PENTAX KF

the compact, dustproof and weather-resistant standard-class model

Photo-shooting Process

Optical viewfinder featuring a glass pentaprism, and providing a 100% field of view and 0.95-times magnification

For optimum ease of viewing and focusing

With an approximately 100% field of view and nearly 0.95-times magnification (with an FA 50mm F1.4 lens set at infinity), the PENTAX KF’s viewfinder provides a large sharp view of the subject, allowing you to capture it exactly the way you want. With very little aberration even at the corners of the image field, it assures excellent ease of viewing in many different photographic situations. It also facilitates manual focus operations, because it makes it easy to locate the in-focus point in the image field.

Excellent operability, even with a gloved hand

Versatile design to optimize the ease of camera operation in outdoor shooting, even when wearing gloves

Grip

Design of the grip assures a firm hold of the camera body, even when wearing gloves

Control buttons and mode dial

Four buttons of the four-way controller are contoured for easy access and unfailing fingertip operation, even with a gloved hand. The mode dials height is optimized for ease of rotation. The PENTAX KF is designed with meticulous attention to every detail to provide optimum comfort and utmost operability.

The control buttons to which frequently-used functions are assigned have been positioned for optimum operability. The Exposure Compensation button has been placed next to the shutter release button for easy access, allowing you to press it having to take your eye away from the viewfinder while adjusting the compensation value using the e-dials.

Vari-angle LCD monitor

For flexible outdoor shooting

The PENTAX KF’s vari-angle LCD monitor allows you to position it at any desired angle, making image composition easier in a variety of Live View outdoor shooting applications, such as high-angle shooting using stretched arms or low-angle shots taken from ground level.

Vari-angle LCD monitor Pentax KF DSLR camera

Double e-dials

Speedy control of the subject’s motion and the depth of field using original Hyper operating system

The PENTAX KF features a pair of e-dials which can be used to control the PENTAX-original Hyper operation system. To select the Program exposure (P) mode, turn either dial to instantly switch the exposure mode to Aperture-priority (Av) or Shutter-priority (Tv), without taking your view away from the subject.

Double e-dials Pentax KF DSLR camera

An array of customization tools

Personalizing your camera with favorite settings

You can customize the PENTAX KF’s operation by assigning the desired functions to the set of buttons and dials, including the Fx1 and Fx2 buttons, and the three USER Mode positions of the Mode dial. It also provides a choice of menu items and the order of their listing displayed on the control panel. This customization process lets you set the camera to accommodate your particular shooting style, and allows you to pay greater attention to your subject.

Pentax KF DSLR camera customization tools

Pentax KF DSLR camera Wheel for USER Mode

USER Mode

Easy assignment of frequently used settings

You can assign your favorite camera settings to three USER Mode positions of the mode dial, then instantly recall the desired setting based on your subject or creative intentions.

Assignale settings

Exposure mode (P, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, B)
Sensitivity	EV Compensation	AF Active Area
Flash Mode	Drive mode	White Balance
Custom Image	menu settings (with exceptions)	C menu settings

The following camera settings, which are recommended for best results, are initially assigned to the USER Modes as default.

USER Mode 1 “CLEAR TONE”

Pentax KF DSLR camera SER Mode 1 CLEAR TONE

Designed to produce a high-contrast, high-saturation image, this mode emphasizes the clarity and freshness of subjects such as snowfield in the sun or a crystal-clear lake.

USER Mode 2 “HDR LANDSCAPE”

Pentax KF DSLR camera USER Mode 2 “HDR LANDSCAPE”

Using the clarity-enhanced Advanced HDR (A-HDR) mode and through adjustment of the Custom Image function, this mode is useful for dramatizing scenic images.

USER Mode 3 “ASTROPHOTO”

Pentax KF DSLR camera USER Mode 3 “ASTROPHOTO”

Highly useful in astronomical photography, this mode lets you capture the beautiful colors of celestial bodies with great ease, while minimizing the fading of black color in the background. The optional O-GPS2 unit provides an automatic tracking function of celestial bodies in astronomical applications.

