Ricoh and its Pentax brand have never been afraid of a little color, and the introduction of the K-S1 DSLR reaffirms that. The K-S1 offers a 20.1MP APS-C sensor, an AA filter simulator (as seen on the Pentax K-3) and burst shooting at 5.4 fps, but none of that is quite as attention-grabbing as its headline body specification - a set of green LEDs on the camera's grip and power switch.
Called an 'illumination interface system,' the lights serve more as an embellishment than a practical feature. They pulse as modes are changed, provide a visual cue as the countdown timer advances and change to red in video mode (power switch lights only).
More than just a shiny object, the K-S1 provides a solid set of specifications including a 100% coverage optical viewfinder with 0.95x magnification, a top shutter speed of 1/6000sec, 1080/30p HD video recording and built-in shake reduction. It will be sold in 12 different colors, and will be available mid-September for £549.99 / $749.95 body-only or £599.99 / $799.95 with SMC DA L 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens.
Learn more in our Pentax K-S1 Hands-On
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Press Release:
Ricoh Imaging Debuts an Innovative User Interface Attracting Mid-Level DSLR Camera Buyers to PENTAX Brand
Denver, Colorado August 27, 2014 – Focused on expanding the number of PENTAX DSLR owners, RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is excited to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-S1 DSLR camera. By combining proven imaging technology, distinct design cues and a flat field user interface (UI) the K-S1 appeals to the next generation PENTAX owner without surrendering the performance expected in a mid-class camera.
Building on the many technologies benchmarked in the company’s popular K-3 advanced DSLR; the K-S1 incorporates a newly designed 20 megapixel image sensor, super-high sensitivity ISO 51200. In addition this model contains in-body shake reduction, an AA filter simulator, 100% field of view glass pentaprism viewfinder, and 5.4 frames per second shooting at a fast 1/6000 shutter speed. Adding to the user experience is the camera’s unique flat field user interface, which integrates a back-lit LED selection dial, four-way navigation, and a bright 3" 921,000 dot LCD that breaks tradition of the knobs and buttons found on traditional DSLR cameras.
The PENTAX K-S1 is designed to attract a mid-level customer who is accustomed to a mobile interface and is looking for a similar interaction in a DSLR. The simple UI eliminates many of the complexities of a DSLR and provides immediate feedback including shooting parameters, filter selection and effect modes, even in total darkness. The camera’s power switch, mode dial, OK button and grip all feature LED illumination; each of which indicates the current status of camera operation. This intuitive UI and design combined with category leading technology delivers a powerful imaging engine that is simple to use.
"With the K-S1 we are building on our solid reputation as a camera company and inviting new customers to experience the PENTAX advantage" said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. "Our core PENTAX products provide an important foundation that the K-S1 builds upon."
The optional Flucard for PENTAX offers additional features such as Wi-Fi transfer, wireless live view, and Remote Capture control; letting users take control of their camera settings with a smartphone, tablet, or computer and save images directly to a mobile device.
The K-S1 comes in 3 standard colors: black, blue, and white. In addition, two separate color collections are available; The Fabric Collection, containing 4 unique colors such as cotton beige and tweed gray – and the Night Sky Collection, with 5 more elegant colors like Sunset Orange, Dawn Purple, and Midnight Black.
Pricing and Availability
The PENTAX K-S1 kit including an 18-55mm lens will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in September 2014 for a suggested retail price of $799.95. The K-S1 body only will be available for $749.95.
Specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $749 / £549 (body only), $799 / £599 (with 18-55mm lens) |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
| Body material | Composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 |
| Other resolutions | 4224 x 2816, 3456 x 2304, 3072 x 2448, 1920 x 1080 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Prime MII |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100 - 51200 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 3-axis |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Good, Better, Best |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 11 |
| Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.95× (0.63× 35mm equiv.) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, auto + redeye, on, on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
| Drive modes |
|
| Continuous drive | 5.4 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50 fps) |
| Format | H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Remote control | Yes (via optional wireless remote) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | D-LI109 lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 558 g (1.23 lb / 19.68 oz) |
| Dimensions | 121 x 93 x 70 mm (4.76 x 3.66 x 2.76″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | O-GPS-1 |
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