William Robb
FLASH: 5pm EST (March 15) – Pentax has just announced an 18.6 Megapixel 645 format DSLR. Here is a quote from the press release...
GOLDEN, CO (March 15, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced that PENTAX Corporation will unveil the first PENTAX 645 Digital medium-format camera at the Photo Imaging Expo (PIE) from March 17–20, 2005 in Tokyo. This latest PENTAX digital advancement will be showcased under glass at PIE 2005.
The PENTAX 645 Digital camera will offer professional quality digital image reproduction. The camera will also feature:
• A reliable PENTAX 645 AF mount
• Compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses
• A Kodak developed extra-large CCD image sensor with 18.6 total megapixels.*
*Design, specifications and product name are subject to change without notice. Official launch date and pricing to be announced.
This is obviously great news for owners of Pentax 645 gear. At least those who haven't already abandoned the brand in despair over not having a digital migration path. No price or availability yet, though "under glass" means that it's likely still some ways off.
