Pentax introduce their MZ-60
(ZX-60 in USA)
DENVER, Colorado (February 23, 2002) . . . PENTAX Corporation debuts the ZX-60 Quartz Date as the newest member of the popular ZX series of 35mm autofocus SLR cameras. As with previous ZX-series models, the ZX-60 boasts super-compact dimensions, an attractive black-and-silver body, a simple operation system and a host of convenient and advanced features. It also offers PENTAX’s innovative "Picture Modes" for extra convenience. Combining the Picture Mode, easy operations and an affordable price, the ZX-60 is the perfect starter camera for SLR novices.
Made popular by its sister models, the ZX-60’s Picture Modes allow the user to select one of six picture programs with the push of the mode button to create a distinctive visual effect. Other conventional exposure modes are also available for greater freedom of visual expression. The range of user-friendly features includes: a versatile wide-frame autofocus system; an auto pop-up flash with "red-eye" reduction; a large, easy-to-read LCD panel; a bright viewfinder with LED indication; a bulb timer; auto bracketing; and AE lock. In addition, the ZX-60 accepts a wide selection of SMC PENTAX interchangeable lenses and accessories for added convenience and greater creativity.
Major Features of the PENTAX MZ-60/ZX-60:
Super-compact dimensions and functional design Like other ZX-series models, the ZX-60 is one of the most compact and lightweight 35mm autofocus SLR cameras available on the market today. Its well-conceived design and ideal positioning of controls make it extremely maneuverable and enjoyable to operate, even for beginners.
User-friendly "Picture Modes" with Direct-Access Mode Selection The ZX-60’s Picture Modes simplify complicated exposure control in many different situations. The Mode button located on the camera’s left shoulder allows for swift and effortless selection of six exposure programs — Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Action or Night Scene Program. Once the desired program is set, the ZX-60 handles the rest, creating the ideal visual effect for each subject and producing beautiful images frame after frame.
Multi-mode exposure system In addition to the simple-to-use "Picture Mode," the ZX-60 offers two conventional auto-exposure modes (Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE) and the Metered Manual mode for greater freedom of visual expression. These modes can be selected with a push of the mode button.
Pinpoint autofocus with focus prediction Thanks to the acclaimed SAFOX V phase-matching autofocus system, the ZX-60 assures high-precision, quick autofocus operations even under low-light conditions. Its wide focus frame makes capturing the subject in sharp, crisp focus extremely easy, even when positioned off center. The predictive autofocus function is automatically activated when the ZX-60 detects the subject’s motion and "predicts" its exact position at the moment of shutter release for pinpoint focusing. This function even allows the photographer to take a few exposures after the subject moves out of the AF frame. Under poor lighting conditions, the built-in flash assists the AF system by making a brief flash discharge.
Versatile auto pop-up flash Covering up to a wide 28mm angle of view, 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 simple and effortless, even when used in combination with a dedicated flash unit. The "red-eye" reduction function* effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect in the subject’s eyes. * This function does not eliminate "red-eyes" in all instances.
User-friendly data display system The ZX-60 allows confirmation of operational status in two easy ways. The large LCD panel on the top of the camera provides a wide range of information using easy-to-understand icons and numbers, while the simplified LED viewfinder display offers essential operational data. The viewfinder display is automatically illuminated when the camera’s metering system is activated.
Bulb timer The built-in bulb timer allows the user to preset an extended exposure time (between 45 seconds and 32 minutes) for trouble-free bulb shooting, eliminating the need to carry a cable switch.
Auto bracketing With very simple operation, this function captures the same subject at three different exposure levels — in the order of normal, under- and over-exposures — to create different atmospheres for each image. The photographer can select the desired exposure compensation value at either 1EV or 1/2EV increments.
AE lock With a single push of the AE lock button, this function memorizes the metered exposure value for approximately 20 seconds, enabling the photographer to re-frame the image at will.
A wide range of interchangeable lenses and optional accessories The ZX-60 is compatible with a wide selection of PENTAX 35mm-system interchangeable lenses and most existing accessories, including the AF500FTZ and AF360FGZ dedicated flash units.
Date imprinting The ZX-60 Quartz Date enables the user to imprint the day, or day and time, of the shooting on the photos with simple pushbutton operation.
Specifications: Type: TTL autofocus,
auto-exposure multi-mode 35mm SLR with built-in retractable. TTL auto pop-up flash (RTF). |
Page updated 23rd Feb. 2002