When you’re trying to get that perfect shot, mother nature doesn’t always agree with you. There could be rain, dust, and all sorts of other camera-destroying elements. If you’re in the market for a mid-range DSLR that can handle rugged environments, the new Pentax K-30 is a compact, lightweight option.

The key selling point here is the weather resistant body, being able to withstand less than ideal weather, as well as dust and cold. “Every seam, every button, every hinge has been weather sealed for adventure-proof creative photography,” says Pentax Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing John Carlson. “Whether enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains or on vacation cruising along the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, photographers can stop worry about weather conditions and start focusing on capturing the perfect shot.”

You get a 16MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor, 1080p full HD video recording at 30fps, 6fps burst rate, up to 1/6000s shutter, dual electronic dials, SAFOX IXi+ autofocus module, and an ISO range of 100 to 12800, which can be further expanded to ISO 25600 with a custom function. The optical viewfinder offers 100% field of view and you get Advanced Live View too. Power can come by way of the included lithium-ion battery or with four AA batteries via the optional D-BH109 adapter.

Expect the Pentax K-30 to sell for $849.99 (body only) and $899.95 (including DA L 18-55mm lens) this July.

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The idea of being able to swap out your lens for certain purposes had previously been restricted to people who rock the SLR. That changed with the arrival of the NEX series from Sony and the micro four-thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic. Now, Pentax is taking that philosophy and going even smaller with the Pentax Q.

The Pentax Q is realistically the same size as a regular point-and-shoot. The trouble is that it’s 1/2.3″ image sensor is about the same size as a point and shoot too. Yes, you get 12.4MP of resolution, but it’s the size of the sensor that matters when it comes to image quality. In this way, the Pentax Q offers some added flexibility, but you probably shouldn’t expect to get the same deal as you would with a SLR or even with a M4/3 or NEX.

Rounding out the specs are a magnesium alloy body, 3-inch 460k pixel LCD, no optical viewfinder, and pop-up flash. The kit lens is a 35mm F1.9, but other Q-mount lenses include a f2.8-f4.5 zoom lens and a 160-degree fisheye, as well as a couple of “toy” lenses for deliberate aberrations.

The biggest hurdle I think the Pentax Q will face? Price. It’s going to sell for around $800 when it ships this fall. For that money, you can get well on your way into NEX or M4/3, both of which can likely give you better image quality than the Q…. and the E-PL2 or GF2 is a tad bigger.

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Pentax Optio H90

Pentax Imaging has just announced five new digital cameras and they’re offering select free shipping in time for Mother’s Day. This way, even if you’re on the other side of the planet, your mom can still get her gift on time.

The Pentax Option I-10 offers the classic look of a film SLR, complete with a leatherette textured body. Expect 12.1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, and your choice of either a pearl white or classic black body.

The Pentax Optio W90 is an outdoor-minded camera with 12.1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, and inventive LED lens lighting for “unparalleled macro photography from a compact.” Other cameras announced today include the Pentax X90 26x ultrazoom, Optio H90, and affordable Optio E90 priced at $99. Free shipping offer expires May 2 from Pentax.

Pentax Imaging Digital Cameras Gallery

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Pentax Imaging Company has released three new compact digital cameras ranging from $99 up to $299 USD. The additions are to the Optio line, including an HD video capable camera that can capture 720p images at 30FPS.

The most affordable of the bunch is the Optio E90, priced at $99.95 USD, the E90 sports a 10 megapixel CCD, 3x wide angle zoom (32mm-96mm equivalent) and a large 2.7 inch LCD housed in a luxurious rubber coated body for a sure grip. It uses standard Aas for ease of replacement when on the road, ISO 6400 for use in very low light, a Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode, and two lovely choices of Black or Wine Red.

Pentax’s Optio H90 digital camera looks simple, features a 5x wide angle optical zoom lens (28mm-140mm equivalent), a 12.1 megapixel high resolution CCD sensor, and widescreen HD video capture at 720p and 30 FPS. Pentax touts blur-free images by way of the improved Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology. Three to choose from, Orange-Silver, Matte Black and Ceramic White for $179.95.

Finally, the Pentax Optio I-10, somewhat designed to mimic an SLR, the I-10 still has a fixed lens but with 5X optical zoom lens (28mm-140mm equivalent), a 12.1 megapixel high resolution CCD sensor, a 2.7 inch widescreen LCD, and HD video capture at 720p and 30 FPS. Similar Shake Reduction and Face Detection, the I-10 adds support for a remote control (sold separately), comes in Classic Black and Pearl White for $299.95 USD.

Both the Optio I-10 and Optio H90 now have Eye-Fi connectivity, this will allow you to use wireless memory cards. All cameras ship this February 2010. Pentax is taking pre-orders now on their online store.

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