Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera Set for May 2010 Release

It’s been a long while coming, but the Pentax 645 – first announced in March 2005 – looks set to finally see the light of day. Pentax says the 645D digital medium-format camera will be available in May 2010, finally.

The 645D features a 40-megapixel Kodak sensor (compared to 18 megapixels when it was first announced), SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points, weather-proof body, dual SD/SDHC card slots and a glass prism viewfinder.

Pentax said the 645D has been developed to provide super-high-resolution images produced by large image sensors — something previously available only on professional models — to serious landscape and outdoor photographers. The company adds that Pentax 645 combines exceptional image quality with excellent maneuverability and outstanding reliability to simplify professional-level outdoor shooting.

It will be available initially only in Japan for about $9,500. In addition to the 645D body, Pentax will also launch the D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW lens, which is equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35mm format and will cost about $1,100.

[Site: Pentax]