PENTAX K-3 II

PENTAX K-3 II 12

Ricoh has released PENTAX K-3 II – The new flagship model of the PENTAX K-series digital SLR cameras.

Availability : Mid May 2015
Price : $1,099
Preorder :
B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Sample image
 PENTAX K-3 II Sample Image

Key Features

1. High-resolution images

The K-3 II combines an APS-C-size CMOS image sensor free of an anti-aliasing filter with the high-performance PRIME III imaging engine — identical to the one installed in the PENTAX 645Z medium-format digital SLR camera — to optimize the imaging power of approximately 24.35 effective megapixels and deliver sharp, fine-gradation images. It also effectively minimizes annoying noise generated at higher sensitivities, allowing high-grade, high-sensitivity shooting even at the top sensitivity of ISO 51200.

2. New-generation PENTAX-original shake reduction mechanism

(1) Upgraded in-body SR mechanism to assure the best shake reduction performance in the K series
The K-3 II comes equipped with a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism that can be used with any compatible PENTAX interchangeable lens.* Thanks to its new, high-precision gyro sensor, this mechanism assures more stable, effective camera-shake compensation than ever before, with an extra-wide compensation range of as much as 4.5 shutter steps — the widest of all K-series digital SLR models. Even when taking a panning shot, this efficiently controls the SR unit to always produce the best image possible under the given conditions.

(2) New Pixel Shift Resolution System to deliver image resolutions higher than the image sensor’s capacity
The K-3 II features Pixel Shift Resolution System,** the latest super-resolution technology, which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single unit of color data, this new system obtains all color data in each pixel. This innovative system delivers super-high-resolution images with far more truthful color reproduction and much finer details, while significantly lowering the level of high-sensitivity noise. Recorded images can also be synthesized, either on a computer using the accompanying utility software, or with the camera’s in-body RAW-data development function.

(3) Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moiré
By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the K-3 II’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user not only switch the anti-aliasing filter effect on and off, but also to adjust the level of the effect. This means that the ideal effect can be set for a particular scene or subject.

(4) Supportive shooting functions
The K-3 II’s SR unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all directions. This is one reason why the K-3 II can provide a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation; image-composition fine-adjustment; and ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography.

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: K、KA、KAF、KAF2 and KAF3mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions are not available with certain lenses.
** When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly, either in part or as a whole.
*** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be combined with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution system.

3. High-precision, SAFOX 11 sensor module with 27-point AF system

The K-3 II features the sophisticated SAFOX 11 AF sensor module with an expanded image-field coverage using 27 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The center sensor and the two sensors just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using a large-aperture lens. Thanks to the combination of a state-of-the-art AF algorithm and the advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, this AF system assures much improved AF tracking performance in the AF Continuous mode, while providing an extra-wide measurable luminance range (-3EV to +18EV).

4. High-precision exposure control with PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System

The K-3 II is equipped with the advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, which is supported by an approximately 86,000-pixel RGB metering sensor. This system is designed to optimize the camera’s overall performance, not only by controlling exposure with great accuracy, but also by utilizing the data obtained by the light-metering sensor to further enhance the accuracy of autofocusing and white-balance adjustment. It has also expanded the measurable luminance level to as low as -3EV. By detecting the type of scene or subject using the RGB metering sensor, the K-3 II selects the exposure settings that are more consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions.

5. High-speed continuous shooting with a top speed of approximately 8.3 images per second

The K-3 II continuously records as many as 23 images in the RAW format, or 60 images in the JPEG format,**** in a single sequence. This has been made possible through the use of several innovative developments, including: a high-speed, highly accurate control mechanism that regulates the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently; a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME III imaging engine.

**** JPEG recorded pixels: L, JPEG image quality: Best

6. Optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view

The K-3 II’s glass prism has been treated with a coating that is designed to improve reflectance for a much brighter viewfinder image. With a magnification of approximately 0.95 times, its viewfinder provides a broad, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.

7. Full HD movie recording with an array of creative tools

The K-3 II captures Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30p frame rate) in the H.264 recording format. It also comes equipped with a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection and a headphone terminal. The user can even adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound pressure levels during microphone recording. In addition to a host of distinctive visual effects available for movie recording,***** the K-3 II also provides the interval movie mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips at a fixed interval

***** When special image processing is required, the frame rate may vary depending on the selected special-effect mode.

8. Built-in GPS module

Thanks to its built-in GPS module, the K-3 II provides a variety of advanced GPS functions, including the recording of location, latitude, longitude, altitude and UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) and direction at the time of shooting. The user can easily access images containing GPS data using a computer, to browse them, check on shooting locations and position data on the screen, or save them.

