Pentax K3 Announced

 The new Pentax K-3 with the 18-135mm kit lens that will be offered with the camera body. (Source: Ricoh Imaging Co.)

Featuring a weather-resistant, dustproof body and a 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor, the K-3 takes a revolutionary approach to maximising image sharpness with a strategy for minimising moirø© without actually installing an optical anti-aliasing filter in the camera. Users have the choice of filtered or filter-free shooting for a given scene or subject. The anti-aliasing simulator in the camera uses the sensor-shift stabilisation system to apply microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moirø©-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. As well as being able to switch the filter on and off, users can also adjust the level of the effect in line with the requirements of a particular scene or subject.
 
 

Front view of the Pentax K-3 with no lens fitted. (Source: Ricoh Imaging Co.)
 
 

Rear view of the Pentax K-3. (Source: Ricoh Imaging Co.)
 
 

Top view of the Pentax K-3 with the 18-135mm kit lens. (Source: Ricoh Imaging Co.)

The Pentax SR (shake reduction) system has been improved to provide more stable and effective camera-shake compensation and, because it tilts the image sensor unit in all directions, it can also help the camera to offer handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation, image-composition fine-adjustment, and ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.

The K-3 also comes with a new SAFOX 11 AF module that has an expanded image-area coverage using 27 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The centre sensor and two sensors just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an f/2.8 lens. Also new is the 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor, with an improved algorithm that can utilise data to enhance the accuracy of auto-focusing and white balance adjustment. A new Pentax Real-Time Scene Analysis System can select the exposure settings that are more consistent with the photographer’s intentions and also it can make more precise distinction between the main subject and the background to improve the accuracy of flash discharge level.

The glass prism in the K-3’s optical viewfinder has been coated to improve reflectance and provide much brighter viewfinder image. The eyepiece optics have been completely redesigned to assure an approximately 0.95-times viewfinder magnification to provide a broader image field which encompasses almost  100% of the sensor’s field of view.

A new, 3.2-inch LCD monitor has a resolution of approximately 1,037,000 dots and a 3:2 aspect ratio. It features a protective tempered-glass front panel for added durability plus a gapless construction in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated, effectively reducing light reflection and dispersion to improve visibility during outdoor shooting. Users can check recorded images at life-size magnification during playback.

High-speed continuous shooting  is supported with a maximum speed of approximately 8.3 images/second and a buffer capacity of up to 22 raw images or 60 high-resolution JPEGs. Dual SD card slots provide memory card flexibility and both are compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 bus speed mode. The optional FLU CARD FOR PENTAX 16GB memory card provides smart-phone support, enabling users to check the live-view image and browse and download the images recorded on the card with a smart-phone.

The Pentax K-3 is due for release in late October/early November and will sell for AU$1429 (US$1300) for body only. A limited-edition with a silver body with a silver grip will be offered but only 2,000 units will be manufactured for distribution around the world. This special package also includes an exclusive leather strap and a spare battery. Full details can be found at http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cd5ae63206382fd74401b57fe&id=3d12b16490&e=7c93ca5aa7.