In an period dominated by mirrorless and AI-enhanced cameras, the Pentax 17 movie digicam’s victory in receiving the Editors Award R&D Prize on the Digicam Grand Prix 2025 proves that there is nonetheless a powerful heartbeat in analog images.
Launched in June 2024, the Pentax 17 is a refreshing new entry into the world of movie cameras – one thing we have not seen from main manufacturers in years.
Impressed by the rising resurgence of movie images, the Pentax 17 provides a compact, easy-to-use point-and-shoot design. The digicam marks Pentax’s first foray into the analog market in latest occasions – however whereas it is a strong debut, priced at $496 / £499 / AU$856, it isn’t precisely budget-friendly.
Considered one of its standout options is that this can be a half-frame digicam, which permits for 72 exposures per 36-exposure roll – double the everyday depend – making movie images extra economical and inspiring customers to experiment extra freely.
The Pentax 17 is fashionable amongst movie lovers worldwide and its rising recognition, together with the celebrated Editors Selection R&D Award, speaks to its affect amongst each customers and trade professionals.
Taking dwelling this prize from one in all Japan’s most revered honors on the earth of cameras and lenses, the Pentax 17 proves that analog know-how nonetheless has its place.
However the accolades do not cease there. The Pentax 17 additionally earned two main awards this 12 months: the Pink Dot Design Award and iF Design Award, two of probably the most regarded prizes within the world design group. The movie digicam was additionally acknowledged on the German Design Awards.

The Digicam Grand Prix, established in 1984, is organized by the Digicam Journal Press Membership, a gaggle of technical editors representing main Japanese images magazines and web sites.
The awards rejoice standout merchandise launched in Japan throughout the earlier fiscal 12 months, with six prizes given out this 12 months, together with:
• Finest Digicam of the 12 months: Canon EOS R1
• Lens of the 12 months: Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM
• Reader Award Digicam: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
• Readers Award Lens: Canon RF 70-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
• Editors Award R&D Prize: Pentax 17
• Editors Award Expertise Prize: Nikon Z50 II
Now, let’s check out why the Pentax 17 was awarded this prestigious award.
“On this age of digital cameras, this product has been launched as a option to reassess the enchantment and taking pictures expertise of movie images,” stated the group.
“By adopting a half-size format utilizing 35mm movie, it’s potential to take twice as many pictures as ordinary with one roll of movie, and you’ll take pleasure in taking pictures in a vertical format.
“The digicam is designed to permit the photographer to take pleasure in working it, with options resembling a guide winding lever and zone focusing system, and by intentionally avoiding full automation, it goals to convey out the photographer’s individuality and creativity.
“Now we have chosen this digicam because the Digicam Grand Prix 2025 Digicam Journal Press Membership Award Planning Award, recognizing that it’s an iconic digicam that conveys the enjoyment of analog images to the fashionable age.”
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