PENTAX KF
A compact digital SLR camera with a dustproof, weather-resistant construction that is also perfect for outdoor shooting
The PENTAX KF redefines the fundamental values of SLR photography, offering outstanding imaging performance in a compact body. It features a dustproof, weather-sealed construction and offers reliable, cold-resistant performance down to temperatures of -10°C. It is ideal for a wide range of outdoor shooting without being affected by weather conditions.
Although it is in the standard class, it has a number of advanced functions and user-friendly features normally only found in top-of-the-range models - such as an optical pentaprism viewfinder with a field of view of almost 100% and a built-in shake reduction system (IBIS) with up to 4.5x shutter speed compensation. With the PENTAX KF, even beginners to SLR photography can effortlessly experience the entire process of digital image processing. And experienced photographers will find a reliable tool for realizing their creativity.
PENTAX KF
the compact, dust and weather-resistant model of the standard class
Process of taking pictures
Prism viewfinder Pentax KF DSLR camera
Optical viewfinder with glass pentaprism, a field of view of 100% and 0.95x magnification
For optimum image composition
The viewfinder is the heart of SLR photography. It therefore plays a very special role in the PENTAX system. With a field of view of approx. 100% and a magnification of almost 0.95x (with an FA 50 mm F1.4 Lens set to infinity), the viewfinder of the PENTAX KF is particularly large, and the traditional construction with a glass prism means that the viewfinder image is also particularly bright. The viewfinder of the PENTAX KF thus offers a large, sharp and brilliant view of the subject and allows you to capture it exactly as you want to see and shape it, without electronic influences. Thanks to minimal aberrations, right into the corners of the image field, the view is excellent in many different shooting situations. It also makes manual focusing easier. In addition to the standard focusing screen with AF markings, there is also an optional full focusing screen and one with grid lines.
Excellent operability, even when wearing gloves
Clear design to optimize camera operation when shooting outdoors, even when wearing gloves
Handle
The design of the handle ensures a firm grip on the camera body, even when wearing gloves
Control buttons and mode dial
The four buttons of the four-way controller are shaped so that they are easy to operate even when wearing gloves and can be operated easily with the fingertips. The control dials are optimized for easy rotation. The PENTAX KF has been designed with attention to detail to ensure optimum comfort and ease of use.
The control buttons, which are assigned to frequently used functions, have been positioned for optimum operability. The exposure compensation button has been placed right next to the shutter release button so that you can press it without having to take your eyes off the viewfinder while adjusting the compensation value with the dials.
Rotating and tilting LCD monitor for variable viewing angle
For flexible composition
The LCD monitor of the PENTAX KF can be positioned at any angle, making it easier to compose images for a wide range of outdoor Live View shooting, such as when shooting with outstretched shoulders. For example, when shooting with outstretched arms from a high angle or when shooting from the ground from a low angle.
Two control dials for camera operation
Quickly react to the movement of the subject, or instantly control the depth of field with the original Hyper-Program operation
The PENTAX KF is equipped with two control dials that can be used to control PENTAX's proprietary Hyper-Program operation system. This allows you to instantly switch to Aperture Priority (Av) or Shutter Priority (Tv) by turning one of the two control dials while Program (P) mode is in use, without having to switch the exposure function or take your eyes off the subject.
A range of customization options for camera operation
Customize your camera with preferred settings
You can customize the operation of the PENTAX KF by assigning the desired functions to the buttons and dials, including the Fx1 and Fx2 buttons, and the three USER mode positions of the mode dial. This customization process allows you to set the camera to suit your particular shooting style and allows you to pay more attention to your subject and composition.
CMOS image sensor in APS-C format with 24.24 effective megapixels
High-performance image sensor unit without low-pass filter for images with the finest details
The sensor design of the PENTAX KF, without an AA filter, optimizes the resolving power of the CMOS image sensor with approx. 24.24 effective megapixels in APS-C format and ensures fast readout of the 14-bit image data with high resolution.
PRIME MII image processor and accelerator unit for more imaging power
Highly efficient image processing and effective noise reduction for true-to-life reproduction of fine gradations and textures
Thanks to the combination of the PRIME MII image processor and the accelerator unit, which effectively suppresses noise, the PENTAX KF ensures true-to-life reproduction and the finest gradations of textures at all sensitivity levels.
