Five years after I started this blog, I found some time to replace the template. I expect some problems with images which are optimized for the old template but in more than 300 posts it is impossible to find them all and replace with the smaller one.

I’m not sure did I wrote about it but one and a half month ago I became a father. A beautiful girl named Tea was born.  So, while I’m waiting for her to wake up, I decided to spend some time on this blog. It is almost forgotten and the firs step is to replace the template.

Also the new logo should be presented in the next 15 days.

Best regards and please drop me a note in case you find some problems with this template.

Mangia

The most important features:

• High resolution 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor w integrated AD conversion circuitry.
• High sensitivity 80-51200 ISO range with improved noise performance.
• Speedy 7 FPS captures fast action shots.
• Highly responsive and accurate 11 point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelength sensor.
• Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS, with sound via built-in or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack.
• Large 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution.
• Fully weather sealed and coldproof design.
• Durable magnesium alloy covers surround a rugged stainless steel chassis.
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view and 0.92X magnification.
• PENTAX body-based Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system.
• A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed.
• Highly accurate 77 segment metering system.
• HDMI port outputs high definition images and video (and sound).
• Native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG 14 bit RAW files.
• Improved in-camera HDR image capture.
• A wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters.
• Customizable RAW/Fx button.
• Built-in electronic level with tilt scale display.
• SDXC memory card compatibility (via firmware update).

Sensor Type
CMOS w primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system Size: 23.7 x 15.7mm Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 14 bits/channel RAW Effective pixels: 16.3 MP Total pixels: 16.9 MP Recorded resolutions Still: 16M (4928×3264), 10M (3936×2624), 6M (3072×2048), 2M (1728×1152) Movie (resolution/FPS): 1920x1080p25, 1280x720p30/25, 640x480p30/25 Quality levels: ???? Premium, ??? Best, ?? Better, ? Good Dust Removal: DR II (ultrasonic vibration to low pass filter) with Dust Alert function

Lens Mount type/construction
PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w adapter and/or restrictions) SDM function: Yes Power zoom function: Yes

Focus System type
SAFOX IX+ TTL phase-difference 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system with light wavelength sensor Focus modes: AF Single (w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable), AF Continuous (w focus/FPS priority selectable), Manual Focus point adjustment: Auto 11 Point, Auto 5 Point, User-Selectable, Center AF assist: Yes, via dedicated LED AF assist lamp Viewfinder: Type: Pentaprism Coverage (field of view): 100% Magnification: 0.92X (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity) Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte II (interchangeable) Diopter adjustment: -2.5m to 1.5m Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop-down), Digital

LCD Monitor
3.0” TFT color LCD with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating Resolution: 921,000 dots Wide angle viewable: Yes LIVE VIEW Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor Field Of View: 100% Display Modes: Magnification (2-6X AF, 2-10X MF), Grid Overlay (4×4, Golden Ratio, Scale), Bright/Dark Indication, Histogram Autofocus: Yes, Contrast + Face Detection, Contrast Detection, Phase Difference Built-in Flash: Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash Guide number: 13m (ISO 100) Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equiv 35mm) Flash modes: On, Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV (1/2 steps)

External Flash
Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync and wireless w PENTAX dedicated flash, X-Sync Socket Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec Storage

Media
SD, SDHC, SDXC (via firmware update)

Interfaces
USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone, X-sync socket Video out: HD (via HDMI), NTSC, PAL Printer interfaces: n/a Power

Power source
Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG4 Battery Grip (optional) for 2nd D-LI90 battery or 6X AA batteries Recordable images: Approx 980 (approx 740 w 50% flash, CIPA) Playback time: Approx 440 min Movie recording time: Approx 25 min (automatic overheat shutdown protection) AC adapter available: Yes (optional)

Physical Specifications
Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.2 x 3.8 x 2.9” Body weight Without battery or removable memory: 23.3 oz Loaded and ready: 26.1 oz Construction material(s): Magnesium alloy shell over stainless steel chassis Weather resistant: Yes (77 weather protection seals) Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C) Language Support: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Japanese

Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (4 stops max) Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and LCD panel Metering System: Type: TTL open-aperture 77 segment metering Sensitivity range: EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4) Multi-segment: Yes (77 segments) Center weighted: Yes Spot: Yes Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps) Exposure lock: Yes Exposure bracketing: Yes (2, 3, or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps)
ISO Sensitivity: Auto: ISO 100-12800 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to ISO 80-51200, Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, auto ISO range selectable Manual: 100-12800 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to ISO 80-51200, Bulb mode up to ISO 1600 White Balance*: Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE Manual mode(s): Yes, 3 manual and 3 Kelvin temperature presets available, copy WB settings from a captured image available * WB fine adjustment available in all modes