The user can also take advantage of some unique tools, including: GPS log, which keeps track of the photographer’s movement; Electronic Compass, which displays the camera’s direction on the camera’s LCD monitor; and ASTROTRACER, which simplifies the tracing and photographing of celestial bodies by coupling GPS data with the camera’s SR mechanism.

9. Large, easy-to-view 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots

On its back panel, the K-3 II features a 3.2-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In addition to its wide-view design, this monitor also has a protective tempered-glass front panel for added durability, and a unique air-gapless construction in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting.

10. Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction

The K-3 II’s exterior casing, consisting of top and bottom panels and front and back frames, is made of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy. Thanks to the inclusion of 92 sealing parts in the body, it boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction, assuring solid operation at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a dependable, durable shutter unit that withstands 200,000 shutter releases. Despite all these features, the K-3 II has been designed to be compact and maneuverable, assuring remarkable operability and swift response in the field.

11. Other features

  1. Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)
  2. Smartphone-support functions using the optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB
  3. Top-grade DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
  4. HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing
  5. PENTAX-invented hyper control system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions
  6. Model dial with a choice of lock mechanism engagement (ON or OFF)
  7. Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, brightness level at image-field edges, and fringe effect (available in RAW-format processing only)
  8. The latest version of Digital Camera Utility 5 software is included

Product PhotoPENTAX K-3 II 14

PENTAX K-3 II 11

PENTAX K-3 II 10

PENTAX K-3 II 09

PENTAX K-3 II 08

PENTAX K-3 II 07

PENTAX K-3 II 02

PENTAX K-3 II 03

Specifications

Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts)
Compatible Lens KAF3、KAF2KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom compatible),KAF,KA mount lens

Image Capture Unit

Image Sensor Primary color filter, CMOS. Size: 23.5 x 15.6 (mm)
Effective Pixels Approx. 24.35 megapixels
Total Pixels Approx. 24.71 megapixels
Dust Removal Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations “DR II” with the Dust Alert function
Sensitivity
(Standard output)
ISO AUTO/100 to 51200 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV)
Image Stabilizer Sensor-shift shake reduction (SR: Shake Reduction)
AA Filter Simulator Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Type1/Type2/Bracket

File Formats

File format RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.30), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded Pixels JPEG: L(24M:6016×4000), M(14M:4608×3072), S(6M:3072×2048)、XS(2M:1920×1280), RAW: (24M:6016×4000)
Quality Level RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG
JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous capturing available
Color Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage Medium SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Card (Conforms to USH-1 standards), Eye-Fi card, FLU card.
Dual SD slot Sequential Use, Save to Both, Separate RAW/JPG, Image copy between slots possible
Storage Folder Folder name: Date (100_1018,101_1019…) or User assigned folder name (Default “PENTX”)
Recording File File name: “IMGP****” or User assigned file name
File name numbering: Sequential, Reset

Viewfinder

Type Pentaprism Finder
Coverage (FOV) Approx. 100%
Magnification Approx. 0.95x (50mmF1.4 at infinity)
Eye-Relief Length Approx. 20.5mm (from the view window), Approx. 22.3mm (from the center of lens)
Diopter adjustment Approx. -2.5m to + 1.5m-1
Focusing Screen Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen

Live View

Type TTL method using CMOS image sensor
Focusing Mechanism Contrast detection (Face detection, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select, Spot)
Focus peaking: ON/OFF
Display Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (2x, 4x, 8x, 10x),
Grid display (4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display), Histogram, Bright area warning, Composition Adjustment

LCD Monitor

Type Wide viewing angle TFT color LCD with AR coating, Air-gapless glass.
Size 3.2 inch (aspect ratio 3:2)
Dots Approx. 1037K dots
Adjustment Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable

White Balance

Type Method using a combination of the CMOS image sensor and the light source detection sensor
White Balance AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D:Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image
Fine Adjustment Adjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis

Autofocus System

Type TTL: phase-matching autofocus
Focus Sensor SAFOX 11, 27 point (25 cross type focus points in the center)
Brightness Range EV-3 to 18 (ISO 100 / at normal temperature)
AF mode Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C), Auto select AF (AF.A)
AF Point Selection Spot, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Zone select, Auto (27 AF points)
AF Assist Light Dedicated LED AF assist light

Metering

Type TTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor, Multi-segment, Center-weighted and Spot metering
Metering Range EV-3 to 20 (ISO100 at 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Mode Green mode, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed, USER1, USER2, USER3
EV Compensation ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected)
AE Lock Button type (timer type: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting);
Continuous as long as the shutter button is halfway pressed

Shutter

Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
* Electronic shutter when using Pixel Shift Resolution
Shutter Speed Auto: 1/8000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb

