Ricoh Pentax, the company that everyone loves to hate for no good reason, could be gearing up to release a new camera, and deep down, I hope it’s the Pentax K-1 III.
Ricoh is, without a doubt, the most polarizing camera manufacturer on the planet. This company splits photographers down the middle because they insist that DSLRs aren’t dead. I, for one, still love DSLRs, and I’m thrilled that the company is sticking to its beliefs rather than being bullied into jumping into the world of mirrorless cameras. While mirrorless cameras are great, DSLRs still have their pros, and there’s still plenty of life left in the technology, which is why I hope we will see a Pentax K-1 III.
We saw this with the release of the Pentax K3-III in 2021. The APS-C camera from Pentax (read our full review here) blew us away with its new SAFOX 13 autofocus system. This DSLR AF system allowed eye tracking in the optical viewfinder and enhanced overall tracking. The K-3 III also performed miracles in low-light situations and has some of the best ergonomics of any recent camera.
The dedication to K-3 III proves that Ricoh is fully committed to DSLRs. This gives me hope that, at some point, we will see a successor to one of the most underrated cameras, the Pentax K-1 II. Of course, this is a long shot, but a recent patent filing for a new Ricoh battery charger (shared by Pentax Rumors) suggests that a new camera could be coming. This filing could mean many things, and I know I’m reaching here. However, I hope that it, along with the slew of new and re-released full-frame lenses, means that a Pentax K-1 III is in the works.
The Pentax K-1 II is the most underrated camera of our time
I have written about my love of Pentax cameras, and in particular, the Pentax K-1 II, many times. So yes, this article is a way for me to self-indulge a little about a camera that I dream about; the Pentax K-1 III. Ask anyone who has used the Pentax K-1 or K-1 II how they feel about the camera, and they will tell you the same thing. It’s one of the best full-frame cameras that you can buy for the money. At under $2,000, the K-1 II is an absolute bargain.
The Pentax K-1 packed a 36.4-megapixel sensor, IBIS, great weather sealing, excellent ergonomics, a big, bright pentaprism viewfinder, two card slots, a self-leveling sensor, Astrotracer and Pixel Shift technology. The K1-II built upon this by packing a beefed-up processor that improved autofocus speeds. The K-1 II also added hand-held pixel shift modes. The RAW files that the K-1 and K-1 III produce are spectacular, too. You can push, pull and manipulate them to your hearts’ content. Check out what Mattias Burling had to say about the files here.
The K-1 could do it all
For many creators, especially landscape, astrophotographers, and portrait photographers, the K-1 and K-1 II are the perfect cameras. While they weren’t known for their speed, they could certainly be used for action photography if you knew what you were doing.
For example, check out the images I captured above during a behind-the-scenes Blue Angles event. I also used the K-1 II for wildlife and sports photography too. There’s every reason to think that the potential Pentax K-1 III would only improve upon the K-1 II.
What I’d like to see in the Pentax K-1 III
I’m sure my wishlist for the Pentax K-1 III is different from the wishlist of many others. Still, I imagine I wouldn’t be alone in wanting a higher megapixel sensor. The K-1 II used an excellent 36.4 megapixel sensor. It was very similar to the sensor found in the Nikon D810. However, it would be wonderful to see the Pentax K-1 III use the same or a very similar 45.7-megapixel sensor found in the Nikon D850. The resolution bump and a new Ricoh image processing engine would create magic.
The Pentax K-1 III should also feature the new blazing-fast SAFOX 13 autofocus system. Aside from the Nikon D500, the K-3 III has the best DSLR autofocus system I have used. Building upon this system for a full-frame sensor should be high on the to-do list for Ricoh.
Unique features
One of the biggest weaknesses of the K-1 II was live view mode. An enhanced live view mode with better peaking for manual focusing old M42 and K mount lenses would be a great addition to the Pentax K-1 III. I hope that Ricoh decides to use an articulating screen, too. The fixed rear LCD on the K-3 III made my old legs suffer. However, I hope it’s a true tilting screen instead of the unique articulating screen found on the K-1 and K-1 II. Faster burst rates (the K-1 II topped out at 4fps) and improved hand-held Pixel Shift modes would be nice, too.
