PENTX XG-1 Announced Today (with pricing for the US Market)

Pentax XG-1 Announced Today (with pricing for the US Market)

July 2014, Carl Garrard

Today a new Pentax 52x superzoom replaces the Pentax X-5 (the K5 DSLR look alike), Pentax's XG-1. This camera is shooting for the consumer/beginner crowd and aims to be a relatively affordable but versatile package. It should go for about $399.00 USD initially, but this price is likely to be adjusted. The XG-1 looks more like the K50 DSLR this time around, instead how the X-5 was a knock off of Pentax's highly popular K5 camera. The press release for the XG-1 is below the basic information below. Some stand out specs are its HD video capability, dedicated af assist lamp, good macro capability, and host of digital filters. It's 16mp BSI CMOS sensor is widely shared among many different digital cameras, and it's decent for its intended market. Since this is a camera intended for beginners/consumers, it does not come with raw file capability. In my mind, a decently priced/spec'd camera for vacationers and for making family memories. It might be nice to see Pentax stand out a bit more by offering something different than other manufacturers, but alas...the XG-1 is the current superzoom model that comes from the new Ricoh ownership.

PENTAX SUPERZOOMS

Easy, Compact and Creative

Photographic versatility and enjoyment are brought to life with the PENTAX XG-1. Delivering both the flexibility and premium build quality of a DSLR with the convenience of a compact camera, the XG-1 incorporates a powerful 52-times zoom lens in its compact, portable body. Coupling a high-performance, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with high-grade smc PENTAX lens elements, the XG-1 captures dynamic, high-quality images, from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges. With approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor, the XG-1 is ideal for a variety of shooting situations including fast-action sports, pets and family portraits.

• 52-times optical zoom lens with 24-mm ultra-wide-angle coverage to accommodate diversified subjects

  The XG-1 incorporates a high-magnification 52-times optical zoom lens in its compact, portable body. In addition to its extra-wide focal-length coverage — from 24mm ultra-wide angle to 1,248mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format) — it also features the 1cm Macro mode, which allows the photographer to capture dramatic, eye-catching close-up images from a distance of one centimeter. This extra-wide coverage means that a wide range of subjects and applications can be accommodated without the need for lens changes. It even provides a 4X Digital Zoom function, which extends the zoom coverage to approximately 208 times, (for a maximum focal length of 4,992mm in the 35mm format), without compromising image quality.
  

• Reliable shake-reduction system for sharp, blur-free images

  The XG-1’s advanced sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system assures sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using the zoom lens’s telephoto range, shooting indoor scenes with incident light, or photographing sunset scenes. By accurately assessing the amount of camera shake (using a high-precision gyro sensor), this system shifts the CMOS image sensor vertically and horizontally with great precision and speed to achieve a required anti-shake effect.
  

• Large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor

  Equipped on the back of the XG-1’s body is a large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. Its large screen provides a clear view of images and menus to not only assure a quick, effortless check of on-screen images, but also facilitate swift, error-free setting changes.
  

• Full HD-standard movie recording for extended shooting of high-quality movies

  The XG-1 features a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format. The user can capture high-quality, extended movie clips (at a frame size of 1920 x 1080 pixels, in a 16:9 aspect ratio) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Using the i button, the user can instantly switch to one of eight digital filters (including black & white and sepia), even during recording. It even provides a host of creative movie playback features, including High-speed Movie mode for slow-motion playback.* A micro-HDMI terminal (type D) is also provided on the camera body for the output of recorded movies and sound to external audio-visual devices. * Sound cannot be recorded in this mode.
  

• Other features

  ・HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to synthesize an extra-wide-gradation image from three different images of varying exposure levels ・Digital filters such as black & white and fish-eye, with easy selection via the i button ・Interval shooting mode, useful in fixed-point observation of landscapes and flowers/plants ・Pet detection mode for automatic recognition of up 10 pet faces ・Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
  

• Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor

  The XG-1 features a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which demonstrates remarkable high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics and assures high-speed image data readout. Coupled with its top sensitivity of ISO 3200 and approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, it delivers super-high-resolution images. In addition, its innovative Handheld Night Scene mode assists the photographer in capturing blur-free night-time images by taking multiple images simultaneously and synthesizing them into a single composite image.
  

