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Pentax K-1 Mark II vs Pentax K-1 Comparison

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Pentax K-1 II

36 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-1 II
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Pentax K-1

36 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-1
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Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Pentax K-1 II with its predecessor, the Pentax K-1, list out what is new, its advantages over its older sibling and finally try to conclude if the K-1 Mark II is a worthy upgrade to the K-1. Pentax K-1 II was introduced to the market in February 2018 and Pentax K-1 was launched in February 2016 so it will be interesting to see how much difference this 24 months between the two cameras make.

K-1 Mark II and K-1 are members of Pentax's K-1 series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Pentax K-1 Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Pentax K-1 II
February 2018 36.0MP - Full frame 137 x 110 x 86mm 1010g
Pentax K-1
February 2016 36.0MP - Full frame 137 x 110 x 86mm 1010g

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Pentax K-1 II Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2018-02-22
  • 36MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 819200
  • Pentax KAF4 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Fully Articulated Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 4.4fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in GPS
  • 1010g. 137 x 110 x 86 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body
  • Replaced Pentax K-1 Compare

Pentax K-1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2016-02-17
  • 36MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 204800
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Fully Articulated Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 4.4fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 1010g. 137 x 110 x 86 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Pentax K-1 Mark II over Pentax K-1
Max ISO
819.200 vs 204.800 300% higher Max ISO
CHECK K-1 Mark II PRICE


Reasons to choose Pentax K-1 over Pentax K-1 Mark II
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync Better connectivity
Battery Life
760 shots vs 670 shots 90 more frames with a single charge
CHECK K-1 PRICE

Common Strengths of Pentax K-1 Mark II and Pentax K-1
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fully Articulated Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
36 MP vs 36 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Size
3.20" vs 3.20" Large display
LCD Screen Resolution
1.037k dots vs 1.037k dots High resolution screens
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port
Yes vs Yes better video control
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Top LCD Display
Yes vs Yes Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs Yes Connect off-camera flash
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
Yes vs Yes Adjust each lens for accurate focusing
Pixel Shift High Resolution Mode
Yes vs Yes Increased resolution with Pixel Shifting
Anti Alias Filter Simulator
Yes vs Yes Turn on Anti Alias filter effect to minimise moiré
Astrotracer Mode
Yes vs Yes Great for Astrophotography
Operation Assist Lights
Yes vs Yes LED lights on the body to illuminate in dark conditions
Dual-axis Electronic Level
Yes vs Yes Level the camera easily in two axis
Storage Slot
2 vs 2 Extra Storage Slot
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Min Focus Sensitivity
EV -3 vs EV -3 Autofocus in very low light
UHS Card Support
UHS-I vs UHS-I Read/Write in High Speeds
Common Weaknesses of Pentax K-1 Mark II and Pentax K-1
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Pentax K-1 II has external dimensions of 137 x 110 x 86 mm (5.39 x 4.33 x 3.39″) and weighs 1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz) (including batteries). Pentax K-1 has external dimensions of 137 x 110 x 86 mm (5.39 x 4.33 x 3.39″) and weighs 1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Pentax K-1 II and the Pentax K-1. In this case, we can see that Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have the exact same height, width and thickness.

Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Pentax K-1 II and the Pentax K-1 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1.

Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Pentax K-1 II and the Pentax K-1 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1.
Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Pentax K-1 II and the Pentax K-1 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have exactly the same weight of 1010g.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have the same Pentax KAF4 lens mount and Full frame sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-1 Mark II
K-1
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-1 Mark II
K-1
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both the K-1 Mark II and the K-1 have weather sealings in their bodies, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.20 inches.

Both cameras feature Fully Articulating screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels. Fully articulating screens are also useful for taking Selfies and video.


Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1: Sensor Comparison

Both Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have Full frame sized 36.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Pentax K-1 and Pentax K-1 II sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the K-1 Mark II and K-1 sensor size comparison.

Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 Cameras


Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

The number of available lenses is a big deciding factor when choosing your interchangeable lens camera. In this case, both Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have the same Pentax KAF4 lens mount so have 163 native lenses available. All of these lenses cover Full frame sensor.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 have Sensor-based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies. K-1 Mark II's built-in Image stabilization system is effective for compensating vibration up to 5.0-stops according to CIPA standards, whereas the K-1's IS system is rated up to 5.0-stops.

Lens Type # of Pentax K-1 II Lenses # of Pentax K-1 Lenses
Standard Zoom 23 (6 Full Frame) 23 (6 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 25 (16 Full Frame) 25 (16 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 12 (2 Full Frame) 12 (2 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 26 (20 Full Frame) 26 (20 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 21 (11 Full Frame) 21 (11 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 15 (12 Full Frame) 15 (12 Full Frame)
SuperZoom 15 (3 Full Frame) 15 (3 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 3 (1 Full Frame) 3 (1 Full Frame)
Macro Prime 14 (12 Full Frame) 14 (12 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime 8 (8 Full Frame) 8 (8 Full Frame)
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 163 (91 Full Frame) 163 (91 Full Frame)

What types of Photography are Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Pentax K-1 II for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Pentax K-1 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 36.0MP
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 36.0MP
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Pentax K-1 II for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-1 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Large Body
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Street Photography
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Large Body
Read the details

Pentax K-1 II for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-1 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
25 Cross Type Focus sensors
33 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 670 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.4fps
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Sports Photography
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
25 Cross Type Focus sensors
33 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 760 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.4fps
Read the details

Pentax K-1 II for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-1 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1010g
Body Thickness 86mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1010g
Body Thickness 86mm
Read the details

Pentax K-1 II for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax K-1 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 36.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Built-in GPS
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography
Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 36.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Built-in GPS
Read the details

Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far, but in case you wonder how we rated Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Pentax K-1 II and Pentax K-1 scores compare:

Pentax K-1 II
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #7 out of 96 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #54 out of 1275 in all Cameras
Pentax K-1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #5 out of 96 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #47 out of 1275 in all Cameras

Pentax K-1 has a higher Overall Score than the Pentax K-1 II and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Pentax K-1 II
Pentax K-1 II
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Pentax K-1
Pentax K-1
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Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-1 II Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Pentax K-1 Mark II Pentax K-1
Brand Pentax Pentax
Announced 2018-02-22 2016-02-17
Body Type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 35.9 x 24 mm 35.9 x 24 mm
Area 861.60mm2 861.60mm2
Megapixels 36 megapixels 36 megapixels
Max Resolution 7360 x 4912 7360 x 4912
Max Native Light sensitivity 819,200 ISO 204,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 33 33
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Pentax KAF4 Pentax KAF2
Number of Available Lenses 163 163
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Size 3.20" 3.20"
Resolution 1,037k dots 1,037k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7x 0.7x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/200s 1/200s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 4.4 fps 4.4 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 1010g 1010g
Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86mm 137 x 110 x 86mm
Battery Life 670 shots 760 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Built-in Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 96
DxO Color Depth not tested 25.4
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 14.6
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 3280
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