Ricoh Pentax, the corporate that everybody likes to hate for no good purpose, could possibly be gearing as much as launch a brand new digital camera, and deep down, I hope it’s the Pentax Okay-1 III.
Ricoh is, unquestionably, essentially the most polarizing digital camera producer on the planet. This firm splits photographers down the center as a result of they insist that DSLRs aren’t lifeless. I, for one, nonetheless love DSLRs, and I’m thrilled that the corporate is sticking to its beliefs moderately than being bullied into leaping into the world of mirrorless cameras. Whereas mirrorless cameras are nice, DSLRs nonetheless have their professionals, and there’s nonetheless loads of life left within the know-how, which is why I hope we’ll see a Pentax Okay-1 III.
We noticed this with the discharge of the Pentax K3-III in 2021. The APS-C digital camera from Pentax (learn our full assessment right here) blew us away with its new SAFOX 13 autofocus system. This DSLR AF system allowed eye monitoring within the optical viewfinder and enhanced general monitoring. The Okay-3 III additionally carried out miracles in low-light conditions and has a number of the finest ergonomics of any current digital camera.
The dedication to Okay-3 III proves that Ricoh is totally dedicated to DSLRs. This offers me hope that, sooner or later, we’ll see a successor to probably the most underrated cameras, the Pentax Okay-1 II. After all, this can be a lengthy shot, however a current patent submitting for a brand new Ricoh battery charger (shared by Pentax Rumors) suggests {that a} new digital camera could possibly be coming. This submitting might imply many issues, and I do know I’m reaching right here. Nevertheless, I hope that it, together with the slew of latest and re-released full-frame lenses, signifies that a Pentax Okay-1 III is within the works.
The Pentax Okay-1 II is essentially the most underrated digital camera of our time
I’ve written about my love of Pentax cameras, and particularly, the Pentax Okay-1 II, many instances. So sure, this text is a manner for me to self-indulge somewhat a few digital camera that I dream about; the Pentax Okay-1 III. Ask anybody who has used the Pentax Okay-1 or Okay-1 II how they really feel concerning the digital camera, and they’re going to inform you an identical factor. It’s top-of-the-line full-frame cameras you can purchase for the cash. At below $2,000, the Okay-1 II is an absolute discount.
The Pentax Okay-1 packed a 36.4-megapixel sensor, IBIS, nice climate sealing, wonderful ergonomics, an enormous, vibrant pentaprism viewfinder, two card slots, a self-leveling sensor, Astrotracer and Pixel Shift know-how. The K1-II constructed upon this by packing a beefed-up processor that improved autofocus speeds. The Okay-1 II additionally added hand-held pixel shift modes. The RAW information that the Okay-1 and Okay-1 III produce are spectacular, too. You’ll be able to push, pull and manipulate them to your hearts’ content material. Take a look at what Mattias Burling needed to say concerning the information right here.
The Okay-1 might do all of it
For a lot of creators, particularly panorama, astrophotographers, and portrait photographers, the Okay-1 and Okay-1 II are the right cameras. Whereas they weren’t recognized for his or her pace, they may definitely be used for motion images should you knew what you had been doing.
For instance, take a look at the photographs I captured above throughout a behind-the-scenes Blue Angles occasion. I additionally used the Okay-1 II for wildlife and sports activities images too. There’s each purpose to suppose that the potential Pentax Okay-1 III would solely enhance upon the Okay-1 II.
What I’d wish to see within the Pentax Okay-1 III
I’m certain my wishlist for the Pentax Okay-1 III is totally different from the wishlist of many others. Nonetheless, I think about I wouldn’t be alone in wanting the next megapixel sensor. The Okay-1 II used a wonderful 36.4 megapixel sensor. It was similar to the sensor discovered within the Nikon D810. Nevertheless, it might be fantastic to see the Pentax Okay-1 III use the identical or a really related 45.7-megapixel sensor discovered within the Nikon D850. The decision bump and a brand new Ricoh picture processing engine would create magic.
The Pentax Okay-1 III must also function the brand new blazing-fast SAFOX 13 autofocus system. Except for the Nikon D500, the Okay-3 III has the perfect DSLR autofocus system I’ve used. Constructing upon this technique for a full-frame sensor needs to be excessive on the to-do record for Ricoh.
Distinctive options
One of many largest weaknesses of the Okay-1 II was stay view mode. An enhanced stay view mode with higher peaking for handbook focusing outdated M42 and Okay mount lenses can be an amazing addition to the Pentax Okay-1 III. I hope that Ricoh decides to make use of an articulating display, too. The mounted rear LCD on the Okay-3 III made my outdated legs undergo. Nevertheless, I hope it’s a real tilting display as a substitute of the distinctive articulating display discovered on the Okay-1 and Okay-1 II. Sooner burst charges (the Okay-1 II topped out at 4fps) and improved hand-held Pixel Shift modes can be good, too.
Preserving and enhancing distinctive options such because the self-leveling sensor, GPS and Astrotracer, the digital anti-aliasing filter, and 5-axis IBIS needs to be a no brainer. These options set the Okay-1 II aside from each different DSLR available on the market. In reality, a few of these options are nonetheless unmatched in as we speak’s mirrorless cameras.
Maybe Ricoh might add focusing options like Starry AF and Stay Composite which are present in Olympus and OM SYSTEM cameras. The Pentax Okay-1 III would then be the last word astrophotography digital camera. The Okay-1 III would definitely profit from higher battery life, too. The Okay-1 II might solely rattle off roughly 600 pictures per cost, so an enchancment right here can be welcome.
What would you wish to see?
I do know I’m speculating loads on this article; give us Pentaxians a break, although. We don’t have a lot to grip on to in the case of new gear. One factor for certain is that the Pentax Okay-1 II is due for an replace. The Okay-1 was launched in 2016, and the Okay-1 II in 2018. Quite a bit has modified in six years, so there’s loads Ricoh might do to make the Pentax K1-III the perfect DSLR ever.
What would you wish to see within the Pentax Okay-1 III? Do you suppose we’ll see one quickly? Ought to Ricoh overlook DSLRs and transfer on to mirrorless? Tell us within the remark part beneath.
