Ricoh just unveiled its newest DSLR, the Pentax K-70, that has a weather-resistant design. This new camera was built with an eye on outdoor enthusiasts and prosumers looking for a reliable option for capturing photos in every environment. The specs are designed for outdoor shoots, especially at night. Much like the recently announced Olympus Tough Tracker, the goal here is to provide top-grade optics in a go-anywhere casing. More below.
The compact camera body is sealed up tight for a weatherpoof peace-of-mind while you’re away from the studio. A byproduct of that is a boxier design that has more of an old-school feel to it. If you don’t mind the slightly tougher exterior, you’re going to get a camera that is rated for most outdoor activities.
While the exterior is noteworthy, it’s the technology inside that has created a buzz. The K-70 is the latest Ricoh camera to use pixel-shift technology for taking ultra-high-resolution photographs. The 24 megapixel sensor skips anti-aliasing glare increasing the opportunity for sharper images at larger sizes. With that comes an increased risk of moiré, or the noise that can come from repeating patterns in a photo. The trade-off here is likely not an issue for most as nature scenes are less likely to pose this problem.
A big part of sensor-shift technology is the ability to smooth images that may be threatened by photographer movement. With its activated, the camera will take four different exposures (sort of like HDR) and blend them together. This allows the internal system to capture a wider range of color to more accurately match the subject.
This new Pentax is definitely designed for taking still images, but it is also capable of capturing videos as well. Recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second, unfortunately. The high-frame rate sensor is able to put together 4K time lapse but that doesn’t directly translate to full-on movies. An 11-point auto-focus system rounds out the internal specs with a three-inch articulating LCD handling the settings, etc.
The K-70 has a very competitive price tag at $650. It will be available for shipping in the coming days alongside a new 55-300mm weather resistant lens.
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[9to5-press-release]
Ricoh Imaging unveils weather-resistant, advanced digital SLR camera designed for the great outdoors
DENVER, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-70 advanced digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Compact, dustproof and weather-resistant, the new PENTAX K-70 camera incorporates features — many of which have previously only been available on top-of-the-line PENTAX models — that enable photographers to produce high-resolution still photos and HD videos in a wide variety of challenging conditions, including low light and temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The camera’s weather-resistant capabilities and compact design make it an ideal photographic companion for hikers, climbers and snow sports enthusiasts, as well as for nature and landscape photographers.
With a newly developed image accelerator unit providing a top sensitivity of ISO 102,400, plus the PENTAX-developed PRIME MII image processor, the PENTAX K-70 is capable of capturing high-quality images in extremely low-light conditions. A new Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system, integrating both image-plane phase-matching and contrast-detection autofocus technologies, delivers fast and accurate autofocus, and — in a PENTAX “first” — continuous auto focus is available for HD video recording.
“PENTAX has a long history of developing cameras and lenses that can withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. The K-70 goes a step further, with new, advanced features that enable the creation of higher quality images and make the camera very easy to use, both in the backyard and in the field,” said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “Combined with any one of our many available weather-resistant lenses, this camera is in a class of its own for outdoor photography.”
The PENTAX K-70 provides a variety of advanced features found only in Ricoh’s high-grade PENTAX K-series models, such as the PENTAX Pixel Shift Resolution System, which produces high-resolution, finely detailed images. These also include an AA Filter Simulator that effectively eliminates moiré without the need for an anti-aliasing filter, a variable-tilt LCD monitor, and an in-body shake-reduction mechanism that reduces the effects of camera shake up to 4.5 shutter steps. The K-70 also incorporates built-in Wi-Fi for remote shooting and easy transfer to smart devices using Ricoh’s dedicated Image Sync app.
The PENTAX K-70’s exterior is designed with outdoor operations in mind. Features such as a newly designed grip, mode dial and control buttons on the camera’s top and back panels are designed to be easy and intuitive to operate, even with a gloved hand. It also comes equipped with an outdoor-friendly LCD monitor with an illumination control that can be instantly adjusted to the lighting level of any shooting location. The K-70 also has a red-light display function which keeps ambient light from interfering with astro- and nightscape photography
In conjunction with the PENTAX K-70 camera, Ricoh Imaging is announcing the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens, a compact, weather-resistant telephoto zoom (see details in separate news release, also issued today); plus the Cable Switch CS-310, a remote shutter release designed especially for use with the K-70.
[/9to5-press-release]
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