Ricoh Imaging unveils weather-resistant, advanced digital SLR camera designed for the great outdoors

DENVER, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-70 advanced digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Compact, dustproof and weather-resistant, the new PENTAX K-70 camera incorporates features — many of which have previously only been available on top-of-the-line PENTAX models — that enable photographers to produce high-resolution still photos and HD videos in a wide variety of challenging conditions, including low light and temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The camera's weather-resistant capabilities and compact design make it an ideal photographic companion for hikers, climbers and snow sports enthusiasts, as well as for nature and landscape photographers.

With a newly developed image accelerator unit providing a top sensitivity of ISO 102,400, plus the PENTAX-developed PRIME MII image processor, the PENTAX K-70 is capable of capturing high-quality images in extremely low-light conditions.  A new Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system, integrating both image-plane phase-matching and contrast-detection autofocus technologies, delivers fast and accurate autofocus, and -- in a PENTAX "first" -- continuous auto focus is available for HD video recording.

"PENTAX has a long history of developing cameras and lenses that can withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. The K-70 goes a step further, with new, advanced features that enable the creation of higher quality images and make the camera very easy to use, both in the backyard and in the field," said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. "Combined with any one of our many available weather-resistant lenses, this camera is in a class of its own for outdoor photography."

The PENTAX K-70 provides a variety of advanced features found only in Ricoh's high-grade PENTAX K-series models, such as the PENTAX Pixel Shift Resolution System, which produces high-resolution, finely detailed images. These also include an AA Filter Simulator that effectively eliminates moiré without the need for an anti-aliasing filter, a variable-tilt LCD monitor, and an in-body shake-reduction mechanism that reduces the effects of camera shake up to 4.5 shutter steps. The K-70 also incorporates built-in Wi-Fi for remote shooting and easy transfer to smart devices using Ricoh's dedicated Image Sync app.

The PENTAX K-70's exterior is designed with outdoor operations in mind. Features such as a newly designed grip, mode dial and control buttons on the camera's top and back panels are designed to be easy and intuitive to operate, even with a gloved hand. It also comes equipped with an outdoor-friendly LCD monitor with an illumination control that can be instantly adjusted to the lighting level of any shooting location.  The K-70 also has a red-light display function which keeps ambient light from interfering with astro- and nightscape photography

In conjunction with the PENTAX K-70 camera, Ricoh Imaging is announcing the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens, a compact, weather-resistant telephoto zoom (see details in separate news release, also issued today); plus the Cable Switch CS-310, a remote shutter release designed especially for use with the K-70.

| Pricing and Availability | 

Availability of the PENTAX K-70 camera, which comes in black and silky silver finishes, will be announced at the beginning of July. When available, it can be purchased at www.ricohimaging.com for $649.95, as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.

| About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation |

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.

The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh's offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.

For further information, please visit www.ricohimaging.com

© 2016 Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

For More Information, Contact:
Barbara Hagin
Breakaway Communications for Ricoh
(415) 358-2484
[email protected]

| Main Features | 

1. Super-high-resolution images captured with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels and a top sensitivity of ISO 102,400

The PENTAX K-70 features a state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels to assure 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 newly developed accelerator unit with the high-speed PRIME MII imaging engine, the PENTAX K-70 effectively minimizes noise at all sensitivity levels, and captures richly gradated, finely detailed images at high ISO.

2. Hybrid AF system for high-speed AF operation during Live View shooting

The PENTAX K-70 employs PENTAX's first 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 and accurate auto focus.

3. Dustproof, weather-resistant body perfect for rugged outdoor photography

The PENTAX K-70 combines a compact, body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction and outstanding cold-weather performance at temperatures down to 14° F (-10°C). It features a new contoured grip design and easy access to mode dial and control buttons. The LCD monitor features a brightness level that can be instantly adjusted to any environment, and also red-light mode which keeps ambient light from interfering with astronomical photography.

4. High-precision autofocus system with the SAFOX X module

The PENTAX K-70 features the high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module, which 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. The PENTAX K-70 assures outstanding AF tracking performance with subjects on the move, thanks to such advanced features 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 neighboring points; and an AF Hold function that maintains the initial in-focus point even when the module loses sight of the subject.

5. PENTAX-original shake-reduction (SR) system featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System

(1) In-body SR mechanism
Using the built-in PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, the PENTAX K-70 effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions.

(2) Pixel Shift Resolution System with motion correction function
Capturing four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, the Pixel Shift Resolution System* then synthesizes them into a single composite image. 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. A motion correction function**, which automatically detects a moving object during the synthesizing process, to accommodate a wider range of scenes and subjects.

(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 PENTAX K-70's AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, this innovative simulator lets the user adjust the level of the moire correction.

(4) Supportive shooting functions
Since the PENTAX K-70's SR unit has a flexible design that shifts the image sensor unit in all directions, it provides a host of handy shooting functions, including ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography when combined with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.

* 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.
** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.
*** 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. 

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

Within its compact body, the PENTAX K-70 incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. A nearly 100-percent field of view and a magnification of approximately 0.95 times provides a wide, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.

7. High-speed shutter to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus

With a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second coupled with its high-speed continuous shooting function of up to six images per second, the K-70 is  is perfect for capturing fast moving subjects at sporting events or wildlife.

8. Upgraded Full HD movie recording

The PENTAX K-70 captures high-resolution, Full HD movies with stereo sound using a built-in stereo microphone. In combination with compatible lenses, it allows the user to use the Continuous AF (AF-C) mode* to keep accurate focus on a moving subject, or take advantage of a new aperture control function** to automatically assure a proper exposure level even in fluctuating lighting conditions during movie recording. It also provides a host of distinctive visual effects for movie production, including the 4K Interval Movie mode that connects a series of 4K-resolution still images at a fixed interval to create a single movie file, and a Star Stream mode to fade in and out the traces of stars to recorded movies.

* During movie recording, the Continuous AF (AF-C) mode can be used in combination with the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE or smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR lens. Access the RICOH IMAGING official website for details.
** During movie recording, the aperture control function is available only in combination with the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens.

9. Vari-angle LCD monitor for easy image viewing from all angles

The PENTAX K-70's vari-angle LCD monitor allows for the positioning of the monitor at any desired angle, making it easier to compose the image in a wide variety of applications.

10. An array of functional customization options

The PENTAX K-70 provides three USER modes and two Fx (Function) buttons, to which the user can assign desired camera settings depending on their shooting preferences. Three settings (CLEAR TONE, HDR LANDSCAPE and ASTROPHOTO) are preprogrammed in the camera as default.

11. Wireless LAN connection to support smartphone operation

By installing the dedicated ImageSync application on a mobile device, the user can remotely check the Live View image, capture still images, adjust such camera settings as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity to the desired level through the mobile device, as well as download captured images onto the mobile device, then upload them on social networking service websites.

12. Other features

• 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light metering
• DR (Dust Removal) mechanism
• Clarity control and Skin Tone correction functions —the latest image processing technologies developed by RICOH Central Laboratory
• Timed exposure for capturing exposures up to 20 minutes in Bulb mode
• A selection of imaging tools such as Custom Images, Digital Filters and Scene Modes

Optional Accessory

CS-310 Cable Switch

Attached to the PENTAX K-70's microphone terminal, this one-meter-long cable switch helps prevent camera shake when using a macro or telephoto lens, allowing the user to release the camera's shutter without touching the camera.

Note: The PENTAX K-70 does not accept cable switches other than the CS-310.

Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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SOURCE Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation

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http://www.ricohimaging.com