Pentax K-M Information Manual

September 22, 2008

PENTAX K-m

An Easy-to-Operate, Entry-Class Digital SLR Camera

Featuring Shake Reduction, Scene-Specific Shooting Modes

and an Array of User-Friendly Functions

in a Compact, Lightweight Body

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to
announce the launch of the PENTAX K-m digital SLR camera. Designed primarily
for beginning digital SLR photographers, this new entry-class model offers
simplified, user-friendly operation, and an easy-to-maneuver compact, lightweight
body.

The PENTAX K-m was developed as an entry-class digital SLR camera offering
simple, straightforward operation, making it possible for first-time digital SLR
users and family photographers to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography
with little trouble or confusion.

It features an upgraded version of the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which
automatically detects the type of subject or scene, and sets the proper shooting
mode for the photographer. It also features a host of advanced features and
sophisticated functions — including the innovative in-body Shake Reduction
mechanism — to assist the photographer. It also offers a compact, lightweight
body, designed by incorporating PENTAX’s advanced downsizing technologies,
accumulated over the years of digital SLR development, into different body parts.
As a result, the PENTAX K-m assures simple operation and outstanding
operability, even for inexperienced first-time digital SLR users.

Along with the PENTAX K-m, PENTAX will also launch two DA L-series
interchangeable zoom lenses: the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and
the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED. Designed for exclusive use with
PENTAX digital SLR cameras, these DA L-series lenses are designed to be more
compact and lightweight than conventional counterparts, without sacrificing any of
the exceptional optical performance common to all PENTAX lenses.

Note:

The smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL and smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED

lenses will be marketed only as a part of the PENTAX K-m Lens Kit or PENTAX K-m Double

Zoom Kit.

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 1

Main Features

1. Compact, lightweight body for enhanced portability and maneuverability

Despite the incorporation of a large-sized image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the
PENTAX K-m offers a compact, lightweight body to assure remarkable portability
and maneuverability. This was made possible by the development of a compact,
lightweight and high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, the downsizing of the Shake
Reduction mechanism and circuit boards, the employment of latest high-density
packaging technologies assuring most efficient positioning and layout of various
parts, and the repositioning of the battery compartment. The camera grip has also
been redesigned to assure firm, comfortable hold of the camera body.

2. Simplified operation system for easy camera handling

The PENTAX K-m features a newly designed control system, which positions
most of buttons and levers on the camera’s grip side, making it easier for first-time
digital SLR users stepping up from their compact models to operate the camera.
What’s more, the functions of each button or lever are instantly displayed on the
camera’s LCD monitor with a single press of the help button to facilitate camera
operation — especially for those who are unfamiliar with digital SLR cameras.

3. PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The PENTAX K-m comes equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake
Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur­free images even under demanding shooting conditions — such as when using a
telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash
illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative SR
mechanism shifts the position of the image sensor vertically and horizontally at
high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion
to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an
outstanding compensation effect — up to the equivalent of approximately four
shutter steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be
used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.

*** Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, K

mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapther); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an

adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

-, and K

AF2

AF3

-

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 2

4. Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and
confirmation devices

The PENTAX K-m features the user-friendly DR (Dust Removal) system to
prevent dust from appearing on captured images. Applied to the CCD image sensor
surface (or low-pass filter) through the vapor deposition process of a fluorine
compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes
dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the
surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high
speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an
adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility
of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system even offers a Dust
Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the
CCD in advance.

5. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of optimum shooting mode

The PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode is programmed to automatically
select the most appropriate shooting mode — from such choices as Portrait,
Landscape and Macro — for a given subject. With the PENTAX K-m, this user­friendly mode is further upgraded, with automatic detection of situations requiring
the Night Scene Portrait mode. Since all camera settings, including aperture,
shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness, are automatically
adjusted by the camera for optimum results, the user can concentrate on image
composition and shutter opportunity.

6. High-quality image

The PENTAX K-m combines a large, high-performance CCD image sensor
(23.5mm by 15.7mm) with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image
Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, it
produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and delicate texture
description. It also features a Custom Image function, which offers a choice of six
finishing touches to help the user create intended images.

7. High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 3.5 frames per second

The PENTAX K-m lets the user keep shooting images at the speed of
approximately 3.5 frames per second (in the JPEG recording format), allowing the
user to capture a sequence of a fast-moving subject with great ease.

