A much more promising way to counteract moire is the one proposed by Pentax: if there is a risk of moire, the stabilized matrix in their cameras without a filter shifts a little during exposure the amount of shift can be adjusted. Actually, when we get acquainted with Pentax products it becomes a pity that they are not widely spread in our region. These are excellent tools with thoughtful features whose developers are well aware of what’s important to a photographer and what’s a whirlwind. Pentax, by the way, also introduced a novelty – the amateur K-S1, which has enough curves for example, the crazy color gamut of bodies , but at the same time – in the amateur model! – The viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage, the body is dust and waterproof and the stabilized sensor works with all lenses.
Pentax K-3
Pentax K-3
Released last year, the flagship of Pentax’s DSLR lineup quickly amassed an entire collection of prestigious awards, and deservedly so: The K-3 optimally combines the latest technology, performance, reliability, and relative affordability. Sensor resolution – 24 megapixel, thus multi-axis stabilization on the sensor works with all lenses the claimed efficiency – 4 EV . No anti moiré filter, but at the risk of moiré, its effect is simulated by the stabilizer, shifting the sensor slightly during exposure the strength of the effect is adjustable . Speed 8.3 fps, the latest autofocus system SAFOX 11 with 27 points, of which 25 cross points. Large and bright viewfinder, as always with Pentax cameras. Videographers will be pleased with the ability to record in Full HD 1080/60i with adjustable audio level. Compact and rugged body is waterproof and dustproof.
Specifications:
Date of announcement: October 2013
Mount:KAF3, KAF2, KAF, KA
Sensor format: CMOS, 23.5 × 15.6 mm, stabilized
Krop Factor: 1.5
Sensor size: 24.4 million., 6016×4000 pixels.
LCD monitor: 8 cm, 1,037,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 27 points
Shutter Speed Range: 30-1/8000 s
Continuous Shooting: Up to 8.3 fps
Sensitivity: 100-51 200 ISO
Flash: built-in flash GN 13 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: Up to 1920×1080, 60 fps 16:9 , AVI, Motion JPEG with audio
SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards 2 slots
Power: Pentax D-LI90 Li-Ion
Dimensions: 131×100×77 mm
Weight: 800 g
Price: $1200
Pentax K-5 II/K-5 II s
Pentax K-5 II
Pentax K-5 II s
For demanding amateurs and professionals on a tight budget, Pentax has developed a pair of K-5 II/K-5 IIs twin models. The only difference is that the K-5 IIs do not have a crop filter, but apart from that their performance is identical: a 16 megapixel sensor, shooting at up to 7 fps, the extremely accurate Safox X autofocus system with an exceptional sensitivity down to -3 EV keeps working even where the competitors’ autofocus is “blind. Impressive how Pentax describes the all-weather body protection: both cameras can “withstand rain of any force for any length of time”. What’s more, they are frostproof. The superior viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage and the image stabilization system on the sensor works effectively with all the lenses in the APS-C sized lineup, which are ranked as the best on the market in terms of both sophistication and variety.
Specifications:
Date of announcement: September 2012
Mount: KAF3, KAF2, KAF, KA
Sensor format: CMOS, 23.7 × 15.7 mm, stabilized
Cropped ratio: 1.5
Sensor size: 16.3 million., 4928×3264 pixels.
LCD: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed range: 30-1/8000 s
Continuous Shooting: up to 7 fps
Sensitivity: 100-12,800 ISO extended 80-51,200 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 13 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: Up to 1920×1080, 25 fps 16:9 , AVI, Motion JPEG with sound
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Pentax D-LI90 Li-Ion
Dimensions: 131×97×73 mm
Weight: 760 g
Price: $730/$800
Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S1
In a highly competitive market, Pentax approached the release of the new amateur DSLR K-S1 with fire: about its appearance and photographic characteristics should be told separately. The lightweight 498g without battery body is equipped with a stabilized 20 megapixel sensor, decent autofocus 11 points, including 9 cross and full-featured viewfinder with 100% viewfinder coverage. Stabilized sensor for smoother astro photography: Optional GPS unit moves sensor sideways to compensate for movement of the stars. Can shoot Full HD video in stereo sound. There’s an interesting array of creative digital filters, including several new ones. And on the outside, a memorable futuristic design with lights on the handle and a choice of a dozen bright colors.
Specifications:
Announcement date: August 2014
Mount: KAF3, KAF2, KAF, KA
Sensor format: CMOS, 23.5×15.6 mm, stabilized
Krop factor 1.5
Sensor size: 20.1 million., 5472×3648 pixels.
LCD: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter speed range: 30-1/6000 s
Continuous Shooting: Up to 5.4 fps
Sensitivity: 100-51 200 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 10 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30/25/24 fps 16:9 , MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 MOV
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Li-Ion D-LI109
Dimensions: 120×92.5×69.5 mm
Weight: 498 g
Price: new
Pentax K-50/K-500
Pentax K-50
Pentax K-500
The most affordable amateur segment in the Pentax DSLR lineup is also represented by twin cameras, identical in most features. The difference between the two is in the degree of budget: the more affordable K-500 has no all-weather protection and built-in electronic level, and it is powered by four AA cells, although you can also install a lithium-ion battery. With the battery, the K-500 has a shooting speed of 6 fps, and with AA batteries – 5.3 fps. The K-50 is slightly faster at 6.3 fps. Maximum sensitivity for both models up to 51,600 ISO. As always, Pentax doesn’t skimp on viewfinders: even with these low-end models, they have 100% viewfinder coverage and provide comfortable viewing. Sensor is stabilized and works effectively with all lenses Full HD video recording possible.
Specifications:
Date of announcement: June 2012
Bayonet: KAF3, KAF2, KAF, KA
Sensor format: CMOS, 23.7×15.7 mm, stabilized
Krop factor: 1.5
Sensor size: 16.28 million., 4928×3264 pix.
LCD monitor: 7.6 cm, 921,000 pixels., Live View mode
Autofocus: 11 points
Shutter Speed Range: 30-1/6000 s
Continuous shooting: up to 6.3 frames/sec/ up to 6 frames/sec
Sensitivity: 100-51,600 ISO
Flash: Built-in flash GN 12 , hot shoe, syncro, X-sync at 1/180 sec
Video: up to 1920×1080, 30 fps 16:9 , H.264 Motion JPEG with sound
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Power: Li-Ion Pentax D-LI90/4×AA
Dimensions: 130×97×71 mm
Weight: 650 g/646 g
Price: $700/$630 kit
Can you provide a comparison between the different models of Pentax K reflex cameras, particularly highlighting the key features and improvements in each succeeding model?