New Lens Patent 70-300 F4.5-5.6 with In-lens SR

https://ipforce.jp/patent-jp-A-2020-86357
(in Japanese)

A few key highlights are as follows (Google Translated):

[Name or name] Ricoh Co., Ltd.

[0008]
However, in the zoom lens system of Patent Document 1, since the second lens group 2b, which is the image blur correction lens group, is close to the stop on the long focal length end side (tele end side), the long focal length end side (tele end is set at the time of image blur correction). The eccentric coma aberration generated on the side) tends to be large. Therefore, the second b group, which is the image blur correction lens group, is composed of three or more lenses, and there remains a problem in weight reduction of the image blur correction lens group.

(Table 5)
Short focal length end Medium focal length Long focal length end
Focal length 72.2 135.0 293.2

F number 4.43 4.88 5.34

(Table 8)
Short focal length end Medium focal length Long focal length end
Focal length 72.0 135.1 293.6

F number 4.59 4.96 5.52

A list of variants of the same design gene are patented. While the focal ranges are almost the same, the maximum apertures could vary a bit but the variations are insignificant.

PB Reviewed the K-1 Mark II

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/pentax_k_1_mark_ii_review

The conclusion is well said. The upgrade is so subtle than it worths.

Yet Another Two K-1 Vs K-1 II Shootouts (of High ISO and PSR)

http://w3.ee/openarticle.php?id=2974753&lang=est
(in Estonian, Google translated English page here)

Whilst it is commented that the Mark II has lower noise and the pictures are brighter when compared with Mark I's, the tester does not provide any information on the exposure time values of his comparison test pictures.

A quick check on another earlier similar shootout test (in Chinese, machine-translated English page here), it is noted that the exposure times of the Mark II are often extended by 1/3 EV stop and hence the rated ISO of the Mark II should not be accurate and is actually overrated, hence resulting in brighter pictures with less noise. In fact, I have seen several shootout tests so far and have found the same.

K-1 II ISO Tests 100-102400 Vs Dynamic Pixel Shift Results

https://www.mikemuizebelt.nl/pdf/K1_markii_iso_steps_100-102400.jpg
(Composite test picture) 

https://www.mikemuizebelt.nl/pdf/K1_markii_iso_steps_100-102400_PSR_ON.jpg

(Warning: Large file in ~25MB each)

From my prolonged experience with the K-1, it seems that the high ISO performance improvement of the Mark II is only subtle at ISO 3200 and above. The handheld PSR could give higher resolution, though, when it works. However, noise will not be improved anyway in the PSR mode.

A New K-1 Mark II Practical Review

https://www.mobile01.com/newsdetail/25112/pentax-k-1-markii
(in Traditional Chinese)

Handheld pixel resolution and high ISO settings are tested. The result pictures are self-explanatory with simple legends.

In short, the handheld pixel resolution is a hit-n-miss game, I'm afraid. Sometimes, the outcome would be even worse. Besides, the improvement at high ISO values is not really significant. Subtle improvement could be seen, though, IMHO.

Major Differences between K-1 and the Mark II

	K-1	K-1 II	What's New
Max. ISO	102400 (204800)	819200	PRIME IV with Accelerator Unit
Bluetooth Support	No	Yes	Image Sync 2.0
Pixel Shift Resolution	Tripod	Handheld Possible
Max. Burst (APS-C, JPEG)	6.5 fps	6.4 fps
Battery Life (CIPA)	760	670
AF Performance	-	Improved	New AF Algorithm

My Pixel Shift Resolution Test

Below is the 200% centre crops without PSR and with. In-camera JPEG pics with firmware V1.10. Lens used is FA43 Limited at f/11, exposure 30s, ISO 100, shot with 2 sec self-timer enabled plus cable shutter release. Mirror lock up was disabled despite user manual said that it could be engaged. :-(

(Click to Enlarge)

For the resolution difference but the artifacts, I blog, you decide. :-)

Official K-1 Promotional Video (11 Clips)

Promotional Information Leaked of the Pentax FF

http://photorumors.com/2015/10/15/new-slide-leaked-with-pentax-full-frame-dslr-camera-details/

Rumour: Features and Performance of the New FF

http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1508304-1-1-1.html
(in Chinese)

Someone at the Chinese Xitek forum hinted that he had tested the beta unit of the FF and told the following:

1. The new machine is not 42MP.

2. The AF speed is very high.

3. There are many AF points than ever.

4. SR Super-resolution mode now works handheld.

5. The result of the handheld super-resolution mode is good and it works!

6. Overall better experience than the D810.

A K-s2 Full Review

http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=251&t=4502344
(in Traditional Chinese)

The test pics and captions are self-explanatory for the results.

Resolution Shootout: K-3 II Vs E-M5 II Vs D810 Vs 645Z

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k3-ii/pentax-k3-iiTECH2.HTM

New Phase Detection Method and Patent by Using the SR System

http://dc.nphoto.net/news/2014-07/28/aee3821ee9506bf2.shtml
(in Chinese)

K-3 New Firmware 1.10 Diffraction Reduction Before Vs After Test

http://www.nphoto.net/news/2014-07/17/1eacb1337aaccb89.shtml
(in Simplified Chinese)

The test picture crops are with f-stops marked. Left side ones are with new firmware, with diffraction reduction enabled. Right side ones are with the last firmware of version 1.03.

