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Pentax KF DSLR Camera Announced

Ricoh Imaging is keeping the DSLR very much alive with the release of the compact and weather-resistant Pentax KF.

Posted: 10/11/2022 - 14:37

Pentax KF

Ricoh Imaging has expanded the range of Pentax DSLRs that are available with the introduction of the Pentax KF digital SLR camera. 

The Pentax KF is basically a refresh of the Pentax K-70 and it has a compact, dustproof and weather-resistant body making it ideal for outdoor photography. 

It's a standard-class model equipped with a vari-angle LCD monitor, optical viewfinder and an array of creative functions. 

As well as the traditional black model, two special edition colour options are also available - crystal blue and crystal white, but only 700 units of each will be available worldwide.

The Pentax KF is available for pre-order priced at 949.99 Euros. 

From Ricoh Imaging:

Pentax KF

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX KF digital SLR camera. The compact, dustproof and weather-resistant body of this standard-class model, designed for all types of outdoor photography, provides a host of advanced, user-friendly features including an optical viewfinder.

Redefining the essential values of SLR photography, the PENTAX KF is designed to provide outstanding imaging performance in a compact body. It features a dustproof, weather-resistant construction and provides dependable cold-proof performance down to temperatures as low as -10°C, performing superbly in a wide range of outdoor photography without being affected by weather conditions. Despite being in the standard class, it incorporates an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features which are usually available only in upper-class models - such as a pentaprism-type optical viewfinder with a nearly 100% field of view and an in-body shake-reduction system with a 4.5 shutter-step compensation. With the PENTAX KF, even first-time SLR users can easily and effortlessly enjoy full-scale SLR photography and the entire process of digital imaging.

1. Super-high-resolution images captured with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and at ISO 102400

The PENTAX KF assures super-high-resolution imaging, thanks to a state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and high-speed 14-bit image data readout. Combined with an AA-filter-free optical design, this image sensor delivers super-high-resolution images. Also, by coupling a high-performance accelerator unit with the high-speed PRIME MII imaging engine, the PENTAX KF effectively minimizes noise at all sensitivity levels and captures rich-gradation, fine-detailed images even in super-high-sensitivity shooting at a top sensitivity of ISO 102400.

2. Dustproof, weather-resistant body perfect for rugged outdoor photography

The PENTAX KF is a dependable performer even in such demanding settings as in the rain or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures, because it combines a compact, easy-to-carry body with a dustproof, weather-resistant construction featuring 100 seals throughout the body and outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to -10°C. To assure a firm hold of the camera body with a gloved hand, the grip, control buttons on the back panel and mode dials have all been designed and contoured for optimum operability in active outdoor shooting - such as when mountain climbing, camping or attending sporting events. In addition to its outdoor-friendly LCD monitor, whose brightness level can be instantly adjusted to the lighting level of a shooting location, it also features a red-lighted monitor display function, which works friendly to the photographer's eye when it has become accustomed to a dark location during astronomical photography.

3. Clear-view optical viewfinder

Within its compact body, the PENTAX KF incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. With its approximately 100% field of view and nearly 0.95-times magnification, the PENTAX KF's viewfinder provides a large, clear view of the subject for quick, easy confirmation of focusing and framing. It also provides a double e-dial system identical with upper-class models, and PENTAX-original shooting features, such as the Hyper Program system which allows the user to instantly switch the exposure mode from Program to Aperture-priority or Shutter-priority without taking the eye off the viewfinder.

4. Vari-angle LCD monitor for easy image viewing from all angles

The PENTAX KF's vari-angle LCD monitor allows the monitor to be positioned at the desired angle, making it easier to compose images in a wide variety of applications: high-angle shooting using outstretched arms, low-angle shots taken from ground level or astronomical photography with the camera pointed upwards toward a star-filled sky. It also features a unique air-gapless construction, in which the air space between the high-definition LCD panel (with approximately 1,037,000 dots) and the protective cover has been filled with a special resin material to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting.

Pentax KF

5. PENTAX-original shake-reduction system featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System

  • In-body SR mechanism
  • Pixel Shift Resolution System with motion correction function
  • Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moire
  • Supportive shooting functions
     

6. Hybrid AF system for high-speed AF operation during Live View shooting

The PENTAX KF employs the Hybrid AF system during Live View autofocus operation. By positioning a contrast-detection AF sensor with superior focusing accuracy and a phase-matching AF sensor on the image sensor's surface, this innovative hybrid system optimizes the benefits of both AF systems to assure high-speed, pinpoint AF focusing on the subject.