Pentax KF DSLR camera

Imaging Power

CMOS sensor used in Pentax KF DSLR camera

AA-filter-free design APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with 24.24 effective megapixels

High-performance image sensor unit for fine-detailed images

The PENTAX KF’s AA-filter-free design optimizes the resolving power of the approximately 24.24 effective megapixels provided by the high-resolution APS-C-size CMOS image sensor, while assuring high-speed readout of rich-gradation, 14-bit image data.

PRIME MII imaging engine and accelerator unit

High-efficiency image processing and effective noise reduction, for true-to-life rendition of gradation and texture

Thanks to the combination of the PRIME MII imaging engine and the accelerator unit that effectively suppresses noise, the PENTAX KF assures true-to-life rendition of gradation and texture at all sensitivity levels.

PRIME MII imaging engine and accelerator unit of Pentax KF DSLR camera

Top sensitivity of ISO 102400

Super-high-sensitivity photography and remarkable imaging power

The PENTAX KF features an accelerator unit, which has been designed to optimize the high-performance noise-processing technology. In combination with the PRIME MII image engine, this unit effectively reduces noise to minimum, even during super-high sensitivity shooting at ISO 102400 (standard output sensitivity). This combination not only improves image quality at more commonly used sensitivities, but also delivers beautifully depicted images at higher sensitivities by minimizing graininess. As the result, it expands the boundaries of low-illumination photography.

Pentax KF DSLR camera Top sensitivity of ISO 102400

Sample image taken by ISO 12800

In-body SR mechanism (IBIS)

Effective shake reduction with all lenses, assuring optimum compensation effects

The PENTAX KF features the PENTAX-original, in-body SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism with a compensation effect of 4.5 shutter steps.* It works effectively with all PENTAX interchangeable lenses – from wide-angle to telephoto models – and minimize camera shake in camera-shake-prone conditions, such as when shooting low-light scenes using natural light only or when using a telephoto lens. It also comes in handy with panning shots, since it automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement with a gyro sensor, and efficiently controls the SR unit to produce the best possible image. Simply by keeping the SR mode turned on, you can effortlessly minimize camera shake with both normal images and panning shots.

* Measured in conformity with CIPA testing standards (using the smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] DC WR lens, at a focal length of 135mm)

Pentax KF DSLR camera IBIS - In-body SR mechanism The PENTAX KF compensates for camera shake by lifting the Image sensor by magnetic force and shifting it in sync with the camera's movement.

Pixel Shift Resolution System

Optimizing the potential of the high-pixel image sensor to capture super-high-resolution images

By taking advantage of the 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. It obtains all RGB color data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with a far more truthful colors and much finer details than those captured by normal shooting processes. When the Motion Correction function** is activated, it automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process. The images captured by this system can be saved as RAW-format files.

* When using this system, we advise stabilizing the camera firmly on a tripod. The user is also advised to use the self-timer setting of the drive mode, a remote-control function, or a mirror lock-up function.
* This system may not produce the desired effect when the subject is on the move or the camera is shaken.
** This system may not correct certain types of subject movement. It does not guarantee that movement is properly corrected for all subjects. The function can be turned off when desired.

Pentax KF DSLR camera Pixel Shift Resolution System

Pixel Shift Resolution Obtained color data The camera takes four images of the scene, and obtain the RGB color data and brightness data for each pixel.	Normal shooting Obtained color data Single-color data is obtained for each pixel.

High-resolution, rich -gradation images are created from highly resolvable color and brightness data. No chromatic moiré (false color) is generated because of no pixel interpolation takes place.	Based on the RGB composition ratio, the resolution of each color becomes 1/4 for R and B, and 1/2 for G.

	De-mosaic process The system interpolates for missing pixels by referring to neighboring pixels and/or outlines.

	When the color of the interpolated pixel differs from the acutual one, chromatic moiré (false color) is generated in the pixels.

