HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited
Aperture: F4.0 ; Shutter speed: 1/50 sec. ; Exposure compensation: -0.3EV ; ISO sensitivity: 1600 ; White balance: CTE ; Custom image: Vibrant
High-resolution images captured at the highest sensitivity in PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR history
The PENTAX KP couples a new-generation CMOS image sensor with the PRIME IV imaging engine and an accelerator unit to greatly expand the upper limit of its sensitivity range without generating annoying noise. With a top sensitivity of ISO 819200 (standard output sensitivity), it assures super-high-sensitivity photography to deliver high-resolution, rich-gradation images with remarkable reproduction of the subject’s texture and a true-to-life sense of depth, even at higher sensitivities. It also produces high-quality images across its entire sensitivity range — from the lowest to the highest.
By coupling the PRIME IV imaging engine with the exceptional data processing performance of its accelerator unit, the PENTAX KP achieves high-level noise reduction to realize flawless, high-speed operation as well as super-high-sensitivity, high-resolution imaging.
PRIME IV
Accelerator Unit
High-quality imaging supported by a new APS-C-size CMOS image sensor
The PENTAX KP incorporates a new-generation, APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.32 effective megapixels to produce high-resolution images. It also features an optical design free of the optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter to optimize the image sensor’s outstanding imaging power. The result is sharp, fine-detailed images with a truthful sense of depth. By processing image data at a high readout speed of 14bit, it produces beautiful, rich-gradation images.
Driven by the camera’s in-body SR (Shake-Reduction) mechanism, this innovative system* captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizing them into a single composite image. Because it obtains all the color data in each pixel to compose the image, it delivers super-high-resolution images which are far more truthful than those captured by normal shooting processes. It assures true-to-life color reproduction without false colors, while effectively reducing annoying noise. When the Motion Correction function** is activated, it automatically detects the amount of the subject’s movement during exposure, and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process.
* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod, and use either the self-timer setting of the drive mode or a mirror lock-up function.
* This system may not produce the desired effect when the subject is in motion, or the camera is shaken during exposure.
** The Motion Correction function may not correct certain types of subject movement. It does not guarantee that the movement will be properly corrected for all subjects. The user may turn this function off when needed.
Pixel Shift Resolution：OFF
Pixel Shift Resolution：ON
With the help of the SR mechanism, this simulator* applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit during exposure to reduce adverse effects such as moiré and false colors to the same level as an optical AA filter. It lets you choose the desired visual effect based on your subject — between the filtering power of the AA simulator and the higher-resolving power of an AA-filter-free design.
* This simulator cannot be used in some shooting modes, and does not work with some functions.
* This simulator works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower.
The AA-filter simulator is assigned to the Function dial as a default setting of the Smart Function. A single twist of the dial lets you quickly activate the simulator and select the desired simulator setting.
●Type 1: To maintain a good balance between image resolution and moiré reduction.
●Type 2: To place priority on moiré reduction.
●Two-image bracketing: To capture two images continuously in the order of OFF and Type 2.
Three-image bracketing: To capture three images continuously in the order of OFF, Type 1 and Type 2.
Microscopic vibrations applied at sub-pixel level
When enlarged to a certain size, a captured image can appear as a low-resolution image because the camera’s sharpness-control process outlines the subject with thick lines. To solve this problem, the PENTAX KP provides a pair of sharpness-enhancing tools, in addition to normal sharpness processing. The Fine Sharpness function outlines the subject with thinner, more natural lines than those created by normal processing to produce sharp, fine-detailed images. The Extra Sharpness function emphasizes the subject’s outline more prominently with much finer lines to capture high-quality, fine-textured images.
The PENTAX KP provides a host of lens correction functions to effectively compensate for distortion, vignetting at the edges, and lateral chromatic aberration caused by specific lens properties. It also minimizes the drop in resolving power caused by diffraction when shooting at closed-down apertures. Based on the data obtained, it provides exposure compensation of up to approximately two aperture stops,* making it useful for applications such as scenic photography, where you must increase the depth of field without worrying about the effect of diffraction.
* Measured under RICOH in-house testing standards. This function can be used with all D FA-, DA- and DA L-series lenses, as well as most FA-series lenses (excluding some incompatible models).
