Pentax K 01 mirrorless camera

The Pentax K-01 mirrorless camera was introduced in February of this year and immediately caused heated discussions on photographic forums. And if the first reason for such a keen interest in the camera was its unusual appearance (created, by the way, by the famous designer Marc Newson), then the second can be called the use of an “adult” K mount and full compatibility with all optics for Pentax SLR cameras. Add to this an excellent 16-megapixel APS-C sensor (the same as in the flagship Pentax K-5 DSLR), and here it is - the mirrorless camera of your dreams! Or not?

Specifications Pentax K-01

• Permission: 16 MP (4928x3264).
• Matrix size: 23.4x15.6 mm (APS-C).
• Technology, matrix manufacturer: CMOS, Sony.
• Dust removal system: yes, ultrasonic.
• Image stabilization: In camera (using sensor shift).
• Autofocus: contrast autofocus on the matrix; 35 focus points.
• Shutter speed range: 1/4000-60 s.
• Sensitivity: ISO 200-12800 (100 and 25600 available in Expanded ISO mode).
• Built-in flash: Guide number 12.
• Exposure metering: matrix, center-weighted, spot.
• Supported Lenses: Pentax K/KA/KAF/KAF2/KAF3.
• Continuous shooting: 6 fps in JPEG, 1 fps in RAW.
• Storage device: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
• File formats: JPEG, RAW (PEF or DNG), RAW + JPEG.
• Video recording: yes, H.264 (MOV container), resolution 1920x1080 at 24, 25 or 30 fps, 1280x720 at 50 or 60 fps.
• Microphone: Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone input.
• Screen: 3 inches, TFT, resolution 921 thousand subpixels.
• Viewfinder: missing.
• Nutrition: D-LI90 lithium-ion battery, operating time 540 shots according to CIPA standard.
• Dimensions and weight: 122x79x58 mm, 561 grams (with lithium-ion battery).

Appearance, design and control

If the Pentax K-01 looks repulsive in photographs, then in person it makes a much more pleasant impression. When I first picked up the camera, I was impressed by the excellent build quality and all-metal body. Some controls (for example, the camera on/off lever and the mode dial) are also made of metal. To all those who do not like the design of the device, I recommend holding it in your hands to get a full impression. However, the Pentax K-01 body also has its drawbacks. The first is an awkward grip under right hand(or rather, its almost complete absence). The second drawback is the rubber door covering the ports on the right side of the device. This door is easy to open but difficult to close. In addition, every time I took the camera out of the bag, I discovered that the door had managed to open by itself. I think it goes without saying that this is quite inconvenient.

From left to right: Panasonic GH2, Pentax K-01, Panasonic GF2

Left - Panasonic GH2 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens;
right - Pentax K-01 with 17-70mm f/4 SDM lens

The size of the Pentax K-01 also attracts attention. The use of a “mirror” mount resulted in a greater thickness of the camera (58 mm), and in general, in size and weight, the K-01 is almost similar to the Pentax K-r DSLR camera. Overall, it is larger and heavier than any other mirrorless camera on the market. Since the device does not have a viewfinder, a 3-inch display with VGA resolution (640x480 pixels or 920 thousand subpixels) is always used for framing. Overall the screen quality is not bad, but it has some serious problems with visibility in the sun.

I note that the Pentax K-01 uses the same battery as the flagship DSLR K-5. Due to this, K-01 has best time battery life among all mirrorless cameras I know - I managed to take more than 1000 pictures on one charge.

Controls and menus

In general, the number of controls in the K-01 and their layout are identical to the younger Pentax SLR cameras, such as the K-x and K-r.

The camera menu will also be familiar to anyone who has ever held a Pentax camera in their hands.

Whale lens

The Pentax K-01 comes standard with the SMC-DA 40mm f/2.8 XS pancake lens, which is optically similar to the well-regarded DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited lens. This “glass” is absurdly small in size and overall looks more like a mount cap than a full-fledged lens. However, the quality of the image produced by this lens can safely be called very good.

Operation speed

Speed, in my opinion, is the main drawback of the Pentax K-01. First of all, this applies to autofocus, which can be called very leisurely. When using the Pentax SMC-DA 40mm f/2.8 XS kit lens, the average focusing time is 0.7 seconds in good light and 1.46 seconds in poor lighting(one incandescent lamp with a power of 40 W). In the video below you can see the focusing speed of the Pentax K-01 and comparison with the Panasonic GH2:

The continuous shooting speed also leaves much to be desired. When shooting in RAW it is only 1 frame per second (when shooting in JPEG - 6 frames per second).

Working with third-party optics

Pentax cameras traditionally work well with third-party and just old optics: all K-mount optics since 1975 can be used on the camera without an adapter. At the same time, exposure metering works in manual mode using the so-called “green button”. To work with such lenses, you must enable the use of the aperture ring in the menu.

A proprietary adapter allows you to use all optics with an M42 thread

Since the working length of the K mount coincides with the working length of lenses with an M42 thread, they can be mounted on the camera using a simple adapter. You can shoot in manual mode or in aperture priority mode. When using K-01 with third-party optics, the image stabilizer works (for it to work correctly, you must specify in the menu focal length installed lens). Of course, when using older lenses, focusing is done manually. The K-01 has two manual focusing assistance modes: an on-screen magnifier, which magnifies an area of ​​the image several times, and the so-called “picking” - in this mode, contrast transitions are highlighted in white. Overall, manual focusing with the K-01 is fast, enjoyable and very accurate.

Video mode

The K-01 is the first Pentax camera with a full-featured video mode. The video is recorded in MOV format with H.264 compression, the resolution is 1080p with a refresh rate of 24, 25 or 30 fps or 720p with a refresh rate of 50 or 60 fps. Full manual settings are available, the camera also has an input for an external microphone and even the ability to adjust the audio recording level.

The image quality in video mode is very good. The disadvantages include the fact that stabilization by shifting the matrix when shooting video handheld is less effective than optical stabilization in Sony and Panasonic cameras. Additionally, the camera doesn't provide any audio monitoring capabilities (there's no on-screen recording level indicator), so it's best to use an external recorder when recording audio.

Photo quality

The Pentax K-01 provides excellent image quality. Photos taken with this camera differ low level noise, pleasant color rendering and wide dynamic range.

Unfortunately, Pentax still uses non-switchable noise reduction in RAW at ISO 3200 and above, which noticeably limits image quality when shooting in poor lighting conditions.

Test shots

As usual, we have prepared a separate gallery of test images, where you can also find full-size files.

Bottom line

The Pentax K-01 is an extremely controversial camera. It delivers excellent image quality, but slow autofocus, lack of a viewfinder, and large size and weight make it less interesting than other mirrorless cameras. From positive points You can also note the metal body and a good video mode with fully manual settings. In my opinion, the K-01 will be of interest primarily to existing users of the Pentax system, who will be able to use it as a second - slightly lighter and more compact - camera. For everyone else, the Sony NEX-5N will be a more attractive option.

5 reasons to buy Pentax K-01:

• excellent image quality up to ISO 3200 inclusive;
• unusual and interesting design, metal body;
• high quality lens included;
• excellent implementation of video mode;
• Convenience of manual focusing.

3 reasons not to buy Pentax K-01:

• slow autofocus;
• low continuous shooting speed in RAW mode;
• lack of viewfinder.

At the beginning of 2016, Ricoh released the K-1 full-frame DSLR, and at the time of our test it was already available in Russia. The camera is equipped with a 35.9 x 24 mm full-frame sensor with a 36.4 megapixel matrix. K1 is the flagship of the Pentax brand lineup and a direct competitor to such popular cameras as the Nikon D810 and Canon 5D Mark III. Will K-1 be able to compete with Canon and Nikon in the segment of cameras for professionals and will this mirror find its fans in Russia? Does it shoot well enough to make a choice in favor of the Pentax system?

As soon as the K-1 came to us for testing, we immediately tried the camera in action: we shot portraits, landscapes, night scenes and videos. Included with the camera, Ricoh provided us with a battery grip and 2 lenses specifically designed for the K-1: 24-70 and 43 mm. In addition, the K-1 supports a large fleet of Pentax optics with KA/KAF/KAF2 mounts.

The K-1 kit with a 24-70 lens costs almost 250,000 rubles, and that’s really not cheap. Is the camera worth the expense? The stakes are very high! As part of our tests on the Photo-Fire channel, we tested a lot Nikon DSLRs and Canon, we will try to be objective, but still sometimes we will compare the K-1 with its competitors.

Key features of the Pentax K-1

• Full-frame 36.2 MP CMOS sensor without anti-aliasing filter
• 5-axis image stabilization
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
• 33-point autofocus, 25 cross-type points
• All-weather housing protection
• Flash sync 1/200 sec.
• 14-bit RAW (DNG or PEF)
• 4-pixel shift function for high-resolution shooting
• Built-in GPS module with electromagnetic compass
• High-speed shooting 4.4 frames per second (6.5 fps in APS-C crop mode)
• Built-in Wi-Fi module
• Video in 1080/30p format

Who is this camera for?

K-1 is positioned as a camera for professionals; for the body you will have to pay about 150,000 rubles. First of all, it is a working tool. The K-1 may be of interest to portrait photographers, wedding photographers, lovers of landscape photography and, to some extent, reporters, although the camera does not have an ultra-high shooting speed. The K-1 will be of interest to those photographers who are just choosing their first full-frame DSLR or even the system as a whole. There are not many professionals who would risk switching from Canon or Nikon to another system, especially in the current crisis, because this means changing optics and accessories, and this is a very large expense.

For those who are starting from scratch, or, say, sold their equipment, but decided to take up photography seriously again, we recommend paying close attention to the K-1. After all, this camera is practically devoid of shortcomings and is in no way inferior to Nikon and Canon in terms of shooting quality and characteristics. The difference is in the details. Perhaps the only area where the camera is inferior to its competitors is video shooting. For videographers, this camera will not be so interesting; the K-1 does not have 4k support and the camera’s video capabilities are at an average level. For that kind of money, a videographer is more likely to pay attention to the Sony A7sII, it has 4k support, tracking focus and high-quality shooting in the dark. The element of the Pentax K-1 is photography, and the camera takes photos with dignity!

How does she film?

The K-1 shoots fantastically. We tested the camera in a variety of lighting conditions: we took portraits in the setting sun, at dusk, and on evening city streets. K-1 reveals itself to its fullest extent together with high-aperture Pentax optics. You can safely use ISO up to 6400 when shooting - thanks to the noise reduction system, grain in the pictures will be almost invisible. This camera will allow you to shoot without using a flash in situations where budget DSLRs can no longer cope.

What's the secret? As they say, the devil is in the details! And Pentax engineers took all the details seriously. When you shoot on K-1, you understand that the work was done thoughtfully and thoroughly. K-1 gives great freedom to the photographer! The camera shoots excellently in Jpeg; with dexterity and the ability to set up the camera, you can get Jpeg images of excellent quality. If you have insufficient shooting skills, you can shoot in RAW, even if you accidentally set some parameter incorrectly, you can easily correct this during post-processing.

So let's see what the K-1 can do and take a closer look at the camera!

RAW
Av mode
Fix 43 mm
Aperture f 2.0
Shutter speed1/640
ISO 800
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/5BGk/RJxXmYbtw

RAW
Av mode
Zoom 24-70 mm
Focal length 70 mm
Aperture f 2.8
Shutter speed1/200
ISO 800
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/HVrv/LKCM1ohoi

RAW
Av mode
Fix 43 mm
Aperture f 1.9
Shutter speed 1/100
ISO 1600
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/DMqy/faH76rsAu

RAW
Av mode
Zoom 24-70 mm
Focal length 70 mm
Aperture f 2.8
Shutter speed 1/80
ISO 6400
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/8dLJ/DaAx8gzP2

Jpeg without processing
Av mode
Zoom 24-70 mm
Focal length 58 mm
Aperture f 5.6
Shutter speed1/500
ISO 100
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/CeGS/KhSR1CRfQ

RAW
Av mode
Zoom 24-70 mm
Focal length 24 mm
Aperture f 4.0
Shutter speed 1.6 sec
ISO 100
Download original: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/6r5T/vdbMoiEem

And now in detail about the characteristics and shooting capabilities of the K-1

Frame

K-1 is made in a metal case, the camera is protected from moisture and dust, the manufacturer guarantees stable operation down to -10. Since we tested K-1 in the summer, we did not have the opportunity to test frost resistance. Don't put the camera in the refrigerator :) Moisture resistance is good, but you shouldn't take it literally. You can shoot in light rain with the K1, but you still shouldn’t dive underwater with the camera, it’s not designed for that.

Processor and matrix

The brain of the camera is the PRIME IV image processor and a CMOS sensor measuring 35.9 × 24.0 mm, with a resolution of 36.4 million pixels. If you shoot in RAW format, the output will be 45-60 MB pictures! So stock up on memory cards and an external hard drive, friends :) Otherwise, you will often see the message “memory card is full” on the K-1 screen :)

The PENTAX K-1 delivers ultra-high resolution images with smooth transitions and excellent image quality even at high sensitivities. By the way, the K-1 has a maximum sensitivity of 204,800 ISO! Two hundred four thousand eight hundred ISO units! Of course, we tested how the camera performs at high ISOs, and here are the results:

100	400	800
1600	3200	6400
12800	25600	51200
102400	204800

Viewfinder

The K-1 viewfinder displays 100% of the frame area. This is important for accurately constructing the composition of the frame - what we see is what we get. The image in the viewfinder is visible very well, the main shooting parameters and focus confirmation are read without problems. In addition, you can turn on the grid, it really helps to frame the frame and keep the horizon level.

Screen

The camera is equipped with a 3.2-inch diagonal pan-tilt LCD monitor with a resolution of 1,037,000 pixels. The screen is not touch-sensitive; there is a Live View mode that supports shooting in photo and video modes. This is the first time we have seen such a screen design, although we have already tested many cameras. The screen has several convenient adjustments: for shooting from a low point or at arm's length. In general, it seems that the engineers were a little too clever with the screen :) But the design also does not cause any inconvenience, except that the screen can be scratched, since it cannot be turned with the working area towards the camera body.

Here is an example of using a rotating screen. For example, by rotating the screen, it’s convenient to take portraits like this. Now the photographer doesn’t have to lie down on the grass! You just need to rotate the screen and shoot in Live View mode!

In addition to the rotating one, the camera has a second small screen on which the main parameters are displayed - for example, this is very convenient during night shooting. K-1 not only illuminated the second information screen, but also came up with the idea of ​​illuminating the mount and memory card slot! A trifle, but how convenient it is when shooting in the dark!

Controls and ergonomics

The camera fits very comfortably in the hand, all controls are thought out to the smallest detail. Even if you take the Pentax system camera for the first time, you will quickly figure it out. The camera body is made very well, all switches and buttons are made of high quality. Let's take the camera in our hands. Notice how well the parameter selection wheels are made: thumb It is convenient to turn the function selector, the first and second selectors for selecting settings with your right hand. Also conveniently placed under the right hand is a photo/video switch, a button for selecting ISO values ​​and exposure compensation.

On the front of the case there is a joystick, a button for viewing pictures, entering the menu and info. All these buttons are also convenient to press with the fingers of your right hand.

Under left hand The PASM shooting mode dial has been implemented; by the way, it can be locked with this lever. In the locked position, it can still be turned by holding the button on top of the dial. Also on the left side of the case there are buttons for turning on the Live View mode and selecting the exposure metering mode. On the side next to the lens there are several buttons hidden from the photographer’s eye; during shooting they must either be pressed by touch or the camera turned over. These are to switch from autofocus to manual, an autofocus mode button and a customizable function button. Above there is a button to lock all steering wheels, this can be convenient in some shooting situations.

Menu

When you first enter the K-1 menu, you expect to see something very confusing and complex with many tabs and incomprehensible parameters!