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 3

8. High-precision 5-point AF system

The PENTAX K-m incorporates a five-point wide-area AF system (SAFOX VIII
with five cross-type sensors) to assure dependable, high-precision autofocusing.
Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over the image field (one in the
middle, two at sides, and two at top and bottom), this system automatically and
unfailingly selects the optimum sensor for a given subject. It also allows the user to
fix the AF detection point at the middle sensor. Thanks to a thorough review of the
AF algorithm, this AF system also offers improved autofocusing speed under poor­lighting conditions, in which conventional AF systems take longer to focus on the
subject.

9. Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 3200

The PENTAX K-m’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the
optimum sensitivity between ISO 100 and ISO 3200, based on such data as the
subject’s brightness level and the lens’ focal length. Since this function allows the
user to take advantage of faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as
indoor sports events and nighttime scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively
reduce camera shake and subject shake and prevent blurred images.

10. Effective gradation compensation

The PENTAX K-m’s dynamic-range expansion function allows the user to expand
a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction) to minimize white-washed
areas in the image. On the other hand, its shadow compensation function
minimizes pitch-black areas lacking details. Combined, they help the user to
produce beautiful, rich-gradation images when shooting high-contrast subjects.

11. Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch LCD monitor

The PENTAX K-m features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with
approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. This monitor’s wide-view design
allows the photographer to check the on-screen image from approximately 170
degrees both vertically and horizontally. It even offers digital zooming of playback
images up to 16 times for easy confirmation of the image’s focusing status and
details.

12. Bright, clear viewfinder

Thanks to a combination of a lightweight penta-mirror prism, a PENTAX-original
finder optics and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the
PENTAX K-m’s viewfinder delivers a large, bright subject image with an
approximately 96-percent field of view and an approximately 0.85-times
magnification.

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 4

13. Digital filters for unique visual expressions

The PENTAX K-m’s built-in digital filters let the user effortlessly add some
creative and artistic touches to recorded images — without the use of a PC. The
user can select one of 14 different digital filters — including the new Toy Camera
and Retro filters — to create a desired visual effect.

14. Other features

1) 10 Scene modes, switchable with simple icon selection

2) Energy-efficient power supply, recording approximately 1,650 images
with four AA-size lithium batteries

3) Status screen, displaying camera settings on the LCD monitor on the
camera’s back panel for at-a-glance confirmation

4) Index function, for five different types of display and printing modes

5) Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering
and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications

6) Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images

7) Compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards as external
data-recording media

8) In-body development of RAW-format images

9) Compatibility with SDM-equipped lenses for quiet, smooth autofocus operation

10) PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software
and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software included

Main Features of the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL Lens

1. A compact standard zoom lens with focal lengths from 27.5mm to 84.5mm (in
the 35mm format) covering wide-angle to medium-telephoto ranges

2. Latest optical design featuring high-performance aspherical lens element and
super-low dispersion glass element for effective compensation of various
aberrations

Main Featurs of the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED Lens

1. A super-compact, ultra-lightweight telephoto zoom lens with focal lengths from

76.5mm to 307mm (in the 35mm format)

2. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element for effective compensation of
chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range and enhanced image-description
performance



PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.



PENTAX PHOTO Browser, PENTAX Laboratory, and SDM are trademarks of HOYA

CORPORATION.



All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective

companies



Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice

PENTAX INFORMATION Page. 5

K-m Main Specifications

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Effective Pixels approx.10.2 megapixels

Image Senso

Total pixels approx.10.75 megapixels
Type

Interline interlace ＣＣＤ with a primary color filter

Size 23.5mm x 15.7mm
Color Depth 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded Pixels

Sensitivity(Standard output sensitivit

JPEG: [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels, [6M] 3008 x 2000 pixels, [2M] 1824 x 1216 pixels
RAW: [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels
Auto, Manual : 100～3200 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) , Bulb mode : up to ISO1600

Recording Formats RAW（Original), JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21),

Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) 2.0

Image Formats Compressed: JPEG - Baseline (Three star: Best , Two star: Better, One star: Good)

Compressed: RAW ( PEF ) , Non compressed: RAW ( DNG )
RAW+JPEG : avaiable

Storage Media SD , SDHC memory card

White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Flash,

Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment

iewfinder

Type Fixed molded penta-mirror type

Focusing screen Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen

LCD Monitor

Field of view approx. 96%

Magnification approx. 0.85X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m

Diopter adjustment approx. -2.5 - +1.5m

-

Type TFT color LCD monitor , brightness adjustable, Wide angle view

-

)

Size 2.7 inch

Dots approx. 230,000 dots

Preview Method Digital preview *This function can be allocated to Help button by Menu.