Shutter
Electronically controlled, vertical-run, focal plane shutter Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec (1/3 or 1/2 steps), Bulb Capture Modes: Mode selection: Green, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER (5 presets), Movie Custom Image Modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Monochrome, Reversal Film, Bleach Bypass – All include gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustments for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia, warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Green simplified mode available: Yes P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv) Date stamp: n/a Digital filters (capture): Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extract Color, Soft, Starburst, Fisheye, Custom Data record: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright

Drive Modes
Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Auto Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), MLU (standard, remote), HDR Capture (+3, 0, -3 with 5 blend settings and pixel alignment), Multi-Exposure (2-9 shots), Interval (999 shots, 1 sec to 24 hrs, time delay available) Continuous FPS – Continuous Hi: 7.0 FPS (22 JPG, 8 RAW) – Continuous Lo: 2.0 FPS (unlimited JPG, 12 RAW) Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s) Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous), cable switch Playback Modes: Mode selection: One Shot (no data, basic data, full data, color channel histogram, bright/dark indication, copyright info), Multi Image Display (4, 9, 16, 36, 81 thumbnails), Calendar Filmstrip, Folder, Magnification, Select & Delete, Movie Playback (no data, basic data, full data), Save RAW Data From JPG (if available in buffer memory) Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Image Comparison, Protect, DPOF, Movie Edit, Extract JPG from Movie Magnification: Up to 32X, scrollable, quick magnification) Digital filters (playback): Toy Camera, Monochrome (filter, toning), Retro, Color, High Contrast, Soft, Extract Color, Starburst, Sketch, Watercolor, Fisheye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Posterization, Base Parameter Adj, Custom

File Formats
RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.21), DCF 2.0 compliant, DPOF, PIM III Movie (compression): AVI (Motion JPG)

Custom Functions 27

Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.

“The D7000 D-SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control and an innovative feature set; this is a camera that enables D-SLR users to achieve a true expression of their creative vision, while concentrating primarily on image quality above all else,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “When you combine the innovation of the agile D7000 with the exceptional and robust line of NIKKOR lenses and accessories, the potential for D-SLR photographers and filmmakers is limitless.”

Unparalleled Performance From Unrivaled Technologies
With its new 16.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon’s new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 D-SLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine combined with a 14-bit Analog / Digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000’s speedy 50-millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frame-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.

The D7000 D-SLR features an all-new 39-point AF System, which includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers to confidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21-point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder.

Utilizing Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examines the scene’s brightness and color data then optimizes the camera’s performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally this new sensor allows for a new “Ambient” white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.

Nikon Continues the Low-Light Fight
The D7000 D-SLR continues Nikon’s tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low-light, knowing they will capture high quality low-noise images. The camera’s native ISO range of 100-6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX-format territory. The resolution of the camera renders a pixel size of 4.78 µm, which allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain.

Full 1080p HD Movies with Advanced Video Features
Building upon the popular D90 D-SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus.

Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 D-SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 fps, or a web-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.

To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 D-SLR also incorporates a built-in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls.

By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low-light conditions. Combining the D7000 D-SLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon’s innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake.

No Compromise: Enhanced Build Quality, Durability and Usability
The compact design is lightweight enough for a full days use, but has a reassuring heft that hints at Nikon’s reputation for reliability. The durable camera body consists of a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon’s dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor. Among the well laid out ergonomics, users will immediately notice a new Mode Dial that eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings (U1, U2) to adapt to a users shooting style on the fly. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access the burst modes, timer, or the Quiet Shutter, to soften the cameras operation when shooting in sensitive environments such as a ceremonies or nature.

When framing lush landscapes or tight telephoto shots from afar, users will appreciate the large, bright glass pentaprism optical viewfinder has approximately 100% frame coverage and approximately 0.94x magnification. The three-inch, 921,000-dot super-density LCD monitor with 170-degree viewing delivers bright, crisp image playback and precise Live View and movie shooting.

The D7000 D-SLR features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files. The built-in i-TTL Speedlight flash offers coverage for lenses as wide as 16mm and has Wireless Commander support so users can choose how to light their subjects. The D7000 was designed to provide maximum performance with minimized power usage and also employs a new EN-EL15 battery which enables up to 1050 shots when fully charged.

Nikon Technologies That Empower and Inspire
The D7000 D-SLR contains many features aimed at empowering the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained.

