Last Updated on 01/25/2017 by Chris Gampat
Editor’s Note: in a previous version of this article our title stated that the camera has 67 AF points. It has 27 AF points and 67 weather seals.
The rumors have been around the internet, and it seems like the cat is out of the bag: the Pentax KP is a new DSLR designed to be super compact yet packs a lot of the features the Pentax K-3 series boasts. For example, Pentax is saying that it’s Weatherproof, has 5-axis image stabilization (called Shake Reduction II), and a brand new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor at the heart. But most notably, Pentax is talking about the Pentax KP’s super compact body. Indeed, it looks like an old school DSLR with some retro looks–and that’s something I seriously digg.
But the biggest thing is how small it is: The specs say approximately 131.5mm/5.1 inches (W) x 101.0mm/ 4 inches (H) x 76.0mm/3 inches (D) (excluding protrusions).
The Pentax KP is said to be able to have five stops of image stabilization; though with an ISO 819200 sensitivity, you may not need it. Plus you’ve got an electronic shutter that can fire at 1/24,000-second. Pretty crazy, right?
Other specs of note:
- PRIME IV imaging engine
- Nearly 100% viewfinder
- Interchangeable Grips
- No AA filter
- With 67 sealing parts applied across the body, it provides a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, with outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to -10°C. Thanks to these features, the PENTAX KP performs superbly and dependably even in such demanding settings as in the rain or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures.
- 27-point autofocus system with the SAFOX 11 module
Now here’s a cool bit from the press release:
The PENTAX KP’s compact body is the result of a complete internal re-design to produce an advanced DSLR camera with an extremely slim profile for optimal comfort and handling. The KP’s rugged exterior is dustproof and weather-sealed to enable use in the most challenging outdoor conditions. The camera will perform in temperatures as low as 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C).
The PENTAX KP incorporates additional advanced technologies and ease-of-use features that have long been the hallmark of PENTAX cameras and enable them to be used comfortably and reliably in a wide range of conditions. These include:
- 5-Axis Shake Reduction System: The PENTAX KP is the first PENTAX APS-C DSLR to offer the new generation SR II system, which uses a five-axis mechanism to compensate for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography), roll (difficult to handle by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms), as well as pitch and yaw. The SR II unit is controlled with great precision as soon as the camera’s power is turned on, providing a wide compensation range—as much as five shutter steps—to further expand the limits of handheld shooting. With the addition of an optional accessory GPS module (O-GPS1 GPS unit), the PENTAX KP, simplifies astro-photography, making it possible to record stars as points of light rather than star trails during extremely long exposures.
- Pixel Shift Resolution: This acclaimed PENTAX technology enables producing color-accurate still-life subjects with the highest resolving power. The technology uses the KP’s in-body Shake Reduction System to move the image sensor in single-pixel increments, to capture four separate images that are subsequently combined into a single, high-definition image.
- A 3 inch vertical-tilt LCD monitor that facilitates high- and low-angle shooting.
- A grip replacement system that lets photographers choose their preference of grip based on shooting style or lens choice. In addition to the standard grip that comes with the PENTAX KP, accessory grips include medium (M) and large (L) grips (these will come packaged with KP bodies sold in North America), as well as the optional D-BG7 Battery Grip.
- Control panels, button settings and dial controls that can all be customized, based on a user’s preference.
The Pentax KP is supposed to hit the market on February 25th for $1,099.95. That’s a fair price, honestly.
