We already more or less know that the Pentax K-01 mirrorless camera, designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, will be announced tomorrow. We now have the first images of the K-01 camera and the new DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens.
The camera has the rounded lines that we would expect from a Marc Newson design, and below you can also see the K-01 in all three colors, including a really bright yellow — we know that Pentax has a thing for bright colors if the K-r is any indication.
We can’t say we are too enamored with the design, as we are with the design of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 let’s say, but if this camera is priced competitively, as most Pentax cameras are, it will be great value for money. After all, image quality is expected to be top-notch, as this camera is rumored to have the same 16-megapixel sensor as the excellent Pentax K-5. Another big selling point of this MILC (mirrorless interchangeable lens camera) is that it will be compatible with a huge selection of current Pentax K-mount lenses; that’s a big advantage for anyone already invested in the system, as well as over other mirrorless systems with more limited lens choice.
One omission that some will lament, is the lack of a viewfinder, and judging from the pictures we would guess that it’s unlikely to see an external one either. Also judging from these initial leaked pictures, the K-01 looks diminutive compared to some standard Pentax zoom lenses.
We’re equally impressed with the size of the new Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens, which measures just 9.2mm thick. Pentax already has an ultra-thin 40mm f/2.8 limited edition pancake lens measuring 15mm thick.
The specs of the Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens are:
Lens Mount: PENTAX KAF Mount
Focal Length: 40mm (Equivalent to 61mm in 35mm format)
Aperture: F2.8
Minimum Aperture: F22
Lens Construction: 5 elements in 4 groups
Angle of View: 39° (with PENTAX D-SLR camera body)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.4m
Maximum Magnification: 0.13x
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9
Filter Diameter: 27mm
Maximum Diameter & Minimum Length: 62.9mm x 9.2mm
Weight: 52g
Below you can see the lens mounted on a Pentax K-5 camera:
And finally some more pictures of the new Pentax K-01:
