Pentax K-1 Mark II Brief Review


REVIEW SUMMARY

Specifications

  • Other Features : Viewfinder, AA filter simulation,
  • Weight : 1010g
  • Battery : Li-ion battery rated at 670 images
  • Weather Sealing : Dust and weather resistant
  • Screen : 3.2 inch tilting LCD
  • GPS : Yes
  • Wi-Fi : Yes
  • Flash : External
  • Video : 1080p at 60 fps
  • RAW : Yes
  • Image Stabilization : 5-axis sensor shift
  • Autofocus System : Phase detection
  • Autofocus Points : 33 point
  • Burst Speed : 4.4 fps
  • Shutter Speed : 30 sec. to 1/8000, bulb
  • ISO : 100-819200 exapnded
  • Sensor : 36.4 megapixel full frame CMOs filter with AA filter removed
  • Release Date: 2018-04-11
  • Final Grade: 92 4.6 Star Rating: Recommended


The Pentax K-1 Mark II pushes the ISO boundaries and adds handheld high-res stitches
Pentax added a Mark II to the K-1 name -- and an expanded ISo range with a handful of new features.
By Digital Admin, Last updated on: 2/27/2018

As the Mark II in the name suggests, the Pentax K-1 Mark II encompases much of the same hardware as the company's earlier option, using a full frame, 36 megapixel sensor. The K-1 II, however, adds an accelerator that expands the cameras ISO range well beyond the original. An updated processor also helps the camera capture better color, the company says.

The Pixel Shift Mode that captures a higher resultion was included on the original version, however, Pentax is expanding that to include a mode for handheld shooting. That mode is made possible through the camera's sensor shift image stabilization that slighly shifts the sensor to capture a higher resolution shot by creating a composite. The same stabilization system mimics an anti-aliasing filter, so the feature can be turned on and off.

That processor doesn't give the K-1 Mark II a speed boost, however, as the burst sits at a medicore 4.4 fps. The camera's video mode is limited to 1080p HD while many at this price range are stepping up to 4K.

Pentax DSLRs may not be as mainstream as the giants like Canon and Nikon, but Pentax still gives users a handful of reasons to choose the K-1 Mark II over others on the market. The ability to turn the anti-alliasing simulation on and off is a Pentax-only feature. The built-in GPS is harder to find and Pentax cameras are often competiatively priced.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II looks like a solid option for a full frame DSLR with in-body stabilization. Compare carefully with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II and the Nikon D750, both wtih faster burst speeds but without the stabilization in the body. The K-1 Mark II list price is $2,397 with a kit lens or about $2k without a lens.


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WHERE TO BUY

  • $2,196.95

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Pentax/Ricoh Reviews

Pentax, who just recently merged with Ricoh, has long been a sort of underdog—but not necessarily in performance or quality. Pentax/Ricoh offers some quirky cameras, but for the most part, we've found that to be a good thing.

The Pentax/Ricoh DSLR’s are mostly weather-sealed, giving them a unique advantage over competing manufacturers that don't offer anything similar. When we tried out models like the K-50, we were quite impressed with the image quality. The autofocus was a bit noisier than a Nikon, but the weather-sealing and often better price is hard to resist when the image quality is so good. Pentax continued to add in innovations by adding an anti-aliasing filter that can be turned on and off to the 2013 K-3.

Pentax hasn't jumped into the mirrorless battle too much, but they do offer the tiny and colorful Q7. With a smaller sensor and a smaller price point, the Q7 and similar models are more of a consumer mirrorless than one for the enthusiasts, but it's an extremely small camera with a whole lot of color options.

Pentax has a few solid compact models out too. The Pentax MX-1 earned our Best Budget Advanced Compact for 2013 for its advanced features yet small price tag. They offer a waterproof line that includes macro ring lights built in, something unique to the WG cameras.

Pentax/Ricoh may be a bit quirky, but many of their cameras are well worth a look and offer excellent image quality for the price.

We here at Digital Camera HQ offer unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations to guide you to the right camera. We're not an actual store; we're just here to help you find the perfect camera at the best price possible by using our camera grades. Let us know if you have any problems or questions, we're happy to help.