Ricoh unveils Pentax KP with new 24MP sensor and 5-axis IBIS

Ricoh has announced the Pentax KP with a new shake reduction system and ‘high sensitivity’ APS-c sensor.

The follow-up to the K-3 II, mid-level DSLR comes with a high-sensitivity 24.32-megapixel sensor. The new CMOS sensor provides a top ISO of 819,200. The Pentax KP uses the same 5-axis ‘Shake Reduction II’ IBIS system found on the K-1 full-frame model.

The body is relatively compact, sealed against dust and moisture, and functional down to +14F/-10C. The Pentax KP will start shipping from late February with a price tag for $1,099 body-only.

Pentax KP DSLR camera officially announced

The specs list also include an electronic shutter that tops out at 1/24000 sec (the mechanical shutter goes to 1/6000 sec). The Pentax KP uses the same SAFOX 11 autofocus system as the K-3 II, meaning that it has 27 points, 25 of which are cross-type. As with other Pentax models, the KP supports Pixel Shift Resolution as well as AA Filter Simulation.

The Pentax KP also features the Pixel Shift Resolution System. This is a super-resolution technology which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image. Then the system synthesis them into a single composite image.

The DSLR camera has a pentaprism viewfinder with ‘nearly’ 100% coverage and a 0.63x equivalent magnification, as well as a tilting 3″ touchscreen display. A nice extra is the ability to change the camera’s grip, with three sizes to choose from.

Key Highlights

• 24.3MP APS-C AA-Filterless CMOS Sensor
• PRIME IV Engine with Accelerator Unit
• Smart Function Exchangeable Grip
• Full HD 1080p30 Video; 4K Interval Movie
• SAFOX 11 27-Point AF Sensor
• ISO 819200; 7 fps Continuous Shooting
• 5-Axis In-Body Shake Reduction II
• 3.0″ 921k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• Pixel Shift Resolution; Built-In Wi-Fi
• Weather-Sealed Magnesium Alloy Body

On the video side, it can capture Full HD at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p. The camera can shoot continuously at up to 7 fps and has built-in Wi-Fi. The battery life is rated at 390 shots/charge.

The Pentax KP replaces the K-3 II at the top end of Ricoh’s APS-C lineup. Ricoh have released 9 high-resolution sample images captured with the new Pentax KP digital SLR camera.