The Pentax K-3 II is the new flagship of Pentax’s line of K-mount DSLR cameras

Ricoh Imaging announces the release of a new SLR camera, the Pentax K-3 II, the flagship of its line of “K” mount SLR cameras. This new product replaces the Pentax K-3 released in November 2013 – a camera that has won a huge number more than 12 awards in Europe and the world as the best DSLR camera for professionals and keen amateurs.

The new flagship allows you to take high resolution photos thanks to innovative technologies, such as improved proprietary technology Shake Reduction – the most advanced of those that are now installed in cameras with the lens mount “K”, a new development – a function Pixel Shift Resolution, which allows you to get images of unparalleled sharpness.

Highlights of the K-3 II include an APS-C sensor with 24.35 effective megapixels, no low-pass AA anti-aliasing filter for unmatched photo clarity, high-precision 27-point autofocus that works confidently in near total darkness, 8.3 frames per second continuous shooting speed, and a rugged, dustproof, weatherproof body.

Moreover, the camera has a built-in GPS module, which records the coordinates of the places where the pictures were taken, and thus significantly facilitates the correlation of the footage with the route taken. Works in tandem with the stabilization system, the GPS module helps the camera to capture astronomical objects without the need for a special time-keeping mount for spectacular astrophotography.

Key Features

1. New Pixel Shift Resolution technology for ultra-sharp images beyond your sensor

The K-3 II features the new Pixel Shift Resolution System*, the latest development that allows you to capture four photos of the same scene by shifting the sensor by one pixel with each new image to then synchronize all four frames into one final image**.

Compared to the conventional Baeyer system where each pixel receives information about one color only and the color of each pixel is calculated by interpolation, the new system gives each pixel true data about each of the three basic colors. The Pixel Shift Resolution System significantly increases image detail, real resolution not interpolated becomes higher, color transitions appear much more clearly and colors themselves become more truthful, especially this effect is evident at high ISO settings, when without this technology a degradation of color and resolution is usually already observed.

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Note: The set of four images can be combined into a final image either on their own with the software that comes with the camera, or automatically by the camera’s built-in RAW – converter.

2. High-resolution images

The K-3 II is equipped with an APS-C sensor without a primary anti-moire filter, the high-performance PRIME III processor – the same as in the medium-format Pentax 645Z – for optimal high-speed data processing of the 24.35-megapixel sensor, which gives sharp, sharp images with smooth light and shade transitions. The K-3 II captures images with minimal noise even at high sensitivities, enabling shooting at sensitivities up to ISO 51,200.

3. The new generation of the PENTAX Shake Reduction SR stabilization system

The K-3 II features the Pentax-designed image stabilization technology that shifts the sensor on multiple planes. This stabilization system will work with any installed on the camera. Thanks to the new gyroscopic sensor, the stabilization mechanism compensates for camera shake, with a system efficiency of 4.5EV, the best performance of any Pentax SLR camera. Even the occasional shot taken on the road will be monitored by the stabilization system, giving you the best possible results in the conditions available.

4. Innovative optical-mechanical antialiasing filter to combat moiré images***

If you want to control moiré patterns in the K-3 II, the SR mechanism vibrates the sensor by microscopic stages, simulating the performance of a traditional smoothing filter. And when photographers want a “ringing” sharpness, the mechanism can simply be turned off or the degree of smoothing effect can be adjusted. This means you can tailor the appropriate anti-aliasing filter setting for any scene or subject.

5. More Control over Composition

The SR design, which rotates the sensor unit around the optical axis of the lens, offers a variety of convenient features, such as automatic horizon levelling, frame tilt adjustment while the camera is rigidly mounted on a tripod, and ASTRO TRASER, which captures clear images of the sky by automatically compensating for the movement of celestial bodies without the costly and difficult-to-set-up astronomical mounts.

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*When using this system, we recommend fixing the camera on a tripod. Moving object in the camera’s field of view may not be partially or fully reproduced in the final image.

** Compatible with K- , KA- , KAF- , KAF2- and KAF3 mount lenses screw mount lenses with adapter as well as 645- and 67 mount lenses via adapter. Some functions may not be available with some lenses.

***Filter performance is at its best when shooting at a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or slower. Cannot be combined with some other features, including Pixel Shift Resolution technology.

6. SAFOX 11AF high-precision 27-sensor autofocus unit

The novelty is equipped with SAFOX 11 AF autofocus module with 27 focus sensors, 25 of which are cross-type and 3 central ones are responsible for focusing with aperture of f/2.8 and up. Significantly refined autofocus algorithms and the cooperation of the autofocus sensor with the 860,000-pixel RGB PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System exposure metering sensor make the new autofocus system perform significantly better in moving subject and tracking mode. And thanks to the extra-lucid lens in the optical path of the module and a high-sensitivity sensor, confident focusing is achieved even in extremely low light – the autofocus range is phenomenal at 3 EV – +18 EV.