AA-filter simulator

State-of-the-art function to minimize moiré and false colors

The PENTAX KF features an AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator,* which effectively minimizes the moiré patterns often generated on subjects with fine, repetitive patterns, and the false colors commonly generated at the edges of high-contrast images. With the help of the SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, this simulator applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure to minimize these adverse effects. It lets you choose the desired balance between the filtering effect of the AA simulator and the higher resolving power of an AA-filter-free design, based on your creative intentions.

* This simulator may not work with some shooting modes, or with certain functions.
* This simulator works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower.

Pentax KF DSLR camera AA-filter simulator

AA filter

This filter prevents the generation of false color and moiré by spreading the light over four pixels.

AA-filter simulator

This simulator applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor at the sub-pixel level to minimize false color and moiré.

White balance control

In addition to AUTO WB, which is designed to reproduce white without any color shift under all light sources, the PENTAX KF provides 13 more preset White Balance modes, including Multi Auto WB and CTE.

White Balance Modes:
AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (Daylight Color), Fluorescent Light (Daylight White), Fluorescent Light (Cool White), Fluorescent Light (Warm White), Tungsten Light, CTE (Color Temperature Enhancement), Manual WB, Color Temperature Configuration, Copying the white balance setting of a capture image

CTE Color Temperature Enhancement

For faithful reproduction of the colors of your memory

In contrast to the AUTO WB (AWB) mode, which works to minimize the influence of light sources on color reproduction, the CTE mode automatically sets the white balance to optimize their influence, allowing you to express such subjects as sunrise and sunset scenes and fresh green leaves in dramatic tones close to memory colors.

Pentax KF DSLR camera White balance control

AWB

Pentax KF DSLR camera CTE White balance control

CTE

Custom Image Function

For flexible expression of the desired tone and shade for each subject

The PENTAX KF provides a selection of 14 Custom Image modes,* which can be applied to your image to produce the desired finishing touch. You can develop a captured imaged using the default settings, or adjust various parameters including saturation, shade, key, contrast and sharpness. Parameter adjustment of a captured image can be performed at any sensitivity setting without compromising the original image. Based on the default Custom Image settings, you can freely adjust parameters to apply the desired finishing touch to your image.

* 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.

Custom Image modes

▶Bright	▶Natural	▶Portrait	▶Landscape
▶Vibrant/MIYABI	▶Radiant	▶Muted	▶Flat
▶Bleach-Bypass	▶Reversal Film	▶Monochrome	▶Cross Processing
▶SATOBI

Special-edition Custom Image modes

The special-edition Custom Image modes are highly unique, creative imaging tools that allows you to capture attractive images with distinctive themes. Each special-edition mode is partnered with particular lenses for optimum visual effects.

custom image Kyushu by Pentax KF DSLR camera

▶KYUSHU

custom image Katen by Pentax KF DSLR camera

▶KATEN

Auto Picture Mode

Simply by setting the camera’s mode dial to AUTO and pressing the shutter release button, the PENTAX KF instantly analyzes various factors such as the distance to the subject, then automatically selects the best shooting mode for a given scene or subject from nine capture modes. This simplifies complicated mode setting operations, even for first-time SLR users.

Capture modes: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest

auto picture mode by Pentax KF DSLR camera

Scene Mode

The PENTAX KF provides 19 distinctive Scene Modes.

As soon as you choose one of them, the camera will automatically optimizes the settings for you. Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR, Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum

HDR High Dynamic Range

Faithful reproduction of highlights and shadows

The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode* synthesizes a single, rich-gradation image from three separate images taken at different exposure levels. It delivers an image similar to the one seen by the naked eye, by minimizing whitewashed highlights and pitch-black shadows even in extreme high-contrast scenes. It also lets you set a range of exposure shifts or use the Automatic Position Adjustment function.** You can also choose the Advanced HDR (A-HDR) mode, which creates a dramatic photographic expression by adopting the technologies used in the Clarity control function.

* The HDR mode cannot be used in some shooting modes, and is not compatible with some functions.
** The Automatic Position Adjustment function is fixed at the OFF mode when the Interval or Interval Movie shooting mode is selected. It may not be possible to use this function in all cases, depending on the subject’s status and pattern, and/or the angle of view and focal length of the lens used.

