX K10D, this battery grip can be used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to greatly extend the battery life. With an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dial, AE-lock button and green button, it makes vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. It also features the same dust-proof, water-resistant construction as the K10D camera body.

Marketing date
(tentative): Mid October, 2006 (at the launch of the K10D)

Power source:
Exclusive lithium-ion battery (D-LI50 type)

Dimensions:
140 (W) x 43 (H) x 73.5 (D) mm (excluding protrusions)

Weight:
235g (without battery)

Compatibility with supersonic motor-driven lenses
The K10D is designed to be compatible with supersonic motor-driven autofocus lenses (currently under development), which are expected to provide smoother, quieter autofocus operation than conventional lenses.

Newly designed PRIME imaging engine:
The K10D incorporates the new PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this new imaging engine produces well-balanced, true-to-life images through efficient control of CCD signals, saturation, brightness, white balance, sharpness and contrast. Its new memory (DDR2: Double Data Rate 2) also serves to enhance speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K10D boasts a reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K10D in the rain or at dusty locations without worries.

Powerful rechargeable batteries for extended shooting
The K10D features new, large-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 730 images** when fully recharged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by the CIPA standards (flash illumination used in 50% of images).

Dust Removal system to keep dust off the CCD surface
The K10D features the new Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the CCD surface through a vapor deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original Special Protect (SP) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off the CCD will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. See diagram below.

Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K10D features a new Sensitivity-Priority AE (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2 or 1/3 steps) by turning the electronic dial. Since this mode eliminates the need to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, the photographer can react more quickly to changing photographic conditions.

Lets wait and see if these are true.

Source 1, 2, 3