7. High-precision autofocus system with the SAFOX X module

The PENTAX KF features the high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module, which assures responsive, dependable autofocus operation. With its 11 sensors including nine cross-type sensors in the middle, this AF module assures pinpoint focus on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. It also assures outstanding AF tracking performance with subjects on the move, thanks to such advanced features as the Select-area Expansion function, which automatically refocuses on a moving subject after it moves away from the initial point, with the help of the neighboring points; and an AF Hold function that maintains the initial in-focus point even when the module loses sight of the subject.

8. An array of image processing functions for diversified photographic expression

The PENTAX KF provides the PENTAX-developed Custom Image function, which lets the user process an image with the desired finishing touch to express the creative intention, or to suit the particular scene. This function provides 14 Custom Image modes, including: SATOBI, which reproduces the colors resembling those of color pictures in the 60s and 70s, with cyan-tinged blues, subdued yellows and faded reds; Bleach Bypass, which recreates the profound atmosphere of movie scenes; and Cross Processing, which adds fantastic, unusual colors to captured images. In combination with PENTAX Limited-series lenses, which are popular for their distinctive image renditions, the PENTAX KF also provides a series of special-edition Custom Image modes.

9. A host of interval shooting functions

The PENTAX KF provides a host of advanced interval shooting functions, including: 4K-resolution Interval Movie, which lets you record a series of still images at a fixed interval and link them into a single 4K-resolution movie file; Star Stream Movie, which lets you record the traces of stars or illuminations on a 4K-resolution movie file; and Interval Composite, which synthesizes a composite image with a choice of three synthesis modes (average, additive and comparative).

10. Wireless LAN connection to support smartphone operation

The PENTAX KF provides a host of wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) functions to support operations using smartphones and tablet computers. By installing the dedicated Image Sync application in a mobile device, the user can remotely check the Live View image, capture still images, and adjust such camera settings as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity to the desired level through the mobile device. It is even possible to download captured images onto the mobile device, then upload them on social networking service websites.

11. Other features

  • 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light metering
  • DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
  • High-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and high-speed continuous shooting function at a top speed of approximately six images per second
  • Self-timer function, compatible with the continuous shooting function

 

Members photos with related tags: Pentax,KF

smc
Posted 10/11/2022 - 21:33 Link
Looks good
antonio72
Posted 07/12/2022 - 07:41 Link
This is an twin of the K-70.........
I don't see any improvements or even the introduction of a BSI sensor.
In a current market in crisis it is necessary to innovate.
Posted 07/12/2022 - 12:08 Link
Is it typical for Pentax to issue only 1400 units of a new camera, or do they have serious doubts about being able to sell more?
smc
Posted 25/12/2022 - 08:09 Link
This is only for the special colour editions .

LawrenceKH wrote:
Is it typical for Pentax to issue only 1400 units of a new camera, or do they have serious doubts about being able to sell more?

ronniemac
Posted 07/01/2023 - 11:15 Link
I would like to see exactly how this differs from the K-70 which is a far less expensive camera. As far as I can tell the KF is effectively a K-70 and offers effectively nothing to justify 'upgrading' from what I already have and am very happy with. Maybe a review comparing the two would reveal something which I am not aware of. Perhaps any differences merely reflect the introduction of a few supplied components which are no longer in production?
Opethian
Posted 07/01/2023 - 14:19 Link
No mention of video capabilities even. Such a shame not to be able to use Pentax glass for videos.
mckendrick
Posted 21/01/2023 - 23:32 Link
"The Pentax KF is basically a refresh of the Pentax K70 and it has a compact, dustproof and weather-resistant body making it ideal for outdoor photography."

A fairly honest admission, I'd say. I don't have a problem with it.
Bodies: MX, LX, *ist D, K-50, KP

Optics: SMC Takumar 28-80mm 3.5-4, SMC Takumar 80-200 4, SMC 200mm 2.8, SMC A28mm 2.8mm, SMC A50mm 1.4, SMC A100mm 2.8 macro, DA10-17mm 3.5-4.5 Fisheye

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