HDR modes: ▶OFF ▶AUTO ▶Type1 ▶Type2 ▶Type3 ▶Advanced

Multi Exposure

A highly creative tool for the creation of dramatized images

The PENTAX KF lets you synthesize a single composite image from two to 2,000 images, while providing three synthesis modes: average, additive and comparative brightness. During Live Viewing shooting, it displays a translucent image of the already captured images on its LCD monitor, allowing you to make precise alignment of the images.

Sample picture: Average

Multi Exposure Mode of Pentax KF DSLR camera

Average Fine Sharpness and Extra Sharpness

Sharpness-enhancing tools to improve the image rendition of photographic works

A sharpness-enhancing process using thick outlines often spoils the image’s resolution. That’s why PENTAX KF provides a pair of more advanced sharpness-enhancing functions. The 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. The Extra Sharpness function emphasizes the subject’s outline more prominently with much finer lines, making it particularly useful for enhancing 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-processing tool useful in expressing the luster of metal or the clarity of the sky or water. It allows you to adjust the smoothness of the subject’s surface and express desired texture or clearness at nine levels (between -4 and +4 settings). The Skin Tone correction function* helps you reproduce the subject’s face with soft skin texture and healthy skin tone, while retaining a high-resolution description of the subject’s hair and outfit and the background. It provides a choice of two modes: Type 1 for the compensation of color and brightness only, and Type 2 for additional control of skin tone.
* The Skin Tone correction function makes compensation only when the camera detects a face in the image.

An array of lens compensation functions

High-quality images assured, even at the edge of the image field

The PENTAX KF effectively compensates distortion, vignetting and lateral chromatic aberration of magnification caused by particular characteristics of a lens to deliver sharp, high-contrast images, even at the edges. During RAW-data development, it can even compensate the fringe effect.

Diffraction compensation

Diffraction blur minimized at closed-down apertures

This function compensates the deterioration in the camera’s resolving power that is caused by diffraction phenomena. By properly using lens information to process image data, it compensates the diffraction blur effect by as much as approximately two aperture stops.* This function comes in handy in scenic photography, when you want to close the aperture down to increase the depth of field without compromising the resolving power.
* Measured under RICOH IMAGING in-house testing standards.
* Compatible with D FA-, DA-, DA L-, and FA-series lenses. (Some FA-series lenses are incompatible with this function.)

Digital filters

For creating a personalized image with multiple application of special effects

The PENTAX KF 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 photographic art.

Filters selectable 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: Base Parameter Adjustment, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, Monochrome

Sample Image: Unicolor Bold

Digital Filters by Pentax KF DSLR camera

Image Tracking by Pentax KF DSLR camera

Image Tracking

1/6000-seconds high-speed shutter

To capture the decisive moment with an active subject

With a top speed of 1/6000 second, the PENTAX KF’s high-speed shutter unit captures an active subject in a sharply focused image. Faster shutter speeds are also effective in bright scenes, allowing you to open up the aperture to throw the background out of focus.

Continuous drive mode with a top speed of six images per second

Continuous shooting up to 40 images at approximately six images per second

The PENTAX KF provides continuous shooting of high-resolution images (approximately 24.24 effective megapixels, 14-bit data files) at a top speed of approximately six images per second, allowing you to preserve the action or expression of the subject in a series of images up to 40 JPEG-format images* in single sequence.

* The number of images that can be recorded at ISO 100.

SAFOX X

High-speed, high-precision AF module highly responsive to low-illumination scenes and moving objects

The PENTAX KF features the high-precision SAFOX X AF sensor module for viewfinder shooting. Thanks to an AF sensor highly sensitive to low-illumination scenes and a diffractive lens incorporated in its optics, this module assures responsive, dependable autofocus operation with outstanding AF tracking performance in all directions, while minimizing chromatic aberration. By fine-tuning the timing of the AF sensor’s start-up action, the high-speed response of autofocus operation especially at low illumination levels and the outstanding focusing accuracy in the Continuous AF (AF-C) mode have been assured.