But to our pleasant surprise, the menu in K-1 turned out to be no less convenient than the button controls. Since the K-1's screen is not touch-sensitive, you can only switch through the menu using the joystick. The first 5 menu tabs relate to photo shooting settings, the next two - to video settings. You can then configure on-screen viewing modes, then camera settings, and then 26 custom settings for fine tuning cameras for yourself. With these settings you need to be extremely careful and be aware of what you are setting. If suddenly you got carried away with these settings and did something wrong and forgot what, here you can reset all user settings by clicking on “Reset My Settings”.

The K-1 has the ability to customize 5 custom modes for all possible shooting situations. This way you can set up the modes you need in advance and forget about the menu.

Weight

The camera weighs 1010 grams including batteries. If you install a battery grip and a 24-70 lens on it, the weight of the camera becomes significant. You can’t walk with it all day, not to mention hanging it around your neck - it’s a bit heavy! This set will be relevant when shooting in the studio, but for plein air shooting, a lighter 43 mm prime is preferable - it’s comfortable to shoot with and the camera doesn’t seem heavy.

Autofocus

The Pentax K-1 is equipped with a SAFOX 12 AF autofocus module with 33 focusing sensors, 25 of which are cross-shaped. The three sensors in the center are especially sensitive for high-aperture optics. The autofocus module of the K-1 is cropped and located in the center of the frame. This may cause some inconvenience when shooting, but you can get used to it.

The camera focuses quickly and autofocus works accurately. Selecting an autofocus point is implemented very conveniently; on the front panel of the body you need to press this button, then set the focus point to the desired location.

The camera has a tracking focus that works confidently, keeping the subject in the frame.

High speed shooting

PENTAX K-1 can take a continuous series of 17 photographs in RAW format (or 70 photographs in JPEG format at maximum resolution and quality *** ), at a maximum shooting speed of approximately 4.4 frames per second. The K-1 is not a high-speed camera (for example, the Canon 5D Mark III shoots 6 frames per second).

Video

The K-1 is a versatile camera for those photographers who from time to time need to record a video in good quality.

Video can be recorded both in semi-automatic mode and in fully manual mode, adjusting the exposure and sound recording volume level.

Videos can be recorded in HD and FULL HD resolutions at a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second using the H.264 codec. The camera has connectors for connecting an external microphone and headphones. The maximum video size is 4 GB, duration 25 minutes.

To enable video shooting mode, you need to switch the photo/video selector to the “video” position. Then switch the camera to Live View mode and select manual shooting mode. In this mode, all changes in shutter speed, aperture and ISO are visible on the screen. You can focus using autofocus or manually.

If you decide to focus manually, the image zoom mode will help you - you need to press the OK button on the joystick, and an enlarged fragment of the image will appear on the screen. The second selector allows you to zoom in from 2x to 16x. Having adjusted the focus and leveled the horizon, all that remains is to press the video recording button!

The K-1 also has AF point selection in Live View. To do this, click on the “autofocus mode” button and select the “Multiple points” mode. Then you need to press the focus point selection button above the joystick, a grid will appear on the screen. Now, using the second parameter selection wheel, you can change the focus area, increase or decrease it.

In manual focusing mode there is focus peaking; the camera will highlight areas on the screen that fall within the focus field.

Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings:

• Autofocus tracking does not work in video mode. The camera will not track the movement of the subject.
• Professional videographers will be upset by the lack of the ability to send an uncompressed signal over HDMI.

Time lapse

Pentax K-1 allows you to shoot time-lapse with a resolution of 4K (3840x2160 pixels) at a specified interval and automatically combine frames into a video stream. Time lapse is included in the menu for selecting high-speed shooting modes, here you need to select interval shooting and then time-lapse video. All that remains is to set the interval, for example 1 frame per 5 seconds. After shooting, the camera will automatically record the video clip to the memory card. If you want the output not to be a video, but a set of 1000 jipegs - please! There is such a possibility.

Stabilization

The K-1 features a 5-axis image stabilizer that helps dampen sensor vibrations when shooting handheld. Since the lenses do not have optical stabilization, this system should help when shooting without a tripod in low light conditions. Let's see how it works! Look at our portraits taken in the evening after sunset.

Evening photo: 43 mm f/2.0, 1/30, ISO 1600, AWB	Night photo: 43 mm f/2.2, 1/60, ISO 3200, AWB

Not bad! But it’s still better to keep an eye on the shutter speed and you shouldn’t completely rely on stabilization to help out.

4 pixel offset mode

Each moved camera should have a feature, a highlight! In K-1 this is a 4 pixel offset mode. This mode works like this: when shooting, the camera shifts the matrix by one pixel, and then synchronizes all four frames into one final shot. Here are the advantages of shooting in this mode:

• Detail increases, resolution becomes higher, color transitions appear much more clearly, colors become more natural.
• Low noise level. This is achieved by shooting in 4 frames; the camera captures four times more light, which reduces the noise level. Reduced noise levels allow you to shoot at higher ISOs, expanding the dynamic range of your shot.
• Clearer image. The camera fixes the mechanical shutter and mirror, using an electronic shutter when shooting. This will eliminate the effect of vibrations that can be caused by a mechanical shutter.

The 4 pixel offset mode is suitable for shooting static landscapes or subject photography from a tripod. If any object moves in the frame, it will come out blurry.

example 1

example 2

HDR

The HDR camera will shoot itself and stitch it into JPEG or even RAW! HDR stitches RAW frames together automatically. In this case, the RAW file is as much as 160 MB in size! So much valuable information there :) Look at our example, we shot handheld in the rain in RAW.

