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PENTAX K-1 Mark II

A host of picture-taking functions to capture a decisive moment without failure

HD PENTAX-D FA150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW
Aperture: F8.0 ; Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec. ; Exposure compensation: +0.0EV ; ISO sensitivity: 800 ; White balance: Daylight ; Custom image: Landscape ; AF mode: Continuous[FPS-priority]

Optical viewfinder with a nearly 100% field of view
Assuring a clear view of the field and ease of focus

The K-1 Mark II's optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and a 0.7-times magnification to deliver a sharp, crisp view of the subject and a large, well-defined image field, both of which are the benefits of the 35mm full-frame SLR camera. This viewfinder also provides a clear view of the image field free of aberrations, even at the edges. Its Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen* makes it easy to identify the in-focus point, even during manual-focus operation.

  • * The focusing screen is fixed on the camera body, and is not interchangeable.

1Transparent LCD

Transparent viewfinder display
At-a-glance confirmation of the camera's operational status

The K-1 Mark II's transparent LCD viewfinder display allows you to select desired data, such as a grid display, and monitor it in the viewfinder. It comes in handy when correcting the camera's tilt using the digital level or rearranging the image composition using a grid pattern, without taking the eye off the subject.

Selection of data on viewfinder display

Transparent data to be displayed in the viewfinder (grid pattern, Digital Level, AF frame and spot-metering frame) can be turned on and off independently to accommodate varying shooting conditions and preferred shooting styles.

Digital Level

The Digital Level displays the K-1 Mark II's horizontal and vertical tilt with two bar scales. Compared with the conventional type that utilizes an exposure bar scale, it not only makes it easier to identify the camera's tilt, but also allows you to check the tilt and exposure status simultaneously. As the result, it greatly improves the camera's operability during viewfinder shooting.

  • * All viewfinder display data, except the cropping frame, is simulated to explain the function.

PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System
Optimizing the performance of AE and AF systems and the ease of image composition

Supported by the approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor and the new PRIME IV imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System analyzes such factors as brightness distribution in the image field, the subject's primary color and its motion with great accuracy and efficiency. In addition, by adopting a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning to its image detection algorithm*, this system assesses each individual scene more accurately, while optimizing the accuracy and performance of the light-metering, exposure-control and autofocus systems, and selecting the most appropriate finishing touch for a given scene or composition.

  • * This technology is available during viewfinder shooting when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto and the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select.

SAFOX 12
Advanced AF system, with an expanded AF detection area

In order to optimize the ease of image composition over the large 35mm full-frame image field, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II features the latest SAFOX 12, equipped with a light source sensor, to expand the AF detection area. To accommodate the longer optical path required for the expanded AF area, the camera features an innovative design in which incoming light is turned back within the AF module. Thanks to the optimization of the condenser lens, it also provides a total of 33 AF sensor points. This state-of-the-art module boasts both compact dimensions and exceptional image-forming performance.

Improved AF performance (Compared to K-1)

Thanks to the incorporation of the latest AF algorithm, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II assures high-speed autofocus operation, from the activation of the AF system to the capture of the subject in focus. It captures the subject's motion with great precision, even when the colors of the subject and the background are nearly identical. It also provides outstanding tracking performance with subjects which move laterally or vertically within the image field. The camera's overall AF performance has been upgraded to a new level compared with K-1.

33-point AF system with 25 cross-shaped sensors
Assuring reliable, unfailing focus on the subject

The K-1 Mark II's sophisticated 33-point AF system has a high-density distribution of AF sensors to effectively monitor crucial areas of the image field, while providing 25 cross-shaped sensors to assure extra-accurate focus on the subject.

  • Cross-shaped sensor
  • Linear sensor
  • F2.8 luminance flux linear sensor

AF system with F2.8 luminance flux linear sensors

Three center sensors are designed to detect the luminance flux of an F2.8 lens for high-precision autofocusing. When using a very fast lens with a shallow depth of field, these sensors can greatly improve the focusing accuracy.

Zone Select

This mode lets you select a set of nine points forming a square, which can be shifted as desired by moving the center point. It detects a subject placed within this square, optimizes the focus, and tracks its movement - all automatically.

Select-area expansion

This mode lets you select one of 33 AF points to focus on the subject, and makes the K-1 Mark II automatically track the subject and refocus on it with the help of the neighboring points, even when it moves away from the initial point. You can select the desired expansion area from nine, 25 or 33 points.*

  • * The number of AF points may decrease if the selected expansion area includes an area or areas outside the AF frame.

Auto tracking with PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System

Supported by the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, the K-1 Mark II's Auto Tracking function accurately detects the subject's motion based on various factors including color, then keeps pinpoint focus on the subject throughout the imaging process by automatically shifting the in-focus point.

86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor
High-precision scene analysis based on the subject's color, shape and motion

The K-1 Mark II's approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor not only delivers outstanding resolving power, but also detects colors with great precision. After accurately measuring the subject's shape, primary color and motion, it feeds the obtained data to the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System for extra-accurate scene analysis.

Scene Analyze AUTO
Much-improved accuracy,
through the adoption of
artificial intelligence technology

Supported by the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, the K-1 Mark II's Scene Analyze AUTO mode automatically optimizes exposure settings, and selects the most appropriate finishing touch for your subject. When using the optical viewfinder, it is also assisted by an algorithm that adopts the deep learning artificial intelligence technology, and makes an extensive analysis of a given scene based on the enormous volume of data accumulated from previous scenes.