PENTAX KP Specifications
Model Description | |
Type | TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL flash |
Lens Mount | PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts) |
Compatible Lens | KAF4, KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom not compatible), KAF, KA mount lens |
Image capture unit |
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Image Sensor | Primary color filter, CMOS. Size: 23.5 x 15.6 (mm) |
Effective Pixels | Approx. 24.32 megapixels |
Total Pixels | Approx. 24.96 megapixels |
Dust Removal | Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations “DR II” |
Sensitivity (Standard output) |
ISO AUTO / 100 to 819200 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV) |
ISO AUTO Setting | ISO Range (Maximum), ISO Range (Minimum) ISO Sensitivity Options (AUTO, Tv) Minimum Shutter Speed (AUTO: SLOW/MIDDLE/FAST, TV: 1/6000 to 30 sec.) |
Image Stabilizer | Sensor-shift shake reduction (SRII) |
AA Filter Simulator | Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Type1/Type2/Bracket (2 frames)/Bracket (3 frames) |
File formats | |
File format | RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant |
Recorded Pixels | JPEG: L(24M:6016×4000), M(14M:4608×3072), S(6M:3072×2048), XS(2M:1920×1280) RAW: (24M:6016×4000) |
Quality Level | RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous capturing available |
Color Space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
Storage Medium | SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Card (Conforms to USH-I standards) |
Storage Folder | Folder Name: Date (100_1018,101_1019…) or User assigned folder name (Default “PENTX”) |
Recording File | File Name: “IMGP****” or User assigned file name File name numbering: Sequential, Reset |
Viewfinder | |
Type | Pentaprism Finder |
Coverage (FOV) | Approx. 100% |
Magnification | Approx. 0.95x (50mmF1.4 at infinity) |
Eye-Relief Length | Approx. 20.5mm (from the view window), Approx. 22.3mm (from the center of lens) |
Diopter adjustment | Approx. -2.5m to + 1.5m-1 |
Focusing Screen | Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen |
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Live view | |
Type | TTL method using image sensor |
Autofocus | AF Method: Contrast detection AF Mode: Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C) *Continuous AF (AF.C) is available with the dedicated lens. AF Active Area: Face detection, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select, Spot Focus Peaking: Highlight Edge/Extract Edge/OFF |
Display | Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (up to 16x), Grid Display (4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display, Square 1, Square 2, Grid Color: Black/White ), Histogram, Highlight Alert, Composition Adjustment |
LCD monitor | |
Type | Tiltable TFT color LCD monitor featuring an air-gapless structure, tempered-glass front panel |
Size | 3.0 inch (aspect ratio 3:2) |
Dots | Approx. 921K dots |
Adjustment | Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable |
Outdoor View Setting | Adjustable ±2 step |
Night Vision LCD Display | ON/OFF |
White Balance | |
Type | TTL method using image sensor |
White Balance | AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D:Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White), Tungsten Light, CTE, Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image |
Fine Adjustment | Adjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis |
Autofocus System | |
Type | TTL: Phase-matching autofocus |
Focus Sensor | SAFOX 11, 27 point (25 cross type focus points in the center) |
Brightness Range | EV-3 to 18 (ISO 100 / at normal temperature) |
AF mode | Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C), Auto select AF (AF.A) |
AF Point Selection | Auto (27 AF points), Zone select, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Spot |
AF Assist Light | Dedicated LED AF assist light |
Metering | |
Type | TTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor, Multi-segment, Center-weighted and Spot metering |
Metering Range | EV-3 to 20 (ISO100 at 50mm F1.4) |
Exposure Mode | Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4, USER5 |
EV Compensation | ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected) |
AE Lock | Can be assigned to the AF/AE-L button,Fx1 button,Fx2 button,Fx3 button |
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Shutter | |
Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter / Electronic shutter |
Shutter Speed | Mechanical shutter: Auto:1/6000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/6000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb (Timed exposure setting possible from 10 sec. to 20min.) Electronic shutter: Auto:1/24000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/24000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps) |
Drive modes | |
