The heart of the Pentax PZ-1p camera body is its upgraded SAFOX II (sensor ability fortifying optical compensation system) sensor unit. By upgrading the focus system, Pentax guarantees accurately focused images, even under extremely poor lighting conditions. If your subject is on the move, the high-speed predictive AF mode can calculate the position of a fast-moving subject at shutter release. As a result, a subject on the move is always captured in sharp focus. To further optimize the focusing accuracy of this camera, it also comes equipped with an AF spot-beam projector. When combined with SMC Pentax FA power zoom lenses, the PZ-1p offers three-speed, one-touch power zooming which assures speedy, accurate framing with easy control of the zoom ring.
With a wide, 38mm angle of view, the built-in retractable TTL autoflash is equipped with a predischarge mechanism that helps reduce the red-eye effect in your images. The flash has easy-to-use slow-shutter-speed sync and daylight sync capabilities, as well as a trailing-shutter-curtain sync mode that depicts a more natural image of the illuminated subject if it's on the move. You also have the option of using the discharge compensation function to create the flash effect you want, simply by controlling the amount of light illuminating the subject.
Since the metering system is an important part of the exposure system, you have the option of spot metering, center-weighted metering, or the sophisticated eight-segment multipattern metering; the choice of metering type can be changed depending on your preference. When this system works with the advanced exposure compensation (allowing +4 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments) and autobracketing functions, the PZ-1p allows you to capture your subjects however you want them, even under many different lighting conditions.
The PZ-1p's autobracketing system is extremely versatile; it automatically takes three different exposures in succession in the order of normal, under, and overexposed. This feature can be used in both the autoexposure modes and the hyper-manual mode, giving you even more chances for creative expression. When combined with an exposure compensation mechanism, you can also take the three exposures in the overexposure or underexposure side.
The multidata LCD viewfinder display is illuminated so you can check your camera's settings day and night. A few of the functions you can verify are: shutter speed, low-illumination warning, exposure compensation, metering system (multipattern, spot, center-weighted), and panorama mode. The external information panel is also illuminated for easy referencing and gives you information on: exposure mode, film loading, film advance/rewind, loading error warning, shutter speed, low-battery warning, exposure frame number, and the self-timer, to name a few.