Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 77
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 80
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model | K-1 | K-1 Mark II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
17/02/2016 | 21/02/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 137 x 110 x 86 mm | 137 x 110 x 86 mm |
| Camera weight | 1010 g | 1010 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
36.4 MP050 | 36 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
7360 x 4912 | 7360 x 4912 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 35.9 | 35.9 x 24 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
4.4 fps045 | 4.4 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Pentax KAF | Pentax KAF4 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Prime IV | Prime IV |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
2048003003280000 | 8192003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
2048003003280000 | 8192003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
330300 | 330300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✓ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✓ | ✓ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| 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 ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
760 shots1505000 | 670 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