Handheld shooting in RAW - without processing

RAW with highlight and shadow correction

100% - the inconsistency is visible. HDR style is better for shooting static objects

Dynamic range expansion

The K-1 has a high dynamic range shooting mode. You can turn on the mode for processing bright and dark areas.

WiFi

The camera implements Wi-fi and GPS technologies. Via Wi-Fi, you can fully control the camera from mobile device. To connect the camera and smartphone, you need to download the ImageSync application from PlayMarket or AppStore, select the Pentax K-1 camera model in it, enter the password, which can be found in the Wi-Fi Settings menu in the camera. We tested the ImageSync application on two smartphone models: LG G5 and iPhone 5s.

GPS

Thanks to the built-in GPS module and electronic compass, the camera registers and writes location coordinates, altitude above sea level, azimuth and exact satellite time into the image metadata.

Optics

The K-1 kit came with two lenses: a 24-70 mm zoom with a constant aperture of 2.8 (its full name is: HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR) and a fast fisk 43 mm 1.9 (its full name is: smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited).

24-70

A good quality zoom with moisture protection. It is suitable for portrait and wedding photography, reporting and studio work. The design of the lens is very comfortable, there is no play, and the focal length changes smoothly.

With 24-70, K-1 looks very solid - a real professional tool! If you also put on the battery handle... then there will be fire! One thing! This kit will be a little heavy to carry in your hands, since the 24-70 lens is really heavy.

43 mm

Great lens! Lightweight, comfortable and compact. How he paints and blurs the background. It is fantastic. An indispensable tool! With a 43 mm prime, the camera is lighter than others, convenient for shooting outdoors or while traveling.

Old school optics

K-1 is compatible with classic Pentax optics; we managed to get hold of this old manual zoom SMC PENTAX-A ZOOM 1:4 70-210!

When focusing, the K-1 gives a signal when, in its opinion, the object has been focused, but when there are many objects, it is better to take 2-3 pictures, adjusting the focus in different ways.

Considering the cost of new optics, you can safely consider buying used lenses for reasonable money, there are many offers!

The K-1 has a choice of viewing angles. You can choose either Full Frame or APS-C depending on the lens used. If for some reason you put a cropped lens on the K-1, this function will help you out.

RAW correction right in camera

The K-1 has the ability to correct RAW directly in the camera. An excellent feature that can really help a photographer when shooting a report or on-site photo shoot. When shooting in RAW, you can crop the image, apply filters, turn on noise reduction mode, and save it as JPEG by selecting the desired quality settings. This way, the photographer does not need to transfer files to a laptop and generally does not have to take it with him to shoot. A smartphone will be enough.

By connecting the camera and smartphone via Wi-Fi, you can quickly publish a photo or send it to the customer. We really liked how it works! Having once tried converting RAW directly in the camera while drinking coffee in a cafe, we used this function many times and recommend it to you! Of course, in-camera conversion is not suitable for careful processing, but for example, it is very convenient for bloggers! Your subscribers will always be aware of your filming, travel and events.

7 advantages of Pentax K-1

1. Excellent, well-thought-out ergonomics, clear menus and controls - the camera is pleasant and convenient to use.
2. Pentax's signature magic - portraits taken on the K-1 are sometimes simply mesmerizing! And how do they achieve this?
3. Innovative rotating screen. Cool idea, easy to use!
4. 4 pixel offset mode - great for product photography
5. 5-axis stabilizer helps when shooting in low light conditions
6. RAW correction right in the camera, conversion to Jpeg, skin tone filters - all this allows you to quickly get a high-quality picture without letting go of the camera.
7. WI-FI, GPS - Pentax keeps up with technological progress!

7 disadvantages of Pentax K-1

1. Sometimes during shooting the white balance fluctuates in AWB mode
2. Cropped autofocus system can cause inconvenience
3. The K-1 shoots video at the level of an average camera; for example, tracking focus does not work in video mode
4. Shooting speed is inferior to competing cameras in this class
5. Currently limited set of fully compatible optics
6. No built-in flash
7. The rotating screen is not protected from scratches

conclusions

The Pentax K-1 will not disappoint you if you decide to take a chance and buy this camera. K-1 is not inferior to its competitors and has many interesting solutions. Apart from some minor issues, the Pentax K-1 is an excellent work tool. In the right hands, this camera will allow you to take portraits and reportage shots of the highest quality. The camera looks solid and inspires confidence. When you start shooting with the K-1, you feel confident in your abilities, you know that the camera will not let you down. The purchase of K-1 should be approached thoughtfully and consciously. You will be guaranteed the attention and respect of fellow photographers!