Mode Selection | [Still Image] Single Frame, Continuous (H, M, L), Self-timer (12s, 2s, Continuous), Bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames), Depth of Field Bracketing (3frames), Motion Bracketing (3frames), Mirror-up, Multi-Exposure, Interval Shooting, Interval Composite, Interval Movie Record, Star Stream [Movie] Remote Control * Bracketing, Interval Shooting, Interval Composite, Interval Movie Record and Star Stream are possible to use with Self-timer * Depth of Field Bracketing is available in Av mode. Depth of Field Bracketing is possible to use with Self-timer * Motion Bracketing is available in Tv mode. Motion Bracketing is possible to use with Self-timer * Multi-Exposure is possible to use with Continuous Shooting or Self-timer |
Continuous Shooting | Max. approx. 7.0 fps, JPEG (L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 28 frames, RAW: up to approx. 8 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 7 frames Max. approx. 3.0 fps, JPEG (L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to approx. 70 frames, RAW: up to approx. 15 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 10 frames Max. approx. 0.8 fps, JPEG (L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 100 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 25 frames *ISO100 *Continuous shooting speed slows down with Electronic shutter or High sensitivity |
Multi-Exposure | Composite Mode(Additive/Average/Bright) Number of Shots(2 to 2000 times) |
Interval Shooting | [Interval Shooting] Interval: 2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min.・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 2 to 2000 times, Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Set Time [Interval Composite] Interval: 2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min.・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 2 to 2000 times, Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Set Time, Composite Mode: Additive/Average/Bright, Save Process: ON/OFF [Interval Movie] Recorded Pixels: 4K/FullHD/HD, File Format: Motion JPEG (AVI), Interval:2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 8 to 2000 times (8 to 500 times at 4K), Start Interval:Now/Self-timer/Set Time [Star Stream] Recorded Pixels: 4K/FullHD/HD, File Format: Motion JPEG (AVI), Interval:2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 8 to 2000 times (8 to 500 times at 4K), Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Set Time, Fade-out: OFF/Low/Medium/High |
Flash | |
Built-in Flash | Built-in retractable P-TTL flash, GN: approx. 6.0 (ISO100/m), Angle of view of 28mm lens (35mm format equivalent) |
Flash Modes | Auto Flash Discharge (Scene Analyze Auto), Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction (Scene Analyze Auto) Flash On, Flash On+ Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, Manual Flash Discharge (Full-1/128), Wireless (Controller) |
Sync Speed | 1/180sec. |
Flash Exposure Compensation | -2.0~+1.0EV |
External Flash | P-TTL, Leading Curtain Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync * Contrast-control-sync and High-speed sync requires two or more dedicated external flash |
Capture Settings | |
Custom Image | Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Flat, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing |
Cross Process | Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3 |
Digital Filter | Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome |
Clarity | Adjustable ±4 step |
Skin Tone | Type1, Type2, OFF |
HDR | Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, OFF, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function |
Pixel Shift Resolution | ON/OFF *Motion Correction ON/OFF |
Lens Correction | Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction |
D-RANGE Compensation | Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction |
Noise Reduction | Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO NR |
Horizon Correction | SR ON: Correction up to 1.0 degrees, SR OFF: Correction up to 1.5 degrees |
Composition Adjustment | Adjustment range of ±1mm up, down, left or right ( ±0.5mm when rotated); Rotating range of ±1 degree |
Electronic Level | Displayed in viewfinder : Horizontal direction only, Displayed on LCD monitor: Horizontal and vertical direction |
Program Line | AUTO, Normal, Hi-speed Priority, DOF Priority (Deep), DOF Priority (Shallow), MTF Priority |
Movie | |
File Format | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV) |
Recorded Pixels | Full HD(1920×1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p) HD (1280×720, 60p/50p) |
Auto Focus | AF Method: Contrast detection AF mode: Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C) * Continuous AF (AF.C) is available with the dedicated lens. AF area: Multiple AF points, Select, Spot Focus Peaking: Highlight Edge/Extract Edge/OFF |
Sound | Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible) Recording Sound Level adjustable |
Recording Time | Up to 25 minutes or 4GB; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high. |
Custom Images | Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Flat, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing |
Cross Processing | Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3. |