Multi-mode AE system
A choice of distinctive auto-exposure modes

In addition to the conventional Program (P), Aperture-Priority (A) and Shutter-Priority (Tv) modes, the K-1 Mark II also provides the PENTAX-original Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) and Shutter-speed/Aperture-Priority (TAv) modes, both of which assure proper exposure on the subject by factoring the ISO sensitivity more prominently into exposure-control operation. This multi-mode system assures more flexible control of exposure settings to express the subject's motion or the depth of field. It also provides a wide exposure compensation range of ±5EV (in still-image shooting) to expand a range of exposure control.

Hyper Program and Hyper Manual
Flexible control of the depth of field and the subject's motion

In the Program (P) mode, the K-1 Mark II features the PENTAX-developed Hyper Program mode, which allows you to set a desired shutter or aperture speed using the front and rear e-dials, while retaining a proper exposure level. This eliminates the need for turning the model dial when switching to the Tv or Av mode.

  • Front e-dial
  • Rear e-dial
  • Green button
  • AE-L button
Conceptual diagram of Hyper Program mode

In the Hyper Manual (M) mode, one push of the green button instantly sets the same aperture and shutter-speed settings as those of the P mode for proper exposure. Then, you can adjust the exposure to a desired level using the front and rear e-dials. With the AE-lock function, you can even shift aperture and/or shutter-speed settings while retaining the initial exposure level.

Conceptual diagram of Hyper Manual mode

The combination of aperture and shutter speed can be changed without affecting the memorized exposure value.

When you set the Smart Function to the ISO mode, you can enjoy more flexible control of the three primary exposure parameters - aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity - in both the P and M modes, using a combination of the front and rear e-dials and the setting dial.

Customization
Creating your personal K-1 Mark II by customizing camera operations to your preference

The K-1 Mark II provides a wide range of customization settings to optimize the ease and comfort of camera operations. These settings have been designed to expand the functions of the USER Mode and the Fx (function) buttons, improve accessibility to desired functions on the control panel, and prevent accidental operational errors.

AUSER Mode

Five different combinations of the most frequently used functions can be assigned to this mode to handle specific subjects or creative intentions.

BControl panel

This panel displays a list of the functions and their status on the LCD panel, while allowing you to change the contents and/or order of listed functions to suit your shooting style.

CLock button

In order to prevent accidental setting changes, the K-1 Mark II provides a lock button to temporarily inactivate control buttons and dials. It offers you a choice of two lock functions: Type 1 to prevent unintended exposure setting changes; and Type 2 to prevent operational setting changes.

Type Lockable buttons and dials
Type1
Type2

Customization buttons

  • 1Fx1 button
    One function from seven options can be assigned (default: RAW)
  • 2Fx2 button
    Another function from seven options can be assigned (default: Outdoor View Setting)
  • 3AF button
    One of the functions governing AF operation can be assigned.
  • 4Preview lever
    An optical or digital preview mode can be assigned.
  • 5E-dial
    A set of exposure mode can be assigned.

Custom Functions

A total of 26 Custom Functions are available with the K-1 Mark II.

1/8000-second high-speed shutter
Exceptional operational accuracy and remarkable durability

The K-1 Mark II features an electronically controlled, vertical-run shutter to optimize the performance of the 35mm full-frame image sensor. With a top speed of 1/8000 second, it allows you to open up the aperture, even in bright locations, and take full advantage of the bokeh (defocus) effect created by the large image sensor. It also provides a flash synchroniation speed of 1/200 second. Symbolizing the K-1 Mark II's field camera concept, this unit is designed to be compact and lightweight, with a well-balanced combination of high-precision operation and outstanding durability.

High-speed drive mode
Flawless continuous shooting at approximately 4.4 images per second

The K-1 Mark II provides high-speed continuous shooting at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second (at CH setting). You can also switch instantly to an optional speed setting of three images per second (CM) or 0.7 images per second (CL) using the main menu or Smart Function. In the APS-C Crop mode, the drive speed can be boosted to as high as approximately 6.4 images per second to assure quick response to fast-moving subjects.

Large image recording capacity in continuous shooting
A maximum of 100 images captured at a high-quality 36-megapixel level

Thanks to its large-capacity buffer memory, the K-1 Mark II lets you record a large number of images during continuous shooting: approximately 70 JPEG images (or approximately 17 RAW images) at CH setting; approximately 100 JPEG images (or approximately 20 RAW images) at CM setting, or approximately 100 JPEG images (or approximately 100 RAW images) at CL setting.*

  • * These figures are an approximate number of images recordable in the 35mm full-frame format, in the JPEG L-size Best format, and at ISO 100

Compact, solid body
Remarkable maneuverability, despite a 35mm full-frame design

PENTAX's development concept has been to design a compact body and optimize the ease of handling in the field. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II faithfully inherits this concept. In addition to optimizing the positioning of the finder unit to keep the camera's height to a minimum, PENTAX has also designed an original mechanical unit containing the shutter charge and mirror driving mechanisms. PENTAX's advanced high-density packaging technology has succeeded in creating a compact, maneuverable body for this new camera.

Front)PENTAX APS-C-size SLR camera (K-3 II)
Back)PENTAX 35mm full-frame SLR camera (K-1 Mark II)

Floating Mirror Structure

In order to accommodate the 35mm full-frame image sensor and cover the light flux of the large viewfinder with a nearly 100-percent field of view, it was necessary to increase the size of the main mirror and mirror box. To minimize the size of the mirror box, PENTAX has developed a new mechanism that retracts the main mirror as it swings upwards.

  • 1Lens mount
  • 2Shutter window
  • aAction of the main mirror
  • bAction of the main mirror without the Floating Mirror Structure (the mirror bumps against the lens mount.)
  • AThe main mirror and its pivot retract at mirror-up position.

Conceptual image of the Floating Mirror Structure

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