Pentax have just unveiled the Pentax K-01, the first digital camera to be designed by Marc Newson and also a camera that has been launched with the world's thinnest fixed focal lens.

Unveiled in London with Marc Newson present the camera comes in three different colours, Black, Silver and the eye-catching Yellow. Speaking to the press Newson explains what inspired him to design his first camera. "Essentially I found myself looking for things that didn't exist in the market and then filling those gaps, and I felt this was one of them".

Pentax K-01 specs

Boasting a 16 Megapixel CMOS sensor the Pentax K-01 has been designed with simplicity in mind with the oversized buttons being clearly labelled and, like the rest of the body, fashioned out of machined aluminium.

Utilising the Pentax K lens mount the K-01 is compatible with every K lens mount lens that Pentax makes, from the newly unveiled 40mm DA XS lens to any one of the SLR lenses that Pentax makes using that mount.

With a dedicated video recording button the K-01 is capable of shooting full-HD 1080p video at 30fps or 720p at a staggering 60fps, all with stereo sound.

Pentax K-01 features

Boasting a dedicated HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting on the mode dial, the K-01 is able to take images at three levels of exposure, thus removing any low-light problems and highlighting both the dark and light areas of the photo perfectly.

The K-01 uses a brand-new Prime M engine and will let you select one of 81 focal points giving you an almost unrivalled number of options when shooting.

All of this is then viewable on the 3-inch display with the UI taking some design elements from Marc Newson himself.

Of course the question is how much does it cost, well the Pentax K-01 is priced at £629.99 for the basic unit however it will set you back £679.99 if you want the 40mm lens included. It'll be available from the end of March.

Is this a case of style over substance or is it a timeless classic? Let us know what you think via the comments box below...