After spending much of the last year focusing on its full-frame format sensor-based DSLR, Ricoh today announced the Pentax KP, an update of its flagship APS-sensor DSLR. The new model, which takes the place of the 2-year-old Pentax K-3 II in the Pentax brand lineup, features increases in its top ISO and a super-fast top electronic shutter speed, plus improved autofocus performance and Shake Reduction, and the welcome addition of built-in Wi-Fi.
Pentax KP Key Features
- 24.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor; no AA filter
- ISO range 100-819,200
- Pixel Shift Resolution
- 5 stop Shake Reduction
- 27-point AF
- 1/24,000 sec top shutter speed w/Electronic shutter
- 3-inch, 921k dot resolution flip-out LCD monitor
- Rugged weather-resistant body, operates down to -10 degrees C
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Improvements in the KP over the K-3 II include a significantly higher maximum ISO (819,200 instead of 51,200), slightly improved shake reduction (Ricoh claims 5 stops of shake reduction instead of 4.5 stops), a new electronic shutter with a super fast top speed of 1/24,000 sec, built-in Wi-Fi that works with Ricoh’s Image Sync app, and a flip-out LCD monitor instead of the K-3 II’s fixed-position (but slightly higher-resolution) screen.
Although the KP’s camera’s resolution remains the same as the K-3 II, Pentax has removed the AA bypass filter from its APS-C CMOS sensor for improved image quality, and instead is using the home-grown, innovative Pentax Pixel-Shift Resolution feature to act as a virtual AA filter. The camera has customizable dials and functions, and a customizable info screen control panel that can be programmed to fit the user’s needs and shooting habits.
The camera’s pentaprism viewfinder covers 100% of the field of view with an 0.95x magnification and 20.5mm of eye relief, which is good for eyeglass wearers. The Autofocus system consists of a 27-point focus sensor with 25 cross-type focus points, and an 86K pixel RGB sensor handles multi-segment, center-weighted and spot metering. A zippy performer, the camera offers up to 7fps burst rate.
As a typical Pentax DSLR, the KP is backwards compatible with the entire line of Pentax K mount lenses, which have been in circulation since 1975. Compact in size, the KP is nevertheless ruggedized, sealed against dust and rain and capable of operation to -10 degrees C. It has an exchangeable grip in three sizes, as well as multiple exposure in composite mode and interval shooting up to 2000 exposures.
Customization is extensive: Up to five settings can be saved in the USER mode, and three custom settings on the function dial control: ISO Sensitivity, EV Compensation, Bracket Value, Custom Image, AF Mode, AF Active Area, Focus Peaking, Program Line, Shutter Mode Selection, Recorded Pixels, AA Filter Simulator, Grid Display, LCD Display Options, Image Magnification, and Outdoor View Setting. The FX1, FX2, FX3 and AF/AE buttons can be reprogrammed to control specific operations.
RAW image files can be edited for white balance, clarity, skin tone, HDR, Pixel Shift resolution, shadow correction, and high-ISO noise reduction, among other features. Capture settings include lens correction, noise reduction, an electronic level and a composition adjustment mode.
The Pentax KP, like its predecessor, records full HD (1920×1080/60i) video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format. It has a built-in stereo mic and an external mic jack and has a recording time limit of 25 minutes.
The Pentax KP will be available in Black and Silver from Adorama for $1,099. The Pentax D-BG7 battery grip will be available for .
