The Pentax KP is a new digital SLR camera with a high-sensitivity 24.32-megapixel sensor, integrated Wi-Fi, 7fps burst shooting and a 5-axis "Shake Reduction II" image stabilisation system. Key highlights inlcude a new-generation APS-C-sized CMOS imager, a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 819200, a mechanical shutter with a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000s, a 27-point AF system with 25 cross-type focus points, an electronic shutter with a top shutter speed of 1/24000s, a compact, retro-looking camera body, a tiltable 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921K dots, and a pentaprism finder with ~100% frame coverage and 0.95x magnification. Additionally, the Pentax KP features the Pixel Shift Resolution System, a super-resolution technology which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesising them into a single composite image. The new Pentax KP will go on sale at the end of February, priced at £1,099.99/$1,099.95.

Ricoh Press Release

A high-end digital SLR camera, featuring a new APS-C-sized image sensor and super-high-sensitivity night-scene snapshot photography at ISO 819200 in a newly designed, compact body

LONDON, 25th January 2017- RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX KP digital SLR camera. In a compact, portable body designed for daily use, this high-end model provides a full range of specifications as well as an assortment of customisation features to help the photographer produce outstanding imagery and accommodate their specific photographic requirements.

The PENTAX KP is a high-performance, high-resolution camera which extends the scope of digital SLR photography to encompass everyday images to those achieved in challenging photographic situations. The newly designed mechanism inside its compact, slim body features a new-generation CMOS image sensor and a high-performance imaging engine to deliver extremely high-resolution, rich-gradation images using its 24.32 effective megapixels. It also incorporates other advanced features including a five-axis shaken reduction system, which provides a compensation effect of five shutter steps.


The PENTAX KP is designed to be highly dependable in the harsh environmental conditions found in outdoor photography, as it incorporates reliable features such as a dustproof, weather-resistant construction and cold-proof performance down to temperatures as low as -10°C. It also offers a range of customisation features, such as a grip replacement system to personalize and accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or mounted lens.  It also features a flexible control panel layout designed to meet the photographer’s particular requirements. Thanks to these advanced features, the PENTAX KP can be relied upon to respond flexibly and quickly to a wide variety of scenes, subjects and shooting situations, ensuring that it will become the preferred choice of camera for many discerning photographers.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY:
RRP:        £1,099.99 Body only – Black or Silver

Available: End February 2017

Main Features

1．Super-high-resolution images delivered by approximately 24.32 effective megapixels and super-high-sensitivity photography at a top sensitivity of ISO 819200

The PENTAX KP features a new-generation APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.32 effective megapixels to produce super-high-resolution images. By coupling this sensor with an AA-filter-free optical design, it optimises the image sensor’s imaging power to deliver well-defined images with true-to-life reproduction of gradation and texture. The combination of the PRIME IV imaging engine and a state-of-the-art accelerator unit, assures dependable, high-speed operation and highly effective noise reduction optimising image resolution and super-high-sensitivity performance. This allows the photographer to handhold it in snapshot photography of night scenes at the super-high sensitivity of ISO 819200.

2．Compact, portable body perfect for snapshots, with a weather-resistant structure for harsh outdoor shooting

After a thorough review of the camera’s internal structure, PENTAX designed a completely new body that was far more compact and slim than existing models to optimise the PENTAX KP’s performance, operability and portability. When combined with a compact, lightweight PENTAX-DA-series lens, it can be carried comfortably and effortlessly in a wide range of shooting situations, from casual snapshots to serious outdoor photography, for instance, while mountain climbing or trekking. Its front, back and bottom exterior panels are all made of durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. With 67 seals across the body, it provides a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, with outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to -10°C. Thanks to these features, the PENTAX KP performs superbly and dependably in a range of adverse weather conditions or shooting locations, where rain , dust and freezing temperatures may be an issue.

3．A range of customisation features, including a replacement grip

The PENTAX KP provides a grip replacement system for an easy, quick change of grip to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or when using a mounted lens. In addition to the standard Grip S, it offers a choice of two replacement grips (Grip M and Grip L). It also provides a variety of customisation functions to simplify and enhance camera operation, including Smart Function for speedy selection; easy setting of desired camera functions using the Fx (Function) and setting dials; and control panel customisation to change the panel’s layout to suit the photographer’s personal requirements.

4．PENTAX-original SR II five-axis shake-reduction system featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System

(1) Built-in SR mechanism

Thanks to the built-in SR II shake reduction mechanism, the PENTAX KP effectively minimises camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in situations where this could be an issue, including using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes without flash illumination, or photographing scenes at sunset. In addition to more common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism also compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll. It delivers a compensation effect of approximately five shutter steps (CIPA standard compliant, smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] DC WR f=135mm） — a level equivalent to that of PENTAX’ flagship model — to expand the limits of hand-held photography. When taking a panning shot, this mechanism efficiently controls the SR unit to compensate for all external factors without requiring any switching action.

(2) Pixel Shift Resolution System

The PENTAX KP features the Pixel Shift Resolution System,* 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 synthesising them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system in which each pixel has only a single colour data unit, this innovative system obtains all colour data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with far more truthful colours and much finer details than those produced by conventional APS-C-sized image sensors. To make this system more usable with a wider range of scenes and subjects, the PENTAX KP also provides ON/OFF switching of the motion correction function,** which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesising process.

