RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-S1 digital SLR camera. This standard-class model incorporates new elements that optimize digital taste, such as a progressive design and an innovative interface system, while providing outstanding imaging performance -- one that rivals even high-end models.
The PENTAX K-S1 is designed for users who have become familiar with taking photo through the use of their smartphones and tablet computers, but, because they are not totally satisfied with the image quality and features provided by those portable gadgets, have become interested in more serious photography. The K-S1 features a compact, progressive body design that overturns conventional concepts of digital SLR cameras, and an innovative Body Illumination interface system that facilitates intuitive camera operation. It also provides other outstanding features rivaling those of high-end models, including: the PENTAX-developed AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator first installed on the PENTAX K-3 (launched in November 2013); an optical viewfinder with a glass pentaprism to provide approximately 100% field of view; an in-body shake reduction mechanism; and a top sensitivity of ISO 51200. These features combine to provide the exceptional digital imaging performance that will satisfy photographers of all levels -- from first-time SLR users to experienced photo enthusiasts.
Main Features
1. Body Illumination interface for intuitive camera operation
The PENTAX K-S1's power switch, mode dial, OK button and grip all feature LED body illumination, each of which indicates the current status of camera operation. The LEDs for the power switch, for instance, stay green during still-image shooting, but change color to red during movie recording. When the Face Detection function is activated, the number of LEDs illuminated on the grip corresponds with the number of faces that has been detected. These LED body illumination give a decorative illumination to the choice of distinctive body colors, furthering the look of the camera as a sophisticated digital device.
2. Compact, lightweight body with distinctive design
The K-S1 camera body's main chassis, including the grip, is designed to be compact in size and sophisticated in appearance, while its optics including the pentaprism employ solid, time-proven designs that easily match those of high-grade SLR cameras. By harmonizing these dissimilar elements, the K-S1 delivers a body design that is totally original and remarkably fashionable.
Note: This product design was developed in collaboration with and under supervision for design and color of Ziba Tokyo, Co., Ltd., the Tokyo branch of a design consultant firm Ziba, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and with other branches in Munich and San Diego.
3. High-resolution images produced by an image sensor with approximately 20.12 effective megapixels and a super-high sensitivity of ISO51200
The K-S1 is equipped with a newly developed CMOS image sensor with approximately 20.12 effective megapixels to deliver super-high-resolution images. It is also designed without an optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter to optimize the imaging power of the image sensor. By coupling this image sensor with the high-performance PRIME MII imaging engine, the K-S1 delivers true-to-life, fine-gradation images by effectively minimizing noise at all sensitivity levels, even during super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200.
4. In-body shake reduction (SR) mechanism, and AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator for effective moiré reduction
(1) In-body SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism
The K-S1 features a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism to effectively minimize camera shake and assure sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes with incident light only, or photographing sunset scenes.
(2)Innovative AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*
By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, the K-S1's AA filter simulator provides the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the same result, this innovative simulator lets the user not only switch the AA filter effect on and off, but also adjust the level of the effect, allowing the user to effortlessly apply the desired effect for a particular scene or subject.
(3) Supportive shooting functions
The K-S1's SR unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all direction, by shifting it horizontally (left/right) and vertically (up/down), and even rotating it. Taking advantage of this flexibility, the K-S1 provides a host of handy shooting functions, including ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional GPS unit,O-GPS1.
* This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting.
5. Optical viewfinder with approximately 100-percent field of view
Despite its standard-class classification, the K-S1 is equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. It assures the highest level of viewfinder brightness in its class, with a magnification of approximately 0.95 times to provide a broad image field for easy focusing and framing.
6. High-speed shutter to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus
The K-S1 provides a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second to assure sharply focused images, even with fast-moving subjects. Coupled with its high-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of 5.4 images per second, it lets the photographer freeze once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities in beautifully focused images.
