Esther T. New: Pentax K-1 Announcement

Today is a big day for Pentax fans, because the company has finally announced its much anticipated full-frame DSLR, the Pentax K-1. Featuring a 36.4 MP CMOS sensor with a native ISO range of 100-204,800, PRIME IV Image Processor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), 33-point AF system, 3.2″ Cross-Tilt LCD, 4.5 fps continuous shooting, built-in Wi-Fi, built-in GPS, dual SD card slots, a fully weather sealed magnesium alloy body, full HD video recording and a few other extra features like AstroTracer, the K-1 looks like a tool that packs practically every feature a DSLR shooter could think of. And the best part isn’t even the list of features – it is the price! At $1,799, the Pentax K-1 is the cheapest professional-grade DSLR ever made; even Nikon’s entry-level full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D610, had an MSRP of $1,999 when it was launched. Pentax users have every reason to rejoice, because the K-1 is without a doubt, the most feature-rich and value-driven DSLR we have seen to date…

While many of us knew that Pentax would not disappoint with its first full-frame DSLR, few thought that the camera would be priced so low. In the Nikon and Canon dominated world of DSLRs, professional-grade full-frame cameras usually don’t go lower than $3,000 when they are released. And if either company made a DSLR with all the features that the K-1 has, we would expect even higher price tags. It is just incredible to see how much value the K-1 delivers in comparison to anything else out there, including the Nikon D810. Just the in-body image stabilization, built-in Wi-Fi + GPS, illuminated buttons and a tilting LCD that allows some crazy angles already make the K-1 a more desirable camera than the D810. And once you factor in all the extra features such as “pixel-shift”, capable of obtaining all color data for each pixel, AA filter simulator to prevent moire, user-programmable settings on the dial, AstroTracker for tracking stars using the built-in GPS and a few other in-camera features, along with the killer price, that’s just unbelievable value.

The only feature where the K-1 seems to lag behind the Nikon D810 is the AF module – with a total of 33 focus points, 25 of which are cross-type, the Nikon D810 looks a bit better on paper with its 51-point AF system. At the same time, the Nikon D810 only has a total of 15 cross-type focus points, whereas the K-1 has 25, so the K-1 only loses out in terms of the total number of focus points available.

The biggest issue Pentax faces at the moment is lens selection for the new full-frame camera. Although the company announced 2 extra lenses for the mount (HD PENTAX-D FA15-30mm f/2.8, which is basically a Pentax-branded Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 and HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6) and says that there are 10 other full-frame lenses to choose from, the lens line-up is still pretty dry at the moment. The good news is that older legacy lenses from the film days can still be used on the Pentax K-1. They might not perform as well edge-to-edge in terms of sharpness, but they should still be quite usable until Pentax releases replacements that are specifically designed for digital in the future. Similar to Nikon, Pentax allows using DA lenses on the K-1 that are designed for its APS-C cameras like the K-5 II. If the lens image circle is not large enough to cover the whole sensor, you will see dark regions towards the corners. You will be able to set the camera to automatically apply a 1.5x crop when Pentax DA lenses are attached to the K-1 as well.

Overall, the Pentax K-1 looks like a wonderful DSLR camera that will surely get a lot of attention, and not just from the Pentax community. I will definitely be getting my hands on this puppy later this year to see how it fares against my Nikon D810.

Official Press Release

Here is the official press release from Ricoh:

Ricoh defines full-frame benchmark with new PENTAX full-frame DSLR offering

PENTAX K-1 camera offers innovations not available in any other DSLR

DENVER, Colo. February 17, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-1 full-frame digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The K-1 combines the performance of a full-frame sensor with unique, user-friendly PENTAX technology and convenience features loved by professional and serious amateur photographers the world over.

The foundation of the PENTAX K-1 is its large, full-frame image sensor. This AA-filterless CMOS sensor with 36.4 effective megapixels sets the stage for ultimate creativity, facilitating super-high-resolution images rich in gradation and superb in high-sensitivity rendition.

Built around the full-frame sensor is a compact, high-performance weather-sealed and dustproof body with features only found in PENTAX cameras. “The K-1 is a blend of advanced, full-frame performance with the kind of features and advancements that PENTAX users have come to know and love,” said Jim Malcolm, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “As a result, the K-1 creates a solution for full-frame shooters that is unique in the industry.”

Within its compact body, the PENTAX K-1 features several advanced technologies that help the photographer to produce top results in a wide variety of challenging conditions. SR II Shake Reduction is a newly refined and highly sensitive five-axis shake-reduction system that is capable of reducing camera shake with a compensation range of up to five exposure steps, allowing photographers to freely move and compose – and to focus on their subjects, not the gear. SR II also facilitates other advanced PENTAX-unique features such as AA Filter Simulator, which effectively eliminates moiré effect without the need for an anti-aliasing filter, while increasing sharpness and overall image quality. Key to great autofocus performance on the K-1 is the new SAFOX 12 autofocus mechanism with 33 autofocus points, assuring fast and accurate autofocusing, even in the most demanding shooting situations. A newly-designed optical viewfinder equipped with the famous PENTAX Pentaprism boasts a bright, nearly 100-percent field of view.

In addition to a long list of technological advancements, the PENTAX K-1 also features a number of convenience features, making camera operation fast and easy. Designed to move in ways never before imagined is the new Flexible-tilt LCD monitor—a first for any DSLR camera. This rugged yet highly adjustable display can be positioned to the desired angle horizontally and vertically, making it easy to shoot at challenging angles. Other significant firsts include the K-1’s Operation Assist Lights – small, white LEDs that facilitate camera operation in low-light environments, making it easy to change lenses, swap memory cards and adjust back-of-camera controls, and a Smart Function dial that allows photographers to easy select frequently-used functions without going into the LCD menu.

