Pentax Announces New ZX-L Featuring Auto Picture Mode

February 2002 . . . PENTAX Corporation launches the latest model in its popular 35mm autofocus ZX-SLR line, the ZX-L. This innovative new camera features super-compact dimensions, simple operation, and PENTAX’s original Auto Picture Mode with a large illuminated mode dial. The ZX-L’s innovative multi-mode auto-exposure system makes it the perfect starter SLR not only for beginners but also for intermediate photographers. In addition, it offers a host of advanced features and user-selectable exposure modes for advanced photographic applications and creative expressions.When the user selects the ZX-L’s Auto Picture Mode, one of the five "Picture Modes" (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, and Action) is automatically selected according to the subject distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and, in some cases, subject motion. So, even beginning SLR photographers can take high-quality pictures without worrying about troublesome exposure settings. In addition, the selected mode is vividly indicated on the large illuminated mode dial positioned on the camera’s top panel, so that the user can confirm the mode in use with a quick glance.

The ZX-L also offers a host of advanced, useful features, including: six manually selectable Picture Modes (five Auto Picture programs plus Night Scene Program); conventional exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual and Bulb modes); three-point wide-frame autofocus system with the selectable Spot AF mode; auto bracketing function; user-oriented PENTAX Functions; 1/4000-second high-speed shutter with 1/125-second flash sync; auto pop-up flash with red-eye reduction; large, easy-to-read LCD panel with LED illuminator; a viewfinder with full-information display and diopter adjustment; electronic depth-of-field preview; multi-exposure mode; AE lock; and a remote control mode (in combination with an optional remote control unit). In addition, the ZX-L accepts a wide selection of SMC PENTAX interchangeable lenses and accessories, including a new flash system, for creative SLR photography.

Major Features of the PENTAX ZX-L:

Ultra-compact dimensions and functional design
Like all other ZX series models, the new ZX-L is one of the most compact and lightweight 35mm autofocus SLR cameras currently available on the market. Its streamlined design and ideally positioned controls make it extremely maneuverable and comfortable to operate.

User-friendly Auto Picture Mode with illuminated mode dial
When the Auto Picture Mode is selected, the ZX-L automatically selects the most appropriate auto-exposure mode from five different programs, based on data such as the subject distance, lens focal length, lighting conditions and subject motion. This ensures the best possible results for every subject and in every situation. There is no need to worry about exposure settings, so the photographer can concentrate completely on the framing and composition of the photo. The large illuminated mode dial clearly indicates which program has been selected — even in the dark. The selected mode is also indicated in the viewfinder display.

Multi-mode exposure system
In addition to the hands-off Auto Picture Mode, the ZX-L offers six manually selectable Picture Modes, two conventional auto-exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE), the Metered Manual mode, and the Bulb mode. The desired exposure mode can be easily set using the mode dial on the camera’s left shoulder (in combination with the lens aperture ring for some modes).

Reliable multi-pattern metering
The ZX-L’s sophisticated six-segment multi-pattern metering system assures optimum results, even under complicated lighting conditions. When PENTAX M-, K, or S-series lenses are used, the camera automatically switches to the center-weighted metering system.

Versatile wide-frame autofocus with Spot AF and predictive autofocus
Thanks to the acclaimed SAFOX IV phase-matching autofocus system, the ZX-L assures sharp, crisp focus even under poor lighting conditions. Its three-point wide focus frame enables pinpoint focus even in confusing situations. It also offers the Spot AF mode, allowing the photographer to pinpoint the focus on a small element of the subject. Under low-lighting conditions, the built-in auto flash assists the AF system to ensure pinpoint focusing by making a brief flash discharge. The predictive autofocus function automatically activates when the camera detects subject motion and predicts the subject position at the moment of shutter release for precise focusing. This function makes it possible to shoot a few frames even after the subject moves out of the AF frame.

Multi-function auto pop-up flash
Covering an angle of view of up to 28mm wide, the built-in auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. Thanks to the advanced TTL flash control system, complicated flash techniques, such as daylight sync, slow-shutter sync and bulb sync, are made simple and effortless, even when used in combination with accessory flash units. The red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect, which appears in the subject’s eyes in flash photography (it may not eliminate red eyes completely in all instances). The flash unit also makes a brief discharge in the dark to assist the camera’s AF system.

