Pentax Full Frame DSLR Officially Announced

Reference Product at CP+ 2015

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 4, 2015

It has been a long wait.  Die-hard Pentaxians have been craving a full-frame camera for what seemed like an eternity.  The lack of such a camera caused many to leave the brand, explore other paths, and even engage in debates about just about every potential aspect of this mythical DSLR.  As of the writing of this article, our Pentax Full Frame forum contains some 24,000 posts: more than sections about real cameras such as the K-30 & K-50.

For those of you who stuck with us while waiting for that long-desired full-frame, the wait is about to pay off.  It's not April 1st.  Today, with the announcement of two full-frame-ready Pentax D-FA telephoto zoom lenses, Ricoh Imaging also stated in a press release that a Pentax full-frame will hit the market by the end of the year.  Icing on the cake: it will be on display as a reference product at CP+ 2015. Below is an official product photo of the camera in development.  Click on it to enlarge:

Pentax Full-Frame Prototype (design subject to change)

Notice the presence of a placeholder for the SR logo, which implies that the upcoming full-frame will feature in-body stabilization just like existing Pentax cameras.  This will make it unique among full-frame DSLRs.

Press Release

We will be on site at the CP+ show to report on the event, and as ever you can expect an exclusive interview with Pentax representatives.

Pentax K-01 Officially Announced

"An Industry First" - "A K-5 with no mirror at half the price"

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 2, 2012

We are happy to be among the first to report the official specifications and photos of the new, affordable ($749 MSRP) Pentax K-mount mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the K-01!  Despite rumors that said otherwise, "K-01" turned out the official name of this camera!

An Industry First

The K-01 is a revolutionary industry first.  It is the first mirrorless camera to natively support a SLR lens lineup.  Since it employs the Pentax K-mount, it not only supports all current DSLR Pentax lenses, but also all legacy and manual lenses - over 200 of them, if you only count Pentax glass.  Open up the floor to third parties and we're looking at a camera that works with thousands of lenses, including M42 mount lenses via the M42 adapter, and medium format lenses via a 645 or 6x7 adapter.  The K-01 also has a new image processor which brings it on par with the most modern mirrorless cameras.

The K-01 and Pentax K-mount lens system (click to enlarge)

With respect to core technical specifications, the K-01 is vastly similar to the Pentax K-5, except that it supports higher video framerates (30/25/24 in full HD, 60/50/30/25/24 in 720p) and its maximum ISO has been reduced to 25,600.  It uses the same 16.28 megapixel sensor as the K-5.  It also has no optical (obviously) or electronic viewfinder- you must use the screen on the back of the camera.  Most exciting of all, however, the K-01 has a new image processing engine called PRIME M.

Pentax K-01 with old 18-55mm lens and new dedicated 40mm kit lens

The K-01 comes standard with a new, ultra-thin DA XS 40mm F2.8 kit lens, and can also be purchased together with the standard DA L 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses or as a body-only for current K-mount lens owners.  We expect a larger series of XS lenses to become available in the near future; these lenses will be extra-compact and are said to only function with the K-01.

Price & Availability - (Pre-Orders already to be accepted today)

The K-01 will become available on March 15th.  In the US, the body-only MSRP will be $749, and the 40mm kit $899. In Europe, the kit price is 699 Euros. Compared to the launch price of the Pentax Q ($799), and the recent Fuji X-Pro1 ($1699), this new Pentax is not only a great deal, but also solid competition within the mirrorless market.  Remember- the image quality of the K-01's sensor ranks among the highest of any APS-C camera on the market.

The K-01 is will be available for pre-order today at Adorama and B&H.

• K-01 body only black | white | yellow - $749
• K-01 with 40mm kit lens- $899
• K-01 with 18-55 and 50-200mm lenses- $999

Main Highlights and Complete Specifications

• 16.28 Megapixel CMOS sensor form the K-5
• New Prime M imaging engine
• New quieter mechanical shutter
• Optional H.264 video format
• New advanced HDR mode
• Full-HD video recording and 720p video recording at up to 60fps (a first for Pentax)
• Native KAF2/KAF3 mount works with thousands of lenses, manual and modern alike
• 81-point selectable contrast detect autofocus
• 6FPS shutter delivering a 1/4000s maximum shutter speed
• ISO 100-25,600
• Sensor-shift shake reduction (SR)
• Ultrasonic dust removal (DR)
• 3 inch VGA LCD monitor with 170-degree angle of view ("921,000 dots")
• Design by Marc Newson (but not weather-sealed)
• 3 colors: silver & black, black, black & yellow
• Weighs just 480 grams without the battery - lighter & smaller than the K-r
• 12.1cm wide x 7.9cm tall x 5.9cm deep
• Exclusive, stylish design by Marc Newson
• Download full specification sheet

What Makes This Camera Special

We are very enthusiastic about the launch of this camera.  The K-01 isn't only an industry first with its SLR-compatible lens mount- it's the first of a generation of cameras which we believe will start dominating the market over the coming decades.  Furthermore, it is compatible with all Pentax SLR accessories (such as flashes, GPS units, etc.), and its new image engine should also improve the performance of the camera compared to current models, and hopefully its JPEG output as well.