Highest sensitivity of ISO 102400
Highly sensitive photography and remarkable imaging performance
The PENTAX KF is equipped with an accelerator unit designed to optimize the powerful noise processing technology. In combination with the PRIME MII image processor, this unit reduces noise to a minimum even when shooting with very high sensitivity at ISO 102400. This combination not only improves image quality at the usual sensitivities, but also delivers beautiful images at higher sensitivities by minimizing graininess. The result is an extension of the limits of low-light photography.
Body-integrated original PENTAX Shake Reduction
Effective shake reduction for all lenses
The PENTAX KF features the original PENTAX proprietary SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism with a compensation effect of 4.5 shutter speeds*, which works effectively with all PENTAX interchangeable lenses - from wide-angle to telephoto - and minimizes camera shake in conditions prone to camera shake, such as low-light and telephoto shooting. For example, when shooting in low light and natural light or when using a telephoto lens. Thanks to the image stabilization (IBIS) integrated into the Body, all Lens with K bayonet are compatible. SR mode is also very useful when panning the camera, as it uses a gyro sensor to automatically detect the direction of the camera movement and efficiently control the SR unit to produce the best possible image. This allows you to leave SR mode on to effortlessly minimize camera shake during both normal shooting and camera panning.
* Measured in accordance with CIPA test standards (with the Lens smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] DC WR, at a focal length of 135mm)
Pixel Shift Resolution System
Optimizing the image sensor's potential to capture very high resolution images
Utilizing the SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, this innovative system* captures four images of the same subject by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image and then composing them into a single image. This captures all the RGB color data in each pixel to produce high-resolution images with far more realistic colors and much finer detail than normal shooting methods. When the Motion Correction function** is activated, it automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes blurring during the compositing process. Images captured with this system can be saved in RAW format.
* When using this system, we recommend stabilizing the camera on a tripod to optimize the image. It is also recommended to use the self-timer function, remote control or mirror lock-up.
* This system may not achieve the desired effect if the subject is moving or the camera is moved during exposure (camera shake).
** This system may not correct for certain types of subject movement. It cannot be guaranteed that movements will be corrected correctly for all subjects. The function can be turned off if desired.
AA Filter Simulator
State-of-the-art function to minimize moiré and false colors
The PENTAX KF features an AA (Anti-Aliasing) filter simulator* that effectively minimizes moiré patterns that often occur in subjects with fine, repeating patterns and false colors that often occur at the edges of high-contrast images. The SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism creates microscopic vibrations at the sub-pixel level of the image sensor during exposure to minimize these detrimental effects. You can choose the desired balance between the filter effect of the AA simulator and the higher resolution of a design without an AA filter, depending on your creative intentions.
* This simulator may not work with some shooting modes or with certain functions.
* This simulator works most effectively at a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower.
White balance control
The PENTAX KF has an automatic setting for the color temperature. This ensures that the color shift is correctly reproduced under different light sources, such as fluorescent light, sunlight or incandescent light. It is also possible to manually select one of thirteen preset white balance modes.
The following white balance modes are available:
AUTOWB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent light (daylight color), Fluorescent light (daylight white), Fluorescent light (cool white), Fluorescent light (warm white), Incandescent light, CTE (Color Temperature Enhancement), Manual WB, Color Temperature Configuration, Copying the white balance setting of an image
CTE Color Temperature Enhancement
For a faithful reproduction of the colors of your memory
In contrast to AUTO WB (AWB) mode, mode, which aims to minimize the influence of light sources on colour reproduction, the CTE mode automatically adjusts the white balance to support and optimize the influence of light sources so that you can reproduce subjects such as sunrises and sunsets or fresh green leaves in dramatic tones that come close to the colors of memory.
Custom Image function
For Custom Image presets allow you to create a customized image expression at the time of shooting
The PENTAX KF offers a choice of 14 custom image modes* that can be applied to images to give them a desired look and feel. You can adjust various parameters such as saturation, hue, tone, contrast and sharpness in addition to the standard settings when shooting or developing images in the camera. The parameters of a captured image can be adjusted at any sensitivity setting without affecting the original image. Starting from the default Custom Picture settings, you can freely adjust the parameters to give your picture the desired finishing touch.
* The Custom Picture mode is set to auto selection when the camera's exposure mode is set to AUTO.
* The adjustable parameters may vary depending on the selected Custom Picture mode.
Auto Picture - Function
When you set the camera's function switch to AUTO and press the shutter button, the PENTAX KF immediately analyzes various factors such as the distance to the subject and then automatically selects the best shooting mode for a particular scene or subject from nine exposure programs. This simplifies the complicated setting of modes, even for SLR novices.
