Pentax K-3 II Officially Announced

New flagship DSLR with innovative super-resolution technology

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Apr 22, 2015

Ricoh Imaging has just announced the Pentax K-3 II, the latest flagship DSLR that will be replacing the K-3 in the Pentax APS-C lineup. Just when we thought the Pentax full frame would be the next high-end body, Pentax engineers have brought us a little treat that contains some of the latest tech from their R&D department.

The key addition to the K-3 II is a Pixel Shift Resolution System that promises to dramatically improve the image quality of photos of still subjects (i.e. landscapes) when the camera is mounted on a tripod. This super resolution system works by microscopically moving the sensor around across a series of four exposures so that complete color data is captured by each pixel. The net result should be an image with lower noise, more detail, more accurate colors, and significantly lower risk of artifacts such as moire. We have prepared a separate article that discusses how this system works in more detail:

Read more about pixel shifting in today's in-depth article

Next up is an Improved Shake Reduction System that compensates for up to 4.5 stops of light (up from 3.5 stops on earlier models) thanks to an improved gyro sensor. The K-3 II's shake reduction has also been designed to deliver sharper images while panning. The Pentax SR system enables stabilization with any lens, old or new.

Finally, the K-3 II has a built-in GPS module that enables geotagging and the unique astrotracer function without the need for any accessories. In addition, an detailed electronic compass and location display can be viewed on the LCD screen.

From a physical point of view, the K-3 II is nearly identical to the K-3, though the on-board flash has been removed to accommodate the GPS antenna (interestingly, outlines of the old flash remain visible). The prism housing has received a face-lifted design that resembles the styling of classic Pentax film SLRs, and the old flash release button has been replaced by a button to control the GPS function.

Another small detail: the Ricoh logo on the back of the camera is no more.

The removal of the built-in flash is a somewhat unusual move and makes the K-3 II unique among enthusiast level APS-C bodies. We feel that the classic K-3 should continue being produced for users who plan to make use of the flash, though this is not likely if we look at Pentax's historical tendency to only keep one DSLR of each type in its lineup. The K-3 II press release makes no mention of the removal (or presence) of the flash, which could potentially be misleading.

The K-3 II's remaining specifications are shared with the Pentax K-3:

PRIME III image engine

24-megapixel APS-C sensor

AA filter simulator

ISO 100-51,200

8.3 FPS burst shooting

3.2" LCD screen with 1037k dots

100% coverage viewfinder with 0.95x magnification

27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus system*

86k pixel metering system

Full HD video recording with external mic and headphone jacks

Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body

Wireless tethering via the O-FC1 FLUcard

Dual SD slots

Ultrasonic DR II dust removal

*Some official sources claim that the AF algorithm for AF-C has been improved in the K-3 II, though we suspect that any practical differences would be minor compared to an actual hardware redesign. It is unclear whether these claims are relative to the K-3 or to older Pentax AF systems.

Since the K-3 II is essentially an enhanced version of an existing body rather than a completely new design, we would expect to see a true successor to it at some point in 2016. Overall, though, we are happy to see that Pentax's latest technology is being made available to customers through this updated model.

Like the K-3, the K-3 II is compatible with the BG-5 battery grip (available separately). Current genuine external flashes include the new AF201 FG, AF360 FGZ II, and AF 540 FGZ II. Most third-party hotshoe flashes are also compatible with the K-3 II, though degrees of automation may vary.

Price & Pre-Ordering

The K-3 II body will retail for $1099 (US) / £769 (UK) and we expect it to start shipping in late May. Lens kits are available in certain markets.

Pre-order your Pentax K-3 II at: B&H Photo | Adorama | WEX Photographic | SRS Microsystems

Have Your Say

Tell us what you think about the Pentax K-3 II in the comments section bellow! Are you ready to take advantage of the K-3 II's super resolution capabilities and built-in GPS, or would you rather stick to the classic K-3 with the built-in flash?

K-3 II Specifications

We have posted the full Pentax K-3 II specifications in our camera database.

Product Photos

Click on any thumbnail below for a larger view.

