The PENTAX K-1 Mark II:
Outstanding performance in 35 mm full-frame format with maximum reliability
Rich colors and subtle shades, beautiful bokeh and a clearly defined sense of depth - when photographers' inspirations are reflected in all these elements, photos are far more than just pictures. They are impressive works of art, created by the passion of photography.
With this goal in mind, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II was developed as the top model in the PENTAX camera series. It features a new, advanced image processing system to meet exactly this requirement of photographers.
The new algorithms of the AF system ensure precise focusing even with moving subjects, and the new Pixel Shift Resolution System II now even combines the perfect utilization of resolution with the use of the camera-integrated Shake Reduction with the "Handheld Function".
Sensor sensitivity up to ISO 819,200 expands the creative possibilities in 35 mm full-frame photography
The maximum sensitivity of ISO 819.200 in combination with the latest image processing methods extends the creative limits at the highest resolution
The new and further developed "Pixel Shift Resolution System II" for very high quality images
Extended resolution range for images with the highest image quality, thanks to the latest PENTAX technology
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II also accepts special requirements and performs faithfully even in bad weather, darkness or temperatures below freezing point. The Shake Reduction integrated into the body in 5 axes ensures an exposure reserve of five f-stops.
Outstanding image quality of a 36 x 24 mm full-frame sensor
Thanks to the approx. 36.4 effective megapixels, images are produced in a previously unknown quality. The special colour characteristics with a high colour depth, low noise and an extremely wide dynamic range ensure particularly realistic image reproduction.
The particularly fine resolution enables prints up to a size of A2 at 300 dpi, on which even the small leaf on the distant tree is recognizable.
Optimum image sharpness by dispensing with the low-pass filter
By using a low-pass filter (AA filter), a possible moiré effect is prevented but the image sharpness is not exploited. By eliminating this filter, image sharpness is increased.
Low-pass filter simulation to prevent moiré
The PENTAX K-1 counteracts the possible occurrence of moiré effects with a two-stage low-pass filter simulation that can be switched on if required. For this purpose, the sensor unit is set into micro-vibrations and thus ensures minimal blurring. This works just as effectively as a built-in low-pass filter. Two levels ensure adaptation to the respective shooting situation.
A new PENTAX technology for extending the sensor resolution far beyond the normal level
Due to the design of conventional cameras with Bayer sensors, missing RGB color information of the sensor must be interpolated, as not every color is captured by all pixels of the sensor. Thanks to the integrated Shake Reduction module, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II offers the possibility of taking four pictures in series, in which the sensor is shifted up, down, left and right by one pixel at a time. A single image is calculated from four images. This technique allows all 36.4 megapixels to be used for the image, resulting in significantly higher sharpness and color reproduction as well as lower image noise. The image quality compared to conventional systems, which can only use part of the resolution at a time, increases significantly, which is particularly visible in the details.
For optimal use, the use of a tripod is recommended - because image stabilization does not work in this function. However, the camera recognizes movements in the image, removes the affected image area from the calculation and uses only one exposure for this.
Motion correction for movements in the image
The expansion of the sensor resolution is achieved by four individual exposures. Camera shake cannot be compensated for because the shake reduction system performs the pixel shift function. The use of a tripod is therefore recommended. However, if the camera detects movement when the "Motion Correction" function is activated, the corresponding points are taken into account in the image calculation and possible negative effects are reduced.*
* Movements may not be sufficiently corrected if the subject moves in certain directions and/or patterns. This function does not guarantee that motion will be corrected correctly for all objects.
Innovative Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution brings more flexibility to shooting
In addition to the conventional shooting modes, the new Pixel Shift Resolution System II offers a new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode. This innovative technology analyzes four captured images and detects handheld camera shake, merging them into a super high-resolution composite image.
This function also allows the Shake Reduction function to be used, providing more flexibility in difficult shooting conditions, such as shooting in poorly lit locations or without a tripod.
* Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode should not be used when using a tripod.
** Certain subjects or images captured under certain conditions may not be processed correctly.
State-of-the-art image processing.
For perfect image capture even at high sensitivities
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II features a new accelerator unit that efficiently processes the image signals output from the image sensor and sends them to the imaging engine.
This process improves both image resolution and color reproduction in a high sensitivity range, while drastically reducing noise compared to the PENTAX K-1. This enables the reproduction of vivid colors and rich gradations up to the highest sensitivity of ISO 819200.
Body-integrated image stabilization Shake Reduction II
Image stabilization in 5 axes provides exposure safety of 5 f-stops
For image stabilization, the sensor unit of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II is positioned by electromagnets at the moment of shooting according to the shooting circumstances.
The combination of high usable sensitivity and this large exposure latitude opens up completely new shooting possibilities. Thanks to the image stabilization integrated into the housing, users of the many old 35 mm lenses can also benefit from this function.
This form of image stabilization takes place in five axes. In addition to sensor rotation, horizontal and vertical shift, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II also offers horizontal and vertical tilt correction. In conjunction with new algorithms, this results in exposure reliability of up to five exposure levels.
Exposure and distance metering from a light value of -3
Exposure control and autofocus even in the dark
Light conditions at an EV of -3 make it difficult to see or focus on the subject even with the naked eye. The technology of the K-1 Mark II enables these parameters to be set automatically even under these difficult conditions. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II ensures high-precision exposure control and autofocus function even under such low light conditions. Thanks to the improved algorithm, the autofocus response time for poorly lit subjects is significantly reduced. In combination with the extremely high image resolution, the K-1 Mark II delivers exceptional images in dark locations.
Perfectly designed for outdoor conditions
Perfect illumination of the camera monitor during the day and at night
The option to change the brightness in plus and minus values makes the monitor an excellent control instrument in any situation - whether with Live View when selecting the subject or for checking the finished image. A red display illumination can be switched on especially for night shots. Astrophotographers will appreciate the ability to switch to eye-friendly lighting in the dark at the touch of a button.
Innovative lighting concept
Easy operation in the dark
Clarity in all shooting situations is very important for ease of use. The lighting concept therefore ensures visibility in the dark. Four LEDs on the back of the monitor illuminate the control panel when required. Additional lamps on the bayonet mount, in the SD card compartment and in the cable release socket further simplify operation in the dark.
*The LED lighting can be switched off and on as required
Compact and sturdy body - weatherproof and dustproof
Reliability is one of the most important requirements for a camera. It must work when it is needed, even in harsh climatic conditions down to -10°C and 85% humidity. Most cameras have to stay in their bag or be equipped with the often annoying protective covers. With the PENTAX K-1 Mark II, 87 seals on the camera ensure reliable protection against splash water and dust.
The body construction of a metal chassis and an aluminum alloy body provide the necessary stability when the camera is used in harsh conditions. And the new shutter with the "floating construction" gives the security of at least 300,000 releases.
The combination of the housing design, which is characterized by the TTL prism, and a classic mode of operation, enables absolute concentration on the subject without having to take the camera away from the eye. Many photographers don't want to program a computer, they want to take pictures.
Dust Removal DRII (Dust Removal II)
Effective dust removal from the image sensor
The system reliably removes dust particles that adhere to the surface of the CMOS image sensor. To do this, it causes the UV/IR filter to vibrate at ultrasonic speed.
Dust particles adhering to the CMOS sensor are detected at an early stage and displayed on the monitor. This allows you to remove the particles immediately. Whether by activating the DR II function, using a blower or with the optional O-ICK1 Sensor Cleaning Kit.
Unsurpassed reliability under stringent test conditions
The K-1 Mark II has been subjected to a wide range of tests at temperatures as low as -10°C.
The performance and functionality of electronic circuits, mechanical parts, optical components and the power supply have been thoroughly examined. The result: The K-1 Mark II is your reliable tool for demanding, creative photography even in freezing temperatures.
