Pentax 645 to Boast 18.6 Megapixels

Pentax will unveil its 18.6-megapixel Pentax 645 digital medium-format camera at the Photo Imaging Expo in Tokyo, March 17-20. The camera will feature Kodak's new extra-large KAF-18000CE image sensor.

Other camera features include: a Pentax 645 AF mount, as well as compatibility with existing smc Pentax 645 interchangeable lenses.

The Kodak KAF-18000CE sensor features a dual-output architecture enabling faster sensor read-out times, reports Kodak, and enabling camera designers to achieve increased frame rates in their final camera designs. The KAF-18000CE is geared toward landscape, fashion, and wedding photography.

Official launch date and pricing for the Pentax 645 have yet to be set.

Pentax also has announced the smc Pentax-DA 12mm-24mm F4 ED AL lens, the sixth lens in its DA series. Designed for use with Pentax KAF-mount digital SLR cameras (including the *ist digital SLRs), the lens features 2x zoom coverage in the ultra-wide range, with an angle of view from 99 degrees to 61 degrees. The lens measures 3.3 x 3.4 in. (Pentax: www.pentaximaging.com)