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, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."
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. (Note: separate news releases have been issued today to provide details on each lens).
| Pricing and Availability |
The PENTAX K-1 camera will be available April 2016 at http://www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,799.95.
| About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation|
Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.
The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh's offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.
1. 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.
2. 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
functionThis 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.
-- 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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