(3) PENTAX-original AA filter simulator

By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the PENTAX KP’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off and adjust the level of the effect, making it possible to set the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject based on the prevailing photographic conditions.

* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilise the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly,   either in part or as a whole.
** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.
*** This function works more effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be compatible with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution System.

5．Electronically controlled shutter unit for super-high-speed shooting at 1/24000 sec.

The PENTAX KP’s shutter unit combines a reliable mechanical shutter mechanism (with a top speed of 1/6000 second) with an electronically controlled shutter mechanism.* The electronic shutter mode provides a super-high shutter speed of 1/24000 second with reduced noise and vibration at shutter release, making it ideal for low-noise, low-vibration shooting in Live-view and mirror-up applications. The camera also provides a high-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of seven images per second.

* In the electronic shutter mode, the camera’s SR II mechanism and AA filter simulator are inoperable. During high-speed continuous shooting, the subject may suffer some deformation.

6．Optical viewfinder with nearly 100% field of view

Within its compact body, the PENTAX KP incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-end models. With a nearly 100-percent field of view and magnification of approximately 0.95 times, it provides a wide, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.

7．High-speed 27-point autofocus system with the SAFOX 11 module

The PENTAX KP features the high-speed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF sensor module to deliver dependable, responsive autofocus operation. Of its 27 focus sensors, 25 are cross-type sensors positioned in the middle to assure pinpoint focusing on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. A completely new, much improved algorithm assures better autofocusing accuracy and speed than models equipped with the conventional SAFOX 11 module. The camera also provides useful customisation features to assist in autofocus operation, such as a choice of operation modes — focus-priority, release-priority or advance-speed-priority — and the Selected-area Expansion function to automatically refocus on a subject when it moves away from the initial point.

8．Full HD movie recording with a range of functional settings

The PENTAX KP captures flawless, high-resolution Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. It also provides external microphone terminal for manual setting of the audio recording level and monitoring of the sound pressure level for microphone input. In addition to various visual effect modes available during movie recording,* it features a range of movie recording functions, including a 4K Interval Movie mode that connects a series of 4K-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval to create a single movie file, and the Star Stream mode to record the traces of stars in the Interval Movie mode.

* When a special visual effect is applied, the frame rate may differ depending on the selected effect mode.

9．Vertical-tilt-type LCD monitor

The PENTAX KP’s 3.0-inch LCD monitor has approximately 921,000 dots, and provides a vertical tilt function to facilitate high- and low-angle shooting. In addition to its wide-view design, it features an air-gapless construction, in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting. It also comes equipped with such convenient features as: the Outdoor View Setting mode, which instantly sets the optimum monitor brightness level for a given lighting condition; and a red-lit monitor display function, which facilitates monitor viewing when the photographer’s eyes have become accustomed to a dark location during night-time photography.

10．PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System

Supported by the combination of the approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor and the high-performance PRIME IV imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System accurately and efficiently analyses such factors as brightness distribution in the image field and the subject’s primary colour and motion. By adopting a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called ‘deep learning’ to its image detection algorithm,* this system assesses each individual scene more accurately while selecting the most appropriate exposure level and finishing touches for a given scene.

* Deep learning technology is available when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto, or when the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select.


11．Other features

·        Switching lever to activate various settings during still-image and Live-view shooting and movie recording

·        New Motion Bracketing and Depth-of-field Bracketing functions to capture three images of same scene by automatically shifting aperture and/or shutter-speed settings in user-selected steps.

·        Wireless LAN connection to support operation with smartphones and tablet computers

·        DR II（Dust Removal II） mechanism to shake dust off from the image sensor surface using ultrasonic vibrations

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

·        Compatibility with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit for the recording of shooting position data and simplified astronomical photography

·        A selection of imaging tools, such as Custom Images, Digital Filters

·        Compatibility with the optional PENTAX IMAGE Transmitter 2 tethering software

Optional Accessories

Grip M (O-GP1671) and Grip L (O-GP1672)

Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP camera body, these grips can be easily replaced with the standard Grip S (O-GP167) to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or when using a mounted lens, or to improve the camera’s operability and holding comfort.

D-BG7 Battery Grip

Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP, this battery grip features a dustproof, weather-resistant construction, and provides an extra set of control buttons (shutter release, AF/AE lock, exposure compensation/Fx3, and green), and a pair of electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It comes with the Grip L for improved handling when a telephoto or large-aperture lens is mounted on the camera. In addition to the exclusive D-LI109 Lithium-ion Battery, it can also be powered by the large-capacity D-LI90 Lithium-ion Battery (dedicated battery tray included), which is also used to power the PENTAX K-1 and K-3II digital SLR cameras.

Ends

 

♦ All other brands or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

| About Ricoh |
Ricoh is a global technology company that has been transforming the way people work for more than 80 years. Under its corporate tagline – imagine. change. – Ricoh continues to empower companies and individuals with services and technologies that inspire innovation, enhance sustainability and boost business growth. These include document management systems, IT services, production print solutions, digital cameras, and industrial systems.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in over 190 countries. In the financial year ending March 2015, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,231 billion yen (approx. 18.5 billion USD).

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