35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor 

Approximately 36.4 effective megapixels

Exceptional imaging power assured by a large-format sensor

Exceptional resolving power supported by a high-resolution, AA-filter-free design

The K-1 incorporates a newly developed 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor, one that assures the highest image quality to be found in the K-mount SLR series. Thanks to its large imaging area and wide pixel pitch, this high-pixel sensor delivers lively, true-to-life images with rich gradation and minimal noise. Its shallow depth of field allows you to control the sense of depth and bokeh (defocused) effect at will.

Thanks to its approximately 36.4 effective megapixels, the K-1 delivers breathtaking, true-to-life images—the kind that will seize the viewer’s imagination. Its exceptional resolving power captures each leaf of a distant tree or every drop of a spray in the finest detail. Since it provides image data large enough to produce a brilliant A2-size print (at 300dpi), the photographer is assured of great flexibility in image composition, either by cropping the image during shooting, or trimming the captured image during processing. By processing large volumes of data with its 14-bit image-processing system, the K-1 delivers beautiful, rich-gradation images.

AA-filter-free design, to optimize resolving power

An optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter will affect the camera’s image resolving power, even though it will help reduce moiré and false color. The K-1 incorporates an AA-filter-free design to optimize the image resolving power of its high-pixel image sensor.

PRIME IV

ISO 204800

A new imaging engine optimized for a 35mm full-frame image circle

A combination of super-high sensitivity and exceptional image resolution

The K-1 features a newly designed PRIME IV imaging engine. Compared with the previous PRIME III version, it is fine-tuned to process higher-resolution images, while boosting the operating frequency by nearly 50 percent. Its noise-processing algorithm has also been upgraded to capture beautiful, fine-gradation images at higher sensitivities. A combination of an advanced scene analysis system and new image-processing functions helps improve the accuracy and reliability of image reproduction.

By taking full advantage of the image sensor excelled in noise-resistance performance and the PRIME IV imaging engine, the K-1 provides a top sensitivity of ISO 204800 (at standard output sensitivity). This not only delivers high-resolution images free of tone jumps and graininess at high-sensitivity settings, but also improves image quality in the low-sensitivity range. Since the K-1 allows you to raise the sensitivity level to capture images equal in image quality to those taken at lower sensitivities, it expands the boundaries of photographic expression.

Pixel Shift Resolution 

Normal shot

Color information obtained

Color information obtained

By taking four shots sequentially, each pixel obtains color and brightness information of every RGB.

For each pixel, color and brightness information is obtained for one
color only.

*High resolution and many gradations are achieved because the
image is generated using color and brightness information with
high resolving power.
*False color and color moiré are not generated because pixel
interpolation is not done.

Due to color filter RGB proportions, the resolution for each color is
1/2 for green and 1/4 for R and B.

Demosaic processing

Estimate the deficient pixels by referring the neighbor pixel and outline information (pixel interpolation).

When there are instances where the estimated color and actual color
differ, the result is false color and color moiré.

 *Images are for representation purpose only.

Principle of optical AA filter

Principle of AA filter simulator

Lens Aberration Correction and Fringe Compensation*

Fine Sharpness and Extra Sharpnes

High-quality image reproduction a the image field, with effective compensation of aberrations

Sharpness-enhancing tools to greatly improve the image rendition of high-pixel photography

The K-1 effectively compensates for the distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration caused by specific lens properties, and captures high-quality images with edge-to-edge sharpness. It even compensates for the fringe effect during RAW-data development.

*Available in combination with D FA-, DA-, DA L- and FA-series lenses. However, some of these lenses may not be compatible with these functions.

No matter how many pixels and how much resolving power an image sensor may provide, the captured image can appear as a low-resolution image if the subject is outlined with thick lines. The K-1’s Fine Sharpness function outlines the subject with thinner, more natural lines than those created by normal processing to produce a high-quality, fine-detailed image. It allows you to create a fine piece of art, with a true-to-life description of the subject. The K-1 also provides an Extra Sharpness function, which emphasizes the subject’s outline more prominently with much finer lines, making it particularly useful for enhancing the outline of a low-contrast subject.

The PENTAX-original sensor-shift-type shake reduction mechanism has been upgraded to provide optimum compensation for all lenses used in handheld shooting. The new-generation SR II (Shake Reduction II) features a five-axis mechanism to compensate for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift** (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to handle by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms, in addition to more common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw. The SR II unit is controlled with great precision as soon as the camera’s power is turned on, and provides a wide compensation range — as much as five shutter steps*** — to expand the limits of handheld shooting.

