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Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Pentax K-01

Pentax K-01 camera image
53%

Sony a6000

sony a6000
Winner!
57%
Pentax K-01
vs
Sony a6000
Price
Brand
Pentax
Sony
Model
K-01
a6000
Released
2012
2014
Announcement Date
February 02, 2012
February 12, 2014
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony a6000 outperforms the Pentax K-01 with a score of 57/100 compared to 53/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released within two years of each other, with the K-01 in 2012 and the a6000 in 2014. They share similarities in camera type and launch prices of $899 and $799, respectively.

The Sony a6000 has the advantage of being smaller and lighter, measuring 120 x 67 x 45mm and weighing 344g, making it more portable than the Pentax K-01, which measures 122 x 79 x 58mm and weighs 561g. Despite its compact size, the a6000 delivers superior performance.

The Pentax K-01, however, offers a slightly more rugged build and could be preferred by users who prioritize durability over portability. To sum up, the Sony a6000 is the better choice for those seeking a compact, high-performing camera, while the Pentax K-01 may appeal to users who value sturdiness.

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6000 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Pentax K-01 scores 61/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as having APS-C sized CMOS sensors, which contribute to their image quality. Additionally, both cameras have different lens mounts, with the Pentax K-01 using the Pentax KAF mount and the Sony a6000 using the Sony E mount.

The Sony a6000 boasts superior specifications in several areas. With 24.3 megapixels, it has a higher resolution than the Pentax K-01, which has 16.28 megapixels. This allows the Sony a6000 to capture more detail in images. Furthermore, the Sony a6000 has a faster shooting speed at 11 frames per second, compared to the Pentax K-01’s 6 frames per second. This makes the Sony a6000 better suited for action photography. The Sony a6000’s Bionz X processor and a DXOMARK sensor score of 82 also contribute to its better image quality and performance.

On the other hand, the Pentax K-01 has some advantages over the Sony a6000. It features in-body image stabilization, which the Sony a6000 lacks. This can be beneficial for photographers who want to minimize camera shake and achieve sharper images, particularly in low-light situations.

Considering these points, the Sony a6000 is the superior camera in terms of optics, with a higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and better overall performance. However, the Pentax K-01’s image stabilization is a notable advantage for certain shooting situations. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s needs and preferences.

Optics
Optics
61%
67%
Megapixels
16.28 MP
24.3 MP
Image Resolution
4928 x 3264 px
6000 x 4000 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
15.7 x 23.7 mm
15.6 x 23.5 mm
Sensor Format
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
6 fps
11 fps
Lens Mount
Pentax KAF
Sony E
Image Processor
Prime M
Bionz X
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
50
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
25600
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 4000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
81
179
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
None
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
N/A
1,440,000 dots

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Video Performance

The Pentax K-01 outperforms the Sony a6000 in video capabilities with a score of 70/100 compared to the a6000’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications in video capture, including Full HD max video resolution and 1920 x 1080 max video dimensions. Furthermore, both cameras can record at a max video frame rate of 60fps.

The superior video performance of the Pentax K-01 is partially due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create time-lapse videos without needing additional equipment or software, making it a more versatile option for those interested in capturing time-lapse footage.

While the Sony a6000 falls short in comparison to the Pentax K-01 in terms of overall video capability, it still offers the same Full HD resolution, video dimensions, and frame rate as the K-01. This means that, despite its lower score, the a6000 is still a capable camera for recording high-quality video footage.

After considering the video capabilities of both cameras, it is clear that the Pentax K-01 holds an advantage over the Sony a6000, primarily due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a6000 remains a viable option for those who prioritize Full HD video quality and are not concerned with time-lapse features. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific video needs and preferences of the user.

Video
Video
70%
56%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
1920 x 1080 px
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
60 p
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MPEG-4
MPEG-4

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Features and Benefits

The Sony a6000 wins the features comparison with a score of 55/100, while the Pentax K-01 scores 41/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, no touchscreen functionality, no GPS, and no Bluetooth. They also both have WiFi connectivity, which is useful for transferring images and controlling the camera remotely.

The Sony a6000 has a higher screen resolution of 921,600 dots compared to the Pentax K-01’s 921,000 dots, providing a slightly clearer and more detailed display. Additionally, the a6000 features a flip screen, enabling users to easily capture images from various angles and shoot selfies. This added versatility gives the Sony a6000 an edge in terms of usability and convenience.

The Pentax K-01, although scoring lower in features, does not have any standout advantages over the Sony a6000. The minor difference in screen resolution is negligible and does not impact the overall performance of the camera. The absence of a flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth further limits the K-01’s appeal when compared to the a6000.

Considering the features of both cameras, the Sony a6000 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its higher score reflects its superior capabilities, such as the flip screen and marginally better screen resolution. The Pentax K-01 falls short in offering any significant advantages over its competitor. Users looking for a camera with more advanced features and better usability should choose the Sony a6000.

Features
Features
41%
41%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
TFT LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
921,000 dots
921,600 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Storage and Battery

The Pentax K-01 outperforms the Sony a6000 in storage and battery, scoring 27 points compared to the a6000’s 21 points. Both cameras share similarities in storage, as each has a single memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

The Pentax K-01 excels in battery life, providing 540 shots per charge with its D-LI90 battery, while the Sony a6000 offers 360 shots using the NP-FW50 battery. This difference in battery life makes the K-01 more reliable for extended shooting sessions. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.

Although the Sony a6000 falls short in battery life, it has an advantage in storage flexibility, as it also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards. This allows for more storage options for users.

Considering both cameras’ storage and battery capabilities, the Pentax K-01 is the superior choice due to its longer battery life. However, the Sony a6000 offers greater versatility in storage options, which some users may find advantageous.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
27%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
D-LI90
NP-FW50
Battery Life
540 shots
360 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
79%
82%
Portrait (Color Depth)
23.7 bits
24.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
12.9 EVs
13.1 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
1135
1347
Scores

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 – Our Verdict

Pentax K-01 vs Sony a6000 Comparison image.

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