Scene modes for image optimization of common subjects
The PENTAX KF offers 19 different scene modes.
As soon as you select one of them, the camera automatically optimizes the settings for you. Scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR, Night Shot, Food, Pets, Kids, Surf + Snow, Backlit Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum
HDR High Dynamic Range
Faithful reproduction of highlights and shadows with wide dynamic ranges
The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode* creates a single image showing an extended contrast range from three separate images taken at different exposure levels. It provides an image similar to that seen with the naked eye by mediating highlights and shadows even in extremely high contrast subjects. You can set a range of exposure compensation values or use the Auto Position Adjustment function.** You can also select Advanced HDR mode (A-HDR), which creates a dramatic photographic expression by applying the technologies used in the Clarity Control function.
* HDR mode cannot be used in some shooting modes and is not compatible with some functions.
** Auto Position Adjustment is fixed to OFF mode when Interval or Interval Movie shooting mode is selected. Depending on the status and pattern of the subject and/or the angle of view and focal length of the Lens used, this function may not be usable in all cases.
Multi-exposure
An extremely creative tool for creating unique images
The PENTAX KF allows you to create multiple exposures. Between 2 and 2,000 images are combined into a single image. Three calculation modes are available: average, additive and comparative brightness. As a design aid, a translucent image of the pictures already taken is displayed on the LCD monitor during Live View so that the pictures can be precisely aligned.
Fine focus and extra sharpness for sharpness optimization
Sharpness enhancement tools to improve image reproduction
Sharpness enhancement with excessively wide contours often impairs the resolution of the image. For this reason, PENTAX KF offers two advanced sharpness enhancement functions. The Fine Sharpness function outlines the subject with thinner, more natural lines than normal processing to produce a high-quality, detailed image. The Extra Sharpness function highlights the outline of the subject with much finer lines and is therefore particularly useful for emphasizing the outline of a low-contrast subject.
Clarity Control and Skin Tone Correction
For effortless control of the subject's texture
The Clarity Control function is an image editing tool that is useful for expressing the shine of metal or the clarity of sky or water. It allows you to adjust the smoothness of the subject's surface and map the desired texture or clarity in nine levels (between -4 and +4). Skin Tone Correction* helps you to render the subject's face with soft skin texture and healthy skin tone while maintaining a high-resolution rendition of the subject's hair and clothing as well as the background. It offers two modes to choose from: Type 1 for color and brightness correction only, and Type 2 for additional skin tone control.
* The Skin Tone Correction function makes a correction only when the camera detects a face in the image.
A range of functions to compensate for lens aberrations
High image quality right to the edges of the image
The PENTAX KF effectively compensates for distortion, vignetting and lateral chromatic aberration caused by the particular characteristics of a Lens to ensure sharp, high-contrast images right to the edges of the image. Color fringing can also be compensated for when developing RAW data.
By closing the aperture, diffraction phenomena occur above a certain aperture value, which have a negative effect on image quality. By using lens information to process image data, the effect of diffraction blur is compensated by about two stops.* This function is particularly useful for landscape photography when you want to close the aperture to increase the depth of field without compromising resolution.
* Measured according to RICOH IMAGING's internal test standards.
* Compatible with D FA, DA, DA L and FA series Lens. (Some FA series Lens are not compatible with this function).
Digital filters for shooting and image processing
Special effects for image composition to create unique works of art
The PENTAX KF offers a choice of nine digital filters available for shooting and 21 digital filters for in-camera image processing after shooting. Up to 20 filter settings can be combined and applied to a single image.
filters can be selected during shooting and playback: Extract Color, Replace Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome
Filters selectable during playback only: Basic Parameter Adjustment, Tone Enhancement, Sketch, Watercolor, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fisheye, Slim, Monochrome
1/6000-second high-speed shutter
Capture the decisive moment with an active subject
With a top speed of 1/6000 second, the high-speed shutter of the PENTAX KF captures a moving subject in a sharp image. Faster shutter speeds are also effective with bright subjects, as they allow the aperture to be opened to blur the background.
Continuous shooting mode with a top speed of six frames per second
Continuous shooting of up to 40 frames at approximately six frames per second
The PENTAX KF allows continuous shooting of high-resolution images (approximately 24.24 effective megapixels, 14-bit data files) at a top speed of approximately six frames per second. This allows you to capture the action or expression of the subject in a series of up to 40 images* in JPEG format in a single burst.
* The number of images that can be captured at ISO 100.