*For a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera, as of February 2016 (based on RICOH IMAGING research).
**During Live View shooting, this mechanism does not compensate for camera shake caused by horizontally and vertical shift.
*** Measured in conformity to CIPA standards, using an HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens at a focal length of 105mm.

SR: OFF

SR: ON

SR: OFF

SR: ON

Operation Assist Light

Supporting camera operations in the dark

Four Operation Assist Lights are strategically positioned around the camera body: at the upper side of the lens mount, behind the LCD monitor, at the memory card slot, and at the cable switch terminal. With a push of the illumination button, you can turn them on* to facilitate lens and memory card changes, control button operations, and attachment and removal of a cable switch, for more efficient, comfortable shooting of nighttime outdoor scenes and poorly lit indoor subjects.

* The LED lights can be switched on and off individually. They are all set to the off mode at default setting.

Above lens mount

Above LCD monitor

At memory card slot

At cable switch terminal

High-precision AE/AF operation at –3EV illumination

Outdoor-oriented LCD monitor

Extra-accurate auto-exposure and autofocus control, even in the dark

Single-action setting of LCD monitor’s brightness

An illumination level of –3EV makes it difficult to see a subject with the naked eye, and almost impossible to make accurate focus with manual focusing. Even under such low-illumination conditions, the K-1 assures high-precision auto-exposure and autofocus operations.* Thanks to its upgraded algorithm, its autofocus response time for poorly illuminated subjects is greatly reduced. Coupled with its super-high-resolution imaging power, the K-1 delivers exceptional shooting performance in dark locations.

With a single push of a button, the K-1’s new Outdoor View Setting mode displays five brightness settings on its LCD monitor, allowing you to easily and quickly set the desired brightness level for a given location — brightening the monitor under dazzling sunshine or darkening it under starlit skies.

* Light metering measured at ISO 100 and with a 50mm F1.4 lens; focusing measured at ISO 100, at room temperature and with 25 middle sensors.

Outdoor View Setting：－2

Outdoor View Setting：+2

A completely environment-resistant imaging system, with a weather-resistant lens

A combination of the K-1’s 87 sealing parts with an AW- or WR-series lens is mounted,* the K-1 and its lens forms a remarkable digital imaging system totally resistant to demanding environmental factors.
* AW stands for All Weather (dustproof and weather-resistant construction), while WR stands for Weather Resistant (simplified weather-resistant construction).
** Please read instruction manual carefully before use.

–10°C cold-resistant construction

DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism

Unmatched reliability proven under vigorous testing conditions

Effective removal of foreign particles from the image sensor

Anticipating use in cold locations, PENTAX has subjected the K-1 to exacting environmental tests at temperatures as low as –10°C, and gathered a vast array of data on operational precision, response and stability of mechanisms and circuits, as well as fluctuations in battery voltage.* As the result, the K-1 assures solid, trouble-free operation even at freezing temperatures.

Using its piezoelectric element, this innovative mechanism applies ultrasonic vibrations to the optical glass panel placed in front of the image sensor. This effectively removes all dust particles clinging to the image sensor surface, and prevents annoying dust spots from appearing on a captured image.

* Battery performance declines as the temperature goes down. When shooting in cold environments, the user is advised to carry spare batteries and keep them warm by storing them in an inside pocket.

High-rigidity, extra-durable body

Extra-durable shutter unit

A shell structure shielding a metallic chassis with a magnesium alloy casing

Withstanding 300,000 shutter releases for professional use

The K-1’s exterior casing is made of highly rigid, lightweight magnesium alloy, which provides excellent shock-resistance and electromagnetic shielding performance. By coupling it with a high-rigidity metallic chassis housing the core components, the K-1 forms a compound structure to assure outstanding durability and exceptional reliability.

After a series of exacting performance tests, the K-1’s shutter unit has proven its exceptional durability by withstanding a total of 300,000 shutter releases. It assures outstanding operational precision and exceptional durability required for exacting professional work.

