Ricoh Imaging, after a long pause, finally announced a new camera from the Pentax lineup – the full-frame DSLR K-1. Judging by the technical specifications, the device may well be the flagship. As usual, Ricoh has redesigned the new device. So the camera looks more like a medium format or APS-C. But inside it’s still a full-frame sensor with 36 mm resolution.5 megapixels. The body of the device is made of magnesium alloy and offers a waterproof and frost-resistant design.
Key features of the Pentax K-1
Another extremely unusual design element of the device is the universal mount mechanism 3.2-inch liquid crystal display. Thanks to it, the screen can rotate and tilt in all directions. At the same time, the display has four attachment points. The control panel has several hidden LED elements that illuminate the buttons and joysticks. The front panel also has additional “lights” for a lens replacement in the “field.
Camera performance is expected to be slightly less than counterparts with smaller sensor sizes. Specifically, the Pentax K-1 can shoot at 4.4 frames per second at full resolution or 6.5 frames at cropped up to APS-C. The range of sensitivity is very wide indeed, from 100 to 204,800 in ISO equivalent. Add to that the 33-point SAFOX 12 autofocus system and a five-axis optical stabilization mechanism on the sensor and you get a virtually ideal camera for field conditions.
The new lenses
Speaking of lenses, it’s worth mentioning that Ricoh has announced two more new optics designed specifically for the Pentax K-1.
HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f/2 lens.8ED SDM WR offers ultra-wide zoom with bright aperture, 18-element optical design, weather protection and new high-speed SDM autofocus drive
HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/2 lens.5-5.6ED DC WR – compact travel lens with 15 lenses, high-end coverage HD and fast autofocus system.
Price and availability
The Pentax K-1 will go on sale this April for about $1800 for the kit without the lens body-only .
HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f/2 lens.8ED SDM WR – $1500
The HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/2 lens.5-5.6ED DC WR – $500
What are the standout features of the new Pentax K-1 full-frame DSLR camera? How does it compare to other full-frame cameras in terms of image quality and performance? Additionally, how does Pentax’s new 15-30 mm and 28-105 mm lenses enhance the camera’s capabilities?