7. High-precision AF with SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module
The K-S1 features the SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation with 11 sensors, including nine cross-type sensors in the middle. It also provides a spot beam to assist AF operation in poorly lit locations. Its select-area expansion function ensures that the sensor module keeps tracking a moving subject, even when the subject moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing the distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. The AF hold function maintains the in-focus position, even when the AF system loses track of the subject after once capturing it in focus. These functions combine to improve the camera's accuracy in the detection of moving subjects when its focus mode is set to AUTO, and upgrade its auto-tracking performance of these subjects when using a telephoto lens.
8. A selection of image-processing tools for creative, personalized expressions
Simply by setting the Mode dial to the EFFECT position, the user can apply the desired visual effect to an image while previewing the outcome on the LCD monitor. It provides a choice of 10 distinctive effects, including three new options: "Fresh" with a crystal-clean finishing touch; "Fade Color" for an elegant finish with subdued colors; and "Infrared" for a black-and-white finish like that of an infrared photo. The K-S1 also provides 21 digital filters (nine of them applicable during shooting), including a new "Color Replacement" filter.
9. Dependable lens aberration compensation system
In addition to the effective compensation of distortion, chromatic aberration and peripheral brightness, the K-S1 also provides a diffraction compensation function to effectively compensate diffraction, which deteriorates image resolution when the small aperture is used.
10. Smartphone-support functions**
By installing the optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB memory card in the K-S1, the user can release the K-S1's shutter, check the live-view image, and browse and download the images recorded on the card using a smartphone.
** These functions support smartphones operating iOS6 or later and Android 4.2 or later.
11. 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor, and newly designed, easy-to-use GUI
On its back panel, the K-S1 features a high-resolution, wide-view LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. It also provides a status screen employing the newly designed GUI (Graphical User Interface), which allows the user to confirm functions and settings assigned to the four-way controller and the OK button at a glance. The RICOH RT font has been used for on-screen menus to improve readability.
12. Full HD movie recording with stereo audio
The K-S1 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 30/25/24 frame rate) in the H.264 recording format, which assures flawless, high-quality movies even with fast-moving subjects. It is also equipped with a built-in stereo microphone for the recording of natural sound during Full HD movie recording.
13. Other features
- ・ Compatible with Eye-Fi wireless LAN memory cards
- ・ 77-segment, multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light measurement
- ・ DR (Dust Removal) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
- ・ Digital Camera Utility 5 software (latest version) included
PENTAX K-S1 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 | KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom not compatible), KAF, KA mount lens |
Image Capture Unit
| Image Sensor | Primary color filter, CMOS. Size: 23.5 x 15.6 (mm) |
|---|---|
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 20.12 megapixels |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 20.42 megapixels |
| Dust Removal | SP coating and CMOS sensor operations |
| Sensitivity (Standard output) |
ISO AUTO/100 to 51200 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV, or 1/3EV) |
| Image Stabilizer | Sensor shift Shake Reduction |
| AA Filter Simulator | Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Type1/Type2/Bracket |
File Formats
| File Formats | RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.30), DCF2.0 compliant |
|---|---|
| Recorded Pixels | JPEG：L(20M：5472x3648), M(12M:4224x2816), S(6M:3072x2048)、XS(2M:1920x1280) RAW：L(20M:5472x3648) |
| Quality Level | RAW (12bit): PEF, DNG JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW and JPEG simultaneously recordable |
| Color Space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Storage Medium | SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Card (Conforms to USH-1 standards), Eye-Fi card, FLU card. |