Keeping and improving unique features such as the self-leveling sensor, GPS and Astrotracer, the digital anti-aliasing filter, and 5-axis IBIS should be a no-brainer. These features set the K-1 II apart from every other DSLR on the market. In fact, some of these features are still unmatched in today’s mirrorless cameras.
Perhaps Ricoh could add focusing features like Starry AF and Live Composite that are found in Olympus and OM SYSTEM cameras. The Pentax K-1 III would then be the ultimate astrophotography camera. The K-1 III would certainly benefit from better battery life, too. The K-1 II could only rattle off roughly 600 shots per charge, so an improvement here would be welcome.
What would you like to see?
I know I am speculating a lot in this article; give us Pentaxians a break, though. We don’t have much to grip on to when it comes to new gear. One thing for sure is that the Pentax K-1 II is due for an update. The K-1 was launched in 2016, and the K-1 II in 2018. A lot has changed in six years, so there’s a lot Ricoh could do to make the Pentax K1-III the best DSLR ever.
What would you like to see in the Pentax K-1 III? Do you think we will see one soon? Should Ricoh forget DSLRs and move on to mirrorless? Let us know in the comment section below.
I agree with most of what you said. Save for more megapixels. And we’ve already been through this, in a roundabout way, with the HiFi ‘watt wars’ of the 1970s. No, more watts per channel didn’t create better audio, but marketing had people convinced that it did. They eventually wised up, and just like that, the ‘watt wars’ were over. We will have a similar reckoning in the megapixel wars of today. I suspect it’s quite near. I’ve already had mine. 16-20 MP APS-C and 36-40 MP FF is the sweet spot. Less than that, and cropping power suffers. More… Read more »
I cannot agree more. More megapixels mean more noise at high ISO, slower processing and even larger files. I would like to see less noise at higher ISO instead and a larger buffer. I’d also like to see some manual focusing aids in the viewfinder (microprisms and a double-wedge center spot of yore). A stacked or Back Illuminated sensor would certainly improve the low light sensitivity, too.
Many of the features people want (more resolution, faster burst rates etc) will require faster storage, cf cards instead of sd cards maybe?
Totally agree on the K3 m iii fixed screen, that was a huge miss, and is why I still shoot with a KP.
It’s even worse for me, my KP was stolen from me and I temporarily bought a K-70 and am still stuck with it. Even if it is an entry-level, but the rotary screen is so convenient that I’m not ready to lose it, and now I’m sitting here and don’t understand if I can ever buy something better)
Why not pick up a nice used K1? It’s a fantastic camera, the screen mechanism is awesome.
New K-1 is not important , I wait for new entry mirrorless camera , successor K-70 , K-72 ? 32 MP , fast AF , new mirrorless mount , adapter for old DSLR lenses …
If you want a fast af mirrorless there are loads to choose from. Just change brands – if you dislike the k mount why stick with Pentax?
You don’t want a Pentax. There are lots of mirrorless choices from other great brands (Canon, Nikon, Sony), but the idea of a new Pentax mount just for mirrorless when Pentax has built a reputation with essentially the same K-mount the since the film days makes little sense to me. For better or worse, Pentax basically owns the DSLR space now, and has proven that the space may be smaller, but it’s still relevant.
Penta doesn’t have the resources to develop mirrorless cameras. If you want a mirrorless camera, look elsewhere.
Ricoh / Pentax surely has the resources and engineering talent to build a mirrorless camera to contend with the likes of Canon, Nikon and Sony. They are not doing so because their commitment to SLR cameras. This thread is asking Pentax to honor that commitment in the most visible way; with a true next generation FF DSLR for Professional Photographers. Pentax’ decline among professional photographers is far more attributable to Lousy Marketing than a lack in their development engineering!
you have your wish, the KF
Norbteally, thats JUST a rebadged K70, there ist NO improvement, Just a changed Display due to availability. And of course a ridicoulous pricehike. The KF ist NOT a successor to the K70. ITS the the K70
I only ask for an AF as reliable as when you do it in live view, logically as fast as when you do it in the viewfinder.. I have the k3III and I am in love with it.
