2014.08.28

PENTAX K-S1

An standard-class digital SLR camera, featuring outstanding imaging performance rivaling that of high-end models, a progressive body design and innovative Body Illumination interface

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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 Eye-cup FR, Hot shoe cover FK , Body Mount Cover
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.

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