For just $749, you can get the proven image quality of a $1495 DSLR in a smaller, prettier, and better-performing package, thanks to the new Prime M engine.  Sure, some might miss the viewfinder, and the weather sealing, but this doesn't mean that the K-01 isn't a step in the right direction for Pentax. Plus, the price is bound to fall over the course of the year.

And with the new 40mm lens, this camera's size can be reduced to close to that of a point and shoot.  It's big enough that it won't fall out of your hands when shooting, however (unlike the Q).

It's not a DSLR replacement for those of us who have DSLRs; it is something completely new which we hope will thrive alongside them.

We are looking forward to receiving a copy of this camera for evaluation purposes as soon as possible, in particular to see the menu system, test the button layout, and measure its AF and video performance. The 81-point contrast-detect autofocus system is by far the item of most interest, as such a system has yet to be deployed as the primary AF mechanism on a K-mount camera. Also, will the K-01 feature manual video controls and full-time autofocus?  One thing we have no doubts about, fortunately, is the stellar image quality- it can't help but be as good as that of the K-5! Want to see our review earlier?  Tell us so!

Back to the 70's

While the K-01 doesn't feature a fully-retro design, it does incorporate retro elements (such as a flat top plate) and has been exclusively designed for Pentax by Marc Newson. Pentax enthusiasts will also notice that the "K" in the name of the camera uses the same font as it did on the original K-series cameras:

Pentax K-3 Announced

New 24-megapixel flagship: serious specs in a serious body

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Oct 7, 2013

The moment that many passionate Pentaxians have been waiting for is finally here: Pentax has officially announced the 24-megapixel Pentax K-3, a flagship APS-C DSLR that's slated to replace the K-5 II/IIs.  Being an advanced camera, the K-3 is primarily targeted at enthusiasts and professionals, and it will likely satisfy even the most demanding photographers.  The new PRIME III processor ensures the camera will deliver the speed that photographers need and expect from a camera of this caliber.

In this article we'll be telling you all about the K-3, including its specifications, highlights, and key features.  We have had a chance to try out a pre-production K-3 hands-on, so some of our commentary will relate to how the camera handles in real life.  This article is the first in a series of posts about the camera, as we will be following up this post with a hands-on Q&A, and shortly after that you can expect to see our in-depth review of this exciting camera.

While the K-3 may appear very similar to the K-5 on the outside, its hardware has seen a complete overhaul to the point that virtually all of its specifications are improved over those of its predecessor.  Pentax is finally ditching the 16-megapixel sensor that they used in eight consecutive camera models, and the company has equipped the K-3 with an all-new 27-point autofocus system, making it their first DSLR to feature more than 11 autofocus points.  Pentaxians will also be thrilled to hear that the K-3 has dual SD card slots, a best-in-class burst mode, and wireless tethering capabilities.

In fact, on paper, the K-3 looks like it will be one of the most capable APS-C DSLRs on the market.  Launching at a price tag of just $1299, it will start shipping in early November.  There will also be a special silver edition of the K-3 for $300 more (with grip). Let's start by taking a quick look at the key specifications of the K-3:

While there's no denying that the K-3 plays catch-up with the Nikon D7100 (its closest competitor) in many areas, it does leap ahead in others: it has a best-in-class continuous framerate/buffer as well as the ability to record full-HD videos at 60 frames per second. 

The K-3 also has a new 86k-pixel metering sensor, which is nothing short of professional grade. The D7100 can only record up to 50 JPEG files or 7 RAW files at maximum resolution before reducing its framerate, and its full-HD mode is limited to 30 FPS.  Compare this to the K-3's 60 JPEG / 23 RAW buffer and 1080i 60FPS recording.

The sensor in the K-3 is likely to be the same Toshiba chip found in the Nikon D7100 and D5200, as all three sensors have a total resolution of 24.71 megapixels.  Reviews of the latter two cameras have shown that the new 24-megapixel sensor is capable of outperforming the K-5/D7000's old 16-megapixel chip in terms of overall image quality, albeit to a small extent. (Update as of 10/10: we will be confirming the sensor manufacturer directly with Pentax in Japan.  Remaining questions about the K-3 will be answered in an upcoming hands-on preview).

Already convinced?  You can reserve your K-3 by pre-ordering at B&H Photo and pay when it ships.