Wireless remote flash control
When used in combination with the new AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit, the ZX-L provides wireless remote-control flash operation without sacrificing the convenience of TTL (through-the-lens) metering. This simplifies complicated multi-flash setups, especially when combined with the ZX-L’s built-in retractable auto flash. It is even possible to remotely trigger more than one flash unit with a single shutter release.

Large, easy-to-read LCD panel with automatic illuminator
The ZX-L’s multi-data LCD panel with large icons and numbers efficiently supplements the camera’s simplified operation system. When the camera is used under low-light conditions, an orange LED illuminator brightens the LCD panel to make data confirmation easier for the user.

Bright viewfinder with full-information display and diopter adjustment
Thanks to the renowned Clear-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the ZX-L’s viewfinder offers a sharp, clear view of the subject under all circumstances. Its LCD panel offers a full range of information, including an automatically or manually selected Picture Mode and exposure compensation factors. For easy data confirmation, it even comes with automatic brightness control, which changes color from green to orange to warn the user of camera shake at slow shutter speeds. The diopter adjustment mechanism built into the viewfinder eyepiece allows adjustment of the viewfinder image between -2.0m-1 and +1.0 m-1 to match the user’s eyesight.

Effortless auto bracketing
With a single shutter release, the ZX-L’s auto bracketing function enables the capturing of three different exposures of the same subject (in order of proper-, under- and overexposure) when the camera is set in the Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE or Aperture-Priority AE mode. The user can select the desired compensation value (±1/2EV, ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV or ±1EV) using a PENTAX Function. The use of auto bracketing, as well as the selected compensation value, are indicated in the viewfinder.

Easy-setting exposure compensation and AE lock
Using the exposure compensation button and the select switch, the photographer can easily set the desired compensation value within the range of ±3EV in 1/2EV increments (except when the camera is set in the Metered Manual mode). The AE lock function offers another quick way to adjust exposure on the subject. With a single press of the AE lock button, the camera memorizes the measured exposure value for approximately 20 seconds, during which the photographer is free to re-compose the image.

1/4000-second high-speed shutter with 1/125-second flash synchronization
The ZX-L’s high-performance shutter unit offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze the decisive moment of fast-action scenes. It also features a high flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second, which enables the photographer to open up the aperture to capture dramatic flash images.

Creative multi-exposure
With a simple press of the drive mode button, the user can make two exposures on a single frame to create dramatic, eye-catching images. To expose the same frame more than two times, the photographer simply needs to repeat this operation after each exposure.

User-friendly PENTAX Functions
The ZX-L offers 11 helpful PENTAX Functions, allowing customization of some of the camera’s basic operations to suit individual preferences. These functions include: the choice of auto bracketing compensation value (±1/2EV, ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV or ±1EV increments); the timing of remote-controlled shutter release (with a three-second delay or instant release); and the handling of the film leader during rewind (rolling it completely into the cartridge or leaving it out).

Depth-of-field preview
With a single button action, the depth-of-field preview function allows confirmation of the in-focus area of the image before actually taking a picture, making it possible to create the desired visual effect. Since it is electronically controlled, it is operable even when the lens aperture ring is set at "A" (Auto) position.

Convenient remote control
In combination with the optional remote control unit, the ZX-L offers convenient remote control operation for shutter release from a distance. Either three-second-delay release or instant release can be selected by using the PENTAX Function. The operation is confirmed by the self-timer indicator on the camera’s front panel and a PCV sound.

High-performance SMC PENTAX 35mm lens system
PENTAX offers a selection of FA- and F-series autofocus lenses for the ZX-L, satisfying diverse needs from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto, as well as special-effect lenses such as fish-eye, macro and soft-focus. All SMC PENTAX lenses are treated with the acclaimed Super-Multi-Coating for sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations. In addition, the ZX-L is compatible with existing PENTAX manual-focus lenses.

A wide variety of optional accessories
Most existing PENTAX 35mm-system accessories can be used with the ZX-L including PENTAX’s new flash system (the new AF360FGZ dedicated flash unit), which offers such advanced flash techniques, including high-speed flash synchronization, wireless remote control operation, contrast-control flash and trailing shutter-curtain synchronization.

ZX-L Date model
The ZX-L Date model records data (date or day-and-time) for easy reference of captured images.

SOURCE Pentax
www.pentax.com