For me the only problem that I have seen in the PENTAX, removing the k3III, but improving it even more… and putting it at the level where it literally does not fail… I do not ask for more!!!
I am fine with 36 M pixels, but I sure would love better focus tracking, eye focusing and more focus points while using the view finder since I do portrait photography. I would also love if Pentax made a mirrorless camera that used my K-mount lenses, AND has an EVF.
People say because of flange distance that mirrorless can’t be done and keep the k mount. But Pentax made the K-01 which was mirrorless and used k lens.
The K-mount lens are designed to be aprox 40 mm (register distance) from the sensor in order to give room for the mirror to swing. The k-01 needed to have the same reg distance as the DSLRs so that it could use the existing lens design and k-mount. It is a thick mirrorless camera. All other mirrors camera brands change the design of the lens to work with a shorter reg distance, benefits are a thinner camera and smaller lenses. But you could not use a DSLR lens without an adapter that made up for the lost register distance with… Read more »
Right on
Interesting,naturally I agree in general with your hypothetical review! I don’t believe that Pentax are hated! It’s simply not promoted enough outside of Japan! When people attempt to guess the make of camera that I use, they name every brand except for Pentax! It’s invisible to many. Such a shame. I have used Pentax DSLRs since 1974 and would not be tempted to change. The only feature that I would like would be to have shake reduction whilst panning.
AFAIK there’s panning auto detection in recent models.
I would love to see a the Pentax k1 III with new filter that is more sensitive to hydrogen Alpha like the Canon Eos Ra is.
Astro version are scheduled soon.
Wants:
Faster, more accurate autofocus
Smaller and lighter with an articulating screen.
Better focusing live view
Same or better resolution with a more advanced BSI sensor
Pentax isn’t hated in my opinion but it is definitely not respected. it is thought of as an old person’s camera because of its perceived low technology.
Weight and construction/bright VF are in competition IMO.
As for the hate thing: yes, they are very much hated by most reviewers including incompetent DPR.
I think that’s largely an American view. Pentax is still very popular in Japan, personally, as an American I enjoy a more niche brand. I don’t relish being just another Canikon sheep. Sony makes some really cool tech, but boy their cameras feel cheap and are unpleasant to use.
I mean ultimately, who are you shooting for? I’m shooting for me.
Hello,
I fully support your feature recap for an updated version of the K1, which is already an oustanding camera. I would vote for a focus bracketing mode, which would come very handy for macro photography. By the way this one could probably be included in a firmware update of the current K1 / K1-II.
Now that a focus limiter has been implemented in software, we might see it someday…
Unless there’s some “special” reason the newer cameras made the “shake reduction” setting electronic, I would prefer to have a manual selector like the earlier cameras. Slapping the camera on a tripod and forgetting to disable that feature is very easy to do. Make it a manual on/off switch to make it easier to select on the fly.
Supposedly, the camera detects it is on tripod. Never could check it though.
If you’re using a wired shutter release or the built in 2 or 12 second timer IBIS shuts off automatically. At least it does for my K-1
I would like to see a dual boot SLR. Hand out an SDK. That way the open source people can hook into the camera and if you don’t like it just boot to the Pentax default instead. Let Magic Lantern work their magic – with the larger SLR bodies there will be room for the processing power to allow this to happen.
I still have and regularly use the original K-1, and I’ve loved every minute. I bought the K3-iii early this year to replace my K-3 and it’s amazing as well, though it would be a real knockout if it had built in GPS and the K-1’s articulating screen, which I have found to be very useful, robust and uniquely Pentax. I would buy a K1-iii in a heartbeat, with the K3-iii’s SAFOX 13 autofocus system. The articulating screen is a keeper for me because it’s solid and just works. Basically, if Pentax can just keep and improve what’s already present… Read more »
All of that! Personally, if this is to be an astrophotography beast, it would need two additional things: better sensitivity in the deep red – Hydrogen Alpha is important for deep sky astrophotography, and DSLRs are notoriously weak here, out of the box.
It would also need (for those of us who also use telescopes) a better system for longer exposures than 30s – oh one more: the ability to have mirror pre-fire when using the interval shooting or sequence shooting modes for astrophotography.
