Denver, CO—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation unveiled the Pentax K-70 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. It is marketed as a companion for hikers, climbers and snow sports enthusiasts, as well as nature and landscape photographers. Also announced was the weather-resistant HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE lens.
Compact, dustproof and weather-resistant, the Pentax K-70 incorporates features previously only available on top-of-the-line Pentax models. They are incorporated to enable photographers to produce high-resolution still photos and HD video in a variety of challenging conditions. This includes shooting in low light and at temperatures as low as 14° F.
With a new image accelerator unit developed to provide a top sensitivity of ISO 102,400, plus the Pentax Prime MII image processor, the K-70 is built to capture high-res, low-noise images in extremely low light. Its 24.24-effective-megapixel CMOS sensor provides 14-bit image data readout. And it combines with an AA filter-free optical design to deliver super-high-res images. The K-70 also employs a new hybrid autofocus (AF) system. The AF system integrates image-plane phase-matching and contrast-detection AF technologies—said to offer fast, accurate autofocus. And a first for a Pentax DSLR, the K-70 is capable of continuous autofocus while recording HD video.
“Pentax has a long history of developing cameras and lenses that can withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. The K-70 goes a step further, with new, advanced features that enable the creation of higher quality images and make the camera very easy to use, both in the backyard and in the field,” said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “Combined with any one of our many available weather-resistant lenses, this camera is in a class of its own for outdoor photography.”
The camera’s advanced features include Pentax Pixel Shift Resolution technology and a AA filter simulator engineered to eliminate moiré without the need for an antialiasing filter. Also incorporated are a variable-tilt LCD monitor, an in-body shake-reduction mechanism to reduce the effects of camera shake up to 4.5 shutter steps, and built-in Wi-Fi for remote shooting and transfer to smart devices using Ricoh’s Image Sync app.
Created with outdoor shooting in mind, the K-70’s exterior sports a newly designed grip, mode dial and control buttons on the top and back panels to provide intuitive operation, even with a gloved hand. And its outdoor-friendly, vari-angle LCD monitor has an illumination control that can be adjusted to the lighting level of the shooting location. In addition, a red-light display function keeps ambient light from interfering with astro- and nightscape photography.
Other K-70 features include: a SAFOX X AF sensor module with 11 sensors, including nine cross-type sensors; AF tracking; an AF hold function that maintains the initial in-focus point even when the module loses sight of the subject; a glass prism optical viewfinder with a nearly-100% field of view and 0.95x magnification; a top shutter speed of 1/6,000 second; continuous shooting at 6 frames per sec; Full HD movie recording with stereo sound using a built-in microphone; and imaging tools such as custom images, digital filters and scene modes.
The Pentax K-70 will come in black and silky silver finishes beginning in July. It will retail for $649.95.
HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE Lens Unveiled with K-70
To complement the K-70, this weather-resistant telephoto zoom, for use with Pentax K-mount DSLRs, offers 5.5x optical zoom and enhanced autofocus (AF) in a compact, lightweight body. The lens provides equivalent focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm when mounted on Pentax APS-C-format DSLRs, including the K-70.
Ricoh announced, “Its design enables quiet, high-speed AF operation in still-image shooting, as well as smooth and quiet AF tracking operation during video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.”
This is due to its electromagnetic diaphragm control system—a K-mount lens first. According to Ricoh, the “system shifts the aperture setting automatically and smoothly to result in more natural, true-to-life videos, even when the brightness level of the subject changes drastically, such as a live theater performance or a sunlight-streaked forest scene, or with active subjects such as athletes and animals.”
In addition, Pentax HD (high-definition) coated optics were applied to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. And the 55–300mm lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches to expand the range of photographic applications.
Additional Lens Features
Boasting a fully retractable design, the lens measures 3.5 inches long when retracted. With a rear-focus system, the lens is almost 10% lighter than Pentax’s previous 55–300mm lens, weighing in at less than one pound. Fully weather-sealed, it can be used in rain, snow or other wet conditions.
The lens is constructed of 14 elements in 11 groups, with an ED (extra-low dispersion) optical element to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations. It also features a quick-shift focus system so users can quickly switch to manual focus; SP (super protect) coating on the front lens surface to repel water and grease; and a 9-bladed, rounded diaphragm to produce creative bokeh effects.
The HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE lens is scheduled for early July. It will have an SRP of $399.95. ricohimaging.com
