Ricoh introduces Pentax K-3 II DSLR for semi-professional use
Ricoh introduces the Pentax K-3 II, a dslr with a sensor that automatically shifts. According to Ricoh, this should yield sharper images with better color reproduction. The camera for semi-professional users will be for sale at the end of May from 999 euros.
Like the predecessor K-3, the K-3 II has an aps-c-cmos sensor of 24.4 megapixels. Also unchanged are the weatherproof magnesium housing and the 27-point AF system, although Pentax promises faster focusing thanks to a new algorithm. The built-in flash, which the K-3 did have, has disappeared with the K-3 II. The built-in GPS module is new. Combined with the improved anti-shock mechanism, which Pentax claims offers 4.5 stops of compensation, this should simplify astrophotography by allowing the camera to automatically track celestial bodies.
Ricoh has equipped the K3-II with the Pixel Shift Resolution function. In practice, this means that the camera takes four images in succession very quickly, while the sensor always shifts one pixel. The four images are then superimposed, which, according to Pentax, produces a sharper image with better colors and less noise.
A comparable technique is used in the aa-filter simulator that the camera has. By making the sensor vibrate at lightning speed, disturbing moiré patterns in the image are avoided. The feature can also be turned off for a sharper image.
The camera shoots up to 8.3 frames per second in burst mode. The K-3 II does maximum filming in 1080i at 60fps or in 1080p at 30fps. A connection for a stereo microphone is available. Users can review the images on the 3.2″ LCD on the rear, which consists of more than one million dots. The screen cannot be tilted. The camera also has a full-coverage optical viewfinder with a magnification of 0, 95x Like the K-3, the K-3 II fits two SD cards in. A USB 3.0 connection and a mini HDMI port are also available.
The camera should be in stores from the end of May. The body alone costs 999 euros. For 1099 euros, buyers get the 18-55 mm II kit lens. The camera is also sold in combination with an 18-135mm lens for 1399 euros or a 16-85mm II lens for 1499 euros. All three lenses have a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6.