SAFOX X
High-precision, high-speed AF module that responds even to low-light scenes and moving objects
The PENTAX KF is equipped with the high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module for viewfinder shooting. Thanks to a high-sensitivity AF sensor for low-light subjects and a diffractive lens integrated into the sensor's optics, this module ensures responsive, reliable autofocus operation with excellent AF tracking performance in all directions while minimizing chromatic aberrations. Fine-tuning the timing of the AF sensor activation ensures fast autofocus response, especially in low-light conditions, and outstanding focusing accuracy in continuous AF mode (AF-C).
11-point multi-subject AF system
Delay-free subject detection
The PENTAX KF's 11-point AF system features nine cross-type sensors in the center for flexible framing. The center AF sensor is equipped with a luminous flux of F2.8 to ensure pinpoint focusing on the subject even when using a lens with a large aperture and shallow depth of field. The Expanded Area Select function automatically focuses on a moving subject after it has moved away from the starting point using the neighboring points.
High-precision autofocusing even in -3EV illumination
Accurate detection of the subject even in dark places
The PENTAX KF has a reliable, highly sensitive AF sensor module with nine cross-type sensors in the center. When using a fast Lens with an aperture of F2.8, it captures the subject with great accuracy, even in poorly lit places where the human eye has difficulty recognizing the subject.
Advanced 77-segment metering
Automatic detection of difficult lighting conditions
The PENTAX KF's metering system divides the image field into 77 segments for high-precision light metering*. It ensures more precise and sensitive exposure control even with high-contrast subjects.
* The PENTAX KF also offers a choice between center-weighted and spot metering.
Hybrid AF
High-speed AF operation for Live View shooting
The PENTAX KF features a hybrid AF system for Live View autofocus operation. By coupling two different AF systems - a Contrast Detection AF system with superior focusing accuracy and an Area Phase Lock AF system with sensors distributed over the entire surface of the image sensor - this hybrid system optimizes the advantages of both systems for fast, pinpoint autofocusing on the subject.
Versatile exposure system
A wide range of exposure options
In addition to the conventional exposure control options of Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv) and Aperture-priority (Av), the PENTAX KF offers PENTAX's own Sensitivity-priority (Sv) and Aperture-priority (TAv) modes. This universal exposure control system allows more creative and flexible control of subject movement and depth of field. It also offers a wide exposure compensation range of ±5EV (when shooting still images) with a choice of 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments for more flexible exposure control.
Dust-proof, weather-sealed body
A reliable camera system that works reliably with the right Lens, even in difficult situations
The PENTAX KF has 100 seals throughout the body, including the LCD monitor, to prevent water and dust from entering the interior. Combined with a PENTAX AW or WR series* lens, you get an extremely reliable shooting system with excellent environmental compatibility.
* AW: All Weather (dustproof and weatherproof); WR: Weather Resistant
Note: Even though the camera has special seals, we recommend wiping rain or water completely off the PENTAX KF Body and Lens as soon as possible to eliminate possible causes of failure or malfunction.
Outstanding cold-resistant performance down to -10°C
Excellent reliability also proven in rigorous operational tests
The PENTAX KF has undergone rigorous environmental testing at temperatures as low as -10°C to meet user requirements for shooting in extremely cold locations. Its reliable performance in cold weather ensures stable, responsive and highly accurate operation of mechanisms and circuits while minimizing battery voltage fluctuations, even in icy locations*. Its dustproof, weatherproof body performs superbly and reliably, even in snowy locations.
* Battery performance may deteriorate when the temperature at the shooting location drops. When using the PENTAX KF in places with low temperatures, we recommend carrying a spare battery and keeping it warm in a bag.
Outdoor-friendly LCD monitor with red-light monitor display function
Easy adjustment of brightness to a desired level
The PENTAX KF has an outdoor-friendly LCD monitor whose brightness can be adjusted to the desired level: brighter when shooting outdoors in sunshine or darker when shooting at night. It also has a red light function that prevents the photographer's pupils from closing after they have become accustomed to a dark environment during astronomical photography. This monitor is designed to ensure optimum visibility under a wide range of photographic conditions and applications.
Digital level display
Accurate detection and display of the camera's horizontal and vertical tilt at a glance
The PENTAX KF has a built-in digital level that detects the horizontal and vertical tilt of the camera with great accuracy and displays the information obtained on the LCD monitor. This is a very useful aid for landscape and night shots. The horizontal tilt of the camera is also displayed on the exposure scale in the viewfinder.
