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Pentax K-1
77
SCORE
Pentax · DSLR · 36.4 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video

Pentax K-1

General 77Optics 85Video Performance 70Features and Benefits 59Storage and Battery 68
From $1,795 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandPentax
ModelK-1
Released2016
Announcement date17/02/2016
Camera typeDSLR
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Slow burst speed of 4.4 fps
−No touchscreen controls
−Heavy camera body
−No 4K video recording

General 77

Brand
Pentax
Model
K-1
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
17/02/2016
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
137 x 110 x 86 mm
Camera weight
1010 g

Optics 85

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
36.4 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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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
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
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Pentax K-1 receives a score of 77/100 for its general specifications, making it quite competitive in today’s market. Announced on February 17, 2016, and released the same year, this DSLR camera comes with a launch price of $1800. The K-1 measures 137 x 110 x 86mm and weighs 1010g or 2.23lbs. Considering these specifications, the Pentax K-1 offers a good balance of features and value for photographers seeking a reliable and capable DSLR camera.

Pentax K-1 Overview and Optics

The Pentax K-1 receives an optics score of 85/100. With 36.4 megapixels and a shooting speed of 4.4 frames per second, this camera has a powerful performance. The CMOS sensor and Prime IV processor work together to produce high-quality images, as evidenced by the DXOMARK sensor score of 96. Additionally, the full-frame sensor size provides greater detail and dynamic range.

Equipped with a Pentax KAF lens mount, the K-1 offers compatibility with a wide range of lenses. The built-in image stabilization ensures sharp images, even in challenging conditions. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a standard format, suitable for various applications.

The Pentax K-1’s optics perform exceptionally well in today’s market. Its high megapixel count, full-frame sensor, and image stabilization contribute to its impressive 85/100 score.

Pentax K-1 Video Performance 70

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
Yes
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
Read our notes on pentax k-1 video performance

The Pentax K-1 receives a video score of 70/100, which reflects its capabilities in this aspect. The camera offers Full HD video resolution, with a maximum dimension of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, it supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth and clear footage.

In the current market, the Pentax K-1’s video specifications are not considered top-tier, as many cameras now offer 4K resolution. However, the K-1’s Full HD resolution is still adequate for most users, and its 60fps frame rate ensures quality video capture. The built-in time-lapse functionality is a useful feature, adding versatility to the camera’s video capabilities.

The Pentax K-1 may not compete with high-end cameras in terms of video specifications, but it delivers satisfactory performance for casual videographers and enthusiasts alike. Its video capabilities, combined with its other features, make it a reliable choice for those seeking a well-rounded camera.

Pentax K-1 Features and Benefits 59

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on pentax k-1 features and benefits

The Pentax K-1 receives a feature score of 59/100. With a 3.2-inch screen size and a screen resolution of 1037000 dots, the camera’s display provides clear and sharp visuals. However, it lacks a touchscreen, which is common in today’s market. On the other hand, it does have a flip screen, allowing for versatile shooting angles.

The camera comes with GPS and WIFI capabilities, making it convenient for location tagging and wireless image transfer. Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its compatibility with other devices.

Taking these features into account, the Pentax K-1 has a mix of modern and outdated specifications. While it offers some useful features, such as the flip screen, GPS, and WIFI, it falls short in other areas like the absence of a touchscreen and Bluetooth. As a result, the K-1 may not be the top choice for those seeking the latest technology in their camera.

Pentax K-1 Storage and Battery 68

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
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
USB charging
No
Read our notes on pentax k-1 storage and battery

The Pentax K-1 receives a storage and battery score of 68/100. It features two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-I compatibility. The battery life provides 760 shots per charge, using a D-LI90 battery type. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities.

In today’s market, the storage options and battery life are adequate for most users. The dual memory card slots and compatibility with various card types offer flexibility and convenience. The 760-shot battery life is sufficient for extended shooting sessions, but the absence of USB charging may require photographers to carry spare batteries or a charger.