11-point multi-pattern AF system

Delay-free detection of the subject

The PENTAX KF’s 11-point AF system has nine cross-type sensors in the middle to allow for flexible image composition. The middle AF sensor accommodates an F2.8 light flux to assure pinpoint focus on the subject, even when using a large-aperture lens with a shallow depth of field. The Expanded Area Select function automatically refocuses on a moving subject after it moves away from the initial point, with the help of the neighboring points.

High-precision autofocusing even at -3EV illumination level

Accurate detection of the subject even in dark locations

The PENTAX KF comes equipped with a dependable high-sensitivity AF sensor module with nine cross-type sensors in the middle. When using a bright lens accommodating an F2.8 light flux, it captures the subject with great accuracy, even in poorly illuminated locations where the human eye has difficulty in detecting the subject.

Pentax KF DSLR camera High-precision autofocusing even at -3EV illumination level

Advanced 77-segment multi pattern metering

Automatic detection of difficult lighting conditions

The PENTAX KF’s metering system divides the image field into 77 segments for high- accuracy light measurement.* It assures more precise, sensitive exposure control even for high-contrast scenes.
* The PENTAX KF also provides a choice of Center-weighted or Spot metering modes.

Advanced 77-segment multi pattern metering by Pentax KF DSLR camera

Hybrid AF

High-speed AF operation during Live View shooting

The PENTAX KF features a Hybrid AF system during Live View autofocus operation. By coupling two distinctive AF systems — a contrast-detection AF system with superior focusing accuracy, and an image-plane phase-matching AF system with sensors positioned across the image sensor surface — this hybrid system optimizes the benefit of both systems for high-speed, pinpoint autofocusing on the subject.

Multi-mode AE system

A diverse choice of AE mode

In addition to the conventional Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv) and Aperture-priority (Av) modes, the PENTAX KF provides the PENTAX-original Sensitivity-priority (Sv) and Shutter-speed/Aperture-priority (TAv) modes. This mulit-mode AE system means more creative and flexible expression of the subject’s motion and depth of field. It also provides a wide exposure compensation range of ±5EV(in still-image shooting) with choice of 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps for more flexible exposure control.

Multi-mode AE system by Pentax KF DSLR camera Pentax KF DSLR camera

Operability of Pemnztax kf DSLR camera

Operability & Reliability

Compact design

A compact, maneuverable body, handy for outdoor shooting

Featuring a dustproof, weather-resistant body and a vari-angle LCD monitor, the PENTAX KF has also been designed to be compact and maneuverable. By pairing it with one of the compact, lightweight PENTAX-DA-series lenses, you can enjoy outdoor photography more easily and intuitively than even before.

Dustproof, weather-resistant body

A dependable imaging system, including lens, to take on challenging situations

The PENTAX KF incorporates 100 sealing parts throughout its body, including the LCD monitor, to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the interior. By pairing it with a PENTAX AW- or WR-series lens,* you have a highly dependable imaging system with superb environment-resistant performance.

* AW: All Weather (dustproof and weather-resistant); WR: Weather Resistant

Note: To eliminate the potential causes of a breakdown or malfunction, we advise you to wipe rain or water off the PENTAX KF completely and as soon as possible to keep it dry.

Sealing parts colored in red.

Dustproof, weather-resistant body of Pentax KF DSLR camera

Outstanding cold-proof performance down to -10°C

Excellent reliability proven in stringent operation tests

Anticipating user demands for photo shooting in extremely cold locations, the PENTAX KF was subjected to stringent environmental tests in temperatures as low as -10°C. Its dependable cold-weather performance assures stable, responsive, high-precision operation of mechanisms and circuitry, while minimizing fluctuations in battery voltage, even in freezing locations.* Its dustproof, weather-resistant body works superbly and dependably, even in snowy locations.

* Battery performance may deteriorate as the temperature of the shooting location goes down. When using the PENTAX KF in low-temperature locations, we advise users to carry a spare battery and keep it warm by storing it in a pocket.