Aiming at aligning the photographer’s line of sight precisely with the camera’s optical axis while providing a flexible angle adjustment, PENTAX has designed an ideal LCD monitor for the K-1 by creating an innovative mechanism that supports the monitor with four stays. This monitor has reached two difficult goals that conventional monitors have failed to attain: no deviation from the optical axis; and unrestricted tilt in all directions, horizontally or vertically. You can even tilt it up to a nearly 90-degree angle for low-angle and waist-level photography.

・Vertical tilt: approx. 44°
・Horizontal tilt: approx. 35°
(Waist-level shooting: approx. 90°)

Air Gapless LCD monitor
The K-1’s Air Gapless LCD monitor uses a special resin layer applied between the protective panel and the LCD screen to effectively cut down internal reflections. Coupled with the Outdoor View Setting function, it assures excellent visibility even under bright sunshine.

Live View shooting

Auto Horizon Correction and Composition Adjustment

An array of creative tools to assist creative photography

Convenient tools to compose well-balanced images

In the Live View mode, the K-1 provides a wide range of picture-taking tools. Thanks to its Flexible Tilt-Type LCD monitor, you can clearly view the on-screen image from different angles to optimize shooting comfort.

Main Live View shooting functions

• A selection of AF modes: Face Detection, Auto Tracking, Multi-segment Auto, Select and Spot
• Focus Assist to emphasize the outline of in-focus area
• A choice of grid display from five patterns and two colors (white or black)
• Zoom display with a maximum magnification of 16 times for easy confirmation of focus status

By taking advantage of its SR mechanism, the K-1 helps you compose well-balanced, flawless
images. The Auto Horizon Correction function* rotates the image sensor to compensate for the camera’s horizontal tilt, making it useful in handheld shooting. The Composition Adjustment function** allows you to make minute adjustment of image composition with a shift of the image sensor. It comes in handy for Live View shooting using a tripod.

* Maximum compensation angle: approx. ±2° (approx. ±1° with SR mechanism activated)

** Maximum compensation range: ±1.5mm (±1mm along the axis of rotation) or ±1°

Digital level

Accurate detection of camera tilt without removing the eye from the subject

The K-1’s Digital Level displays bar scales at the right side and bottom of the viewfinder to indicate the horizontal and vertical tilt of the camera, allowing you to confirm the horizontal and vertical alignment of the subject without taking the eye off the subject. You can also display the Digital Level on the LCD monitor during viewfinder shooting, Live View shooting and movie recording

Sample of Digital Level display (during Live View shooting)

  Function Dial Setting Dial

Smart Function

Single-action function control

The K-1’s Smart Function is a brand-new camera operation system harmonizing an array of features with ease of operation. This functional camera operation system lets you swiftly choose and set the desired function using just two dials positioned on the camera’s upper panel, without needing to refer to the menu screen on the LCD monitor.

Functions controllable by Smart Function

Function Dial

Setting Dial

●

Void

＋/－

Exposure compensation value shift

ISO

ISO sensitivity shift

CH/CL

Switching between Continuous Shooting (with a choice of three drive modes) and Single Frame Shooting modes

BKT

Bracketing value shift in bracket shooting

HDR

Change of HDR shooting mode

Grid

Viewfinder shooting: ON/OFF

Live View shooting: change of grid pattern

SR

Still-image shooting: ON/OFF of SR mechanism
Movie recording: ON/OFF of Movie SR mechanism

Crop

Change of Crop setting

Wi-Fi

ON/OFF

       Electronic Compass screen

Latitude Longitude  Altitude Universal Time Coordinated

GPS signal status Camera’s direction of shooting (Azimuth)

GPS Log to track the photographer’s movement

The K-1’s GPS Log function automatically keeps track of the photographer's movement at fixed intervals. By loading a log file on your computer, you can trace the route you have traveled using a mapping application such as Google Earth™.

Effortless tracking and photographing of celestial bodies without an equatorial telescope

By making full use of its GPS module, Electronic Compass and SR mechanism, the K-1 simplifies the astronomical photography of celestial bodies, without the help for an equatorial telescope. Based on the latitude data obtained from GPS satellites and other affecting factors (the camera’s direction and horizontal/vertical tilt) obtained by its various sensors, the K-1 calculates the movement of celestial bodies, then synchronizes the movement of its image sensor with that of celestial bodies with great precision. Since it captures stars without a streaking effect even during extended exposures, you can record faint stars, which are difficult to detect with the naked eye, as point images.

* The user is advised to use a tripod to stabilize the camera.

* The user is advised to read the operating manual thoroughly before shooting.

