<em>This comes from Pentax and not translated all that well.</em></p>
<p>PENTAX has always been a unique brand of camera. Never one to imitate other makes, PENTAX has stuck to its pursuit of original value to create high-performance cameras used and loved by pros and amateur photographers alike.</p>
<p>Let’s look back on the history of PENTAX, going back to its origins at Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. The company was established in 1919 as Asahi Kogaku Goshi Kaisha. It manufactured eyeglass lenses and cine lenses. In 1952, the company began camera production with its Asahiflex 1, the first single-lens reflex camera made in Japan. In 1954, this model evolved into Asahiflex IIB with a quick-return mirror. The Asahi Pentax AP, which came out in 1957, was the first camera to come equipped with a pentaprism—a five-side optical glass element—as well as a quick-return mirror. This was the first time the name PENTAX appeared. These models were followed by many other cameras—exclusively SRL—equipped with unique features that were the first of their kind, both in Japan and in the world. In 1964, the Asahi Pentax SP was the first SLR with TTL (through-the-lens) metering. Asahi Pentax ES, launched in 1971, was the first with TTL full-aperture metering and automatic exposure control.</p>
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<p>Not all PENTAX cameras used 35 mm film. In 1967, the maker put out the first medium-format SRL with built-in TTL exposure metering that used 6 cm x 7 cm film. The camera was aptly named PENTAX 6 x 7. A medium-format camera using 6 cm x 4.5 cm film, the PENTAX 645 (1984). Not only did PENTAX mobilize the medium-size camera world with 35 mm cameras, but it also launched the first medium-format interchangeable AF lens camera, PENTAX 645NII (1997), achieving both high-quality pictures and mobility. The camera has been used and loved by photography lovers of all kinds.</p>
<p>As for digital SRL cameras, in 2003, PENTAX *istD was unveiled as the smallest and lightest weight camera in the world. PENTAX K100D (2006) was well-received as the first PENTAX digital SRL to have built-in image stabilization. The same year, PENTAX K10D was released. It had the same functions as K100D as well as the first dustproof and weatherproof structure, and achieving a reputation for overall excellence in an SLR camera. It received 3 major international camera awards: TIPA, Camera of the Year, and EISA. In the years that have followed, the maker has continued to release unique cameras, such as the digital SRL with the well-known medium-format 645 mount, PENTAX 645D.</p>
<p>Coming up in spring 2016!

PENTAX is launching a Digital SLR with a brand-new format.</p>

<p><em>Various Markets and Applications for the Canon 4K500ST include Simulation and Training, Museums and Galleries, Industrial Design and Higher Education</em></p>
<p><strong>MELVILLE, N.Y.,</strong> — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled its REALiS 4K500ST Pro AV LCOS Projector which delivers 4K resolution of 4096 x 2400, up to 5000 lumens<sup>*</sup> and Canon’s LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement for brilliant, high-brightness and detailed image reproduction. The REALiS 4K500ST also offers a Genuine Canon 4K lens and a robust collection of advanced professional setting features, including Marginal Focus which helps ensure content projected on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus.</p>
<p>At only 38.8 pounds this model also offers one of the most compact and lightweight form factors of a high brightness 4K Projector. The REALiS 4K500ST’s combination of outstanding image quality, advanced features and compact size make it ideal for applications like immersive simulation and training which require outstanding image quality but may have limited spacing.</p>
<p>“Demand for 4K projection display continues to rapidly expand in many existing and new markets, and Canon has responded by developing a unique model that combines 4K resolution and high brightness in a compact form factor,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon has leveraged its decades of expertise in advanced optics, image processing, and projection technologies to help the REALiS 4K500ST LCOS Projector deliver outstanding 4K image quality, versatile display features, and compact size needed to satisfy many of the requirements of today’s 4K projection professionals.”</p>
<p><strong>Advanced Optics, LCOS and Image Processing Technologies

</strong>At the core of the Canon REALiS 4K500ST projector’s highly detailed 4K resolution display capabilities and versatile performance features is the integration of advanced Canon optical, LCOS and image processing technologies.</p>
<p><strong>Optics

</strong>The 4K500ST projector comes equipped with a specially designed Genuine Canon 4K short focus wide zoom lens and throw ratio of 1.0 – 1.3:1, allowing it to project a 10 foot. wide image from an approximate distance of only 10 foot. This projection lens is the first to possess advanced spherical focus capabilities derived from Canon’s renowned L-Series EF camera lenses which is distinguished by a bold red ring around the outer barrel. The lens delivers superb performance due to such sophisticated Canon optical technologies as ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, aspherical lens elements and super spectra multi lens coatings. Advanced Canon optical technology in the REALiS 4K500ST is also present in its next-generation AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine. This unique engine helps ensure the projector delivers an ideal combination of both brightness (up to 5000 Lumens) and contrast ratio (up to 2500:1), while also helping the projector maintain a small form factor. The 4K500ST is also able to deliver a virtually consistent level of brightness throughout its zoom range thanks to the combination of the Genuine Canon 4K lens and AISYS Optical Engine.</p>
<p><strong>LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement

</strong>The 4K500ST is the newest member of the REALiS Projector series which all feature Canon’s LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) Technology with AISYS-enhancement. This advanced technology is renowned for delivering virtually seamless images with outstanding color reproduction, and low-latency playback for improved display of video content. In addition to offering ultra high resolution of 4096 x 2400, the REALiS 4K500ST is capable of projecting other popular 4K resolutions such as the DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative) standard of 4096 x 2160 as well as Quad Full High Definition (QFHD) of 3840 x 2160.</p>
<p><strong>Image Processing

</strong>The REALiS 4K500ST also integrates powerful dual image processing engines that execute such complex tasks as smooth reproduction of uncompressed 4K video at 60 or 30 fps, and two upscaling technology options (BiCubic and Canon’s unique Shape Trace) to optimize 2K video and other non-native 4K resolution content.</p>
<p>Advanced image adjustments on the REALiS 4K500ST also include the following optional features:</p>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>Motion Blur Reduction: </strong></em>offers three different modes (Strong, Low and Off) for improved visibility when video content movement is fast<sup>**</sup>.</li>
<li><em><strong>Dynamic Gamma:</strong></em> analyzes individual areas of an image for specific, independent contrast adjustment so light and dark areas do not appear over or under exposed.</li>
<li><em><strong>Memory Color Correction:</strong></em> enhances skin tones and other color features for rich, vivid results that look striking to the human eye.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Canon REALiS 4K500ST also offers six different pre-set image modes, as well as three customizable image modes, to help optimize quality based on content type and projection environment. The projector’s special DICOM® Simulation Mode can be ideal for displaying monochrome digital X-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs with superb grayscale gradation. This mode, which offers both clear and blue base color temperature presets, simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standard<sup>***</sup>.</p>
<p><strong>Ease of Installation and Maintenance

</strong>Weighing only 38.8 pounds, the Canon REALiS 4K500ST can be installed to suit a wide range of applications. Motorized Lens Shift, Zoom and Focus and a variety of other advanced professional calibration settings provide further installation versatility, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>4-Point Keystone Correction</em></strong>: allows the corners of the image to be independently adjusted to help ensure optimal image reproduction.</li>
<li><strong><em>Built-in Edge Blending</em></strong>: enables the projection of one seamless, large image from multiple projectors without the need of special software.</li>
<li><strong><em>360-degree Vertical Installation</em></strong>: allows the projector to be positioned anywhere on the vertical axis<sup>****</sup>. Fan speed can also be adjusted to help optimize results (depending on projector positioning).</li>
<li><strong><em>Advanced Registration</em></strong>: allows independent position adjustment of the three primary colors (RGB) with high accuracy (0.1 Pixel) ultimately reducing blurred colors or lines often projected at the edge of an image.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Versatile Connectivity</strong>

Generous industry-standard connectivity on the Canon REALiS 4K500ST includes four DVI and two HDMI inputs supporting single, stripe and cross configurations for 4K, 2K or HD video playback. This model supports PJLink™ which makes it possible to control and monitor the projector over the network – a feature excellent for observing lamp hours, usage and more. For even more control, the REALiS 4K500ST is a Crestron Connected device and supports AMX Device Discovery.</p>
<p><strong>Price and Availability </strong>

Canon REALiS 4K500ST has a suggested list price of $54,990 and is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers by April 2016. The Canon REALiS 4K500ST is backed by the Canon Three-Year Projector and Lamp Limited Warranty (120 day lamp coverage), and the Company’s award-winning Professional Service & Support which includes a Three-Year Advanced Warranty Service Exchange Program and a Service Loaner Program.</p>
<p><strong>I/ITSEC 2015 </strong>

The REALiS 4K500ST Pro AV LCOS Projector will be on display in the Canon booth #2213 at the I/ITSEC 2015 Conference from Monday November 30<sup>th</sup> – Thursday December 3<sup>rd</sup>.</p>
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In a short post, <a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon_medium_format_2ff.html" target="_blank">Northlight Images</a> is reporting that someone in the dealer network for Fuji told them that a medium format system is indeed on the way.</p>
<p>Could it sport a version of the 51.4mp Sony sensor found in the current Pentax 645Z?</p>
<p>More to come…</p>