Ricoh unveils weather-resistant Pentax K-70 with Hybrid AF and Pixel Shift

Ricoh has unveiled the advanced entry-level Pentax K-70 DSLR camera with Hybrid AF and Pixel Shift features.

The Pentax K-70 is a new all-weather digital SLR camera featuring a hinged LCD screen, Hybrid AF system. It comes packed with a 24.24-megapixel CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, while the PRIME MII image processor allows for 14-bit readout and a maximum ISO of 102,400.

It boasts a dustproof, freezeproof and weather-resistant design, and is the first Pentax DSLR to offer Hybrid AF in live view. The processor and sensor combination also affords a range of continuous shooting capabilities, including a 6 fps shooting rate for up to 40 consecutive JPEGs, 10 raw/DNG frames, or 8 raw+JPEG exposures.

Pentax K-70 DSLR Camera Announced with Hybrid AF and Pixel Shift

The Pentax K-70 offers in-body shake reduction image stabilization, bringing with it Pixel Shift Resolution and AA filter simulation. It features an 11-point AF system which offers nine centrally located cross-type sensors.

Full HD 1920 x 1080 video recording is supported in multiple frame rates, including 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, and 24p, in the high-quality H.264 format. HD 1280 x 720 video is also supported in 60p and 50p frame rates. Audio can be recorded along with video using the built-in stereo microphone or, additionally, a 3.5mm microphone terminal is available for use of an external mic.

Beyond standard movie recording, an interval timer can also be used for making time-lapse sequences, which can be saved simply as stills or files can be recorded at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and compiled into a Motion JPEG file for seamless playback. The interval timer allows you to record up to 2,000 consecutive frames with an interval of 2 seconds to 24 hours between each frame, and a 2 second to 24 hour time delay available.

On the back panel, the K-70 provides a 3″ 921k-dot vari-angle LCD where its K-50 predecessor used a fixed monitor. Rounding out the feature set is built-in Wi-Fi. Other highlights include include a newly designed grip, redesigned mode dial and control buttons on the camera’s top and rear panels to ensure exceptional handling and operation.

Key Features

• 24.24MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• PRIME MII Image Processor
• Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator
• 3.0″ 921k-Dot Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080i Video at 60 fps
• SAFOX X 11-Point AF with 9 Cross Sensors
• ISO 100-204800, Up to 6 fps Shooting
• Built-In Wi-Fi, Compatible with O-GPS1
• Shake Reduction & Pixel Shift Resolution
• Weather-Resistant Construction

The Pentax K-70 will have a body-only price at $649.95, while the 18-135mm lens bundle can be yours for $896.95.The launch date will be announced at the beginning of July.