This mid-range model provides outstanding imaging performance in a compact body. Featuring dustproof, weather-resistant construction and dependable cold-proof performance down to temperatures as low as -10 Degree C, the KF is a perfect companion for travel, landscape and nature photography.
It incorporates a host of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The 24.24-megapixel AA-filter-less APS-C CMOS sensor delivers super-high-resolution images. The built-in PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism provides 4.5 shutter-step compensation. The pentaprism-type optical viewfinder with approx. 100% field of view and 0.95-times magnification provides a large, clear view of the subject for quick, easy confirmation of focusing and framing. Custom Image modes, wireless remote capture and transfer via mobile device, 6fps continuous shooting and interval or interval composite shooting functions allow for diversified photographic expression.
Built with the photographer in mind, the grip, control buttons on the back panel and mode dials are contoured to offer optimum comfort and operability. The high-definition vari-angle LCD monitor makes it easier to compose images in a wide variety of applications, while the unique Night Vision Red Light LCD function minimizes eye strain and fatigue for nightscape and astrophotography.
Super-high-resolution images captured with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and at ISO 102400
The PENTAX KF assures super-high-resolution imaging with a state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and high-speed 14-bit image data readout. Combined with an AA-filter-free optical design, this image sensor delivers super-high-resolution images. Also, by coupling a high performance accelerator unit with the high-speed PRIME MII imaging engine, the PENTAX KF effectively minimizes noise at all sensitivity levels and captures rich-gradation, fine-detailed images even in super-high-sensitivity shooting at a top sensitivity of ISO 102400.
Dustproof, weather-resistant body perfect for rugged outdoor photography
The PENTAX KF is a dependable performer, even in demanding settings such as rain, fog or snow, or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures. It compact, easy-to-carry body features dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 100 seals throughout the body and outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to - 14 Degree F (10 Degree C).
Clear-view optical viewfinder
Within its compact body, the PENTAX KF incorporates a glass prism viewfinder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. With its approximately 100% field of view and 0.95-times magnification, the viewfinder provides a large, clear view of the subject for quick, easy confirmation of focusing and framing.
Vari-angle LCD monitor for easy image viewing from all angles
The vari-angle LCD monitor allows the monitor to be positioned at the desired angle, making it easier to compose images in a wide variety of situations: applications: high-angle shooting using outstretched arms, low-angle shots taken from ground level or astrophotography with the camera pointed upwards toward a starfilled sky. It also features a unique air-gapless construction, in which the air space between the high-definition LCD panel (with approximately 1,037,000 dots) and the protective cover has been filled with a special resin material to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting.
PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) System featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System
In-body SR mechanism
The built-in PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes with ambient light only, or photographing sunset scenes. Using a high-accuracy gyro sensor, it provides a compensation effect of 4.5 shutter steps. When taking a panning shot, this mechanism automatically detects the direction of the camera's movement, and efficiently controls the SR unit to produce the best image possible without requiring any mode switching operation.
Pixel-Shift Resolution System with motion correction function
The Pixel Shift Resolution System captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with far more truthful colors and much finer details than those produced by conventional APS-C-size image sensors. This system even provides a motion correction function which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process in order to accommodate a wider range of scenes and subjects.
Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moire
By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator provides the same level of moire reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off, as well as adjust the level of the effect. This means that the ideal effect can be set for a particular scene or subject based on the current photographic conditions.
Additional shooting functions
The image sensor unit is designed to tilt in all directions, providing a host of handy shooting functions including ASTROTRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS2 GPS Unit and the Auto Horizon Correction and Extra Sharpness functions.
Hybrid AF system for high-speed AF operation during Live View shooting
The PENTAX KF employs the Hybrid AF system during Live View autofocus operation. By positioning a contrast-detection AF sensor with superior focusing accuracy and a phase matching AF sensor on the image sensor's surface, this innovative hybrid system optimizes the benefits of both AF systems to assure high-speed, pinpoint AF focusing on the subject.
High-precision autofocus system with the SAFOX X module
The high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module assures responsive, dependable autofocus operation. With its 11 sensors including nine cross-type sensors in the middle, this AF module assures pinpoint focus on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. It also assures outstanding AF tracking performance with moving subjects, enabled by advanced features such as the Select-area Expansion function, which automatically refocuses on a moving subject after it moves away from the initial point, with the help of the neighbouring points; and an AF Hold function that maintains the initial in-focus point even when the module loses sight of the subject.
An array of image processing functions for diversified photographic expression
The PENTAX-developed Custom Image function lets the user process an image with the desired finishing touch to express their creative intention, or to suit the particular scene. This function provides 14 Custom Image modes, including: SATOBI, which reproduces the colors resembling those of color pictures in the 60s and 70s, with cyan-tinged blues, subdued yellows and faded reds; Bleach Bypass, which recreates the profound atmosphere of movie scenes; and Cross Processing, which adds fantastic, unusual colors to captured images. The PENTAX KF also includes the special-edition Custom Image modes KYUSHU and KATEN. In combination with PENTAX Limited-series lenses, which are popular for their distinctive image renditions, these Custom Image modes capture images with distinctive themes.
A host of interval shooting functions
The PENTAX KF provides a host of advanced interval shooting functions, including: 4Kresolution Interval Movie, which allows recording a series of still images at a fixed interval and then linking them into a single 4K-resolution movie file; Star Stream Movie, which enables recording of the traces of stars or illuminations on a 4K-resolution movie file; and Interval Composite, which synthesizes a composite image with a choice of three synthesis modes (average, additive and comparative).
Design, features, and customization options to simplify and enhance camera operation
The PENTAX KF's versatile design optimizes the ease of camera operation. The camera can be personalized to match the user's shooting preferences by assigning their desired functions to the set of buttons and dials on the camera body. A double e-dial system which can be used to control the PENTAX-original Hyper operating system, allows the user to instantly shift the aperture or shutter-speed setting without taking their eye from the viewfinder. To assure a firm hold of the camera body, even with a gloved hand, the grip, control buttons on the back panel and mode dials are contoured to offer optimum comfort and operability in active outdoor shooting. The outdoor-friendly LCD monitor features selectable brightness levels which can be instantly adjusted to the lighting level of any shooting location. The LCD monitor also features a Night Vision Red Light LCD display function which greatly reduces eye-strain when shooting in dark locations such as nightscape and astrophotography when used in combination with the optional PENTAX OGPS2 GPS Unit.
Pentax KF Features
- 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light metering
- DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
- High-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and high-speed continuous shooting function at a top speed of approximately six images per second
- Self-timer function, compatible with the continuous shooting function
- Wireless LAN connection to support smartphone operation