Pentax K-M Information Manual

September 22, 2008

PENTAX K-m

An Easy-to-Operate, Entry-Class Digital SLR Camera

Featuring Shake Reduction, Scene-Specific Shooting Modes

and an Array of User-Friendly Functions

in a Compact, Lightweight Body

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to
announce the launch of the PENTAX K-m digital SLR camera. Designed primarily
for beginning digital SLR photographers, this new entry-class model offers
simplified, user-friendly operation, and an easy-to-maneuver compact, lightweight
body.

The PENTAX K-m was developed as an entry-class digital SLR camera offering
simple, straightforward operation, making it possible for first-time digital SLR
users and family photographers to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography
with little trouble or confusion.

It features an upgraded version of the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which
automatically detects the type of subject or scene, and sets the proper shooting
mode for the photographer. It also features a host of advanced features and
sophisticated functions — including the innovative in-body Shake Reduction
mechanism — to assist the photographer. It also offers a compact, lightweight
body, designed by incorporating PENTAX’s advanced downsizing technologies,
accumulated over the years of digital SLR development, into different body parts.
As a result, the PENTAX K-m assures simple operation and outstanding
operability, even for inexperienced first-time digital SLR users.

Along with the PENTAX K-m, PENTAX will also launch two DA L-series
interchangeable zoom lenses: the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and
the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED. Designed for exclusive use with
PENTAX digital SLR cameras, these DA L-series lenses are designed to be more
compact and lightweight than conventional counterparts, without sacrificing any of
the exceptional optical performance common to all PENTAX lenses.

Note:

The smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED

lenses will be marketed only as a part of the PENTAX K-m Lens Kit or PENTAX K-m Double

Zoom Kit.

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Main Features

1. Compact, lightweight body for enhanced portability and maneuverability

Despite the incorporation of a large-sized image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the
PENTAX K-m offers a compact, lightweight body to assure remarkable portability
and maneuverability. This was made possible by the development of a compact,
lightweight and high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, the downsizing of the Shake
Reduction mechanism and circuit boards, the employment of latest high-density
packaging technologies assuring most efficient positioning and layout of various
parts, and the repositioning of the battery compartment. The camera grip has also
been redesigned to assure firm, comfortable hold of the camera body.

2. Simplified operation system for easy camera handling

The PENTAX K-m features a newly designed control system, which positions
most of buttons and levers on the camera’s grip side, making it easier for first-time
digital SLR users stepping up from their compact models to operate the camera.
What’s more, the functions of each button or lever are instantly displayed on the
camera’s LCD monitor with a single press of the help button to facilitate camera
operation — especially for those who are unfamiliar with digital SLR cameras.

3. PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The PENTAX K-m comes equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake
Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur­free images even under demanding shooting conditions — such as when using a
telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash
illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative SR
mechanism shifts the position of the image sensor vertically and horizontally at
high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion
to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an
outstanding compensation effect — up to the equivalent of approximately four
shutter steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be
used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.

*** Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, K

mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapther); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an

adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

-, and K

AF2

AF3

-

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4. Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and
confirmation devices

The PENTAX K-m features the user-friendly DR (Dust Removal) system to
prevent dust from appearing on captured images. Applied to the CCD image sensor
surface (or low-pass filter) through the vapor deposition process of a fluorine
compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) 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 image sensor at high
speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an
adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility
of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system even offers a Dust
Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the
CCD in advance.

5. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of optimum shooting mode

The PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode is programmed to automatically
select the most appropriate shooting mode — from such choices as Portrait,
Landscape and Macro — for a given subject. With the PENTAX K-m, this user­friendly mode is further upgraded, with automatic detection of situations requiring
the Night Scene Portrait mode. Since all camera settings, including aperture,
shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness, are automatically
adjusted by the camera for optimum results, the user can concentrate on image
composition and shutter opportunity.

6. High-quality image

The PENTAX K-m combines a large, high-performance CCD image sensor
(23.5mm by 15.7mm) with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image
Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, it
produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and delicate texture
description. It also features a Custom Image function, which offers a choice of six
finishing touches to help the user create intended images.

7. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 3.5 frames per second

The PENTAX K-m lets the user keep shooting images at the speed of
approximately 3.5 frames per second (in the JPEG recording format), allowing the
user to capture a sequence of a fast-moving subject with great ease.

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 3