The Pentax K-1 is the line’s first full-frame DSLR camera
After months of teases, the new top-tier Pentax is due out soon
Ricoh’s Pentax line is known amongst its fans for striking an fine balance between price and functionality, and today the company finally debuted the K-1, its new flagship camera and first full-frame digital SLR option.
The Pentax K-1 offers up the same equivalent image area as a 35mm film camera, with a 35.9 x 24.0mm CMOS image sensor that pumps out photos at an effective 36.4 megapixel count. And with that sensor, Ricoh says it also has the same kind of depth of field that you’d expect from a 35mm film camera, and allows for better bokeh effects than previous models.
Also new in the K-1 is Pentax’s new Shake Reduction II five-axis mechanism, which works with all compatible lenses and compensates for camera shake more effectively than past models. It uses a Pixel Shift Resolution System, too, which snaps four images of the same shot just a pixel apart and then turns them into a composite image with more accurate colouring.
The K-1 is also dustproof and weather-resistant, with magnesium alloy used for the top panel and both frames, plus 87 sealing parts within the body. And that’s even with a new, flexible tilt-type 3.2in LCD screen on the back that can be tilted vertically, horizontally, and even diagonally to get you exactly the angle you need to pull off a tough shot. Plus, the camera has Wi-Fi connectivity for mobile app control and Full HD video recording within its bag of tricks.
The Pentax K-1 will be available in mid-to-late April at a price of £1,600. If you’re looking for lens options, Ricoh will also offer a FA 15-30mm F2.8ED SDM WR ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for £1450 at the end of April, as well as a FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR zoom lens for £500 in the same timeframe.
Read More › Pentax K-3 II review
Andrew Hayward
Freelance Writer 