It seems that at very large apertures, image sharpness is affected somehow. But reversely, at mid to small apertures, sharpness does have been improved. Anyway, I blog, you measurbate and then decide! ;-)

Nonetheless, if you are a K-3 user and would like to update and try, the official firmware download link is as follows:

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html

Yet Another Inteview with Ricoh Official Published Today! (by DC Watch)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/20131225_628900.html
(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)

The machine-translated English article is quite readable, although the content of the interview itself is not so meaningful and it is most consisted of pure sales talks for what we already knew or things that are trivial, e.g, the SR system is still improving (as it always should!).

New Ricoh in-lens SR Lens Patents

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2013-11-16 (in Jaoanese)

Well, there is a 135 Full Frame lens, for that 60mm Macro! The sad thing is that there is no Pentax anymore, the name "Pentax" seems to have disappeared from now on and forever! :-/

New Official K-3 Component Pictures

Guess what is what by yourself! ;-)

Latest K-3 Technical Details (from my Trustable Source)

So, the last rumoured K-3 thing while is true but not exact. Of course, I believe my source. Here we go! :-D

Ricoh Pentax K-3: 24MP APS-C Sensor, Hardware AA Filter-less, Software AA Filter, PRIME III Image Processor, 86k RGB Segmented Light Metering with -3EV Sensitivity, 27-Point AF with -3EV Sensitivity, 8.5 Maximum FPS (Tentative), 4 Stop SR, 100% 0.95X Optical Viewfinder, Fixed Air-gapless LCD, Built-in Interval Shooting up to 2000 Frames and Internal Video Composite, MPEG4 AVC/H.264 Full HD 30p/60i Video, New Stereo Phone-out Monitor Jack, 3 User Modes, USB 3.0, 800g, US$1299.99 Body Only.

Pentax SR is Not Yet Conforming to the New CIPA Standard for Image Stabilization Performance

See what our knowledgeable ex-Pentaxian (now a Nikon D800 user), Falk Lumo (aka Falconeye, who is an engineer I believe), has reported yesterday at the PF:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-industry/229561-pentax-cipa-shake-reduction-efficieny-published.html

It is reported that according to the new CIPA standard, more precise description on the IS (SR) performance must be specified. Whilst Nikon has already updated their specifications for their products, Pentax has not yet done that so far, and the descriptions of the SR performance of products are clearly not complying to the new Standard and the latest requirements of the CIPA,  which Pentax is still a member of the Body, Right? Nope? Because "Pentax" the Company is just Non-Existent Now?! >:-o

K-3 FF in 24MP is Being Beta-Tested?

A guy called Mike Svitek has posted and typed these in his twitter and Google+ accounts, as follows and quoted, one by one:-

https://twitter.com/svitekphotos/status/314424040804720640/photo/1

"Testing the Pentax K-3 ... ISO25600 sample blew me away!"

https://plus.google.com/109859150130478662888/posts

Read the earlier one of the two posts made on March 20th:-

"Testing out the new Pentax K-# HDSLR  [ ;) WINK WINK... NUDGE NUDGE ]  with the Pentax 77mm Limited Prime lens ... 1/500s f/11 ISO25600 Custom WB
Contrast has been increased and image was cropped+downsized in DarkTable.

.
.
.

Now that all the formalities are out of the way... I love the tones, the dynamic range is amazing, and the resolution (while being too high for my taste) has its advantages when clearing up some noise. With the combo of the new sensor and processor, there is very little noise to clean up in the first place. It only starts showing up visibly at around ISO6400 (becoming obvious here at 25,600 and pretty bad at the extended range of 102,400) ... As I already stated, this camera sits between its competitors with the D800 and the D4 or the 5D Mrk.3 and the 1DX ... Somewhere between the two classes of each manufacturer.
Sadly, I have to give it back tomorrow... It was a fun ride while it lasted..."

https://plus.google.com/photos/109859150130478662888/albums/5857441102173448593/5857441104907673602?authkey=CKq4_J2Sttm0Gg

A larger version of the above sample in 2048 x 1420 pixels can be downloaded via the "Option" item located at the bottom of the page. This ISO 25,600 image made with the 77 Limited lens is really impressive enough, if it is really true!

And the following additional things are disclosed:-

"BTW: I've known Ricoh representa

tives all my life. That's the only reason why they allowed me to test-run these cameras... There are 10 prototypes circulating around as I understood it, with three different internal variants... This one is D600 meets A99, they make a baby, and then inject it with steroids. ;)"

"I can't wait to see how many new people this will bring in. Pentax users have been on a very slow decline since 2003 when they killed the K1 concept for the second time... 2013/2014 is the time to strike back! Move over Canikons!
P.S. ... Happy Pentax Day!"

"I mentioned the D600/A99 because it has a similar sensor, which I'm not fond of... I find 24Mpix to be much too high. I suggested to them the same sensor as the D4 has, and using their Shake Reduction technology to create a multi-shot composite similar to what Hasselblad has. However, I am a specialist

s so I need the low light performance... the general public should love the new camera, inside and out."