*As battery performance decreases at low temperatures, we recommend storing spare batteries at body temperature.
Robust Body
For more stability and outstanding durability
The frame construction of the K-1 Mark II is made of a particularly rigid, shock-resistant yet very light magnesium alloy. Its chassis, which houses all the important components, is made of durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Particularly stable shutter unit
Reliability up to 300,000 shutter releases at frame rates of up to 6.5 frames per second
A completely redesigned shutter unit and mirror construction enable the compact design of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II. At the same time, the highest demands on durability and functionality are met. For example, newly developed damping modules reduce mirror bounce and ensure high accuracy and low vibration up to a shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec - for far more than the tested 300,000 shots. In conjunction with the PENTAX Prime IV processor, these modules are also responsible for the fast image sequences. At full resolution the PENTAX K-1 Mark II offers shooting sequences of up to 4.4 frames per second and at the lower resolution in APS-C format up to 6.5 frames per second. The maximum capacity of a sequence in 35 mm format is 70 JPEG images or 17 images in RAW format. In the smaller format, it is up to 100 JPEG and 50 RAW shots.
Double SD card slot
For intelligent data management
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II can accommodate two SD memory cards and gives you a choice of three different storage options: "Continuous" to store your image data consecutively; "Duplicate" to automatically create a backup of your image files; "Separate RAW/JPEG" to store your image files sorted by data format. It is also possible to copy image data from one card to another.
Flexible and movable monitor
If you want to achieve first-class results, you need a first-class working environment
The monitor of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II is not just an ordinary "flip-up monitor". This 3.2-inch monitor with a resolution of 1,037 million pixels can not only be tilted, but also rotated thanks to four special joints.
A particularly noteworthy feature of this design is that the monitor remains in the optical axis. This makes work much easier, e.g. when taking macro shots. The monitor can be tilted up and down by approx. 45 degrees in a frame. For other viewing angles, it can be folded out of the frame to provide a vertical viewing angle from above. It can be moved to the sides and diagonally by 35 degrees.
The monitor has a particularly stable design in line with the camera concept. The four special joints can withstand even unusual loads. The monitor screen consists of a hardened surface and is therefore much more stable than comparable monitor cover glasses.
ASTROTRACER
Astrophotography made easy
The astrotracer function works hand in hand with the shake reduction module. The image sensor is synchronized with the movement of celestial bodies during a shot. The GPS receiver calculates the movement of stars and planets and precisely tracks the image sensor. As a result, stars appear as dots rather than stripes during long exposure times.
* A stable tripod is required to use the Astrotracer function.
* Precise calibration of the sensor is a prerequisite for flawless images.
* Some shooting modes, such as Interval Shooting, cannot be used at the same time.
Live View shooting with electronic shutter mode
A range of useful tools for creative photography
In Live View mode, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II offers a wide range of image capture tools. The menus remain under control thanks to the moving monitor.
Another particularly interesting feature is the electronic shutter, which helps to minimize vibrations caused by the camera's mechanical shutter when shooting macro and landscape photography.
Functions during Live View:
A selection of AF modes:
Face Detection, Auto Tracking, Multi-Segment Auto, Select and Spot
Focus Assist, that highlights the outline of the focused area (Focus Peaking)
Various options for overlaying grid views in white and black and five view options
Zoom display up to 16x magnification for better manual focusing
Automatic horizon correction and 3D calibration
For optimum image composition
The K-1 offers the option of rotating and tilting the CMOS sensor. This provides helpful support for your work in various situations. When shooting hand-held, the camera recognizes and corrects a horizontal tilt*. Comprehensive image composition adjustments can be made when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Especially helpful when working in Live View mode.
* The maximum compensation is approx. +/-2° (with active SR approx. +/- 1°)
** Maximum compensation bandwidth: ±1.5 mm (±1 mm along the rotation axis) or ±1°
