Developed as the successor to the PENTAX K-1 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera (launched in April 2016), the PENTAX K-1 MarkII was designed to be the new flagship of the acclaimed PENTAX K-series lineup.
In addition to the outstanding image quality, this model provides excellent super-high-sensitivity imaging performance and much-improved operability — important factors expected in a top-of-the-line model — to accommodate a wider range of subjects and scenes.
The new standard of the 35mm full-frame K series
Rich colors and subtle shades, and a beautiful bokeh and a well-defined sense of depth. When the photographer's inspiration is truly reflected in all these elements, photographs will become more than mere records - they will evolve into truly impressive works of art.
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II has been created as the flagship model that will fulfill this goal. It features a new, advanced image-processing system to deliver the beautiful image quality which all photographers demand. It produces images that are rich in color and gradation, high in resolution, and superb in bokeh rendition.
The Pixel Shift Resolution System II - the PENTAX-original super-solution technology - now accommodates handheld photography. The AF system featuring a new algorithm assures high-precision focusing even with moving subjects.
While inheriting the PENTAX K-1's development concept, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II has advanced technologies to near perfection. When your creativity is in complete harmony with the camera, your photography will truly come alive.
State-of-the-art imaging processing system
Greatly improved image quality, even in high-sensitivity photography
To reproduce lively colors and rich gradations close to memory colors in all sensitivity ranges, the PENTAX K-1 Mark II newly incorporates an original accelerator unit, which efficiently processes image signals output by the image sensor before sending them to the imaging engine. This process upgrades both image resolution and color reproduction in a high-sensitivity range, while drastically reducing noise compared to the PENTAX K-1. It also helps bring the camera's top sensitivity up to ISO 819200 (at standard output sensitivity) for high-grade, super-high-sensitivity photography. Top sensitivity of ISO 819200 enhances image quality, and expands the creative boundaries of high-resolution digital SLR photography State-of-the-art imaging processing system Greatly improved image quality, even in high-sensitivity photography
Top sensitivity of ISO 819200 enhances image quality, and expands the creative boundaries of high-resolution digital SLR photography
PRIME IV
High-performance imaging engine to assure high-resolution image reproduction
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II's PRIME IV imaging engine is the culmination of PENTAX's high-speed, high-quality image processing technologies. In addition to highly efficient noise processing, it features Fine Sharpness and Extra Sharpness functions to process the subject's outlines more naturally and more delicately, and the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, which has adopted a breakthrough deep learning technology. It also effectively compensates for the distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration caused by specific lens properties, while efficiently correcting the fringe effect.*
*Available in combination with D FA-, DA-, DA L- and FA-series lenses. Some of these lenses may not be compatible with these functions.
35mm full-frame image sensor
A large, high-performance image sensor to capture all lighting data
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II's 35mm full-frame image sensor features a large imaging area and a wide pixel pitch to 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.
Some thoughts about the sensor size we share on our blog ...
AA-filter-free design to optimise resolving power
The PENTAX K-1 Mark II features an AA (anti-aliasing)-filter-free design to optimize image resolving power. This design produces true-to-life images by faithfully depicting the fine details of the subject. It retains excellent resolution, even when the image is cropped during shooting, or the captured image is trimmed during processing. It allows you to capture the decisive moment in a sharp, clear image.
AA filter simulator
State-of-the-art mechanism to optically minimise moiré and false colour
The PENTAX-original AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator* effectively minimizes moiré and false color by using the camera's SR mechanism to apply microscopic vibrations to the image sensor during exposure. It provides the option of choosing the AA-filter effect for well-balanced images or the AA-filter-free mode for greater resolving power.
* This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower.
* This function may not be used in some shooting modes, or may not be combined with certain functions.
The advanced Pixel Shift Resolution System II for super-high-resolution images
A PENTAX technology to produce high-quality images beyond the power of total pixels
PENTAX's Pixel Shift Resolution System II* is the super-solution technology which realizes image resolving power and color reproduction far better than that of the conventional Bayer system. By taking advantage of the camera's SR mechanism, it captures four images of the same scene by slightly shifting the image sensor for each image, obtaining all RGB color data and luminance data from each pixel, then synthesizing them into a single, super-high-resolution composite image. It not only improves image resolving power, but also prevents the generation of false color, reduces high-sensitivity noise, and greatly improves image quality.
* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod during shooting, and set the drive mode to self-timer or remote control, or use the mirror lock-up function.
** The desired effect may not be obtained when the subject is on the move or camera shake occurs.
RAW-format filing compatibility
The images captured by the Pixel Shift Resolution System can be saved as RAW-format files. You can develop these files within the camera body while adjusting various parameters or turning the Pixel Shift Resolution effect on and off to create the desired image.
Innovative Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode
Greater flexibility in handheld shooting
In addition to conventional shooting modes, the Pixel Shift Resolution System II features a new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode*, an innovative technology that takes advantage of slight fluctuations of the subject's position during handheld shooting. The camera closely analyzes four captured images and detects camera shake during handheld shooting before synthesizing them into a super-high-resolution composite image.** By combining this mode with the camera's SR mechanism, you can use the advanced Pixel Shift Resolution System II more flexibility, even in difficult shooting conditions such as shooting at poorly lit locations or without using a tripod.
* When using a tripod, the user is advised not to activate the Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode.
** 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.