Pentax Full Frame to Support All K-mount Lenses

Teaser web site updated

By PF Staff in Pentax Rumors on Dec 11, 2015

The official Pentax Full Frame DSLR teaser site was updated today with a paragraph stating that "all K-mount lenses are compatible" with the upcoming camera.  The paragraph references the FA lens series and even includes two sample photos taken with FA* lenses on a prototype— the first ever photos from this camera to be published. The camera will also offer a crop mode so that DA lenses can be used if desired.

Could production of select FA-series lenses be re-started to support the launch of the full frame?

While detailed specifications of the full frame remain unknown, a prototype model recently on display at Salon de la Photo in Paris revealed that the camera is likely to feature Wi-Fi, built-in GPS, an articulating LCD screen, and plenty of dedicated dials and buttons.  The camera is slated for a Spring, 2016 debut and we expect to learn much more about it at the upcoming CP+ trade show in Tokyo.

Pentax Full-Frame DSLR to be Named K-1

Prototype on display at Salon de la Photo in Paris

By PF Rumors in Pentax Rumors on Nov 5, 2015

After its unofficial debut at PhotoPlus just weeks ago, a prototype of the upcoming Pentax full frame DSLR has once again made an appearance at Salon de la Photo, the annual camera expo that takes place in Paris.  Rumors of a tentative name for the camera surfaced at the show; the first Pentax full-frame DSLR may be named the Pentax K-1.

Among others, forum member Zygonyx attended the show and captured a clear view of the camera from the top:

Pentax full frame top view - Zygonyx (Click to enlarge)

Ricoh GR II on the Horizon

A new "pro compact" is coming

By PF Rumors in Pentax Rumors on Jun 6, 2015

Ricoh has been refreshing its flagship compact— the Ricoh GR— every other year for nearly the past decade. As GR stock starts running thin at retailers and now that 25 months have passed since the announcement of the current GR, buzz surrounding the inevitable launch of a successor is growing.

According to Pentax Forums discussions and information posted on Japanese news site Digicame-Info, the upcoming Ricoh GR II will feature Wi-Fi and a touchscreen.  The new model will use the same sensor and lens as the current GR.  A leaked photo of the GR II shows a slight variation in the GR II's hotshoe area:

Ricoh GR vs GR II: Comparison

The Ricoh GR has received widespread praise as a professional-grade compact camera.  It packs an APS-C sensor, extensive customizability, and a sharp 18mm F2.8 lens in a lightweight, pocketable body.  All this results in image quality comparable to that of a high-end DSLR.  Learn more about it in our Ricoh GR in-depth review.

Currently, the GR is Ricoh Imaging's exclusive offering in the high-end compact digital camera market.  No large-sensor Pentax-branded compacts are currently available.

We expect the GR II to be launched within the coming weeks.

Pentax K-3 II Coming In Late April

New APS-C flagship DSLR

By PF Rumors in Pentax Rumors on Apr 16, 2015

It looks like Pentax users will see one more APS-C DSLR body before the debut of the Pentax full frame later this year.  According to digicame-info and other sources, the Pentax K-3 II will soon be announced as the successor to the flagship K-3.

Little is currently known about the K-3 II, though we expect improvements in it to focus primarily on delivering image quality enhancements similar to what was offered in the upgrade from the K-5 to the K-5 IIs.  It is possible that the camera will incorporate some of the new Pentax technologies that we saw at CP+ 2015, such as the pixel-shifting method of attaining a higher resolution.

Expect to see all the details about the Pentax K-3 II right here on our homepage once it is officially announced.  Stay tuned!

Wi-Fi Enabled Pentax DSLR, Silent Focusing Kit Lens

On display at CES 2015

By PF Staff in Pentax Rumors on Jan 7, 2015

We have learned more about the unnamed Pentax DSLR currently on display at CES 2015 through attendee reports and photos, and so far, it's all good news!

The new DSLR has the following features:

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Dual control wheels
• Fully articulating LCD
• Weather sealing
• Video mode on the on/off switch
• Decorative LED rings (toned down compared to the K-S1)
• Multiple color options
• NFC support
• UHS-I memory card support

And we also have more preliminary information on the new collapsible kit lens:

• SMC Pentax-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE
• Weather sealed
• Silent DC autofocus
• Extends by roughly 2cm
• Can be paired with a compact hood (square opening)

Click here for photo of the camera and lens on display.

For the latest information, see also the CES 2015 discussion on the forum.  Our commentary follows.