Pentax KF Housing

Pentax KF

Although it is in the standard class, the PENTAX KF has a number of advanced functions and user-friendly features normally found only in upper-class models - such as a large and bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with a field of view of nearly 100% at an image of 0.95x. The original PENTAX ShakeReduction System (IBIS) not only compensates for camera shake up to 4.5x EV correction, but also enables other functions.

With the PENTAX KF, even SLR beginners can easily and effortlessly get started in SLR photography and the entire process of digital image processing, and develop their skills through the camera's wide range of functions. The name PENTAX KF is derived from the initial letters of "Finder" and "Field", the characteristics of the PENTAX K series.

High-resolution images with 24.24 megapixels and ISO 102400

The PENTAX KF guarantees high-resolution images thanks to a state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and fast 14-bit image data readout. Combined with an optical design that eliminates an AA filter, this 23.5 x 15.6 mm image sensor delivers images with very high resolution and image sharpness. By coupling a high-performance acceleration unit with the high-speed PRIME MII image processor, the PENTAX KF minimizes image noise at all sensitivity levels and delivers detailed images even when shooting at the highest sensitivity of ISO 102400.

Dustproof, weatherproof housing - perfect for rugged outdoor shooting

Reliability is one of the most important requirements for a camera. It has to work when it's needed. And that's often in conditions where many cameras are better left in their pockets or have to be fitted with usually impractical protective covers.
The PENTAX KF can be relied on in demanding environments such as in the rain or in dusty or frosty places, because it combines a compact, easy-to-carry body with a dustproof, weatherproof design with 100 seals throughout the body and excellent cold-protection performance at temperatures as low as -10°C.
To ensure that the camera fits comfortably in the hand even when wearing gloves, the grip, rear control buttons, and mode dials have been designed and shaped for optimal operation during active outdoor shooting - such as mountaineering, camping, or sporting events.
Special attention has also been paid to the monitor. So that it can be used not only as a family camera, but also prepared for special requirements, the outdoor-friendly LCD monitor can be adjusted to the lighting conditions of the shooting location by means of adjustable brightness. And for astrophotography in the dark, a red illuminated monitor display is easy on the photographer's eye in pitch darkness.

Brilliant optical prism viewfinder

Even though modern technologies have now largely replaced traditional SLR technology, an optical prism viewfinder is still part of the DNA of PENTAX SLR cameras. The glass prism viewfinder integrated in the compact body of the PENTAX comes up trumps with top values and offers a very large viewfinder image with a field of view of approx. 100% and a magnification of almost 0.95x - optimal conditions for perfect image composition, whether in strong sunlight, at dusk or in dark surroundings.

Rotating and swiveling LCD monitor for easy image viewing from all angles

The variably adjustable LCD monitor of the PENTAX KF is a practical extension of the optical viewfinder and facilitates image composition at the desired viewing angle for a wide range of applications, such as shooting overhead with an outstretched arm, shooting from ground level or astronomical photography where the camera is pointed steeply upward toward the starry sky.
The monitor it features a unique air gapless design in which the air space between the high-resolution LCD panel (with approximately 1,037,000 pixels) and the protective glass has been filled with a special resin material to effectively reduce the reflection and scattering of light, improving visibility when shooting outdoors.
To better see the monitor image, the brightness can be adjusted according to the environment. For astrophotography, it can also be illuminated in red to protect the eyes in dark environments.

Original PENTAX Shake Reduction with Pixel Shift Resolution System

The body-integrated Shake Reduction (IBIS) plays a special role in Pentax cameras and fulfills various tasks.
The main task is assigned to the built-in SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism developed by PENTAX, which effectively compensates for camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images - even under vulnerable conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in low light, or during sunset scenes. By using a high-precision gyro sensor, a compensation effect of 4.5 shutter steps is achieved, which is close to the level of upper-class models. When the camera is panned, for example for pull-along shots, the electronics automatically detect the direction of camera movement and efficiently control the SR unit to produce the best possible image without requiring a mode change.