Digital Filter | Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome |
Playback | |
Playback View | Single-frame, Multi-image display (6,12, 20, 35, 80 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16x, Quick Zoom view available), Grid display (4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display, Square 1, Square 2, Grid Color: Black/White ), Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), Bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed information, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time) , Orientation, Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slide Show, |
Delete | Delete single image, delete all, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image |
Digital Filter | Base Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, Monochrome |
RAW Development | RAW file select: Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folderRAW Development Parameter: White Balance, Custom Image, Sensitivity, Clarity, Skin Tone, Digital filter, HDR, Pixel Shift Resolution, Shadow Correction, High-ISO NR, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction, Color Fringe Correction, File Format (JPEG/TIFF), Aspect Ratio, JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Color Space |
Edit | Image Rotation, Color Moiré Correction, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Saving RAW data in buffer memory, Image Copy |
Customization | |
USER Mode | Up to 5 settings can be saved |
Function Dial | C1, C2, C3 (ISO Sensitivity, EV Compensation, Bracket Value, Custom Image, AF Mode, AF Active Area, Focus Peaking, Program Line, Shutter Mode Selection, Recorded Pixels, AA Filter Simulator, Grid Display, LCD Display Options, Image Magnification, Outdoor View Setting)* Recorded Pixels: [Still Image] L, M, S or XS selectable [Movie] Full HD or HD selectable |
Custom Functions | 24 items |
Mode Memory | 18 items |
Button Customization | Fx1 Button, Fx2 Button, Fx3 Button (EV Compensation, ISO Sensitivity, Preview, AE Lock, Change AF Area, One Push File Format, Electronic Level, Wi-Fi, Outdoor View Setting, Night Vision LCD Display, Key Lock) * Wi-Fi, Outdoor View Setting and Night Vision LCD Display can be assigned only on Fx1 AF/AE-L button (AF1, AF2, Cancel AF, AE Lock) Various settings for the action of the e-dials in each exposure mode can also be saved. |
AF Customization | AF.S: Focus-priority/ Release-priority 1st Frame Action in AF.C: Release-priority/Auto/Focus-priority Action in AF.C Continuous: Focus-priority, Auto, FPS-priority Hold AF Status: OFF, Low, Medium, High AF in Interval Shooting: Locks focus at 1st exposure, Adjusts focus for each shot |
Operation Control Lock | Type1:Disables exposure control operations in standby mode Type2:Disables the control functions of OK button, MENU button and Four-way controller in standby mode |
Text Size | Standard, Large |
World Time | World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones) |
Language | English, French, Germany, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese |
AF Fine Adjustment | ±10 step, Uniform adjustment, Individual adjustment (up to 20 can be saved) |
Indicator Lamps | Self-timer (ON/OFF), GPS (ON/OFF) |
Copyright Information | Names of “Photographer” and “Copyright Holder” are embedded to the image file. Revision history can be checked using the provided software. |
Power Supply | |
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109 |
AC Adapter | AC Adapter Kit K-AC168 (Optional) |
Battery Life | Number of recordable images: (with 50% flash usage): approx. 390 images, (without flash usage): approx.: 420 images Playback time: Approx. 270 minutes * With a fully-charged Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery under the temperature at 23°C. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard. Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition. |
Interfaces | |
Connection Port | USB2.0 (micro B), External power supply terminal, Stereo microphone input / Cable switch input ( ø3.5mm connector) |
USB Connection | MSC/PTP (SlimPort compatible) |
Video output | USB terminal * SlimPort-HDMI adapter required |
Wireless LAN | |
Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Standard wireless LAN protocol) |
Frequency (Center Frequency) | 2412MHz to 2462MHz (channels: Ch.1 to Ch.11) |
Security | Authentication: WPA2, Encryption: AES |
Dimensions and Weight | |
Dimensions | Approx. 131.5mm (W) x101.0mm (H) x 76.0mm (D) (excluding protrusions) |
Weight | Approx. 703g (Including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card) Approx. 643g (body only) |
Operating Environment | |
Temperature | -10°C~40°C (14°F~104°F) |
Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
Accessories | |
Included | Strap O-ST162, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109, Battery Charger D-BC109, AC plug cord, Software (CD-ROM) S-SW167 <Mounted on the camera> Eye-cup FR, Hot shoe cover FK , Body mount cap KII, Triangular ring and protective cover, Grip S O-GP167 |
Software | Digital Camera Utility 5 |