Current PENTAX lens owners will appreciate that they can incorporate their APS-C lens collection into their new PENTAX K-1 full-frame camera kit by utilizing the K-1’s Crop Mode, which offers settings in-camera for either APS-C or Full-Frame sized shooting, regardless of the attached lens. There is also an “auto” mode that detects the lens type and sets the camera accordingly.

Upon launch, PENTAX is offering 12 full-frame compatible lenses, including two new models being announced concurrent with the K-1 camera: the HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f.2.8 ultra-wide angle zoom lens and the HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 compact, lightweight zoom lens.

Pricing and Availability
The PENTAX K-1 camera will be available April 2016 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,799.95.

For further information, please visit www.ricohimaging.com/pentaxff

Main Features

High-resolution, fine-gradation images supported by approximately 36.4 effective megapixels
The K-1 features an AA (anti-aliasing) filterless design that prioritizes image resolution, as well as the new PRIME IV imaging engine, which is capable of 14-bit RAW-format image recording. The K-1’s unique full frame sensor and imaging engine design also allows for super-high-sensitivity shooting up to ISO 204800, producing beautiful, high-resolution images.

New-generation SR II five-axis system

In-body SR II mechanism assures optimal shake reduction performance. The SR II (Shake Reduction II) five-axis mechanism enables accurate control of the large full-frame image sensor with all compatible PENTAX interchangeable lenses.* In addition to camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, it effectively compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift, as well as camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to deal with by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Even when taking a panning shot, this system automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement, and efficiently controls the SR II unit to always produce the best image possible.

Pixel Shift Resolution System with a new motion correction function. This system uses the latest super-resolution technology, which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data within each pixel. It incorporates a new motion correction function, which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting.

Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moiré. By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor, the K-1’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter.

Supportive shooting functions. Since the K-1’s SR II unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all directions, it provides a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation, image-composition fine-adjustment, and AstroTracer, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography using a built-in GPS module.

Flexible tilt-type LCD monitor to accommodate various shooting angles
The K-1 features a newly designed, Flexible-tilt LCD monitor, which tilts horizontally, vertically or diagonally with a single action, without deviating from the lens’s optical axis. 35 degrees of horizontal and 44 degrees of vertical adjustment can be achieved; the LCD panel can even be laid flat up or down. The 3.2-inch LCD monitor features a tempered-glass front panel for added durability, a unique air-gapless construction effectively reduces reflection, and a new Outdoor View Setting mode allows the user to instantly choose the desired monitor brightness level.

Newly developed SAFOX 12 with 33 sensor points and full-frame-proportioned AF frame
The SAFOX 12 AF sensor module features 33 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The center sensor and the two sensors located just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using a large-aperture lens.

Upgraded PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, with application of artificial intelligence technology
The K-1’s advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System performs near-instant analysis of exposure, color, movement and other factors. Combined with a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning, the K-1 instantly optimizes settings for even the most difficult shooting situations.

Easy-to-focus optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view
Newly developed for its 35mm full-frame design, the K-1’s optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and an approximately 0.7-times magnification. A Natural Bright Matt III focusing screen allows ease of focusing and a true-to-life rendition of defocused areas in the viewfinder image.

High-speed continuous shooting with a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second
The K-1 has a larger shutter unit that easily accommodates the camera’s full-frame image sensor and provides high-speed, high-accuracy control of the mirror unit. A high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME IV imaging engine allows the user to continuously record as many as 17 images in the RAW format (or a maximum of 70 images in the JPEG Best format) in a single sequence, at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second.

Supportive shooting functions to improve picture-taking efficiency and operational comfort

Operation assist light function, which provides LED lights above the lens mount, behind the LCD monitor, at the memory car slot, and at the cable switch terminal to facilitate fast and easy operation in poorly lit settings.

Key lock function, which prevents erroneous operation of the four-way controller and other exposure-related control buttons.

Smart function, which allows the user to swiftly choose and set desired functions using just the function dial and the set dial on the camera’s upper panel, without referring to the menu screen on the LCD monitor.

Control panel customize function allows the user to change aspects of the on-screen menu.

Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Constructed of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy with the inclusion of 87 sealing parts in the body, the K-1 also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction.

Other Features

Wi-Fi operation allowing camera control and image transfer to tablet or smartphone via the free ImageSync app

Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels in the H.264 recording format

Built-in GPS module and electronic compass

High-grade DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration

Crop mode with a choice of image area from AUTO, FF (Full Frame) and APS-C, to accommodate different types of lenses

Clarity control and Skin Tone correction functions, a pair of the latest image processing technologies developed by RICOH Central Laboratory

HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing, usable in handheld shooting

The PENTAX-invented hyper operating system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions

Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)

Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, and brightness level at image-field edges. Fringe effect compensation is also available in RAW-format processing.

Compatibility with PENTAX Image Transmitter 2 tethering software (Software update required from RICOH IMAGING official website)

Digital Camera Utility 5 software (latest version) included

Optional Accessory

D-BG6 Battery Grip
This battery grip is designed to facilitate vertical-position shooting with the PENTAX K-1 camera body. It provides a shutter release button, a set of control buttons (AE lock, AF, ISO, exposure compensation, green), a preview lever, and dual electronic dials — just like those provided on the camera body. It also features the dustproof, weather-resistant construction identical to the PENTAX K-1 camera body. In addition to the dedicated lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, it also accepts six AA-size batteries.