Pentax today announced its full-frame DSLR camera, the K-1. This AA-filterless CMOS sensor comes with 36.4 effective megapixels to capture super-high-resolution images rich in gradation and superb in high-sensitivity rendition.
The camera comes with a new flexible-tilt LCD monitor. This rugged yet highly adjustable display can be positioned to the desired angle horizontally and vertically. It also comes with the Operation Assist Lights, which are small, white LEDs that facilitate camera operation in low-light environments. There is also a Smart Function dial that easily allows to select frequently-used functions without going into the LCD menu.
Built around the full-frame sensor is a compact, high-performance weather-sealed and dust-proof body. Within its compact body, the Pentax K-1 features several technologies. SR II shake reduction is a highly sensitive five-axis shake-reduction system that is capable of reducing camera shake with a compensation range of up to five exposure steps. It also facilitates other advanced features such as AA Filter Simulator, which effectively eliminates moiré effect without the need for an anti-aliasing filter. The new SAFOX 12 autofocus mechanism with 33 autofocus points assures fast and accurate autofocusing. A newly-designed optical viewfinder equipped with Pentaprism boasts a bright, nearly 100% field of view.
Pentax is offering 12 full-frame compatible lenses on launch. This includes the two new models, the HD Pentax-D FA 15-30 mm F/2.8 ultra-wide angle zoom lens and the HD Pentax-D FA 28-105 mm F/3.5-5.6 compact, lightweight zoom lens.
Current Pentax lens owners can incorporate their APS-C lens collection into their new Pentax K-1 by utilizing the Crop Mode, which offers in-camera settings 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.
The Pentax K-1 camera will be available April onwards at a price of $1,799.95.
Pentax K-1 specifications
Effective pixels: 36.4 million
Metering: Multi-segment, Center-weighted and Spot
Lens: Pentax KAF2
Sensor size: 35.9x24.0 mm
Shutter: Electronic
Shutter speed: 1/8000-30 second
Continuous shooting: 4.4 fps
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDCX; no internal memory
Image size (pixels): 7360x4912, 5760x3840, 4800x3200, 4224x2816, 3456x2304 and 1920x1280
Movie size (pixels): 1920x1080 and 1280x720
Viewfinder: 3.2 inch (diagonal) TFT-LCD (1,037,000 dots)
File formats: RAW, JPEG, MPEG-4
ISO sensitivity: 100-204800
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 136.4x110.0x85.6 mm
Weight: 1,009 g (with battery and SD card)
Price: $1,799.95