Annex 1. Comparison of camera specifications

	Pentax K1	Nikon D810	Canon 5D Mark III
Form factor	Full frame	Full frame	Full frame
Shutter speed range	30 - 1/8000 s	30 - 1/8000 s	30 - 1/8000 s
Stabilization	Matrix shift		Optical (depending on lens)
Screen	Rotary non-touch	Doesn't rotate no touch	Doesn't rotate no touch
Matrix	36.4 MP	36.3 MP	22.3 MP
Anti-aliasing filter	NO	NO	EAT
CPU	PRIME IV	EXPEED 4	DIGIC 5+
Autofocus	33 sensors, 25 of which are cross-shaped	Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-point AF system	61 dots / 41 f/4 cross-type dots including 5 double cross-type at f/2.8
Tracking focus (for photo / for video)		YES for photos and videos	Photo - works. No video
Focus picking	EAT	NO	NO
ISO range	100 - 204800	32 - 51200	50 - 102400
Built-in flash	NO	EAT	NO
Shooting speed	4.4 fps	5 fps	6 fps
HDR function	EAT	EAT	EAT
Time lapse	4K, automatic stitching into video clip	Yes, there is automatic gluing into a video clip	NO
Shooting video	Full HD 60i/50i 30p/25p/24p	Full HD (1080p) 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p	Full HD 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps)
WiFi	EAT	NO	NO
GPS	EAT	NO	NO
Memory cards	2 slots: SD	2 slots: CompactFlash SD	2 slots: CompactFlash SD
Battery	D-LI90 1860 mAh	EN-EL15 1900 mAh	LP-E6 1500 mAh
Size Weight	110 × 136.5 × 85.5 mm, 1010 g	146 × 123 × 81.5 mm, 980 g	152 × 116 × 76 mm, 950 g
Moisture protection	Eat	NO	Yes (same as EOS-1N)
Battery pen	Yes D-BG6	Yes MB-D12	Yes BG-E11
Price, body*	RUB 159,990	RUB 199,490	RUB 199,690
Announcement date	17.02.2016	26.06.2014	02.03.2012

* The average price is indicated according to Yandex Market for July 2016.

Thank you

We thank the Rico company for the equipment provided!

Pentax K-1 can be officially purchased in the company's online store

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Widget from FS

30.05.2012

Pentax K-01 review – test of a mirrorless digital camera, technical specifications, functions, reviews and impressions, test images of the Pentax K01 compact system camera.

The Pentax K-01 is the first Pentax mirrorless system camera to use a large APS-C format sensor. Compatible with all Pentax K lenses without an adapter, 16 MP matrix resolution, ISO sensitivity range 100-25600, 921000 pixel monitor, image stabilization on matrix shift, continuous shooting up to 6 frames per second, Full HD video shooting () with stereo sound, in-camera RAW processing -files, HDR shooting with frame combination.

BRIEF CHARACTERISTICS

Matrix	16.3 MP; 4928x3264; APS-C (23.7x15.7 mm)
Lenses	Bayonet PENTAX KA-, KAF-, KAF2-,KAF3-, threaded M42 with adapter, focal length factor 1.5x. The test subjects were SMC PENTAX DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL DC WR (27-202 mm equivalent), SMC PENTAX DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited (31 mm equivalent) and SMC PENTAX DA 40mm f/2.8 XS (60 eq.mm).
Carrier	SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
LCD	3.0", 921000 points
File Format	RAW(PEF or DNG), JPEG, RAW+JPEG; video – MPEG4 and H.264 up to 1920x1080p at 30 fps or 1280x720p at 60 fps, with sound (stereo)
Connection	AV-out/USB, HDMI, stereo microphone and infrared remote control (optional)
Dimensions	122x79x58 mm
Position in the lineup	K-r – K-01 – K-5

We'll start talking about the mirrorless Pentax K-01 from afar. Namely, with the categorical statement that a DSLR is good!

Why it is good? Yes, we know why. A large matrix means a high-quality picture. Interchangeable lenses – the ability to choose the one that is optimal for given conditions. The large body means a comfortable handle, a confident grip, and plenty of space for convenient button placement. The mirror is a living, real picture in the viewfinder, of unsurpassed quality, without any delays or artifacts. The phase detection autofocus system used in DSLRs usually means fast and tenacious focusing.

If there’s one thing that’s not great about DSLRs, it’s the weight and dimensions. Most amateur photographers want a smaller and lighter camera. Camera manufacturers, of course, could not ignore this wish, so several years ago they came up with a class of mirrorless cameras, or “compact system cameras.”

What is the point of a mirrorless camera, in general? The large matrix is ​​preserved. The lenses are interchangeable, and, as a rule, they are new - compact and optimized for the contrast autofocus system. The mirror is removed, and along with it the optical viewfinder is removed, resulting in a smaller body. Accordingly, we lose a vivid picture and the convenience of ergonomics, but we get the much-desired miniature size. Or at least small in size.

Of all the players in the mirrorless camera market, perhaps Pentax Ricoh is acting in the most unexpected way. First, the company released the Pentax Q, the smallest of all mirrorless cameras. It has a small matrix and no viewfinder, but the lenses, like a DSLR, are still interchangeable. In fact, the result was a new camera, independent class– compact with interchangeable lenses. An original move, an unusual solution, but why not? Miniature dimensions are combined with a cute design - and this camera finds its buyer (see Pentax Q review).

And now Pentax surprises us for the second time. After the smallest mirrorless camera, it releases the largest. In terms of dimensions, the Pentax K-01 is not that much larger than other mirrorless cameras, but if you calculate the volume of the body (by multiplying three overall dimensions), the difference will be one and a half times or even more.

And this is not without reason. Thus, the developers retained a large flange distance, which made it possible to ensure compatibility with all previously released K-mount optics. As a result, all these lenses can be installed on the K-01 without an adapter. Great feature! After all, other manufacturers are developing a new line of lenses for their mirrorless systems, and the choice of available optics is often small. And Pentax has long been famous for its high-quality lenses, especially primes.