Pentax K-3 with new D-BG5 battery grip and DA L 18-55mm WR lens

 The K-3 also features some fresh innovation:

• It is the first camera to be able to simulate the effect of an antialiasing filter by vibrating the image sensor, thus reducing moire when activated
• It supports wireless tethering functionality via a dedicated FLU Wi-Fi SD card (discussed later)
• The new metering sensor enables multi-pattern white balance, which can apply different WB presets selectively

So far, this camera really looks like a big upgrade for any current Pentax user, and it will certainly hold its ground against the competition.  But specifications aren't everything, so let us take a look at what changes have been made to the camera's buttons and ergonomics.  Later on in this article we will also be examining the K-3's highlights more closely.

Pentax K-1 Officially Announced

The first Pentax full-frame DSLR is finally here!

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 17, 2016

The wait is over.  The moment that countless Pentaxians around the globe have waited for is finally upon us.  More than 13 years after Pentax cameras entered the digital age, Ricoh Imaging has officially announced the Pentax K-1, the first full-frame Pentax DSLR to enter production.

In this post we present the highlights of the K-1 along with some brief hands-on commentary.  We hope you enjoy reading about the K-1 as much as we enjoyed writing about it!

Update: our Pentax K-1 in-depth review is now live!

Pentax K-1 at a Glance

Before we move on, let us take a moment to look over the K-1's key features:

• Full-frame CMOS sensor
• 36.4 megapixels w/ 15-megapixel crop mode
• Pixel shift super resolution
• No AA filter
• AA filter simulator
• Sensitivity up to ISO 204,800
• Shutter rated for 300,000 actuations
• 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization
• Redesigned viewfinder with LCD overlay
• 6.5 FPS in crop mode, 4.4 FPS in full frame mode with up to 100 JPEG buffer
• LCD screen tilts and pivots
• LED illumination of lens mount, buttons, and card slot
• Dust & weather sealed
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
• USB tethering support
• $1799  / £1599 launch price
• Expected to ship around April 5, 2016

New lens announcements: HD 15-30mm F2.8 and HD 28-105mm F3.5-5.6

• Pre-order the Pentax K-1 at B&H Photo
• Pre-order the Pentax K-1 at Adorama

The K-1 is being launched alongside two new lenses: a 28-105mm budget-friendly kit lens, and a 15-30mm ultra-wide zoom.  These will supplement the recently-launched D FA 24-70mm F2.8, 70-200mm F2.8, and 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 lenses.

Pentax K-1 Sensor

A 36.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 204,800 lies at the heart of the Pentax K-1.  Notice that the ISO range is the same as that of the medium format 645Z, and thus larger than what other cameras in this category can offer.  We expect this to also signify a bump in dynamic range performance.

We do not know the manufacturer of this sensor, thought it does not appear to be the same as the one used in existing 36-megapixel full-frame bodies.

5-axis in-body stabilization (Click to enlarge)

A Photographer's Camera

In traditional Pentax fashion, the K-1 promises to be a formidable camera for photographers who prioritize still image quality, ergonomics, and ease of use.  Superb still image quality is a given.  Beyond this, the camera introduces a number of innovations for its market segment: for example, it is the only full-frame DSLR to sport sensor-shift stabilization.  This Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism has been improved to offer 5-axis stabilization with up to 5 stops of compensation: Pentax's best SR to date.  Through the SR system, like the Pentax K-3 II, the K-1 offers pixel shift super resolution for super-sharp photos of stationary subjects, and moire can be combated via the AA filter simulator setting. The K-1 also features a unique adjustable LCD that can both tilt up or down and pivot side to side.

Pentax K-1 with LCD extended and tilted (Click to enlarge)

When paired with the built-in GPS unit, the K-1's SR mechanism can be turned into a star tracker.  Pentax calls this feature the Astrotracer, and it has been available on APS-C bodies since 2010.  But the K-1 takes things to the next level: anticipating that photographers will use this camera in near darkness, the K-1 has been fitted with LED lights that can illuminate the lens mount, card slot, rear buttons, and  LCD screen edges for easy operation in the dark.

New lock button (click to enlarge)

The K-1 also augments the already-user-friendly Pentax user interface in a number of ways.  A third control dial has been added to top the camera; this dial can be used to control settings such as sensitivity, exposure compensation, bracketing, and more.  It's thus possible to control the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (for instance) without having to press any additional buttons.  Furthermore, items on the Control Panel (quick access menu) can now be customized.  Two buttons can also be customized (Fx1 and Fx2).  If that doesn't cover all the bases, five customizable User shooting modes are available on the main mode dial.  Finally, a lock button can be used to selectively disable the e-dials or rear controls.

K-1 top controls (click to enlarge)

Last but not least, the K-1's viewfinder display has been greatly improved compared to previous Pentax models.  Rather than merely using LEDs to light up AF points, the K-1 incorporates a full LCD overlay with a customizable grid, crop area indicator, and dual-axis electronic level (this is very similar to viewfinder of the the Nikon D800 family of DSLR).  The grid can be enabled or disabled via the menu, as can most of the other features of the overlay.  A dedicated light illuminates this overlay on demand.

