Pentax K-1 DSLR with stabilized full-frame sensor and GPS can track stars
Ricoh Imaging has presented the Pentax K-1. The dslr gets a 36.4-megapixel sensor of the full-frame format and five-axis image stabilization. The mechanism is used, among other things, in combination with the built-in GPS for the Astro Tracer function.
The sensor in the Pentax K-1 is a cmos chip with a resolution of 36.4 megapixels and an ISO range of 100 to 204,800. It is presumably a sensor from the Sony factory, just like the chip in the Nikon D810. It is the first full-frame DSLR that has five-axis image stabilization in the housing. According to the manufacturer, this yields a profit of five stops.
The stabilization mechanism enables a number of features that allow the Pentax camera to set itself apart from competitors such as Canon and Nikon. For example, the K-1 has the Astro Tracer function, which makes it possible to photograph stars with slow shutter speeds, without the bright spots appearing as stripes. This is possible because the sensor can make small shifts thanks to the stabilization mechanism. Using GPS data, the sensor can ‘move’ with the stars. This function has been used previously in other Pentax cameras with GPS and can be activated on some models without GPS by connecting an optional GPS accessory.
Like the Pentax K3-II, the K-1 also features a Pixel Shift Resolution function. The camera then takes four shots in quick succession and moves the sensor one pixel for each shot using the stabilization mechanism. The files are combined into a photo that has the color information of four pixels available for each pixel captured. This results in sharper images without color errors and with less noise.
The stabilization mechanism can also be used to move the sensor a few millimeters to apply perspective correction. Furthermore, the mechanism can vibrate very quickly to simulate the effect of an anti-aliasing filter. The sensor itself does not have an AA filter, so moiré may be visible when photographing small details.
The Pentax K-1 contains a Safox 12 autofocus module, with 33 focus points, 25 of which are cross-sensitive. The three sensors in the center are extra sensitive when using lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster. The maximum shooting speed is 4.4 fps and 23 raw files or 70 jpgs fit in the buffer. It is possible to film with the camera in a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels with a maximum of 30fps.
The housing is sealed against dust and moisture and weighs approximately 1kg including battery. There are two slots for SDXC memory cards. The 3.2″ LCD has 1.04 million pixels and a flexible tilt mechanism. This makes it possible to extend the screen horizontally, vertically and diagonally. The optical viewfinder is a pentaprism that shows 100 percent of the image with a magnification of 0.7x There will also be a battery grip for the Pentax K-1, the D-BG6, which offers extra grip and space for two batteries.
In the United States, the Pentax K-1 body will be available from April for a suggested retail price of $1,799. Converted including VAT, that is about 1957 euros. At the time of writing, the euro price is not yet known, but earlier rumors spoke of a suggested retail price of 1999 euros. This makes the Pentax K-1 relatively cheap. The high-end full-frame DSLRs from Canon and Nikon cost around 3000 euros. Both competitors do offer cheaper models, but they are less equipped than the Pentax K-1.
Pentax 15-30mm f/2.8 and 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6
Coinciding with the Pentax K-1, Ricoh Imaging has announced two new full-frame lenses. There will be a 15-30mm f/2.8 ultra-wide angle and a 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom. Like the camera, both lenses are provided with seals against dust and moisture. The 15-30mm is probably made by Tamron. That manufacturer already has a lens with a comparable optical design in its range.
Ricoh Imaging announced the development of the first Pentax DSLR with a full-frame sensor at the beginning of last year at the CP+ photo fair 2015. Since then, the manufacturer has also introduced a number of lenses suitable for the full-frame camera, including a 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 and 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. It is also possible to use old manual lenses with Pentax mounts on the new camera.