| 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 | Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen |
Live View
| Type | TTL method using CMOS image sensor |
|---|---|
| Focusing Mechanism | Contrast detection ( Face Detection, Face Detection Assist, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select, Spot) Focus peaking: ON/OFF |
| Display | Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (2x, 4x, 8x, 10x), Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display), Histogram, Bright area warning |
LCD Monitor
| Type | TFT color LCD monitor, wide angle viewing |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.0 inches |
| Dots | Approx. 921K dots |
| Adjustment | Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable |
White Balance
| Type | Method using a combination of the CMOS image sensor and the light source detection 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, Flash, CTE, Manual WB, Color Temperature Configuration, 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 IX i+, 11 point (9 cross type focus points in the center) |
| Brightness Range | EV-1 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:5 points, Auto:11 points, Select, Expanded Area Select, Spot |
| AF Assist Light | Dedicated LED AF assist light |
Metering
| Type | TTL open aperture, 77 segmented metering, center-weighted and spot metering |
|---|---|
| Metering Range | EV0 to 22 (ISO100 at 50mm F1.4) |
| Exposure Mode | Auto Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest), Scene Mode: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum *JPEG only EFFECT Mode: Faded Color, Clear Tone, Brilliant Color, Unicolor Bold, Vintage Color, Cross Processing, Warm Fade, Tone Expansion, Bold Monochrome, Infrared Filter, Vibrant Color Enhance Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb |
| EV Compensation | ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected) |
| AE Lock | Can be assigned to the AF/AE-L button from the menu. |
Shutter
| Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter |
|---|---|
| Shutter Speed | Auto:1/6000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/6000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb |
Drive Modes
| Mode Selection | Still Image: Single frame, Continuous (H, L), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote Control (0 Sec., 3 sec.), Exposure Bracketing Movie: Remote Control |
|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting |
Max. approx. 5.4 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 20 frames, RAW: up to approx. 5 frames Max. approx. 3.0 fps, JPEG L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 8 frames *ISO100 |
Flash
| Built-in Flash | Built-in retractable P-TTL flash, GN: approx. 10 (ISO100/m) Angle of view: equivalent to angle of view of 28mm lens (35mm format equivalent) |
|---|---|
| Flash Modes | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction (Auto Picture, Scene) Flash On, Flash On+ Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, Manual Flash Discharge (Full-1/128) |
| Sync Speed | 1/180 sec. |
| Flash Exposure Compensation |
-2.0 to + 1.0EV |
| External Flash | P-TTL, Leading Curtain Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, wireless sync (available with 2 dedicated external flash) |
Capture Setting
| Custom Image | Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing |
|---|---|
| Cross Processing | Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3 |
| Noise Reduction | Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO NR |
| Dynamic Range Compensation |
Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction |
| Lens Correction | Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Diffraction Correction |
| Digital Filter | Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome |
| HDR | Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function |
Movie
| File Format | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV) |
|---|---|
| Recorded Pixels | Full HD(1920x1080, 30p/25p/24p), HD (1280x720, 60p/50p) |
| Sound | Built-in stereo microphone, 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 Image | Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, 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 magnification available), Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), Bright area warning, Detailed inf, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slide Show, GPS information (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Time (UTC), Direction |
|---|---|