True, there is a fly in the ointment here - all previously released autofocus lenses are optimized for the phase detection autofocus system, and not the contrast one used in the Pentax K-01 (as in other mirrorless cameras). Therefore, autofocus speed will most likely not be record-breaking. But the image quality, on the contrary, can be expected to be very high - after all, the K-01 uses a large matrix, the same size (and according to some unofficial sources, the same model) as in the Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000 SLR cameras .

By the way, Pentax promises to release lenses designed specifically for the K-01, the tail part of which will be immersed inside the camera body, because the absence of a mirror leaves quite a lot of free space. This will reduce the overall dimensions of the camera+lens system.

We still haven't said a word about the unique design of the Pentax K-01, but this is a feature of the camera that immediately catches your eye. Well, let's talk about this in the next section of the review.

Widget from FS

The Pentax K-01 is as unusual a camera as the previously released Pentax Q. While the latter is a product of a mixture of retro design, ultra-compact design and cute mini lenses, the K-01 is a huge, ultra-functional mirrorless camera, and also the first history of a system camera that allows you to install optics from Pentax DSLRs without an adapter. We share our impressions of a week and a half test drive of this camera.

Table of contents

Developing a full-fledged mirrorless camera and interchangeable optics for it is a very expensive endeavor. And for a long time. For example, such a powerful company as Nikon began developing the Nikon 1 camera system back in 2008, and only managed to introduce two cameras and three lenses for them three years later, in 2011. Ricoh Pentax decided not to develop from scratch, but wisely relied on existing developments and a rich fleet of its optics. The optics are relatively inexpensive and high quality.

DSLR cameras based on an APS-C sensor are not small in size unless they have a pancake lens installed. The same generally applies to the Pentax K-01 - the minimum dimensions are achievable only with a special Pentax DA 40 mm F2.8 XS lens. The camera lacks an optical viewfinder and a mirror, but the flange distance and bayonet mount have not undergone any changes (otherwise it would not have been possible to achieve compatibility with KAF2 optics), so in the end the camera turned out to be quite large.

Pentax K-01

By the way, the Pentax K-01 is built on the 16-megapixel sensor used in the Pentax K-5 DSLR, which occupies a very high position in the DxOMark rating, competing with the best full-format cameras in terms of color rendition and dynamic range. Thus, the new product gives very high quality pictures in the mirrorless camera class. We tested a pre-production sample of the camera, so this material cannot be called a full review. However, much is clear now.

Specifications

Class	compact camera with interchangeable lenses
Matrix	CMOS APS-C (23.4x15.6 mm) 16.3 MP
Lens	interchangeable, Pentax KAF2 + Pentax DA 40/2.8 XS mount included
Picture format	JPEG, RAW (4928x3264)
Video format	MPEG4, H.264 (1920x1080, 30 fps)
Photosensitivity range	ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to 25600)
Shutter speed range	1/4000 - 30 s
Continuous shooting	6 fps
Flash	built-in, guide number 12 (about ISO 100)
Screen	LCD, 3.0” diagonal, resolution 921,000 dots
Memory	SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (up to 64 GB)
Interfaces
Battery	Li-Ion, 1080 mAh
Dimensions and weight	111 x 59 x 58 mm, 269 g

From a technical point of view, the Pentax K-01 looks quite good. High quality matrix high speed shooting, excellent screen. The dimensions are considerable - this is entirely due to the type of bayonet - but there was room for both a built-in flash and a “hot shoe” connector for connecting an external one. For complete happiness, the only thing missing is the built-in electronic viewfinder.

Since we were dealing with a pre-production sample of the camera, it was not possible to evaluate the delivery package. Will definitely go there Charger, USB cable and neck strap. However, it is possible that the company will launch the camera for sale in different sets at different prices.

Pentax K-01 in black, black and yellow and black and white

For now, we can only say that the carcass itself will be available in three colors: black and white, black and yellow and black. Each of them will be flavored with aluminum elements without painting, that is, their original light silver color.

Design, ergonomics

The Pentax K-01 was designed by Marc Newson, who designed bicycles, furniture, and even clothing for G-Star RAW. And although we in no way question Mark’s authority and skill, it is obvious that not everyone will like the design of the camera. The rectangular block body looks unusual. The camera is not very comfortable to hold, although it has a large rubberized handle.

Pentax K-01 with lens, front view

Pentax K-01 without lens, front view

All controls are easy to find, tactilely feel, and at first glance it is clear which button does what. The device does not look intimidating; rather, on the contrary, it is as simple as possible. If we compare the Pentax K-01 with the Pentax K-5 DSLR, then it does not have such an abundance of scrollers, there is no additional information display on the handle.

Top panel Pentax K-01

Bottom panel Pentax K-01

In fact, to say that the Pentax K-01 is different from other mirrorless cameras is to say nothing. As already mentioned, in order to work with optics for the K mount, the camera had to have the same flange distance (the distance from the matrix to the rear lens of the lens) as that of a DSLR. And Pentax, as we see, did not hesitate to create big cameras. Or rather, the only thing that is large here is the thickness of the case, and 58 mm is clearly very close to the minimum possible value.

The build quality is high, all metal parts are covered with plastic, and the front and side edges are covered with a rubber gasket. The corner, which is located closer to the back side, is also the cover of the memory card compartment. And this is perhaps the weakest point of Marc Newson's design. Firstly, the lid is quite large in area and soft - it is almost impossible to close it tightly in one movement. Secondly, there is a suspicion that over time the rubber will swell and will become less durable.