Outdoor-friendly LCD monitor with a red-lighted monitor display function

Easy adjustment of brightness to a desired level

The PENTAX KF features an outdoor-friendly LCD monitor whose brightness level can be instantly adjusted to the desired level: brighter during outdoor shooting in sunshine, or dimmer during nightscape photography. It also provides a red-lighted monitor display function, which prevents the pupils of the photographer’s eyes from closing down after they have become accustomed to a dark location during astronomical photography. This monitor is designed to assure optimum visibility in a wide range of photographic conditions and applications.


Outdoor-friendly LCD monitor:+2	Outdoor-friendly LCD monitor: -2	Night Vision LCD Display

Display Digital level

Accurate detection and at-a-glance indication of the camera’s horizontal and vertical tilt

The PENTAX KF has a built-in digital level that detects the horizontal and vertical tilt of the camera with great accuracy, and indicates the obtained information on the LCD monitor. This is a very useful tool in landscape and nightscape photography. It also displays the camera’s horizontal tilt on an exposure bar scale in the viewfinder.

Auto Horizon Correction

A convenient tool for easy composition of well-balanced images

By making effective use of the SR mechanism and the digital level, the Auto Horizon function automatically rotates the image sensor to compensate for the camera’s horizontal tilt.* This is especially useful when photographing poorly illuminated subjects, or shooting in an unstable, off-balance position.
* Maximum compensation angle: approx. ±1.5°with SR mechanism turn off, or approx. ±1° with SR mechanism activated

DR (Dust Removal) mechanism

Easy removal of dust particles from the image sensor

The PENTA KF’s image sensor is treated with PENTAX-original SP coating to prevent dust from clinging to the surface. If any dust remains on the surface, the PENTAX-original DR (Dust Removal) mechanism shakes it off using high-speed vibrations, and prevents dust spots from appearing on captured images.

DR (Dust Removal) mechanism pentax kf dslr camera

In-body RAW data development

Application of the desired finishing touch without a computer

The PENTAX KF allows for in-body development of RAW-format files, with the developed files saved as separate JPEG files. You can adjust a wide range of parameters, and add the desired finishing touch to your image without needing a PC. You can even develop RAW-format files created by the Pixel Shift Resolution System or those recorded in the HDR mode.

Other Features

Bulb timer function

A handy tool in bulb shooting

The bulb timer function comes in handy when photographing celestial bodies or fireworks. The PENTAX KF allows you to set an exposure time of 10 seconds to five minutes in 10-second steps, or five to 20 minutes with one-minute steps.

Bulb timer function with pentax kf dslr camera

Multi-mode AE system

A diverse choice of AE mode

In addition to the conventional Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv) and Aperture-priority (Av) modes, the PENTAX KF provides the PENTAX-original Sensitivity-priority (Sv) and Shutter-speed/Aperture-priority (TAv) modes. This mulit-mode AE system means more creative and flexible expression of the subject’s motion and depth of field. It also provides a wide exposure compensation range of ±5EV(in still-image shooting) with choice of 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps for more flexible exposure control.

Multi-mode AE system by Pentax KF DSLR camera Pentax KF DSLR camera

Astrotracer

Automatic tracking of celestial bodies without an equatorial device

By mounting the optional GPS unit, the PENTAX KF provides an automatic tracking function in astronomical photography. The camera calculates the movement of celestial bodies based on GPS data obtained by the unit, then shifts its image sensor in synchronization with their movement. As the result, celestial bodies are capture as beautiful point images without any streaking effects, even with extended exposures.
* In order to properly use the ASTROTRACER function, a number of settings must be input in advance. Refer to the O-GPS unit’s operating manual for details.
Shot with ASTROTRACER using optional O-GPS2. (F2.8, 90sec., ISO1600)

Astrotracerfunction of Pentax KF DSLR camera

Interval Composite

The PENTAX KF lets you synthesize a single composite image from images automatically captured at fixed interval by the Interval Shooting function. Like the multiple exposure function, it provides a choice of three synthesis modes (average, additive and comparative brightness). When capturing astronomical images in the comparative brightness mode, you can express the movement of celestial bodies as beautiful lines, instead of point images.

