Ricoh Imaging’s recently-announced Pentax KP DSLR camera will be available for pre-ordering in Australia today.
Angled view of the new Pentax KP. (Source: Ricoh Imaging.)
The new camera is positioned in the middle of the Pentax DSLR line-up and features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and PRIME IV image processor in a dustproof and weather-sealed mainly magnesium-alloy body that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. The sensor features an AA Filter Simulator, which enables users to apply moirø© reduction by using the image stabiliser unit. The KP is also the first Pentax APS-C camera equipped with the new 5-axis Shake Reduction II image stabilisation system. A key feature of the new camera is its high sensitivity, with a maximum of ISO 819200 available. Other features include the SAFOX11 27-point autofocus system with 25 cross-type sensors that can focus down to -3 EV. Dual mechanical and electronic shutters support top speeds of 1/600 second and 1/24000 second respectively. Continuous shooting is supported at seven frames/second and the KP also offers Full HD video recording and integrated Wi-Fi.
The optical viewfinder covers the full image frame with 0.95x magnification. The tiltable 3-inch LCD monitor has ‘air-gapless construction’ plus a resolution of 921,000 dots. It offers an Outdoor View Setting mode that adjusts brightness to current lighting conditions plus red lighting for use when shooting after dark. The camera’s controls are customisable to suit different users’ needs and it offers a wide variety of shooting modes and presets. Movies can be recorded with Full HD 1080p resolutions but the KP also features an interval movie capture mode that records at up to 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels).
Wi-Fi connectivity is included, although not with NFC capability. The new camera also comes with a built-in flash, USB 2.0 Micro-B connector that supports HDMI output, a ,3.5mm microphone jack that doubles as an input for an optional cabled remote release and a flash hot shoe. The D-LI109 lithium-ion battery pack is the same as the battery used in the Pentax K-S1, K-S2, K-50 and K-70. It is CIPA rated at approximately 390 shots/charge. An optional D-BG8 portrait grip accepts a second D-LI109 battery pack to double the battery life. The KP accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.
The Pentax KP has been priced at US$1099 in North America. The local price is AU$1499 for the body alone. To pre-order the camera, visit https://pentax.com.au/.