* ASTROTRACER cannot be used with some shooting modes, such as interval shooting and interval composite shooting.

HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mmF2.8ED SDM WR

Optical viewfinder with a nearly 100% field of view

Assuring a clear view of the field and ease of focus

The K-1’s optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and a 0.7-times magnification to deliver a sharp, crisp view of the subject and a large, well-defined image field, both of which are the benefits of the 35mm full-frame SLR camera. This viewfinder also provides a clear view of the image field free of aberrations, even at the edges. Its Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen* makes it easy to identify the in-focus point, even during manual-focus operation

* The focusing screen is fixed on the camera body, and is not interchangeable.

Transparent LCD

The K-1’s transparent LCD viewfinder display allows you to select desired data, such as a grid display, and monitor it in the viewfinder. It comes in handy when correcting the camera’s tilt using the digital level or rearranging the image composition using a grid pattern, without taking the eye off the subject.

Digital Level

The Digital Level displays the K-1’s horizontal and vertical tilt with two bar scales. Compared with the conventional type that utilizes an exposure bar scale, it not only makes it easier to identify the camera’s tilt, but also allows you to check the tilt and exposure status simultaneously. As the result, it greatly improves the camera’s operability during viewfinder shooting

Selection of data on viewfinder display

Transparent data to be displayed in the viewfinder (grid pattern, Digital Level, AF frame and spot-metering frame) can be turned on and off independently to accommodate varying shooting conditions and preferred shooting styles.

* All viewfinder display data, except the crop frame, is simulated to explain the function.

Fish-eye zoom

smc PENTAX-DA FISH-EYE10-17mmF3.5-4.5ED［IF］

Ultra-wide-angle

smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mmF4ED AL［IF］

Standard zoom

smc PENTAX-DA★16-50mm F2.8ED AL［IF］ SDMHD PENTAX-DA 16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WRsmc PENTAX-DA 17-70mmF4AL［IF］ SDMHD PENTAX-DA 18-50mmF4-5.6 DC WR REsmc PENTAX-DA 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL WR　HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR

Telephoto zoom

smc PENTAX-DA★50-135mmF2.8ED［IF］ SDMsmc PENTAX-DA 50-200mmF4-5.6ED WRHD PENTAX-DA 55-300ｍｍF4-5.8ED WRsmc PENTAX-DA★60-250mmF4ED［IF］ SDM

High-magnification zoom

smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL［IF］ DC WRsmc PENTAX-DA 18-270mmF3.5-6.3ED SDM

Ultra-wide-angle

smc PENTAX-DA 14mmF2.8ED［IF］HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited

Wide-angle

HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited

Standard

smc PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.4AL

Medium telephoto

HD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 Limitedsmc PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 XS

Telephoto

smc PENTAX-DA 50mmF1.8smc PENTAX-DA★55mmF1.4 SDMHD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Limitedsmc PENTAX-DA★200mmF2.8ED［IF］ SDMsmc PENTAX-DA★300mmF4ED［IF］ SDM

Super-telephoto

HD PENTAX-DA 560mmF5.6ED AW

Standard/Macro

HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited

When a DA★-, DA Limited- or DA-series lens is mounted on the K-1, its Crop mode automatically switches an image area to the APS-C size covering the middle section of the image field, while displaying the cropping frame in the viewfinder. It not only assures high-resolution images with approximately 15.36 effective megapixels, but also provides an efficient AF sensor coverage of the image area for more flexible image composition during autofocus operation. When you select the FF (Full Frame) setting of the Crop mode, you can even capture a 35mm full-frame image with a DA-series lens.*

* With certain lenses and/or under certain photographic conditions, a captured image may suffer a drastic drop in brightness and/or resolution in the areas outside the APS-C image area. This setting does not provide compensation of various lens aberrations.

Viewfinder display in the Crop mode (APS-C image area)

Cropping frame

* This image displays all AF sensors for an explanatory purpose.

 USER Mode

Five different combinations of the most frequently used functions can be assigned to this mode to handle specific subjects or creative intentions.

Control panel

This panel displays a list of the functions and their status on the LCD panel, while allowing you to change the contents and/or order of listed functions to suit your shooting style.

Customization buttons

 Fx1 button
One function from seven options can be assigned (default: RAW)

Fx2 button 
Another function from seven options can be assigned (default: Outdoor View Setting)

 AF button
One of the functions governing AF operation can be assigned.

