Pentax digital cameras

TOKYO —

The new flagship model of the Pentax K digital SLR camera series features newly developed state of the art AF sensor that boasts broadest AF working EV range range in its class. The Anti-aliasing filter less PENTAX K-5 II s to be released at the same time for resolution-conscious photographers.

The K-5 II features a newly developed, highly sensitive SAFOX X AF module. Thanks to the unit’s high-sensitivity AF sensor, which performs brilliantly in low-light conditions, this new module offers a broad AF working EV range (-3 EV to +18 EV). SAFOX X can work with luminous flux based on F2.8 levels in addition to that of F5.6. This increase the AF accuracy drastically when using with very fast lenses coupled with an upgraded AF algorithm, it delivers exceptional AF performance, including such useful features as a select-area expansion function, which automatically tracks the subject even when it moves away from a pre-assigned select point by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors.

The K-5 II comes equipped with a 3.0-inch, wide-view, air-gap-free LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. Sandwiched between the front glass panel (which is coated with an anti-glare film) and the LCD screen is a unique resin layer that cuts down the reflection and dispersion of the light to effectively prevent ghost images and greatly reduce brightness loss. The front panel is also made of tempered glass to keep it free of scratches and abrasions.

With its large sensor measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm in size with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels, the K-5 II’s latest-generation CMOS image sensor assures high-speed image data readout. By coupling this high-performance image sensor with the acclaimed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, the K-5 II delivers super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images free of digital noise over a wide sensitivity range  from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 in standard setting, or from ISO 80 to ISO 51200 when expanded via a custom function.

The K-5 II features the custom image function, which allows the users to easily select the desired finishing touch for a particular image, in order to more faithfully express their creative intention or emphasize the prevailing atmosphere. This function offers a choice of nine distinctive custom image modes, such as: Bleach Bypass, which creates a solemn visual effect used in motion pictures; and Cross Process, which produces eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colors. The K-5 II also offers 18 digital filters including Sketch and Posterization to add distinctive visual effects to captured images, without the need of a computer. The user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to create more inventive visual effects.

On sale from mid-October. Price: Around 110,000-160,000 yen.