K-1 can do more 30s – just not combined with interval shooting :-( (just use Bulb, push green button and you can increase the exposure manually up to 20 min)
If they provided a filter to insert in the camera over the sensor like the STC ones that would be cool. https://www.stcoptics.com/collections/clip-filters?pf_t_camera_type=Pentax
My K-1 is all the camera I need, but it would be great if a K-1 III had the ability to turn off any image processing for RAW files. The K-1 does not perform any denoising but the K-1 II does and it would be great if that could be made optional. increased resolution. Contrary to popular opinion, more megapixels do not increase image noise and more resolution helps with cropping and reduces the likelihood of moiré. improved AF, with a priority on accuracy with fast lenses. Perhaps they can even adopt the Hasselblad system that compensates for camera rotation… Read more »
Personally, I don’t insist on an electronic viewfinder. I’m one of those who prefer to look into an optical viewfinder, and looking into an EVF makes me rather uneasy (as if I feel like I’m going to lose my eyesight). I have already sold my EVF (MFT), and continue to keep my former Pentax.
But, if any Pentax developers reads this, please, I beg you. Add as a feature professional video, 4k min. with 60fps, high data rate, v-log etc. Just what other manufacturers have had for years. Thank you.
I’m not sure why anyone needs an evf honestly. I used a Sony a7 iv for a bit and hated the evf. I did like its lcd live view, and shot with that a lot. Evf is unnecessary and kid of stupid in my opinion. With an optical viewfinder and lcd live view you get the best of both worlds. Why wouldn’t everyone want that?
I’m a DSLR lover. So, I wish long life to this system. Hats off to Pentax for having the spine to defy the mirrorless hype.
Looks like it was just the pointless KF. I’m not sure we’ll ever see another Pentax FF camera. I think Rhico is going to cut its camera business.
Nope
A new Pentax camera should be fast: Large buffer, fast AF, fast 10-12 FPS. This is the Achilles Heel of Pentax cameras – not very good for moving subjects. Bringing a K-1 to a ball game is like bringing a front loaded gun to the war.
Au contraire. I shoot sports regularly with a K-1; football, basketball, hockey, baseball, auto racing, etc. There isn’t
a sport out there I can’t successfully shoot with the K-1. Even skiing and bobsledding!
I also use KP, K-3, and the new K-3iii.
60mp – to keep it level with the Sony A7RV – intergrated vertical grip with two tripod mounts like a 645z. Bigger view finder and articulating rear screen. Base ISO 50 – and please, more lenses. The Pentax 35mm format system doesn’t have the range of lens that Nikon and Canon do.
Other than really long telephoto lenses, exactly which lenses do you think are missing from the Pentax system? They have probably the best range of crop sensor lenses available, and the lenses for full frame from 15mm to 200mm are stellar. Almost all of them Weatherproof as well. What else do you need?
I love my K-1 II. I’d wish not for more megapixels, but more low light sensitivity is always good. Mostly I’d like a mode that knows I have sn older lens mounted and it pushes the green button for me, or maybe it could stop down the lens and meter automatically.
I’d love the K1iii to be the same size as the K3iii. I would ask that they include the same tech as there is in the 3iii. Prior to using the 3iii my asks were that the AF be massively improved and the Astrotracer use a form of plate solving and the ability to use the Astrotracer with the inbuilt intervalometer, I also wanted the 10 second increments to be reduced below 30 seconds and be single seconds below 10 seconds. Then I got the 3iii and voila I got all my wishes. The sensor is good enough in my… Read more »
I’ve thought of another “like to have”. It’s difficult to find targets in the night sky without a goto system. Pentax cameras have a compass that enables pointing in the correct direction but the angle upwards to point the camera is guesswork. It would be great if the compass screen displayed the angle of tilt of the camera which must be available as it’s required for the astrotracer to work. These two pieces of info (available on a lot of astro websites) could enable pointing the camera towards the right place in the sky making it much easier to capture… Read more »
I would love to see focus stacking.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! I have one of first K-1’s, refitted this one to be a K-1 ii, then bought another K-1 as a sidekick. I also had the K3 before I bought the K-1. Love them all. I’d opt for a K3 iii but want to be sure there will be a K-1 iii. I final add I’d like is to find some way to shave a ounces off the weight, if possible. I know the body is feature loaded, but weight is an issue!