Drive Modes

Mode Selection Still Image:
Single frame, Continuous (H, M, L), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote Control (immediately, 3 sec., continuous), Exposure Bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames/ Possible to use with Self-timer or Remote Control ), Mirror-up (Possible to use with Remote Control), Interval shooting, Interval Composite

Movie:
Remote Control, Interval Movie RecordContinuous ShootingTBD: Max. approx. 8.3 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 60 frames, RAW: up to approx. 23 frames
TBD: Max. approx. 4.5 fps, JPEG L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 32 frames
TBD: Max. approx. 3.0 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous Lo): up to approx. 200 frames, RAW: up to approx. 52 frames
*ISO100Multi-ExposureComposite Mode(Additive/Average/Bright)
Number of Shots(2 to 2000 images)Interval ShootingStill Image:
Interval:2s. to 24h.
Number of shots:2~2000
imagesStart Interval: Now/Set Time

Movie
Recorded size:4K/FullHD/HD
Interval:2s. to 1h.
Recording time:14s.to 99h.
Start Interval: Now/Set Time

Flash

Flash Modes Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync (available with dedicated external flash)
Sync Speed 1/180sec.
Flash Exposure Compensation -2.0~+1.0EV

Capture Settings

Custom Image Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Process Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3
Digital Filter Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome
HDR Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function
Pixel Shift Resolution ON/OFF
Lens Correction Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction
D-RANGE Compensation Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Noise Reduction Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO NR
GPS GPS Logging (Logging Interval, Logging Duration, Memory Card Options), ASTROTRACER, Calibration, Additional Settings (GPS Time Sync, GPS Indicator Lamp)
Horizon Correction SR On: correction up to 1 degrees, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees
Composition Adjustment Adjustment range of ±1.5mm up, down, left or light (1mm when rotated); Rotating range of 1 degree
Electronic Level Displayed in viewfinder and LCD panel (Horizontal direction only);Displayed on LCD monitor (Horizontal direction and vertical direction)

Movie

File Format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)
*Motion JPEG(AVI) for Interval Movie Record
Recorded Pixels Full HD(1920×1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p)
HD (1280×720, 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p)
Sound Built-in monaural microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible)
Recording Sound Level adjustable.
Recording Time Up to 25 minutes; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Custom Images Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Processing Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
Digital Filter Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome
HDR
*available only for Interval Movie
Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable

Playback

Playback View Single frame, multi-image display (6,12, 20, 35, 80 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16, 100% display and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram (Y histogram,RGB histogram), bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, detailed inf,Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slide Show, GPS information (latitude,longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time , Orientation)
Delete Delete single image, delete all, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image
Digital Filter Base Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Pasteurization,Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim
RAW Development RAW file select:
Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder

RAW Development Parameter:
File Format (JPEG/TIFF), Aspect Ratio, JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction, Color Fringe Correction, White Balance, Custom Image, Digital filter, HDR, Pixel Shift Resolution, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow CorrectionEditImage Rotation, Color Moiré Correction, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Index,Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Saving RAW data in buffer memory, Image Copy, Eye-Fi Image Transfer

Customization

USER Mode Up to 3 settings can be saved
Custom Functions 26 items
Mode Memory 12 items
Button Customization RAW/ran Button (One Push File Format, Exposure Bracketing, Optical Preview, Digital Preview, Shake Reduction, LCD Panel Illumination, AF button (AF1, AF2, Cancel AF)
Text Size Standard, Large
World Time World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones)
AF fine Adjustment ±10 step, Uniform adjustment, Individual adjustment (up to 20 can be saved)
Copyright Information Names of “Photographer” and “Copyright Holder” are embedded to the image file.
Revision history can be checked using the provided software.

GPS/Electronic Compass

Satellites GPS, QZSS, SBAS(WAAS/EGNOS/GAGAN/MSAS)
Reception Frequency L1 1575.42MHz
Recorded Information Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Time (UTC), Direction
Geodesics World Geodetic System (WGS84)
GPS Logging KML format, Logging Interval: 5/10/15/30sec. /1min., Logging Duration: 1-24hr. (Up to 9hours at Logging Interval 5sec. Up to 18hrs. at Logging Interval 10sec.)
Electronic Compass Azimuth calculation using triaxial geomagnetic sensor and triaxial acceleration sensor, True north standard

Power supply

Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90
AC Adapter AC Adapter Kit K-AC132 (Optional)
Battery Life Number of recordable images: Approx.: 720 images
Playback time: Approx. 370 minutes
* With a fully-recharged Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard.Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition.

Interfaces

Connection Port USB3.0 (micro B), External power supply terminal, External cable switch terminal, X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D) , Stereo microphone input terminal, Headphone terminal
USB Connection MSC/PTP

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions Approx. 131.5mm (W) x102.5mm (H) x 77.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 785g (Including dedicated battery and 1x SD Memory Card),
Approx. 700g (body only)