Preview lever
An optical or digital preview mode can be assigned.

 E-dial
A set of exposure mode can be assigned.

Custom Functions

A total of 26 Custom Functions are available with the K-1.

 Lock button

In order to prevent accidental setting changes, the K-1 provides a lock button to temporarily inactivate control buttons and dials. It offers you a choice of two lock functions: Type 1 to prevent unintended exposure setting changes; and Type 2 to prevent operational setting changes.

Lockable buttons and dials:

Type 1

Type 2

Remarkable maneuverability, despite the 35mm full-frame design

The K-1 inherits PENTAX’s development concept of a compact body and ease of handling in the field. PENTAX has completely restructured the mechanical unit containing the shutter charge and mirror driving mechanisms, while repositioning the finder unit to keep the camera’s height to a minimum. PENTAX’s advanced high-density packaging technology has succeeded in creating a compact, maneuverable body for the new K-1.

Front: PENTAX APS-C-size SLR camera
Back: PENTAX 35mm full-frame SLR camera (K-1)

Floating Mirror Structure

In order to accommodate the 35mm full-frame image sensor and cover the light flux of the large viewfinder with a nearly 100-percent field of view, it was necessary to increase the size of the main mirror and mirror box. To minimize the size of the mirror box, PENTAX has developed a new mechanism that retracts the main mirror as it swings upwards.

Lens mount

Shutter window

 Action of the main mirror

Action of the main mirror without the Floating Mirror Structure (the mirror bumps against the lens mount.)

 The main mirror and its pivot retract at mirror-up position.

Conceptual image of the Floating Mirror Structure

Image shooting features

A host of picture-taking functions to capture a decisive moment without failure

HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mmF2.8ED SDM WR
Aperture : F3.5 ; Shutter speed : 1/160 sec. ; Exposure compensation : 0.0EV ;
Sensitivity : ISO 100 ; White balance : Daylight ; Custom image : Portrait

Supported by the approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor and the new PRIME IV imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System analyzes such factors as brightness distribution in the image field, the subject’s primary color and its motion with great accuracy and efficiency. In addition, by adopting a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning to its image detection algorithm*, this system assesses each individual scene more accurately, while optimizing the accuracy and performance of the light-metering, exposure-control and autofocus systems, and selecting the most appropriate finishing touch for a given scene or composition.

* This RICOH-original technology is available during viewfinder shooting when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto and the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select.

SAFOX 12 AF module

This new AF sensor module features two reflex mirrors. By reflecting the incoming light flux twice on these mirrors, it provides a longer optical path, while its overall size has been kept nearly identical to that of SAFOX 11

Reflex mirror Optical path Condenser lens

Separator lens IR-cut filter AF sensor

A light source sensor is positioned next to the pentaprism to optimize autofocusing accuracy by compensating for focusing errors caused by specific artificial light sources.

High-precision scene analysis based on the subject’s color, shape and motion

The K-1’s approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor not only delivers outstanding resolving power, but also detects colors with great precision. After accurately measuring the subject’s shape, primary color and motion, it feeds the obtained data to the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System for extra-accurate scene analysis.

Assuring reliable, unfailing focus on the subject

The K-1’s sophisticated 33-point AF system has a high-density distribution of AF sensors to effectively monitor crucial areas of the image field, while providing 25 cross-shaped sensors to assure extra-accurate focus on the subject.

 Cross-shaped sensor Linear sensor   F2.8 luminance flux linear sensor

Zone Select

Select-area expansion

This mode lets you select a set of nine points forming a square, which can be shifted as desired by moving the center point. It detects a subject placed within this square, optimizes the focus, and tracks its movement — all automatically.

This mode lets you select one of 33 AF points to focus on the subject, and makes the K-1 automatically track the subject and refocus on it with the help of the neighboring points, even when it moves away from the initial point. You can select the desired expansion area from nine, 25 or 33 points.*

    The number of AF points may decrease if the selected expansion area includes an area or areas outside the AF frame.

Supported by the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, the K-1’s Scene Analyze AUTO mode automatically optimizes exposure settings, and selects the most appropriate finishing touch for your subject. When using the optical viewfinder, it is also assisted by an algorithm that adopts the deep learning artificial intelligence technology, and makes an extensive analysis of a given scene based on the enormous volume of data accumulated from previous scenes.

