CameraReviews.com
menu
Hi Camera Lovers 👋 If you buy a camera through our referral links, you support our site at no cost to you 😉 Full info here.

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Pentax K-1

pentax k1
77%

Pentax K-1 Mark II

pentax k1 mark ii
Winner!
80%
Pentax K-1
vs
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Price
Brand
Pentax
Pentax
Model
K-1
K-1 Mark II
Released
2016
2018
Announcement Date
February 17, 2016
February 21, 2018
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Pentax K-1 Mark II takes the lead with a score of 80/100, a 3-point advantage over the Pentax K-1’s 77/100. Both DSLR cameras share identical dimensions (137 x 110 x 86mm) and weight (1010g / 2.23lbs). They were released two years apart, with the K-1 in 2016 and the K-1 Mark II in 2018. The newer K-1 Mark II boasts a higher launch price of $1999 compared to the K-1’s $1800.

The K-1 Mark II’s higher score reflects its improved features and performance, making it a better choice for photographers. However, the older K-1 still offers great value, especially considering its lower price. Ultimately, both cameras are solid options, with the K-1 Mark II providing a slight edge in terms of quality and performance.

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II Overview and Optics

The Pentax K-1 and Pentax K-1 Mark II both receive an identical optics score of 85/100. They share several common specifications, making them highly comparable in terms of optical performance.

Both cameras feature a 36-megapixel CMOS sensor, allowing for high-resolution images. They have the same shooting speed of 4.4 frames per second, which is suitable for various photography styles. The Prime IV processor is present in both models, ensuring efficient image processing. Additionally, they have the same DXOMARK score of 96 for their sensors, indicating excellent image quality. Both cameras have a full-frame sensor size and offer image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II has a slight advantage with its Pentax KAF4 lens mount, which supports newer lenses with electromagnetic diaphragm control. This feature allows for more accurate aperture control and smoother exposure transitions during video recording.

The Pentax K-1, on the other hand, has a slightly higher megapixel count of 36.4 compared to the K-1 Mark II’s 36 megapixels. While this difference is minimal, it may provide a marginal improvement in image resolution.

Despite their differences, both cameras perform exceptionally well in terms of optics. The Pentax K-1 Mark II’s KAF4 lens mount offers compatibility with newer lenses, while the Pentax K-1 boasts a marginally higher megapixel count. These factors make the choice between the two cameras a matter of personal preference and lens compatibility requirements.

Optics
Optics
85%
85%
Megapixels
36.4 MP
36 MP
Image Resolution
7360 x 4912 px
7360 x 4912 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
24 x 35.9 mm
35.9 x 24 mm
Sensor Format
Full Frame
Full Frame
Frame Rate
4.4 fps
4.4 fps
Lens Mount
Pentax KAF
Pentax KAF4
Image Processor
Prime IV
Prime IV
Aspect Ratio
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
204,800
819,200
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
204800
819200
Minimum Shutter Speed
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
33
33
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Optical (pentaprism)

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II Video Performance

When comparing the video capabilities of the Pentax K-1 and the Pentax K-1 Mark II, both cameras have the same score of 70/100. This means that there is no clear winner in terms of video performance between these two models. They share several common specifications which contribute to their identical scores.

Both the Pentax K-1 and the Pentax K-1 Mark II offer Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This allows users to capture high-quality videos with either camera. Additionally, both cameras support a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth motion in recorded footage. The built-in time-lapse functionality is also present in both models, offering creative options for videographers.

Since both cameras have the same video score and share the same specifications, there is no specific advantage of one camera over the other in terms of video capabilities. This means that users can expect similar video performance from both the Pentax K-1 and the Pentax K-1 Mark II.

In situations where video performance is a deciding factor between these two cameras, the choice becomes less about video capabilities and more about other factors, such as price or additional features. As the video scores and specifications are identical, users can confidently choose either the Pentax K-1 or the Pentax K-1 Mark II knowing that they will receive comparable video performance.

Video
Video
70%
70%
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
MOV
MPEG-4, H.264

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II Features and Benefits

The Pentax K-1 Mark II emerges as the winner with a feature score of 72/100, compared to the Pentax K-1’s score of 59/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3.2-inch screen size, 1,037,000-dot screen resolution, flip screen, GPS, and WIFI capabilities. However, there are significant differences that make the K-1 Mark II a better camera.

The K-1 Mark II’s most notable advantage is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, which the K-1 lacks. This feature enhances the user experience by allowing for seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other devices for easy sharing of photos and videos, as well as remote control of the camera.

In terms of areas where the K-1 is better, there are no specific features that give it an edge over the K-1 Mark II, as both cameras share the same core specifications. The K-1’s lower feature score does not indicate any advantages over the K-1 Mark II.

Analyzing each point, the Pentax K-1 Mark II clearly outshines the Pentax K-1 in features, mainly due to its Bluetooth connectivity. This addition improves the overall user experience and makes the camera more versatile and convenient to use. On the other hand, the Pentax K-1 does not offer any specific advantages over the K-1 Mark II, making the latter a better choice for photographers seeking a camera with more advanced features.

Features
Features
59%
72%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
TFT LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3.2"
3.2"
Screen Resolution
1,037,000 dots
1,037,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II Storage and Battery

The Pentax K-1 takes the lead in storage and battery with a score of 68/100, while the Pentax K-1 Mark II follows closely with 65/100. Both cameras share common specifications: they have two memory card slots, accept SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) memory cards, use the same D-LI90 battery type, and lack USB charging.

The Pentax K-1 outperforms the K-1 Mark II in battery life, offering 760 shots compared to the Mark II’s 670 shots. This advantage allows photographers to capture more images without needing to replace or recharge the battery as frequently.

On the other hand, the Pentax K-1 Mark II does not have any distinct advantages over the K-1 in terms of storage and battery. Both cameras share the same memory card compatibility and lack USB charging capabilities.

Taking into account the longer battery life, the Pentax K-1 proves to be the better option in terms of storage and battery performance. However, the difference between the two cameras is minimal, and both cameras offer reliable storage and battery solutions for photographers.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
68%
65%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I Compatible)
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
D-LI90
D-LI90
Battery Life
760 shots
670 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
96%
N/A
Portrait (Color Depth)
25.4 bits
N/A
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
14.6 EVs
N/A
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
3280
N/A
Scores

Pentax K-1 vs K-1 Mark II – Our Verdict

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

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-1 or the Pentax K-1 Mark II:

User Scores
Spotted a mistake with these specs? Please let us know so we can update it!