US Press Release

Denver, Colorado, April 22, 2015 The New PENTAX K-3 II Builds on the Performance

Standard Set by Its Predecessor Further Refining Field

Photography Expanding on the K-3 legacy, the newly released K-3 II adds GPS functionality,

improved Shake-Reduction (SR) technology, high speed AF and built-in ASTROTRACER. RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is proud to introduce the PENTAX K-3 II Digital SLR; refining the ultimate field camera. Developed as the successor to the award winning PENTAX K-3, the new K-3 II shares its predecessor’s magnesium alloy casing, metal chassis, 24.35 effective megapixel resolution, 27-point AF system and approximately 8.3 frames per second shooting while adding an improved 4.5EV stop shake reduction system, new high-speed AF algorithm, GPS, gyro sensor panning detection and automatic horizon correction. “The introduction of the PENTAX K-3 II marks our commitment to providing photographers with rugged high quality solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Jim Malcolm, President of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. The “magic’’ we add to our cameras through the motion-controlled Shake Reduction (SR) technology helps our photographers shoot for the stars and capture images in stunning detail; no other manufacturer is offering such a variety of features in a single camera design.” The K-3 II is the first camera in the PENTAX line to incorporate Pixel Shift Resolution® for capturing still life subjects with ultra-high resolving power. Pixel shift technology uses the camera’s in-body Shake Reduction mechanism to move the image sensor at single pixel increments, capture 4 separate images, which are subsequently combined into a single high definition image. Benefits include higher resolving power, reduced false color and improved overall image quality of non-moving subjects. Building on the PENTAX K-3 camera’s rugged dust proof and weather-resistant construction, the K-3 II features a built-in GPS receiver, GPS log and electronic compass purposedesigned to stand up to demanding location work. The GPS system records shooting location, camera orientation, altitude, and provides a date/time stamp tied specifically to your images; all of whichcan be transferred to a computer and mapped using services such as Google Earth™. By combining the power of GPS positioning with in-body shake reduction mechanism, the PENTAX K-3 II cameras exclusive built in ASTROTRACER® features tracks and photographs astronomical bodies such as stars and planets. The system uses GPS and orientation location data together with magnetic and acceleration sensors to calculate the motion needed to synchronize the CMOS sensor with the movement of the stars; making it possible to capture stars as points of light rather than star trails during long exposures.

“The original PENTAX K-3 has been my go to camera since it was first introduced,” said professional photographer Kerrick James. “Now with the addition of GPS, Pixel Shift Resolution, and 4.5EV stop shake reduction, my field photography is further refined and documented regardless of my remote location. This ensures my demanding shooting style will always be met and will provide my clients with consistently high quality photography.” The new PENTAX K-3 II uses the advanced and intuitive user interface common to most PENTAX camera products. The system is compatible with a host of accessories including a versatile array of flash units, lenses, battery grip and interchangeable focus screens. Pricing and Availability



The PENTAX K-3 II will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in May 2015 for a suggested retail price of $1099.95. Main Features



1. High-resolution images

The K-3 II combines an APS-C-size CMOS image sensor free of an anti-aliasing filter with the high-performance PRIME III imaging engine — identical to the one installed in the PENTAX 645Z medium-format digital SLR camera — to optimize the imaging power of approximately 24.35 effective megapixels and deliver sharp, fine-gradation images. It also effectively minimizes annoying noise generated at higher sensitivities, allowing high-grade, high-sensitivity shooting even at the top sensitivity of ISO 51200.



2. New-generation PENTAX-original shake reduction mechanism



(1) Upgraded in-body SR mechanism to assure the best shake reduction performance in the K series



The K-3 II comes equipped with a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism that can be used with any compatible PENTAX interchangeable lens.* Thanks to its new, high-precision gyro sensor, this mechanism assures more stable, effective camera-shake compensation than ever before, with an extra-wide compensation range of as much as 4.5 shutter steps — the widest of all K-series digital SLR models. Even when taking a panning shot, this efficiently controls the SR unit to always produce the best image possible under the given conditions.



(2) New Pixel Shift Resolution System to deliver image resolutions higher than the image sensor’s capacity



The K-3 II features Pixel Shift Resolution System,** the latest super-resolution technology, which 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 unit of color data, this new system obtains all color data in each pixel. This innovative system delivers super-high-resolution images with far more truthful color reproduction and much finer details, while significantly lowering the level of high-sensitivity noise. Recorded images can also be synthesized, either on a computer using the accompanying utility software, or with the camera’s in-body RAW-data development function.



(3) Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moiré



By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the K-3 II’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user not only switch the anti-aliasing filter effect on and off, but also to adjust the level of the effect. This means that the ideal effect can be set for a particular scene or subject.



(4) Supportive shooting functions



The K-3 II’s SR unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all directions. This is one reason why the K-3 II can provide a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation; image-composition fine-adjustment; and ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography.



* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions are not available with certain lenses.

** When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly, either in part or as a whole.

*** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be combined with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution system.



3. High-precision, SAFOX 11 sensor module with 27-point AF system



The K-3 II features the sophisticated SAFOX 11 AF sensor module with an expanded image-field coverage using 27 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The center sensor and the two sensors just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using a large-aperture lens. Thanks to the combination of a state-of-the-art AF algorithm and the advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, this AF system assures much improved AF tracking performance in the AF Continuous mode, while providing an extra-wide measurable luminance range (–3EV to +18EV).



