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Ricoh Announces Pentax K-3 II
22 April 2015
Ricoh has announced its $1,099.95 Pentax K-3 II, which shares its predecessor's magnesium alloy casing, metal chassis, 24.35-megapixel resolution, 27-point AF system and approximately 8.3 frames per second shooting while adding an improved 4.5-stop shake reduction system, new high-speed AF algorithm, GPS, gyro sensor panning detection and automatic horizon correction.
The improved in-body shake reduction system brings another important benefit along with it: the K-3 II is the first Pentax camera to offer Pixel Shift Resolution for capturing still life subjects at high resolution.
Pixel shift technology uses the camera's shake reduction mechanism to move the image sensor at single pixel increments while capturing four separate images which are subsequently combined into a single high definition image. Benefits include higher resolving power, reduced false color and improved overall image quality of non-moving subjects, the company said.
"The introduction of the Pentax K-3 II marks our commitment to providing photographers with rugged high quality solutions that exceed our customers' expectations," said Jim Malcolm, president of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. "No other manufacturer is offering such a variety of features in a single camera design."
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the K-3 II include:
- 24.35MP APS-C sensor
- 8.3 frames per second continuous shooting
- 4.5-stop shake reduction
- 27 point AF sensors (with 25 cross-type sensors)
- PRIME III processor
- 3.2-inch LCD with 103,700 dots
- Pixel Shift Resolution (combines four images for single high-def image)
- Gyro sensing panning detection
- Astrotracer feature synchronizes sensor with movement of stars
- GPS reciever, GPS log and electronic compass
- Full HD movie recording with 60i/30p frame rate
- Dust/Weather resistant construction
- Magnesium alloy casing and metal chassis
- Dual SD card slots
- Dust Removal II uses ultrasonic vibrations to eliminate dust
PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Ricoh said the Pentax K-3 II will be available at retailers nationwide and at directly from the company in May for a suggested retail price of $1,099.95.
It's available for preorder now from Adorama whose Learning Center has a first look at the K-3 II. B&H is also accepting preorders.
The New Pentax K-3 II Builds on the Performance Standard Set by Its Predecessor Further Refining Field Photography
Expanding on the K-3 legacy, the newly released K-3 II adds GPS functionality, improved Shake-Reduction technology, high speed AF and built-in Astrotracer.
DENVER, Colo. -- Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. has introduced the Pentax K-3 II Digital SLR, refining the ultimate field camera. Developed as the successor to the award winning Pentax K-3, the new K-3 II shares its predecessor's magnesium alloy casing, metal chassis, 24.35 effective megapixel resolution, 27-point AF system and approximately 8.3 frames per second shooting while adding an improved 4.5EV stop shake reduction system, new high-speed AF algorithm, GPS, gyro sensor panning detection and automatic horizon correction.
"The introduction of the Pentax K-3 II marks our commitment to providing photographers with rugged high quality solutions that exceed our customers' expectations," said Jim Malcolm, President of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. "The 'magic' we add to our cameras through the motion-controlled Shake Reduction technology helps our photographers shoot for the stars and capture images in stunning detail; no other manufacturer is offering such a variety of features in a single camera design."
The K-3 II is the first camera in the Pentax line to incorporate Pixel Shift Resolution for capturing still life subjects with ultra-high resolving power. Pixel shift technology uses the camera's in-body Shake Reduction mechanism to move the image sensor at single pixel increments, capture 4 separate images, which are subsequently combined into a single high definition image. Benefits include higher resolving power, reduced false color and improved overall image quality of non-moving subjects.
Building on the Pentax K-3 camera's rugged dust proof and weather-resistant construction, the K-3 II features a built-in GPS receiver, GPS log and electronic compass purpose- designed to stand up to demanding location work. The GPS system records shooting location, camera orientation, altitude and provides a date/time stamp tied specifically to your images; all of which can be transferred to a computer and mapped using services such as Google Earth.
By combining the power of GPS positioning with in-body shake reduction mechanism, the Pentax K-3 II cameras exclusive built in ASTROTRACER features tracks and photographs astronomical bodies such as stars and planets. The system uses GPS and orientation location data together with magnetic and acceleration sensors to calculate the motion needed to synchronize the CMOS sensor with the movement of the stars; making it possible to capture stars as points of light rather than star trails during long exposures.
"The original Pentax K-3 has been my go to camera since it was first introduced," said professional photographer Kerrick James. "Now with the addition of GPS, Pixel Shift Resolution and 4.5EV stop shake reduction, my field photography is further refined and documented regardless of my remote location. This ensures my demanding shooting style will always be met and will provide my clients with consistently high quality photography."
The new Pentax K-3 II uses the advanced and intuitive user interface common to most Pentax camera products. The system is compatible with a host of accessories including a versatile array of flash units, lenses, battery grip and interchangeable focus screens.
Pricing and Availability
The Pentax K-3 II will be available at retailers nationwide and at http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in May for a suggested retail price of $1,099.95.