Pentax is releasing the first SLR camera made specifically for zoo photography. This is really exciting - I think I will have to pick one up. Here is the press release:
April 1, 2016
For Immediate Release
Ricoh Imaging is pleased to announce the newest addition to our Pentax lineup of SLR cameras: the K50 Zoo Edition. Recognizing the enduring popularity of zoos, we are introducing a new version of our popular K50 to enhance the zoo visitor's experience. Scene modes that were underutilized, such as party mode and snow mode, have been replaced with a new host of modes for use in zoos and aquariums. The new scene modes are:
TIGER – Searches for the facial features of a big cat and locks focus on the face. Works with all big cats including tigers, lions, leopards.
BIF – Birds In Flight is a great mode to switch to inside the aviary. The camera will automatically fire whenever a bird flies through the frame.
FENCE – Advanced algorithms detect fence lines and utilize in-camera software to remove them. This is an exciting, industry-leading technology.
AQUARIUM – Camera will automatically reduce the number of megapixels to produce a cleaner low light image in the subdued light of an aquarium.
The K50 Zoo Edition will retail for 649 US dollars in either black or silver. Photographers who are proud of their love for zoos can order a limited edition tiger stripe body for 1299 US dollars (limited run of 500 – order early).
April 1, 2016
For Immediate Release
Ricoh Imaging is pleased to announce the newest addition to our Pentax lineup of SLR cameras: the K50 Zoo Edition. Recognizing the enduring popularity of zoos, we are introducing a new version of our popular K50 to enhance the zoo visitor's experience. Scene modes that were underutilized, such as party mode and snow mode, have been replaced with a new host of modes for use in zoos and aquariums. The new scene modes are:
TIGER – Searches for the facial features of a big cat and locks focus on the face. Works with all big cats including tigers, lions, leopards.
BIF – Birds In Flight is a great mode to switch to inside the aviary. The camera will automatically fire whenever a bird flies through the frame.
FENCE – Advanced algorithms detect fence lines and utilize in-camera software to remove them. This is an exciting, industry-leading technology.
AQUARIUM – Camera will automatically reduce the number of megapixels to produce a cleaner low light image in the subdued light of an aquarium.
The K50 Zoo Edition will retail for 649 US dollars in either black or silver. Photographers who are proud of their love for zoos can order a limited edition tiger stripe body for 1299 US dollars (limited run of 500 – order early).
much as I wish there *was* an option to automatically avoid focusing on fence lines and mesh!