Playbac

Digital Filter Rec. mode

Playback

One Image, Index (4 or 9 or 16 thumb nails), Enlargement (up to 16X, scroll available),
Image Rotation, Folder view, Slideshow ,Histogram, Bright/Dark area, Resize, Trimming, Index

Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract color
Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract color, Illustration(Pastel, Water color),
HDR, B&W, Sepia, Color, Slim, Brightness, Custom

Focusing System Type TTL Phase-matching 5-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX)

Focus Mode AF.A(auto), AF.S(single, with focus lock), AF-C(continuous)*, Manual focus

* Auto Picture and Picture mode : only when the Action mode is selected.
* Scene mode : only when the Kids, Pet, Stage lighting and Night snap mode is selected.

Focus Poin

AF assist lam

Image Stabilizer Type

Dust Removal Type

* P/Sv/Tv/Av/M/B : AF.A, AF.S or AF.C selectable
Wide, Spot
avaiable (by Built-in Flash)

Image sensor shift mechanism , Max 4 stops

Image sensor moving mechanism and SP coating with Dust Alert

Exposure Control Metering System TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information)

Metering Mode (1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering

Exposure Ran

EV 0 - 21 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens)

Modes (1) Auto Picture mode, (2) Picture mode, (3) Scene mode, (4) Program AE, (5) Sensitivity-Priority AE,

Exposure Compensation ±2 EV (0.5EV steps or 0.3EV steps)

(6) Shutter-Priority AE, (7) Aperture-Priority AE, (8) Metered Manual, (9) Bulb

Shutte

Auto-bracketin

AE Lock

Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter

3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps)
or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps)

This function can be allocated to AF button by Menu.

Shutter Speed 1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb

Drive Modes Single-frame , Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s), Auto bracket

Continuous shootin

Max. approx. 3.5fps , sequence : 5 frame (JPEG and Continuous (Hi)) 4 frame (RAW)
approx. 1.1fps , sequence : until the memory card becomes full (JPEG and Continuous (Lo)) 7 frame (RAW)

Built-in Flash Type Built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash

Guide numbe

approx. 11 (Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m)

Angle of view coverage 28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash Synchronization

Hot shoe, sync-speed: 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync,
wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash

Data Folder Folder Name Date (100_MMDD･･･) / PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX･･･) ,

Power Sources Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries

Optional AC adapter also available.

Battery Life Number of recordable images

Playback time

Interfaces
Lens Moun

Usable Lens

approx. 1650 (Normal Recording)*2 , 1000 (50% use Flash)*1
approx. 750 minutes*2

USB2.0 (HI-SPEED)/Video
PENTAX K

PENTAX K

* Power zoom function not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses,
67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.

bayonet mount

AF2

-, PENTAX K

AF3

-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses.

AF2

Dimensions approx. 122.5(W) x 91.5(H) x 67.5(D)mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches)

Weight approx. 525g (18.5 oz.) without battery and SD memory card.

approx. 590g (20.8oz.) loaded and ready with lithium battery and SD memory card
approx. 625g (22.0oz.) loaded and ready with alkaline battery and SD memory card

*1 Recofding capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing. Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.
*2 According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.

K-m

WRAW

Storage capacity

RA

Recorded Pixels
Quality Level ★★★ ★★ ★ ★★★ ★★ ★ ★★★ ★★ ★
128MB
256MB
512MB
1GB
2GB

4GB
8GB

3872 x 3872 x 2592 3872 x 2592 3008 x 2000 1824 x 1216

PEF DNG

77
14 14
29 29
59 58

120 119
236 235
481 478

29 44 75 50 73 125 116 200 339

58 86 147 97 143 245 227 390 662
115 171 293 193 284 487 450 774 1313
231 343 586 387 570 974 902 1549 2627
469 698 1181 787 1159 1982 1807 3073 5121

921 1371 2320 1547 2277 3893 3549 6034 10057

1874 2791 4723 3148 4634 7923 7224 12280 20468

JPEG

DA L Lenses Specifications

smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200mmF4-5.6ED

Lens mount

Lens Construction 11 elements in 8 groups 11 elements in 10 groups

Angle of View

Aperture control

Minimum Aperture F22-38 F22-32

Number of

Diaphragm Blades

Minimum

Focusing Distance

Filter size 52mm 52mm

Maximum Magnification 0.34X 0.24X

Dimensions

(Maximum Diameter x

Minimum Length)

Weight approx. 200 g / 7.1 oz approx. 235 g / 8.3 oz

Lens Hood PH-RBA52mm（Optional） PH-RBB52mm（Optional）

68.0mm x 67.5mm (2.7 inch x 2.7 inch) 66.5mm x 78.5mm (2.6 inch x 3.1 inch)

76-29° 31.5-8.1°

(wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body)

66

0.25 (0.82 ft.) 1.1ｍ （3.6 ft ）

PENTAX K

AF

Automatic

mount