Claimed to ‘rival high-end models’ on image quality, the K-S2 boasts 100 weather seals to help prevent intrusion of water and dust into the camera body.

The 11-point Pentax SAFOX X AF system includes nine-cross type sensors at the centre, and is designed to ensure pinpoint focusing down to -3EV.

The K-S2 has a top ISO of 51,200 and is due out in a choice of black, white or black & orange main body colours, priced £549.99 body only.

Its 180° screen is designed for easy self-portraits.

For the first time in a K-series camera, Ricoh has installed Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), for wireless connection to smartphones and tablet computers. It also has NFC functionality.

The K-S2 has no anti-aliasing filter, to help maximise image quality, plus a 77-segment metering system.

Armoury also includes the Pentax Shake Reduction mechanism to help minimise camera shake, in addition to a Prime MII imaging engine.

Ricoh claims that the 20.1-million-pixel K-S2 is the world’s smallest dustproof, weather-resistant DSLR with a vari-angle LCD screen, wireless LAN and NFC functions.

Features also include a top shutter speed of 1/6000sec and a claimed burst rate of ‘5.5 images per second’.

The Pentax K-S2 will also be available in a kit with a Pentax-DA L 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE zoom, priced £649.99. The lens will not go on sale separately, according to a Ricoh spokesperson this evening.

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A ‘premium lens kit’ option includes an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR. This outfit will cost £879.99.

A twin-lens kit, including an 18-50mm and 50-200mm zoom, will cost £729.99.

Also announced tonight is the AF201FG flash, also designed to be weather and dust resistant, priced £129.99.

UK availability dates have yet to be announced.