I absolutely loved the K-1 but the weight was just too much. A mirrorless Pentax, combined with the 43mm limited lens would be my dream come true.
My OG K-1 is my daily driver. I opted not to get the upgrade service to the K-1 mk ii since I don’t like the idea of noise reduction baked in to the raw files. Hopefully they do away with this in the K-1 iii. What I would like to see in a new K-1 is the following in order: Newer/faster/more accurate autofocus with more fous points. A bigger buffer size to allow for faster FPS shooting UHS-II memory slots. One is ok, two is better USB3 compatibility including the ability to charge/run from USB Astrotracer type III as is… Read more »
I would love 60mp…..
However OMG where is this camera ??!?? How long do we have to wait???
OK PENTAX! Here’s your moment! It’ your turn now. When I was in my early 20’s I bought my 1st new camera with my own money. It was a brand new 35mm ASAHI PENTAX. I happy as a clam. I loved that camera. Time went on and now in my mid 70’s as a pro LANDSCAPE PAINTER I have been waiting; many, many camers later for another fine PENTAX. Make us A K-1 MKIII. Give us at least 60-61MP. Make it clean, make it sharp, make it focus. Give it a big beautiful Ergonomic Body. Make it a piece of… Read more »
I agree with more megapixels so that shooting in APSC mode would match the 26 MPs you get from the K-3. But more megapixels means shake reduction has to be improved because you’ll be able to see shaking a lot better.
K-1 iii suggested improvement (1) Enable selection of EFCS + electronic shutter in viewfinder mode. Also add exposure delay options of 0.5seconds, 1 second and 2 seconds. With EFCS enabled and exposure delay set to say 1 second, when actuating the shutter, the mirror will move UP and then the exposure delay of 1 second in this case, time out and the electronic shutter fire. After the electronic shutter closes, the mirror automatically returns DOWN to its normal position, enabling viewfinder viewing again. (Basically like Nikon finally got right in the D850). (2) Favourites Quick menu that can be set… Read more »
Keep the tilting screen, Capture One tethering support, better AF, ISO 50, better Wi-Fi, USB 4, Sensor tilt-shift, better pc software
CFExpress Card Slots at least one.
Better for emptying the buffer much faster after a burst shot.
Better for recording video which should also improve.
Better security for your worthy photos.
Just imagine you have THE and I mean THE SHOT of the Year.
On a flimsy little f.. SD Card thats gets so hot inside your camera you could poach a freakin quails egg on it.
… that just doesn’t feel right.
PERIOD
I am working FT newspaper photographer in New England using Pentax. You should see the stares I get in pressrooms and at other events with other pros, like I’m committing photographic blasphemy. I like everything you just said and your suggestions for the K-3iii have merit. The only thing I would like to see that would correct one of the few flaws of the higher Pentax cameras would be a classic throwback shutter speed dial. When I’m shooting something on the fly like sports (K-3iii, K-1, KP, orig. K-3), the dials in back of the camera can move against my… Read more »
how about also bundling it with an image capture software the current capture software is non-existant.
With the K1-III Ricoh needs to focus on performance and create a create a successor to the legendary. D850. A larger buffer and more advanced focusing system are essential along with faster storage either CF Express dual slots or one CF Express and 1 UHS-Ii. A stacked sensor would be a bonus. Battery life also needs to improve to over 800 shots and more new lenses are needed with improved motors like those used for the superb 16-50 PLM which offers quiet rapid focusing. The 150-450mm although a great lens needs a successor to compete with the new 150-600mm and… Read more »
The 645Z boasts 51MP on a larger sensor. Trying to cross breed the K1ii and 645Z might be a cool challenge for the good folks at Ricoh / Pentax engineering! One of the hurdles in that venture would be battery life which is one of the few minuses I’ve found in my recent upgrade from K5ii to K1ii bodies; getting that will probably mean a different battery entirely. For Me having 36MP is enough without creating unmanageable file sizes. I have yet to need the articulated screen but for some photographers it is an essential.I am actually impressed by the… Read more »