7. High-precision exposure control with Scene Analysis System

PENTAX K-3 II features the latest highly intelligent exposure metering system Real-Time Scene Analysis System based on 86 000 pixel RGB sensor. By analyzing the scene in the frame and identifying the main subject and the background, the system determines the optimal exposure with a very high degree of accuracy, even for an extremely difficult contrast scene in terms of light. Data from the exposure metering sensor is also used to improve the accuracy of white balance and auto focus.

8. High-speed continuous shooting at 8.3 frames per second

The PENTAX K-3 II can shoot a continuous burst of 23 RAW images or 60 JPEG images ****, at a maximum shooting speed of approximately 8.3 frames per second. Reliable shutter, independent aperture and mirror lift controls, an effective mirror damping system minimizing shutter release vibration and a high performance processing system based on the latest PRIME III processor and DDR3 RAM ensure high speed shooting.

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At maximum resolution and quality

9. Optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage

For maximum ease of composition and accurate assessment of sharpness of the future frame in bright light and in deep twilight, the PENTAX K-3 II is equipped with a pentaprism viewfinder with a special coating that increases the reflectivity and reduces light loss. The viewfinder displays 100% of the frame area and has a high magnification of 0.95X.

10. Full HD video recording with advanced creative tools

PENTAX K-3 II allows you to shoot high quality video with FULL HD resolution 1920×1080 pixels, frame rate 60i/30P using H.264, which delivers flawless images while saving space on the memory card. Manual and semi-automatic exposure modes, manual volume control for audio recording, external microphone terminal and headphone jack make the K-3 II an ideal tool for the cameraman. In addition to numerous creative special effects***** K-3 II can capture 4K resolution 3840×2160 pixels footage at a preset interval and automatically combine it into a video stream. So it’s possible to record 4K ultra-high resolution video.

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***** When selecting a special image processing mode, the frame rate can vary depending on the selected mode.

11. Built-in GPS module

With built-in GPS and electronic compass, the camera records and stores the coordinates of location, altitude, azimuth and the exact satellite time in image metadata. Other useful features include the ability to record a track a compass shown on the camera display and ASTRO TRACER, which makes it easier to track and photograph celestial bodies by combining GPS data with the movement of the camera’s stabilizer SR system .

12. Large, handy 3.2” LCD monitor with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots

The large 3.2-inch LCD display with high resolution of about 1037000 dots and an aspect ratio of 3:2 makes it easy to view footage, compose and judge sharpness in Live View and movie modes, and make menu-based adjustments with ease. Shock-resistant tempered glass protects the monitor in harsh environments, and a unique design that completely eliminates the air layer between the LCD panel and the cover glass, ensures no glare when using the camera in bright ambient light.

13. Compact dust and waterproof housing design

K-3 II body is made of durable lightweight magnesium alloy. With 92 weatherproof gaskets, the camera is sealed against dust and moisture, ensuring trouble-free operation in the harshest of weather conditions and even down to -10°C. And with a reliable shutter with a guaranteed 200,000 times without deterioration in performance, the new flagship K-3 II is a true companion for photographers, providing stunning performance and responsiveness in a variety of shooting conditions.

Other features

-Additional reliability and convenience for professional performance with two memory card slots. And the camera is compatible with ultra-fast SDXC UHS-1 cards in SDR104 mode.

-With the optional FLUCARD for Pentax memory card, you can remotely control the shooting process, make basic settings and transfer images to a mobile computer via Wi-Fi.

-A package of exclusive technologies to prevent sensor contamination: mechanical cleaning “Dust Removal II” through a special intensive movement of the sensor with a frequency of ultrasound and a unique mode to search for dust on the image sensor surface Dust Alert.

-HDR mode captures scenes with extreme differences in brightness and the result can be recorded in both JPEG and RAW.

-With proprietary hyper-programmed and hyper-manual exposure adjustment modes, the user can instantly switch from program or manual mode to shutter speed and aperture priority mode.

-Mode dial lock can be turned off.

-White balance can be quickly adjusted using the color tones of the auto setting and any “preset”, as well as setting the balance manually using the color wheel and quickly assessing the result on the LCD.

For individual creative needs, you can choose a Picture Style Custom Image of Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Art, Ultra Color, Fade, Bleach Bypass, Monochrome, Slide and fine-tune each mode by adjusting brightness, sharpness, contrast and saturation.

-To protect copyrights, the PENTAX K-3 knows how to enter information about the name of the photographer and copyright holders into the EXIF data of the image.

-Ergonomics and power can be improved with the battery pack D-BG5 sold separately , also waterproof. Battery pack accepts AA batteries. The power supplies in the camera and the battery pack can be used at the same time.

-The camera includes russified Digital Camera Utility software updated version 5 .

-Fast data transfer to a computer is ensured by a high-speed USB 3 interface.0.