High-resolution, fine-gradation images supported by approximately 36.4 effective megapixels

The K-1 features an AA (anti-aliasing) filterless design that prioritizes image resolution, as well as the new PRIME IV imaging engine, which is capable of 14-bit RAW-format image recording. The K-1’s unique full frame sensor and imaging engine design also allows for super-high-sensitivity shooting up to ISO 204800, producing beautiful, high-resolution images.

New-generation SR II five-axis system

• In-body SR II mechanism assures optimal shake reduction performance
  The SR II (Shake Reduction II) five-axis mechanism enables accurate control of the large full-frame image sensor with all compatible PENTAX interchangeable lenses.* In addition to camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, it effectively compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift, as well as camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to deal with by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Even when taking a panning shot, this system automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement, and efficiently controls the SR II unit to always produce the best image possible.
• Pixel Shift Resolution System with a new motion correction function
  This system uses the latest super-resolution technology, which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data within each pixel. It incorporates a new motion correction function, which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting.
• Innovative AA filter simulator to minimize moiré
  By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor, the K-1's AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter.
• Supportive shooting functions
  Since the K-1’s SR II unit has a flexible design that tilts the image sensor unit in all directions, it provides a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation, image-composition fine-adjustment, and AstroTracer, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography using a built-in GPS module.

Flexible tilt-type LCD monitor to accommodate various shooting angles

The K-1 features a newly designed, Flexible-tilt LCD monitor, which tilts horizontally, vertically or diagonally with a single action, without deviating from the lens’s optical axis. 35 degrees of horizontal and 44 degrees of vertical adjustment can be achieved; the LCD panel can even be laid flat up or down. The 3.2-inch LCD monitor features a tempered-glass front panel for added durability, a unique air-gapless construction effectively reduces reflection, and a new Outdoor View Setting mode allows the user to instantly choose the desired monitor brightness level.

Newly developed SAFOX 12 with 33 sensor points and full-frame-proportioned AF frame

The SAFOX 12 AF sensor module features 33 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The center sensor and the two sensors located just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using a large-aperture lens.

**Upgraded PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, with application of artificial intelligence technology **

The K-1’s advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System performs near-instant analysis of exposure, color, movement and other factors. Combined with a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning, the K-1 instantly optimizes settings for even the most difficult shooting situations.

Easy-to-focus optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view

Newly developed for its 35mm full-frame design, the K-1’s optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and an approximately 0.7-times magnification. A Natural Bright Matt III focusing screen allows ease of focusing and a true-to-life rendition of defocused areas in the viewfinder image.

High-speed continuous shooting with a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second

The K-1 has a larger shutter unit that easily accommodates the camera’s full-frame image sensor and provides high-speed, high-accuracy control of the mirror unit. A high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME IV imaging engine allows the user to continuously record as many as 17 images in the RAW format (or a maximum of 70 images in the JPEG Best format) in a single sequence, at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second.

Supportive shooting functions to improve picture-taking efficiency and operational comfort

• Operation assist light function, which provides LED lights above the lens mount, behind the LCD monitor, at the memory car slot, and at the cable switch terminal to facilitate fast and easy operation in poorly lit settings.
• Key lock function, which prevents erroneous operation of the four-way controller and other exposure-related control buttons.
• Smart function, which allows the user to swiftly choose and set desired functions using just the function dial and the set dial on the camera’s upper panel, without referring to the menu screen on the LCD monitor.
• Control panel customize function allows the user to change aspects of the on-screen menu.

Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Constructed of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy with the inclusion of 87 sealing parts in the body, the K-1 also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction.

Other Features

• Wi-Fi operation allowing camera control and image transfer to tablet or smartphone via the free ImageSync app
• Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels in the H.264 recording format
• Built-in GPS module and electronic compass
• High-grade DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
• Crop mode with a choice of image area from AUTO, FF (Full Frame) and APS-C, to accommodate different types of lenses
• Clarity control and Skin Tone correction functions, a pair of the latest image processing technologies developed by RICOH Central Laboratory
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing, usable in handheld shooting
• The PENTAX-invented hyper operating system for quick, accurate response to the photographer's creative intentions
• Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)
• Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, and brightness level at image-field edges. Fringe effect compensation is also available in RAW-format processing.
• Compatibility with PENTAX Image Transmitter 2 tethering software (Software update required from RICOH IMAGING official website)
• Digital Camera Utility 5 software (latest version) included

looks like they're inspired by the 67

I'm guessing the 70-200 they just announced will be for this camera.

The next big news; Panasonic is gonna be making a camera with an APC sensor.

You have very limited imagination :-) It'll be FF sensor with special 4 mounts adapter, so you could buy 4 m43 lenses and have full FF coverage.

maybe pany will pull a sony and their m43 mount covers aps ?

F*$% yes! Please let it also have a 4K recording I can work with.

So is Pentax gonna have to develop new lenses to cover the new full frame sensor?

Many of their existing lenses are FF :-)

Any particular reason they made some of their lenses FF when their cameras are APC sensor? Or were they just planning to get to FF at some point? I have always loved Pentax images quality.

Many lenses design comes from film era, and many are still using screw drive for focusing :-)

I trust Pentax, my K5s are workhorses and lenses do very well, especially the limited edion series. They plan on adapting those few Aps-c K mount lenses on the new FF. Another plus should be in-body stabilization

I thought they had a nicely set up marketing beforehand, of great APS-C cameras and affordable medium format cameras. Wish instead of introducing FF, they'd instead pushed higher end APS-C (like the Samsung NX1) and driven down medium format prices even lower. Thus attacking FF from both sides! Rather than joining them.

Some more details

Seems really big , did they forget they had the pentax MX and then the MZ.... ? Btw now they go FF , you can expect a FF GRD soon, why buy a leica Q :p.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9606774224/life-in-a-glass-case-we-examine-new-pentax-full-frame-dslr