The Picture Control system also allows the choice for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape settings to apply a personal look and feel to their pictures, and it’s versatile Scene Modes let them choose from Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results even in challenging conditions.

Price and Availability
The D7000 D-SLR camera will be available throughout the United States beginning mid-October 2010 at an MSRP* of $1199.95 for body only and $1499.95 for body and lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

iStock will now set royalty levels annually. The levels are set based on overall iStock credit usage from the previous year. Beginning in January 2011, all iStock contributors will qualify for their royalty level based on the total number of credits used by customers to download a contributor’s files in 2010 – these will be referred to as Redeemed Credits. There will be different royalty levels set for each file type.

The royalty rate level you start with beginning in January 2011 will depend on the total number of Redeemed Credits from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. As with the current system, over the course of 2011, you will continue to graduate to higher royalty levels as you meet the targets.

• Each iStock credit used on your files equals 1 Redeemed Credit
• Your initial royalty rate for 2011 will be determined by the total number of Redeemed Credits you get in 2010 – those are the numbers we’re posting today
• January 11, 2011 we will post new targets. These targets will affect your royalty growth for 2011 and set your initial royalty rate for 2012.
• Your minimum royalty rate will not decrease throughout the year. You are guaranteed this royalty rate for the entire year with the possibility to go up levels as you meet additional targets
• Redeemed credits do not pass from one year to another
• You will retain the royalty rate from the end of the previous year

This new structure addresses a number of often asked for items:
• Because royalty targets are now based on the number of credits used and not the number of individual downloads, you will accumulate Redeemed Credits on extended licenses as well
• Now a Vetta download doesn’t have the same value as a dollar bin download, and a small file isn’t the same as an XXL one. If a file sells for 50 credits, that’s the value you’ll receive
• Your royalty percentage will be private–this information will not be publicly available unless you wish to share it
• The new structure is more fair to talented artists just arriving at iStock, yet takes nothing away from active long-timers who represent a critical element of the iStock community

We have added a field in the Stats tab of contributor’s profile pages that shows the total number of Credits Redeemed for both 2009 and 2010 to date (up to September 1), as well as the target levels.

The 2011 royalty targets are posted http://www.istockphoto.com/article_view.php?ID=861.

For non-exclusive contributors the royalties will range from 15 to 20% for content sold on iStock.

For Exclusive contributors, we are happy to announce there will be a new top royalty level of 45%. The range will now be: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45%.

Non-exclusive contributing artists will still qualify for Exclusive status based on their total lifetime downloads. Just to be clear – everyone who is currently Exclusive will remain that way. No one will be dropped from Exclusivity and Non-exclusive artists are still eligible for exclusivity after 500 downloads or early exclusivity at 250 downloads with a 50% approval rate.

We will continue to pay out royalties based on the value of the credit purchased. In the case of royalties from Subscription credits we are adjusting the minimum value of the subscription credit from $0.95 to $0.65. This is still the highest minimum subscription payout in the industry. We are also removing the 10 percent bonus on Extended License royalties for Exclusive contributors.

The PENTAX K-r ’s features range from high-quality image reproduction with 12.4 effective megapixels and HDTV-proportion movie recording, to high-speed continuous shooting at six images per second, super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 25600 (via a custom function) and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch high-resolution color LCD monitor. Its dual-power-source design offers a choice between the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a set of AA-size batteries.* It also offers a greater selection of digital filters for effortless production of original, creative artwork. All combined, the K-r boosts outstanding performance and versatility, almost the equivalent of upper-class digital SLR cameras, while allowing the photographer to easily deal with different photographic requirements and to accommodate individual shooting styles. It is also compatible with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system, enabling for instance the wireless data transfer to one blog via a cellular phone or a swift image data exchange between two PENTAX K-r’s. Totally new capabilities in a digital SLR camera, these features make the K-r a unique, new-generation communications tool.
* Requires the optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109 to hold four AA-size batteries.

Major Features

1. High-quality, true-to-life image reproduction
The K-r incorporates a new-generation CMOS image sensor with 12.4 effective megapixels to assure high-speed image data readout. It also features the high-performance PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine to ensure accurate and high-speed data processing equal to that of upper-level models. As the result, the K-r produces high-quality images with fine detail, rich gradation and superb rendition, while suppressing annoying digital noise to a minimum. The K-r also offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 12800; this range can be expanded from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 via a custom function.

2. Compact, lightweight body
Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-r sports a compact, lightweight body, thanks to a trim, lightweight stainless-steel chassis, a downsized in-body shake reduction mechanism, and state-of-the-art, high-density packaging technologies that assure space-efficient positioning and layout of the camera components.