4. High-precision exposure control with PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System



The K-3 II is equipped with the advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, which is supported by an approximately 86,000-pixel RGB metering sensor. This system is designed to optimize the camera’s overall performance, not only by controlling exposure with great accuracy, but also by utilizing the data obtained by the light-metering sensor to further enhance the accuracy of autofocusing and white-balance adjustment. It has also expanded the measurable luminance level to as low as –3EV. By detecting the type of scene or subject using the RGB metering sensor, the K-3 II selects the exposure settings that are more consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions.



5. High-speed continuous shooting with a top speed of approximately 8.3 images per second



The K-3 II continuously records as many as 23 images in the RAW format, or 60 images in the JPEG format,**** in a single sequence. This has been made possible through the use of several innovative developments, including: a high-speed, highly accurate control mechanism that regulates the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently; a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME III imaging engine.



**** JPEG recorded pixels: L, JPEG image quality: Best



6. Optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view



The K-3 II’s glass prism has been treated with a coating that is designed to improve reflectance for a much brighter viewfinder image. With a magnification of approximately 0.95 times, its viewfinder provides a broad, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.



7. Full HD movie recording with an array of creative tools



The K-3 II captures Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30p frame rate) in the H.264 recording format. It also comes equipped with a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection and a headphone terminal. The user can even adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound pressure levels during microphone recording. In addition to a host of distinctive visual effects available for movie recording,***** the K-3 II also provides the interval movie mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips at a fixed interval



***** When special image processing is required, the frame rate may vary depending on the selected special-effect mode.



8. Built-in GPS module



Thanks to its built-in GPS module, the K-3 II provides a variety of advanced GPS functions, including the recording of location, latitude, longitude, altitude and UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) and direction at the time of shooting. The user can easily access images containing GPS data using a computer, to browse them, check on shooting locations and position data on the screen, or save them.



The user can also take advantage of some unique tools, including: GPS log, which keeps track of the photographer’s movement; Electronic Compass, which displays the camera’s direction on the camera’s LCD monitor; and ASTROTRACER, which simplifies the tracing and photographing of celestial bodies by coupling GPS data with the camera’s SR mechanism.



9. Large, easy-to-view 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 103,700 dots



On its back panel, the K-3 II features a 3.2-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with approximately 103,700 dots and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In addition to its wide-view design, this monitor also has a protective tempered-glass front panel for added durability, and a unique air-gapless construction in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting.



10. Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction



The K-3 II’s exterior casing, consisting of top and bottom panels and front and back frames, is made of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy. Thanks to the inclusion of 92 sealing parts in the body, it boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction, assuring solid operation at temperatures as low as –10°C. It also features a dependable, durable shutter unit that withstands 200,000 shutter releases. Despite all these features, the K-3 II has been designed to be compact and maneuverable, assuring remarkable operability and swift response in the field.



11. Other features



・Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)

・Smartphone-support functions using the optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB

・Top-grade DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration

・HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing

・PENTAX-invented hyper control system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions

・Model dial with a choice of lock mechanism engagement (ON or OFF)

・Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, brightness level at image-field edges, and fringe effect (available in RAW-format processing only)

・The latest version of Digital Camera Utility 5 software is included

International Press Release

April 23, 2015 PENTAX K-3 II The new flagship model of the PENTAX K-series digital SLR cameras, featuring the newly developed Pixel Shift Resolution System and an enhanced shake reduction mechanism to optimize image quality



RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-3 II digital SLR camera. Developed to be the flagship model of the PENTAX K series of digital SLR cameras, this new model assures the highest image quality in the series.



Developed as the successor to the PENTAX K-3 (launched in November 2013), a camera that offered outstanding performance across a wide range of field photography, the PENTAX K-3 II delivers exceptionally high-resolution images supported by such state-of-the-art technologies as an enhanced shake reduction system — the most highly effective in the K series — and a newly developed super-resolution technology called the Pixel Shift Resolution System. The K-3 II also features other renowned technologies, including: an APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.35 effective megapixels; an AA-filter-free design for high-resolution image reproduction; a high-performance 27-point AF system; high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 8.3 images per second; and a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction. It even incorporates a GPS module to perform various GPS functions, such as accurate recording of shooting locations and simplified, high-precision tracking of celestial bodies, to eliminate the need for an optional GPS unit. These outstanding features allow K-3 II users to enjoy advanced, multi-featured photo shooting with a wider variety of scenes and subjects than ever before.



See also our in-depth Pentax K-3 review to learn more about the K-3 family of DSLRs.

Continue on to read about the theory behind pixel shifting