Pentax's new 645D due in August at $12,000

C.R. Kennedy is expected to release the new medium format Pentax 645D in August with a reported price tag of around $12,000.

The much-anticipated camera was showcased recently by the distributor at the PMA Digital Life Expo in Melbourne.

According to industry ‘camera rumours’ websites, Pentax Japan will produce 700 645D cameras this year with 200 units allocated to the US, where it goes on sale next month.

The camera will sell in the US for US$9995, according to industry sources.

The 645 D is targeted towards high level professionals and is compatible with the current 645 system lenses by Pentax.

It features a 40MP Kodak sensor (CCD), dual SD/SDHC card slots and in-camera HDR.