Pentax Release New DSLR With 'Innovative Illuminated Body'

Pentax has today released a new digital SLR camera, available in 12 fashionable colour variations.

Posted: 28/08/2014 - 13:22

Pentax has today announced the release of the latest digital SLR to join the line-up of cameras in the Ricoh Imaging UK family. 

The Pentax K-S1 features an innovative illuminated body, a progressive design and outstanding imaging performance. The new DSLR will be available from mid-September with an RRP of £549.99 (body only). Two bundles are also available: K-S1+ SMC DA L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6  - RRP £599.99 and K-S1 + SMC DA L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL + SMC DA L f4.5.6 AL 50-200mm AL - RRP £679.99.

The Pentax K-S1 Features:

• Newly developed CMOS sensor with approx. 20.12 effective megapixels
• LED body illumination indicates the current status of camera operation. Power switch LEDs stay green during still-image shooting, but change colour to red during movie recording
• 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor, and newly designed, easy-to-use GUI
• Full HD movie recording with stereo audio
• Super-high sensitivity at ISO 51200
• Top shutter speed of 1/6000 sec.
• High-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of 5.4 images per second
• Image processing tools to create 10 distinctive effects, including three new options: “Fresh” with a crystal-clean finishing touch; “Fade Colour” for an elegant finish with subdued colours; and “Infrared” for a black-and-white finish like that of an infrared photo.
• 21 digital filters including a new “Colour Replacement” filter.
• Smartphone-support functions available by installing the optional Flucard for Pentax 16GB memory card**
• DR (Dust Removal) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor

** These functions support smartphones operating iOS6 or later and Android 4.2 or later

Visit the Ricoh Imaging UK website for more information. 

From Ricoh Imaging UK:

Meet the PENTAX K-S1, the latest digital SLR to join the RICOH IMAGING UK family. Featuring outstanding imaging performance, progressive design and an innovative illuminated body, the K-S1 rivals even high-end models.

Designed for photographers who take pictures wherever they go, whether that’s on a smartphone or tablet, the PENTAX K-S1 ups the ante when it comes to image quality, while still offering a great lightweight, compact and portable option.

Featuring a body that bucks the trend of conventional digital SLR camera design, this camera also boasts an innovative illumination interface system that intuitively reacts to changes in camera operation from stills to video, ensuring the K-S1 stands out in the crowd.

This new model also comes in 12 different colour variations to suit your own personal style and taste. These include Black, Blue and White as standard, four models from ‘the Fabric collection’, which recreates the colour and tone of materials with Cotton Beige, Linen Brown, Denim Blue, Tweed Gray; and five from ‘the Night Sky collection’, which reflect the colour changes in the sky from sunset to dawn with Sunset Orange, Dusk Gold, Moon Silver, Midnight Black, and Dawn Purple.

If you’re looking for high-end specs the PENTAX K-S1 really does have it all. From the PENTAX-developed AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator (first introduced on the PENTAX K-3); and an optical viewfinder offering 100% field of view; to an built-in shake reduction mechanism; and a top sensitivity of ISO 51200. All of these features combine to provide an exceptional digital imaging performance that will satisfy photographers of all levels — from first-time SLR users to experienced photo enthusiasts.

mckendrick mckendrick

14 posts
19 years
London

Posted 02/09/2014 - 03:56 Link

Is this what we should come to expect from Pentax now it's a 'Ricoh Company' - illuminated camera bodies?

This is so tacky. Tackier even than those weekend racers with rows of blue lights underside of their trashy 2nd hand BMW's.

After forty years, I sense a change of camera manufacturer coming on.

Farewell, Pentax. It was good knowing you - for a few years at least.

Ciao.

Mark McKendrick

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

RussV RussV

322 posts
14 years

Posted 03/09/2014 - 08:39 Link

The lights can be turned off. With one control wheel it's obviously aimed more at the (possibly younger) starter market but with imaging technology thats good enough for more advanced users who can't or won't buy a mid-range body.

www.russv.me.uk

Longviewer Longviewer

7 posts
10 years

Posted 07/09/2014 - 00:39 Link

Ciao mckendrick, from one who preordered a white 20mpxl k3 mini that suits them just fine. Feel free to judge an item and a corporation by its press release and leds!

Jim R - NW USA .. My Blogsite
K-5 IIs+Q.. F17-28Fish, DA20-40Ltd, A50, Tam90, M135, DAL55-300

tyronet2000 tyronet2000

4862 posts
13 years
Northumberland

Posted 10/09/2014 - 14:17 Link

Disappointing. Was hoping for an articulated viewing screen. Therefore K5IIs adequate for my needs. Only plus point, it's available in black

Regards
Stan

PPG

chrysb chrysb

35 posts
13 years
Stoke on Trent

Posted 12/09/2014 - 07:13 Link

I rather like this. It looks to be aimed at a younger user perhaps with its styling but you can't knock the specs. It may prove to be a very clever move if it attracts new users to the brand, after all once they have a lens or two they are more likely to stay with the brand when they upgrade.

In tough times it is not good enough to simply be competent at what you do, you have to be able to offer something more, and this camera does that. Well done Ricoh, I say, for daring to be different.

I wish .....

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