Pentax K-S1 DSLR unveiled with LED illumination system

Ricoh has taken the wraps off of the Pentax K-S1 DSLR, a device that features a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a bunch of LEDs embedded into its grip to indicate the state of the camera.

Several Pentax K-S1 photos have been leaked on the web prior to the DSLR camera’s official announcement. The first thing that we noticed was a series of mysterious LEDs built into the device’s grip. Later on, sources have revealed that their purpose is to indicate the state of the camera.

Now, Ricoh has launched the K-S1, confirming the details provided by the rumor mill. The DSLR will also be on-display at the company’s booth at the Photokina 2014 event, opening its doors on September 16.

Pentax K-S1 is now official with a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor without an optical low-pass filter.

Ricoh introduces Pentax K-S1 DSLR camera with software-based AA filter

Pentax K-S1 features a 20.1-megapixel APS-C-sized image sensor without an anti-aliasing filter. The company says that this is a mid-range DSLR which borrows lots of its features from the K-3.

Some of these technologies are the software-simulated AA filter. Since the camera does not have one, Ricoh has developed an ingenious way of mimicking its properties so that moiré patterns will not be an issue.

Another K-3 tool consists of FLUCARD support, consisting of a special SD card with WiFi connectivity. The K-S1 can be remotely controlled using a smartphone or tablet and it also allows users to transfer photos and videos to these devices.

Pentax K-S1 employs an innovative LED illumination system. When the DSLR detects faces, it will indicate the amount by lighting up the LEDs on its grip.

What is Pentax K-S1’s “illumination interface”?

Ricoh is aware that it may be hard to capture photos in the dark. As a result, multiple buttons are illuminated by LEDs, including the power switch around the shutter button, the camera mode dial, and the OK button on the back.

Moreover, the grip features LED illumination, too. Beside their decorative purposes, they have a functionality. When turning on Face Detection, the number of LEDs reveals how many faces have been spotted by the DSLR. Additionally, they will serve as a countdown timer when this option is enabled.

The aforementioned LED for the power switch will be green when photo mode is on and red when video mode is on, respectively.

The OK button on the back of the Pentax K-S1 is also illuminated, so the DSLR will be very easy to use in the dark.

Pentax K-S1 features built-in image stabilization system

The specs list of the Pentax K-S1 includes a Prime MII image processor, sensor-shift 3-axis image stabilization technology, 11-point AF system, and a continuous shooting mode of 5.4fps.

Ricoh’s new DSLR supports a maximum ISO sensitivity of 51,200 and a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000th of a second. The camera records 1920 x 1080 videos at up to 30fps while supporting stereo audio recording.

On the back of the K-S1 users will notice a built-in optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.95x magnification as well as a 3-inch 921K-dot LCD screen (non-touch).

Pentax K-S1 will be available in 12 color choices as of September 2014.

Ricoh to release the Pentax K-S1 in late September for around $750

The new K-mount DSLR stores its photos and videos on an SD/SDHC/SDXC card, which can be transferred to a computer via USB 2.0 (if users do not own a FLUCARD) or which can be viewed on an HDTV via a microHDMI cable.

Pentax K-S1 measures about 121 x 93 x 70mm / 4.76 x 3.66 x 2.76-inches and weighs 558 grams / 19.68 ounces.

Ricoh will release the camera in up to 12 colors, including the regular Black, Blue, and White, at the end of September. The price of a body-only version will be $749.95, while an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens kit will set you back $799.95.