Pentax K-1 viewfinder overlay

The optical viewfinder itself offers 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification— a fairly standard size for today's full frame cameras.  For comparison, this is about 60% larger than the Pentax K-3's viewfinder.  Also, while it's a minor improvement, the diopter adjustment now goes down to -3.5 (was -2.5 on earlier bodies).

We feel that the points listed above are what make the Pentax K-1 unique.  Now, let's move on to a discussion of its other highlights.

Hands-On Video

Already convinced?

• Pre-order the Pentax K-1 at B&H Photo
• Pre-order the Pentax K-1 at Adorama

Pentax K-3 II Officially Announced

New flagship DSLR with innovative super-resolution technology

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Apr 22, 2015

Ricoh Imaging has just announced the Pentax K-3 II, the latest flagship DSLR that will be replacing the K-3 in the Pentax APS-C lineup.  Just when we thought the Pentax full frame would be the next high-end body, Pentax engineers have brought us a little treat that contains some of the latest tech from their R&D department.

The key addition to the K-3 II is a Pixel Shift Resolution System that promises to dramatically improve the image quality of photos of still subjects (i.e. landscapes) when the camera is mounted on a tripod.  This super resolution system works by microscopically moving the sensor around across a series of four exposures so that complete color data is captured by each pixel.  The net result should be an image with lower noise, more detail, more accurate colors, and significantly lower risk of artifacts such as moire.  We have prepared a separate article that discusses how this system works in more detail:

Read more about pixel shifting in today's in-depth article

Next up is an Improved Shake Reduction System that compensates for up to 4.5 stops of light (up from 3.5 stops on earlier models) thanks to an improved gyro sensor.  The K-3 II's shake reduction has also been designed to deliver sharper images while panning.  The Pentax SR system enables stabilization with any lens, old or new.

Finally, the K-3 II has a built-in GPS module that enables geotagging and the unique astrotracer function without the need for any accessories.  In addition, an detailed electronic compass and location display can be viewed on the LCD screen.

From a physical point of view, the K-3 II is nearly identical to the K-3, though the on-board flash has been removed to accommodate the GPS antenna (interestingly, outlines of the old flash remain visible). The prism housing has received a face-lifted design that resembles the styling of classic Pentax film SLRs, and the old flash release button has been replaced by a button to control the GPS function. 

Another small detail: the Ricoh logo on the back of the camera is no more.

The removal of the built-in flash is a somewhat unusual move and makes the K-3 II unique among enthusiast level APS-C bodies.  We feel that the classic K-3 should continue being produced for users who plan to make use of the flash, though this is not likely if we look at Pentax's historical tendency to only keep one DSLR of each type in its lineup.  The K-3 II press release makes no mention of the removal (or presence) of the flash, which could potentially be misleading.

The K-3 II's remaining specifications are shared with the Pentax K-3:

• PRIME III image engine
• 24-megapixel APS-C sensor
• AA filter simulator
• ISO 100-51,200
• 8.3 FPS burst shooting
• 3.2" LCD screen with 1037k dots
• 100% coverage viewfinder with 0.95x magnification
• 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus system*
• 86k pixel metering system
• Full HD video recording with external mic and headphone jacks
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• Wireless tethering via the O-FC1 FLUcard
• Dual SD slots
• Ultrasonic DR II dust removal

*Some official sources claim that the AF algorithm for AF-C has been improved in the K-3 II, though we suspect that any practical differences would be minor compared to an actual hardware redesign.  It is unclear whether these claims are relative to the K-3 or to older Pentax AF systems.

Since the K-3 II is essentially an enhanced version of an existing body rather than a completely new design, we would expect to see a true successor to it at some point in 2016.  Overall, though, we are happy to see that Pentax's latest technology is being made available to customers through this updated model.

Like the K-3, the K-3 II is compatible with the BG-5 battery grip (available separately).  Current genuine external flashes include the new AF201 FG, AF360 FGZ II, and AF 540 FGZ II.  Most third-party hotshoe flashes are also compatible with the K-3 II, though degrees of automation may vary.

Price & Pre-Ordering

The K-3 II body will retail for $1099 (US) / £769 (UK) and we expect it to start shipping in late May.  Lens kits are available in certain markets.

Pre-order your Pentax K-3 II at: B&H Photo | Adorama | WEX Photographic | SRS Microsystems

Have Your Say

Tell us what you think about the Pentax K-3 II in the comments section bellow!  Are you ready to take advantage of the K-3 II's super resolution capabilities and built-in GPS, or would you rather stick to the classic K-3 with the built-in flash?