Another function made possible by PENTAX's proprietary Shake Reduction is the Pixel Shift Resolution System with motion correction function The PENTAX KF features the latest Super Resolution technology with the Pixel Shift Resolution System. The camera captures four images of the same subject. The image sensor is shifted by a single pixel for each image and then processed into a single image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, where each pixel has only a single unit of color data, this innovative system preserves all the color data in each pixel to deliver high-resolution images with far truer colors and much finer detail than those produced by conventional APS-C format image sensors. High processing power allows this function to be performed without the use of a tripod, thanks to the motion correction function, which detects moving objects during continuous shooting and minimizes any blurring that results during the computation process. This allows for a wider range of scenes and subjects than in systems that rely on a tripod.
With the AA Filter Simulator function to minimize moiré, the IBIS performs another function. To improve image quality, it was decided not to use a low-pass filter in front of the sensor. However, to reduce a possible moiré effect, the AA filter simulator provides the same moiré reduction as an optical AA filter by transmitting microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during exposure.
Unlike an optical AA filter, this innovative simulator allows the user to turn the AA filter effect on and off and adjust the strength of the effect. This means that the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject can be set depending on the current shooting conditions.

As a special function, the sensor can be used for automatic horizon compensation or a tilt function by manual shift. This option makes use of the optionally available O-GPS2 GPS unit for the astrotracer function. This can be used to compensate for movements caused by the Earth's rotation when photographing stars, and also to display stars as points rather than dashes when taking long exposures.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the DR (Dust Removal) mechanism can be used to shake off dust from the surface of the CMOS image sensor by the moving sensor

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SAFOX X AF sensor module for reliable autofocus operation

With its 11 sensors, including nine cross-type sensors in the center, this AF module ensures pinpoint focus on the subject with a minimum brightness of only -3 EV. It also ensures excellent AF tracking with moving subjects. Thanks to the measuring field extension, the focus detects a moving subject, tracks it and refocuses accordingly.
An AF hold function that maintains the original focus point expands image composition options.

Hybrid AF system for high-speed AF operation during live view shooting

When using the live view function, the PENTAX KF uses Hybrid AF. By positioning a contrast-detection AF sensor with superior focusing accuracy and a phase-matched AF sensor on the surface of the image sensor, this innovative hybrid system optimizes the advantages of both AF systems to ensure fast, pinpoint AF focusing on the subject.

Image composition with various image presets

The Custom Image function developed by PENTAX makes it possible to give the image an individual image characteristic already during shooting. Similar to the choice of film in analog photography, the user can add a desired finishing touch to the image.

This feature offers 14 Custom Image modes, including: SATOBI, which reproduces colors similar to those of color images from the 1960s and 1970s with cyan blues, muted yellows and faded reds, or the setting forr "Bleach Bypass," which reproduces the deep atmosphere of film scenes, or the Cross Processing preset, which adds fantastic, unusual colors to captured images.
In combination with the PENTAX Limited series lenses, which are known for their distinctive image reproduction, the PENTAX KF also offers a number of special Custom Image modes.

A Variety of Interval Shooting Functions

The PENTAX KF offers a variety of advanced interval shooting functions, including: Interval Movie at 4K resolution, which allows you to shoot a series of still images at a fixed interval and stitch them together into a single movie file at 4K resolution; Star Stream Movie, which lets you record the trails of stars or illuminations in a 4K-resolution movie file; and Interval Composite, which calculates a composite image with a choice of three computation modes (average, additive, and comparative).

Wireless LAN connection to support smartphone operation

The PENTAX KF is equipped with wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) capabilities. By installing the dedicated "Image Sync" application, which is available free of charge from the respective app stores, the user can remotely check the Live View image on a smartphone or tablet computer, take photos, and adjust camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. It is also possible to download the captured images to the mobile device and then share them on social networking sites.