Multi-mode AE system

1/8000-second high-speed shutter

A choice of distinctive auto-exposure modes

Exceptional operational accuracy and remarkable durability

In addition to the conventional Program (P), Aperture-Priority (A) and Shutter-Priority (Tv) modes, the K-1 also provides the PENTAX-original Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) and Shutter-speed/Aperture-Priority (TAv) modes, both of which assure proper exposure on the subject by factoring the ISO sensitivity more prominently into exposure-control operation. This multi-mode system assures more flexible control of exposure settings to express the subject’s motion or the depth of field. It also provides a wide exposure compensation range of ±5EV (in still-image shooting) to expand a range of exposure control.

The K-1 features an electronically controlled, vertical-run shutter to optimize the performance of the 35mm full-frame image sensor. With a top speed of 1/8000 second, it allows you to open up the aperture, even in bright locations, and take full advantage of the bokeh (defocus) effect created by the large image sensor. It also provides a flash synchronization speed of 1/200 second. Symbolizing the K-1’s field camera concept, this unit is designed to be compact and lightweight, with a well-balanced combination of high-precision operation and outstanding durability.

High-speed drive mode

Large image recording capacity in continuous shooting

Flawless continuous shooting at approximately 4.4 images per second

A maximum of 100 images captured at a high-quality 36-megapixel level

The K-1 provides high-speed continuous shooting at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second (at CH setting). You can also switch instantly to an optional speed setting of three images per second (CM) or 0.7 images per second (CL) using the main menu or Smart Function. In the APS-C Crop mode, the drive speed can be boosted to as high as approximately 6.5 images per second to assure quick response to fast-moving subjects.

Thanks to its large-capacity buffer memory, the K-1 lets you record a large number of images during continuous shooting: approximately 70 JPEG images (or approximately 17 RAW images) at CH setting; approximately 100 JPEG images (or approximately 20 RAW images) at CM setting, or approximately 100 JPEG images (or approximately 100 RAW images) at CL setting.*

* These figures are an approximate number of images recordable in the 35mm full-frame format, in the JPEG L-size Best format, and at ISO 100

Conceptual diagram of Hyper Program mode

Conceptual diagram of Hyper Manual mode

The combination of aperture and shutter speed can be changed without affecting the memorized exposure value.

In the Hyper Manual (M) mode, one push of the green button instantly sets the same aperture and shutter-speed settings as those of the P mode for proper exposure. Then, you can adjust the exposure to a desired level using the front and rear e-dials. With the AE-lock function, you can even shift aperture and/or shutter-speed settings while retaining the initial exposure level.

When you set the Smart Function to the ISO mode, you can enjoy more flexible control of the three primary exposure parameters — aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity — in both the P and M modes, using a combination of the front and rear e-dials and the setting dial.

The K-1’s Custom Image function allows you to apply the preferred finishing touch to your image, based on your subject or creative intentions. With the addition of Auto Select, in which the camera automatically detects the type of scene or subject and selects the best finishing touch for you, and Flat, which produces a base image most tolerant to retouching, the K-1 now provides a total of 13 Custom Image modes.* Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as saturation, shade, key, contrast and sharpness.**

* The Custom Image mode is fixed to Auto Select when the camera’s exposure mode is set to AUTO.

** Adjustable parameters may vary depending on the selected Custom Image mode.

Flat

A selection of Custom Image modes

• Auto Select

• Bright

• Vibrant

• Radiant

• Reversal Film

• Monochrome

• Cross Processing

• Muted

• Flat

• Natural

• Portrait

• Landscape

• Bleach Bypass

Bright

The Clarity control function is an image-processing technology
effective in reproducing the glossy texture of metals and the
clearness of the sky or splashing water. By adjusting the smoothness
of a silky or shiny surface, it lets you control the quality of texture
and the degree of clarity. The Skin Tone correction function** restores
a tender texture and a healthy tone of the subject’s skin, while keeping
the high-resolution rendition in its hair and clothing and in the background.
It depicts your subject with smooth texture and healthy skin tones.

* Both of these functions are technologies developed by RICOH Co., Ltd.