• High-speed continuous shooting to capture decisive moments

  In addition to its standard continuous shooting mode with a maximum speed of approximately nine images per second, the XG-1 also provides a super-high-speed continuous shooting mode with a maximum speed of approximately 60 images per second* and a high-speed continuous shooting mode at approximately 30 images per second.** Coupled with its Auto Tracking AF function, which automatically keeps a moving subject in focus, the XG-1 lets the photographer capture dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities in sharp, crisp images, even with active, fast-moving subjects. *In the super-high-speed continuous shooting mode, the image size is fixed at VGA format (640 X 480 pixels). ** In the high-speed continuous shooting mode, the image size is fixed at 4M (2304 X 1728 pixels).
  

• Electronic viewfinder for a clear view of the subject in outdoor shooting

  The XG-1’s electronic viewfinder comes in handy when shooting a subject placed against harsh backlight, or when the photographer needs a more solid grip of the camera.
  

• Quick-set mode dial for easy selection of the desired shooting mode

  The XG-1’s mode dial provides quick, effortless selection of the desired shooting mode, without the need for recalling the menu screen. The user can select the mode that best suits the subject or scene, from a total of 10 modes including the hands-off Auto Picture, Scene (11 options), Program, Face Beautifier and Movie.
  
  
  
  
  
  PENTAX SUPERZOOMS

 PENTAX XG-1 FULL SPECIFICATIONS

Type	Megazoom Digital Camera
Sensor	Type: 1/2.3” Backlit CMOS Effective pixels: 16MP Total pixels: 16.79MP Recorded resolutions (pixels): Still: (4:3) 16M (4608x3456), 10M (3648x2736), 5M (2592x1944), 5M (2592x1944), 3M (2048x1536), 0.3M(640x480) (3:2) 14M (4608x3072) (16:9) 12M (4608x3072), 2M (1920x1080) Movie: HD 1920(1920x1080): approx. 30 fps, 1280(1280x720): approx.60/30 fps, 640(640x480): approx. 30 fps
Lens	Type/construction: smc PENTAX zoom lens - 15 elements in13 groups (6 aspherical elements) Optical zoom: 52X Focal length (equiv.): 4.3mm - 223.6mm (24 - 1248mm) Digital zoom: approx. 4X Combined zoom: approx. 208X Aperture: f/2.8- 5.6
Focus System	Type: TTL contrast detection autofocus. Focus modes: Single-AF, Multi-AF, Object Tracking , Face detection AF, Cont. AF Macro focus: Yes, Macro and 1 cm Macro available Focus lock: Yes, by pressing the shutter release button half way Focus range: Normal: 1.97’ to infinity (wide), 9.8’ to infinity (tele) Macro: 0.98’ (wide to mid zoom) 1cm Macro: 0.03’ (at mid zoom, set automatically)
Viewfinder	Viewfinder: Electronic Viewfinder, approx. 200K dots. (Equipped with diopter adjustment).
LCD Monitor	LCD screen: 3.0 inch LCD resolution: 460,000 dots
Flash	Type: Retractable popup series-control auto flash Flash Off, Flash Auto, Flash ON, Slow Sync., Slow Sync.+ Red-Eye, Red-Eye Reduction Effective range: Wide: approx. 1.64 ft - 20 ft (ISO 800) Tele: approx. 3.9 ft - 12 ft (ISO 800) Flash Exposure Compensation
Storage Media	Internal memory: (approx. 15.4 MB) Removable memory: SD, SDHC, Eye-Fi Eye-Fi Compatible
Interfaces	Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, PC/AV Out, HDMI (type D), DC Input Terminal Video out: NTSC, PAL (HDMI out supports Auto, 1080i, 720p, 480p)
Power Supply	Power source: Rechargeable Lithium-ion LB-060 Recordable images (approx): 240 Playback time (approx) : 200 min Movie recording time (approx): 200 min. AC adapter available: Yes (optional)
Physical Specs	Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.7 x 3.5 x 3.8” Weight: Without battery or removable memory: 19 oz - Loaded and ready: 20 oz Construction material(s): Reinforced polycarbonate plastic Operating temperature: 32-104°F
Timing	Startup: Approx 2.0 sec Release lag: Approx 0.2 sec
Language Support	English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Italian, German, Dutch, Russian, Polish, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Greek, Turkish, Hungarian, Croatian, Czech, Arabic, Hindi
Image Stabilization	Still: Sensor-Shift SR, Digital SR Movie: Movie SR
Metering System	Type: TTL Face: Yes Center weighted: Yes Spot: Yes Exposure compensation: ±2EV (1/3EV steps)
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, (ISO 100 – 3200)
White Balance	AWB, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Fluorescent CWF, Incandescent, Manual WB, Color Temp (1900K, 3000K, 3500, 5500, 7000, 9000K, 10000K)
Shutter	Type: Programmed AE lens shutter and sensor electronic shutter Shutter speed: 4 sec. - 1/2000 sec., 30 sec at most (Manual mode setting)
Capture Modes	Mode selection: Auto Mode, Program AE, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual Mode, Face Beautifier, Handheld Night, Screen Mode, Pet Mode, Sunset, Fireworks, Multi Exposure, Sport, Night Portrait, Landscape, Portrait, Snow, Children, Party, Movie Mode, Custom Settings. Face detection: Yes (AF&AE is available in all modes, up to 12 faces), Pet detection - up to 10 pet faces, Smile Capture, Blink Detection Date Imprint : Yes. (Date, Date & time)
Drive Modes	Mode selection: Single, Continuous Shooting, Cont. Shooting-High Speed (VGA), Cont. Shooting-Fast (4M), Time-Lapse (30sec / 1min / 5min / 10min). Continuous Shooting: Approx. 0.67 fps. Burst Shooting: (L): approx. 4.7 frame/sec (for up to 10 frames), (H):approx. 10 frames/sec (for up to 20 frames) Remote control: Yes
Playback Modes	Mode selection: Single, Index (9/16 Thumbnails), Slide Show, Date, Burst Shooting, Zoom (Approx. ×2 - ×8), Movie Mode pallet: Digital filters (capture): (Image tone – via i Button) Vivid, Japan Style (8M), Italian Style (8M), French Style (8M), Punk (4M), Black and White, Sepia, Partial Color-Red, Partial Color-Blue, Partial Color-Yellow, Partial Color-Green, Negative(8M), Dreamy, Vignetting, Salon, Fish Eye, Reflection, 4 Grids - Stylish (2M), HDR, Red-Eye Reduction, Skin Soften, Eye Brightening, Eye Enlargement, Rotate, Resize, Trim
File Formats	Still: JPG (EXIF 2.3), DCF 2.0, DPOF, Print Image Matching III Movie: MOV AVC/H.264 (.mov), Audio (Linear PCM, stereo)
Computer Requirements	*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary. Windows: Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1, USB port Mac: Mac OS-X 10.6.8 / 10.7 / 10.8, USB port