Sample image: Comparative brightness setting Interval

Movie recording

Many creative ways to enjoy movie recording

By taking full advantages of lens interchangeability – one of an SLR camera’s greatest strengths – the PENTAX KF captures high-resolution Full HD movie clips. Because you can set the desired aperture, you can flexibly use creative shooting techniques, such as blurring the background with a shallow depth of field, or creating a work of art similar to a theatrical film by capturing a movie at a rate of 24 frames per second, the same frame rate as filming. During movie recording, you can use the Continuouse AF (AF-C ) mode. It even provides a host of user-friendly tools, such as a digital SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, digital filters and stereo sound recording using a built-in microphone.

The lens compatible with the AF-C mode are:

HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW
HD PENTAX-DA★16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW
HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 18-50mmF4-5.6 DC WR RE
smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR
HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE
HD PENTAX-D FA★70-200mmF2.8ED DC AW
HD PENTAX-D FA 70-210mmF4ED SDM WR
HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4ED SDM AW
HD PENTAX-D FA150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW

4K-resolution Interval Movie shooting

Documenting, synthesizing and playing back a constantly changing subject in a high-resolution movie

The PENTAX KF’s Interval Movie mode allows you to record still images of a slowly changing subject at a fixed interval, link them into a single 4K-resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) movie files, and play them back,* as if fast-forwarding the time on the screen.
* When playing back a movie file on a device other than the PENTAX KF, the user is advised to use a PC operating environment supporting 4K-resolution movie playback.

Star Stream movie mode

Creating a fantastic movie with traces of the stars

This mode lets you record traces of the stars or illuminations on a 4K-resolution movie file. Using the fade-in and fade-out functions, you can create a fantastic movie.

Wi-Fi functions

For easy transfer of captured images to a smartphone

The PENTAX KF provides a set of wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) functions* to support operations using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Since you can transfer captured images instantly to the mobile devices, you can enjoy them away from the camera.
* The dedicated Image Sync application is required to remotely release the camera’s shutter and browse captured images using a mobile device.

Wi-Fi function with Pentax KF DSLR camera

Shooting, viewing and sharing of images with Image Sync application

Remote control of camera operations using mobile devices

By installing the dedicated Image Sync application* in your mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, you can remotely control camera operation from distance. For instance, you can adjust camera settings including aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity to the desired level, then release the shutter from your mobile device. You can even download captured images onto the mobile devoice, browse them on its monitor, then upload your favorite images to social networking service websites.
* Image Sync can be downloaded free from the App Store (for iPhone models) or Google PlayTM (for AndroidTM models). Consult the RICOH official web site or your nearby customer center for compatible operating systems.

Image Sync application for Pentax KF DSLR camera

Digital Camera Utility 5

Standard software for high-quality finishes

Included as a standard accessory, Digital Camera Utility 5 software allows you to browse through captured images on a computer screen, and develop RAW-format files to save them as JPEG- or TIFF- format files. Because you can change colors and check photographic data on the computer screen, you can take your time in finishing the image exactly the way you want it.

Main window structure (Browser mode)

1) Navigation panel
2) Control panel (image data)
3) Control panel (shooting data)
4) Control panel (copyright information)

Digital Camera Utility 5 software for Pentax KF DSLR camera

Main window structure (Laboratory mode)

1) Control panel (shooting data and history)
2) Control panel (image data and map)
3) Control panel (Custom Image, white balance and exposure/tone)
4) Control panel (lens aberration compensation, noise reduction and rotation/shift)

Digital Camera Utility 5 software for Pentax KF DSLR camera

Downloads

Product Related Information (PDF)

KF Product Information sheet English language

KF Product Information sheet German language

KF Product Information sheet French language

Operating Manuals in different languages

Firmware and Software updates

Please find actual firmware and software information (with included link to update file) on our overview of actual Firmware and Software Updates ...

APS-C Cameras

PENTAX KF

PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome

PENTAX K-3 Mark III - DSLR Camera

PENTAX K-3 III + 18-135 WR Lens