** The Skin Tone correction function can be activated only when the Face
Detection mode is selected

Clarity Control: -4                    Clarity Control: -0                      Clarity Control: +4

Skin Tone correction: OFF                            Skin Tone correction: ON

HDR

Faithful reproduction of highlights and shadows

The K-1’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode* delivers an image similar to that detected by the naked eye, by minimizing white-washed highlights and pitch-black shadows, even with extreme high-contrast scenes. It also allows you to set a range of exposure shifts or use the Automatic Position Adjustment function.** Since this mode can save original image files in the RAW format, you can develop them by changing HDR settings or turning the HDR mode off. By using a PC and the included software, you can also divide a single RAW-format file into three separate RAW-format images, and save them as independent files.

* This HDR function cannot be used in some shooting modes, and is not compatible with some other functions.
** The Automatic Position Adjustment function is fixed at the OFF mode when the Interval or Interval Movie shooting mode is selected.

Multiple exposure

Three ways to synthesize highly creative images

The K-1 lets you capture the desired number of images — from two to 2,000 — to synthesize a single composite image, with three synthesis modes: average, additive and comparative brightness. In Live View shooting, the K-1 displays a translucent image of the already captured image on its LCD monitor, allowing you to make precise alignment of the images.

accumulation

Digital filters

For creating a dramatized work of art with special visual effects

The K-1 offers a choice of nine digital filters during shooting, and 21 digital filters during playback. You can apply as many as 20 filters to a single image to create a distinctive, personalized work of art.

CTE

For expressing the colors of the mind, rather than truthful color reproduction

In contrast to the standard auto white balance mode, which is designed to suppress the effect of a light source color on the image’s color reproduction, the CTE (Color Temperature Enhancement) mode emphasizes the image’s dominant color based on the color temperature. It is useful in dramatizing sunrise and sunset scenes or snow-covered landscapes under the cloudy sky. It is also effective in preventing color fading or the loss of colors such as dark greens and faint pinks.

AWB                                                                  CTE

Movie recording

4K-compatible Interval Movie shooting

Full HD movies with a beautiful bokeh effect

Documenting a constantly changing subject in high resolution

The K-1 records lively, true-to-life movies. Thanks to a shallow depth of field provided
by its 35mm full-frame design, it effectively produces a beautiful bokeh effect. You can
also record sound in stereo using a stereo microphone (commercial product, not
included with the K-1), or monitor it during recording using headphones (commercial product, not included with the K-1).

The K-1’s Interval Movie mode allows you to record still images of a slowly changing subject at a fixed interval, and link them into a single movie file. You can play back the 4K-resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) movie file,* as if fast-forwarding the time on the screen. The K-1 also provides the Star Stream function, which lets you draw the magical traces of stars in a movie.

* When playing back the movie file on a device other than the K-1, the user is advised to use a PC operating environment supporting 4K-resolution movie playback.

Wi-Fi compatibility

Remote control of the camera using a smartphone

By wirelessly connecting the K-1 with your smartphone, you can capture images from a distance, or browse them on the smartphone screen.* You can set various shooting functions and change their settings, adjust the focus, release the shutter, and check the captured images.

* The dedicated Image Sync application is required for remote shooting and browsing operations. Image Sync can be downloaded free of charge from App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play™ (for Android™ smartphones).
** Access the RICOH IMAGING official website or contact our customer service center for compatible smartphone operating systems.

IMAGE Transmitter 2 compatibility

Tethered photography from a personal computer

By installed the optional IMAGE Transmitter 2 tethering software on your PC and connecting it with the K-1 via USB terminal, you can operate the K-1, automatically transfer and save recorded images, and check photographic data on your computer. This greatly improves the efficiency of studio shooting.
Note: For proper use, the software must be upgraded to the latest version. Please access our official website for details.<>

In-body RAW data development

Application of the desired finishing touch without a computer

The K-1 provides in-body development of RAW-format files, with the developed files saved as separate JPEG or TIFF files. This offers greater flexibility in finishing a captured image more faithfully to your creative intention, without the help of a PC. Thanks to a wide range of adjustable parameters, you can add a desired finishing touch to your image regardless of a location, until you are truly satisfied with the result. The K-1 also features a newly designed user interface for more effortless, more flexible parameter control.

Dual card slot

Large-volume image data filing on two SD memory cards

The K-1’s card slot accepts two SD memory cards, with a choice of three data
filing modes: “Serial” to store a large volume of data successively from one
card to another; “Duplicate” (simultaneous filing) for simplified data backup,
and “RAW/JPEG Division” to separate data files based on the recording format.
It is also possible to copy an image stored on one card to another.