 

PENTAX SUPERZOOMS 

The PENTAX XG-1 features a powerful 52x optical zoom lens for a wide range of photographic applications

Denver, Co. July 14, 2014 Building on its foundation of unique DSLR cameras, RICOH IMAGING is pleased to introduce the PENTAX XG-1 digital camera. This versatile, all-in-one camera showcases an impressive 52x optical zoom lens, 16 megapixel sensor, and Pentax technology; bridging the gap between DSLR flexibility and point and shoot convenience.

The PENTAX XG-1 is a versatile camera ideally suited for those seeking the many lens options of a DSLR but requiring the convenience and flexibility of a point and shoot camera. When photographing a wide variety of subjects, including fast-action sports, The XG-1 is compact, lightweight, and easy-to-carry with an array of outstanding features, including a powerful 52-times optical zoom lens, approximately 16.0 effective megapixels for high-resolution images, and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor. Boasting a stylish, high-grade design that resembles PENTAX-branded SLR cameras, the XG-1 comes equipped with a sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system, that is effective even under demanding, shake-prone conditions, such as when using the zoom lens’s telephoto range, shooting with incident light, or photographing sunset scenes.

 This camera provides the photographer with a greater range of creative options by featuring innovative tools such as: 1cm Macro mode for the capture of dramatic close-up images from just one centimeter away; high-speed continuous shooting of up to 60 images per second; and HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to synthesize an ultra-wide-gradation image from three images taken at varying exposure levels.

“We are excited to bring Ricoh Imaging’s technology and manufacturing experience with DSLR cameras to the XG-1.  This exciting new camera demonstrates advanced imaging technology and quality workmanship, but also the versatility of a long zoom lens and the easy operation expected of a compact camera,” said Brian McIntosh, Director of Marketing, Ricoh Imaging America Corp.

Pricing and Availability

The XG-1 will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in August 2014 for a suggested retail price of $399.95

To learn more about the comprehensive lineup of Pentax products as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.