| 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 folder RAW Development Parameter: File Format (JPEG), Aspect ratio, JPEG recorded pixels, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Diffraction Correction, Color Fringe Correction、White Balance, Custom Image, Digital Filter, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction |
| Edit | 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, Eye-Fi Image Transfer |
Customization
| Custom Functions | 26 items |
|---|---|
| Mode Memory | 11 items |
| Button Customization | Green Button (Green Button, One Push File Format, Optical Preview, Digital Preview, Select AF Point)
AF/AE-L Button (AF1, AF2, Cancel AF, AE Lock) Separate customization for movie available E-Dial Programming (Rotate Right, Rotate Left) |
| 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 |
| Text Size | Standard, Large |
| World Time | World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones) |
| AF fine Adjustment | ±10 step, Uniform adjustment, Individual adjustment (up to 20 can be saved) |
| 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-AC128 (Optional) |
| Battery Life | Number of recordable images: (with 50% flash usage): approx. 410 images, (without flash usage): approx. 480 images Playback time: Approx. 270 minutes * With a fully-recharged 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, high-speed compatible), HDMI output terminal (Type D) |
|---|---|
| USB Connection | MSC/PTP |
Dimensions and Weight
| Dimensions | Approx. 120mm (W) 92.5mm (H) x 69.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 558g (Including dedicated battery and 1x SD Memory Card), Approx. 498g (body only) |
Included accessories
| Package Contents | Strap O-ST132, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109, Battery Charger D-BC109,Software (CD-ROM) S-SW151 |
|---|---|
| Software | Digital Camera Utility 5 |
Support for optional accessories
| GPS Unit | O-GPS1:Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Time (UTC), Direction Electronic Compass、ASTROTRACER |
|---|---|
| FLU Card | FLU CARD FOR PENTAX 16GB O-FC1: Remote Release, Image Browsing |
Storage capacity
<Still>
| RAW | JPEG | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded Pixels |
5472x3648 | 5472x3648 | L: 20M 5472x3648 |
M: 12M 4224x2816 |
S: 6M 3072x2048 |
XS: 2M 1920x1280 |
||||||||
| Quality Level | PEF | DNG | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ |
| 1GB | 29 | 29 | 66 | 149 | 293 | 110 | 247 | 479 | 205 | 454 | 851 | 503 | 1060 | 1831 |
| 2GB | 59 | 59 | 134 | 304 | 596 | 224 | 503 | 975 | 418 | 917 | 1707 | 1024 | 2119 | 3615 |
| 4GB | 117 | 116 | 264 | 597 | 1171 | 440 | 989 | 1915 | 821 | 1801 | 3352 | 2011 | 4161 | 7099 |
| 8GB | 238 | 238 | 537 | 1215 | 2384 | 896 | 2013 | 3898 | 1670 | 3665 | 6822 | 4093 | 8469 | 14448 |
| 16GB | 480 | 478 | 1081 | 2446 | 4797 | 1803 | 4050 | 7844 | 3361 | 7376 | 13727 | 8236 | 17041 | 29070 |
| 32GB | 963 | 960 | 2169 | 4907 | 9624 | 3618 | 8125 | 15735 | 6743 | 14796 | 27537 | 16522 | 34184 | 58314 |
| 64GB | 1915 | 1915 | 4298 | 9692 | 19012 | 7164 | 15945 | 30895 | 13360 | 29077 | 54925 | 32955 | 61790 | 98865 |
<Movie>
| Recorded Pixels |
Full HD 1920x1080 |
HD 1280x720 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30p | 25p | 24p | 60p | 50p | |
| 1GB | 00:03′58″ | 00:04′43″ | 00:04′54″ | 00:03′58″ | 00:04′43″ |
| 2GB | 00:08′04″ | 00:09′36″ | 00:09′58″ | 00:08′04″ | 00:09′36″ |
| 4GB | 00:15′51″ | 00:18′50″ | 00:19′35″ | 00:15′51″ | 00:18′51″ |
| 8GB | 00:32′15″ | 00:38′21″ | 00:39′51″ | 00:32′15″ | 00:38′21″ |
| 16GB | 01:04′54″ | 01:17′10″ | 01:20′12″ | 01:04′54″ | 01:17′10″ |
| 32GB | 02:10′11″ | 02:34′48″ | 02:40′53″ | 02:10′12″ | 02:34′48″ |
| 64GB | 04:19′41″ | 05:08′46″ | 05:20′54″ | 04:19′41″ | 05:08′46″ |
The maximum file size is 4GB for movie.
The maximum length is 25 minutes for movie.
System Requirements for PENTAX K-S1
＜Windows＞
| OS | Windows 8.1 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows 8 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows Vista (32 bit/64 bit) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher |
| RAM | 2GB or more |
| HDD | Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space Image file saving: Approximately 5MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 25MB (RAW) |
| Monitor | 1280×1024 dots, 24-bit full color or higher |
＜Macintosh＞
| OS | OS X 10.9/10.8/10.7,Mac OS X 10.6 |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher |
| RAM | 2GB or more |
| HDD | Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space Image file saving: Approximately 5MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 25MB (RAW) |
| Monitor | 1280×1024 dots, 24-bit full color or higher |
Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.