Ricoh has introduced their newest DSLR camera, Pentax KP. On the first sight, it’s just another DSLR. But it has a unique feature: ISO of 819,200. Yup, you read it right. This tiny titan can see in the dark. It’s equipped with 24.32MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and features 5-axis in-body image stabilization for maximum sharpness.
Pentax KP is lightweight and compact, but apparently quite powerful when it comes to working in low light. It brings some unique features that will make star photographers really happy. Let’s take a quick look at its most prominent features:
Exceptional low light performance
Thanks to its capabilities to “see in the dark”, this camera captures the stars even on the darkest nights. Ricoh priomises that KP’s advanced sensor allows minimal noise even at high ISO values. The sensor lacks an optical low-pass filter, which is why it allows such high ISO values. Although, this will cause a higher chance of aliasing and moiré . In situations like this, you can use AA Filter Simulator function.
5-Axis In-Body Shake Reduction System
It has in-body SR II 5-Axis shake reduction system, which accounts for yaw, pitch, and roll as well as vertical and horizontal motion of the camera. This system counter the effects of camera shake by up to 5 stops. It’s incorporated into the camera’s body, so it works with all K-mount lenses.
SAFOX 11 AF System
SAFOX 11 AF system makes sure you lock on to subjects quickly and accurately. This autofocus method offers (only) 27 points, with 25 cross-type points in the center for higher accuracy. The autofocus system is able to work in low light conditions up to -3 EV.
Full HD 1080p Video Recording & 4K Interval Movie
In addition to capturing stills, Pentax KP allows filming Full HD video up to 30p or 60i using H.264 compression. It also has interval shooting available with the movie mode, so you can automatically create time-lapse videos at up to 4K resolution.
Weather- and Dust-Resistant
Pentax KP is made with magnesium alloy body, which makes it tough and lightweight at the same time. It’s sealed against dust and rain, as well as its optional grip. It can handle freezing temperatures and it works at 14°F (-10°C).
Other features
KP is equipped with Image Composition Assist function, which allows you to shift the sensor up/down and left/right, as well as slightly rotate it. It has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables you to transfer the images directly from camera onto your phone. It also enables remote camera control via mobile device. It also has integrated GPS, so you can record location information directly into the photo’s Exif data. It has optical viewfinder with 0.95x magnification and 100% coverage.
Pentax KP is available for preorders, and comes in two colors, black and silver. The expected availability date is February 24, 2017, and the price for body only is $1,099.00. And if you are wondering what do the photos taken with this camera look like, here are some sample shots:
