Pentax K-01 Pairs K-Mount DSLR Lenses With Compact Body

Pentax has launched its latest interchangeable lens camera, the Pentax K-01, designed by Marc Newson and compatible with standard Pentax K-mount DSLR lenses. Offered in black, silver or Newson-trademark yellow, the K-01 wraps an aluminum frame around a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a 3-inch 920k dot LCD preview display, delivering Full HD 1080p 30fps video recording (or 60fps 720p).

There's also 6fps burst still capture, and an ISO range of 100 to 25,600. The manual focus mode features a peaking system for swifter and more accurate adjustments, and there's an easily twiddled mode dial and chunky controls. A pop-up glash and powered hotshoe are on the top, while ports include USB 2.0, AV out, HDMI and 3.5mm audio in.

Although the K-01 will work with all of Pentax's K-mount lenses, the company has also prepared a special super-slim option, the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS, for those who want to keep the bulk down. It's the world's thinnest interchangeable lens, Pentax claims.

Pentax K-01 and Marc Newson:

The Pentax K-01 will go on sale in March 2012, priced at $749.95 for the body alone, or $899.95 for the body and the 40mm lens. The lens itself will be sold separately at $249.95.