3. High-speed continuous shooting at six images per second
The K-r’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 25 images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of six images per second — the fastest of all entry-class models — allowing the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects with great ease.

4. High-precision AF system
The K-r’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX IX autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure pinpoint focus on the subject. The K-r is also equipped with a spotbeam projector to assist the AF system in poorly lit locations. The accuracy and speed of contrast AF operation during Live View shooting has also been enhanced by the incorporation of a new-generation image sensor and drastic upgrading of AF algorithms.

5. Bright, clear optical viewfinder
Thanks to the combination of PENTAX-original finder optics and the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the K-r’s viewfinder offers a bright, clear subject image at 0.85X magnification and with a 96% field of view. Since it assures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor locations and provides delay-free, real-time display of the subject’s image, it is especially helpful in shooting where the timing of shutter release is critical, such as sports photography. The in-focus point is indicated as a red point in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

6. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide-view design and 921,000 dots
The K-r features a large, high-resolution color LCD monitor with 921,000 dots. Its wide-view design assures a clear view of the monitor image from 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low- and high-angle applications during Live View shooting.

7. Versatile dual-power-source design
In addition to the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which allows the photographer to capture 560 images with a single recharge,** the K-r can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109. Since these world-standard batteries are available almost anywhere, it removes worries about unexpected battery shortage, especially on the road.
** Based on the PENTAX in-house testing conditions conforming to the CIPA standards, using a rechargeable D-LI109 Lithium-Ion Battery.

8. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The K-r features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by up to four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.*** Thanks to this user-friendly mechanism, the K-r produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, and taking pictures of sunset scenes.
*** Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

9. Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions
(1) Custom image function for distinctive finishing touches
The K-r features the custom image function, which allows the user to easily select a desired finishing touch for a particular image in order to more faithfully express his/her creative intention or emphasize the prevailing atmosphere. The K-r offers a choice of nine custom image modes including Bleach Bypass, which is designed to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures.

(2) Versatile digital filter function
The K-r’s digital filter function allows the user to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways and produce highly creative visual expressions — without the need of a computer. The user not only has a choice of 18 different filters, including the newly added Starburst, Sketch and Posterization, but can also apply different filters one after another to a single image to create more inventive visual effects.

(3) Cross process mode with three options
The K-r features the unique cross process mode, in which the camera automatically shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colors — just like pictures treated with the cross process**** in film photography. In addition to “Random”, where the results are unpredictable until the image has been processed, the user also has two other options: “Preset”, with three different sets of preset parameters; and “Favorite”, with user-input parameters.
**** A film development technique that uses unconventional film development to create a distinctive finish with dramatic, stylized colors.

(4) Upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function
The K-r features the HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures, without the need of a computer application. It offers a choice of auto, standard and expanded (at three levels) modes to accommodate different creative intentions. Thanks to the introduction of Auto Align function, the user can now take advantage of this creative tool even with handheld shooting.

10. High-speed infrared data transmission system
The K-r is the first PENTAX digital SLR camera equipped with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system. Since this system allows the user to transfer image data to IrSimple-compatible digital devices with great ease, users can effortlessly post images taken with the K-r on their own blogs via a cellular phone. This system also makes the K-r a brand-new photo communication tool, as it also allows users to exchange their image data using a pair of K-r, and even let them engage in a simple match game using Exif data attached to the images such as aperture or shutter-speed values.

11. High-quality, HDTV-proportion movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels and at 25 frames per second
The K-r provides a movie-recording function,***** which captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 25 frames per second. This extends many benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use different interchangeable lenses to create distinctive visual effects. The K-r also assures a greater possibility of visual presentation in movies — either through the application of digital filters, such as Toy Camera and Retro, to add specific visual effects during shooting, or through the use of various movie-editing functions after shooting.
***** When the PENTAX K-r’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

12. Other features
(1) DR (Dust Removal) mechanism, to shake dust off the CMOS image sensor.
(2) User-friendly layout of essential control buttons and levers, all positioned on the camera’s grip side for quick, effortless access by the photographer’s right hand.
(3) Auto Picture mode, for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting.
(4) Eleven scene modes, including a new Night Scene HDR mode.
(5) Versatile white balance control, featuring a new CTE mode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the captured images which works best with such scene as sunset.
(6) Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA-,DFA- and FA Limited-series lenses).
(7) PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications.

[Optional Accessory]
AA Battery Holder D-BH109
Exclusively designed as an alternative power source of the PENTAX K-r, this optional accessory holds four AA-size batteries — easily available anywhere.