36.4 Effective Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II features a 35mm-format full-frame CMOS image sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing) filter-free design to produce high-resolution images with approximately 36.4 effective megapixels. A large imaging area and a wide pixel pitch deliver lively, true-to-life images with rich gradation. It also assures superb noise reduction performance to capture the subject truthfully with fine details and subtle shades. Its shallow depth of field allows you to control the sense of depth and bokeh (defocus) effect at will.

PRIME IV Imaging Engine with RICOH Developed Accelerator Unit delivers high-quality images and super-high-sensitivity imaging performance

A new accelerator unit optimizes the image data obtained by the full-frame image sensor before delivering it to the high-performance PRIME IV 14-bit imaging engine. As a result, the K-1 Mark II is capable of producing high-quality images with minimal noise, while retaining excellent resolution at all sensitivity levels, from normal to super-high sensitivities. All image-processing parameters have also been updated to ensure colours are true-to-life, with special emphasis on deep blues and lively greens. The K-1 Mark II’s noise-reduction performance at a high-sensitivity range has also been dramatically improved- up to ISO 819200 – to expand creative possibilities in super low-light shooting.

Pixel Shift Resolution II produces super-resolution images

Building upon the original PENTAX-developed Pixel Shift Resolution System – the super-resolution technology that uses the camera’s in-body shake-reduction mechanism to capture four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, and then synthesizes them into a single composite image – is the Pixel Shift Resolution System II*. This new system obtains RGB colour data for each pixel, resulting in super-high-resolution images with finer details and more realistic colours while significantly lowering the level of high-sensitivity noise. The Motion Correction function provides ON/OFF switching, which detects moving elements of the continuously captured images to minimize the effect of subject movement during the image synthesizing process.**

Conceptual Illustration of Pixel Shift Resolution System

* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. Even if a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, the image may not be reproduced clearly, partially or in total.
** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.

Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution Mode

The new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode,* which can be used during handheld shooting, works together with the camera’s shake-reduction mechanism, by synthesizing the composite images while detecting the slight fluctuations of the subject’s position during the capture process. This technology comes from the reverse thinking of pixel shift technology to utilize the minute camera shake itself to produce the composite images. By detecting the camera shake in three dimensions, the continuously captured four images are analyzed based on the detected camera shake information and combined into a single file to produce one super high resolution image.

*The captured images may not be properly synthesized with certain subjects or under certain conditions. By capturing images in the RAW or RAW+ format, the user can process the images unsuitable for the synthesizing process as normal RAW-format images within the camera body.

High-performance five-axis, five-step SR II system

The PENTAX-developed in-body SR II (Shake Reduction) five-axis mechanism provides accurate control of the large full-frame image sensor with all compatible PENTAX interchangeable lenses* at a compensation range of up to 5 shutter steps. In addition to camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, it effectively compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift, as well as camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to control with lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Even when taking a panning shot, this system automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement, and efficiently controls the SR unit to always produce the best image possible.

The AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator ** effectively minimizes moiré and false colour by using the K-1 Mark II’s SR mechanism to apply microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit during exposure. This innovative simulator not only lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off, but also adjust the level of the effect

The SRII unit’s flexible design tilts the image sensor in all directions, offering a host of handy shooting functions including: Auto Level Compensation; Composition Fine Adjustment which allows you to fine tune your composition without having to re-adjust your tripod; and Astro Tracer which simplifies advanced astronomical photography using the built-in GPS module.

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: K_–, K_A-, K_AF-, K_AF2-, K_AF3- and K_AF4- mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be combined with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution system.

Flexible tilt-type LCD monitor to accommodate various shooting angles

The K-1 Mark II features a flexible tilt-type 3.2-inch LCD monitor, which tilts horizontally, vertically or diagonally with a single action, without deviating from the lens’s optical axis. It has a tempered-glass front panel for added durability and a unique air-gapless construction to effectively reduce reflections. An Outdoor View Setting mode allows instant adjustment of the monitor’s brightness to the desired level. Its red-lit monitor display function facilitates monitor viewing when the photographer’s eyes have become accustomed to a dark location during nighttime photography.

SAFOX 12 with 33 sensor points and full-frame-proportioned AF frame

The SAFOX 12 AF sensor module features 33 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned throughout the frame). The center sensor and the two sensors located just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using large-aperture F2.8 lenses.

PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, with application of artificial intelligence technology

The K-1 Mark II’s advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System performs near instant analysis of exposure, colour, movement and other factors. Combining with a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning, the K-1 Mark II instantly optimizes settings for even the most difficult shooting situations.

Easy-to-focus optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view

The K-1 Mark II’s optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and an approximately 0.7-times magnification. A Natural Bright Matte III focusing screen allows ease of focusing and a true-to-life rendition of defocused areas in the viewfinder image.

High-speed continuous shooting

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II allows continuous recording of as many as 17 images in the RAW format (or a maximum of 70 images in the JPEG Best format) in a single sequence, at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second. This is made possible by the combination of advanced mechanisms including a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; high-speed, high-precision control of the shutter and mirror units; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME IV imaging engine.

Supportive shooting functions to improve picture-taking efficiency and operational comfort

Operation assist light function provides LED lights above the lens mount, behind the LCD monitor, at the memory card slot, and at the cable switch terminal to help facilitate fast and easy operation in poorly lit settings. The key lock function prevents erroneous operation of the four-way controller and other exposure-related control buttons. The Smart Function allows users to swiftly choose and set desired functions using just the function dial and the set dial on the camera’s upper panel, without referring to the menu screen on the LCD monitor.

Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Constructed of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy with the inclusion of 87 sealing parts in the body, the K-1Mark II also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction.

Other features

• Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels in the H.264 recording format and comes equipped with a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection
• Built-in GPS module and electronic compass
• High-grade DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
• Crop mode with a choice of image area from AUTO, FF (Full Frame) APS-C and 1:1, to accommodate different types of lenses
• Wireless LAN connection to support the operation with smartphones and table computers, the transfer of captured images, and remote shooting operations
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing, usable in handheld shooting
• The PENTAX-invented hyper operating system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions
• Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)
• Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, and brightness level at image-field edges. Fringe effect compensation is also available in RAW-format processing.