Battery and battery compartment Pentax K-01

Microphone connector on the left side of the Pentax K-01

However, the controversial issues do not end there. For example, the button located on the top of the camera is easily visible, but it is not possible to reach it while shooting. The weight distribution in the body is also not ideal, the handle feels significantly heavier, and again this is why a camera without a pancake lens requires support with the other hand under the optic housing.

On the front of the camera there is the actual bayonet mount itself, into which it is attached. interchangeable optics. The lens blocker button in the bayonet mount is very nicely disguised (like a body part). Other image camera manufacturers should take note of this decision.

Controls on the top panel of the Pentax K-01

On the handle of the Pentax K-01 there is an IR sensor for control via the remote control, and the self-timer indicator is also located there. There is an AF-assist lamp at the top left of the lens. It can be turned off when not needed, for example, during the day. This will save a little battery power.

Pentax K-01 with flash erected

Built-in flash

Just above the lens are two small round holes that hide miniature microphones. On the right side of the camera there is a switch for manual and automatic focus modes. Small holes at the top maximize the built-in speaker. Under a small rubber plug there is a connector for an external microphone. Still, regular Pentax lenses were not optimized for video shooting and are quite noisy. So, if your main task is to shoot video, it will be difficult to do without a remote microphone. The lenses mainly use a mechanical autofocus drive, the so-called “screwdriver” on the mount.

The memory card and connectors for connecting to a TV and computer are located under a large rubber plug on the right side of the case. The memory card compartment under this plug is additionally closed with an additional plastic cover.

On the bottom of the camera there is only a thread for mounting on a tripod, a battery compartment and the designer's logo. By the way, the Pentax K-01 uses the same battery as the Pentax K-5 and the medium format Pentax 645D. Can also be used AA batteries through a special adapter.

Left side of the Pentax K-01 body

Right side of the Pentax K-01 body

The shutter button is framed by the power lever unusual shape. To quickly control settings, the Pentax K-01 has only one element - a dial on the top panel. Next to it are the exposure control button and two programmable keys - green and red. If the green button is typical for all Pentax models and is responsible for switching one or all settings to auto mode, then the red one is not so clear. It can be programmed to record video, change the shooting format, apply a filter and other features.

On the shooting mode selector, virtually everything is the same as on the Pentax K-5, except that there is no TAv program shift mode. Its analogue is obtained from M mode - automatic ISO change is available there. Shooting modes include Auto, Video, P, Tv, Av, M, B ( long exposure), flash-free shooting mode, HDR image shooting and a range of scene programs.

By the way, the mode selector and scroller for changing key shooting parameters are made of aluminum and thought out to the smallest detail. Both elements have a precise movement and very clear switching - they are in every possible way conducive to shooting more in manual mode.

The back of the Pentax K-01 case

Controls on the back of the Pentax K-01 body

The display is not bad. This, remember, is a three-inch matrix with a resolution of 920,000 pixels. The viewing angles are close to maximum, and there is no discomfort during operation. The screen is covered with a plastic insert, so it doesn't get dirty with fingerprints as much as it could.

Camera functionality

The camera supports all K-mount lenses, and perhaps this is its main advantage. The Pentax K-01 can be used as a compact camera with pancake lenses, or as a second (safety) camera for serious shooting, and this is especially useful if you have a solid fleet of Pentax optics.

Fleet of optics compatible with Pentax K-01

The Pentax K-01 shoots at up to 6 frames per second. This is comparable to serious DSLR cameras. An important plus: quieter operation when shooting, because the design does not have the loudest element - a mirror. Another significant point is the mechanical image stabilization system, which no other camera with an APS-C sensor can boast of. First of all, this means complete freedom in choosing optics - all lenses automatically become stabilized.

The stabilization system responds not only to up-down and left-right movements, but can also compensate for sensor rotation. If you use manual focus lenses, you can set the focal length in the menu for optimal performance. By the way, the camera sensor itself can be moved and rotated at small angles through the camera menu.

As you already know, the Pentax K-01 has a built-in flash. The guide number at ISO 100 is 12 meters. Pentax SLR cameras are equipped with equally powerful flashes. The flash is activated manually by pressing a special button. True, this only works when the camera is turned on. The camera also has a hot shoe connector into which you can install traditional Pentax flashes. The maximum synchronization speed is 1/180s, which is slightly less than the standard 1/200 for Nikon and Canon, but this is more than enough for comfortable shooting with external flashes in a studio.

The camera is also capable of shooting videos in 1920x1080 resolution with a bitrate of up to 70 Mbit/s. Especially for this, the camera uses the Prime M processing processor. The maximum video frequency can reach 50 frames per second, albeit with interlaced scanning.

Impressions, test shots

The camera features fast focusing in 80 zones, reliable face detection and tracking autofocus. Unfortunately, during this time, competing companies have gone even further - cameras Panasonic Lumix The GX1 and Olympus E-P3 focus faster. The Pentax K-01 has an electronic horizon level and can automatically frame images tilted left and right. Very useful feature, although not new.

I'm very pleased with the set of digital filters in the camera. There are 18 of them in total, and the depth of elaboration of each filter setting is simply amazing - it’s an entire graphic editor built into the camera. You can set the type and degree of lens distortion, the type of vignetting, accent the photo with several colors, tint areas of the frame, and much more. In viewing mode, you can compare photos with each other and convert JPEG from RAW.

The camera can be allowed to remember only the selected settings when turned on and off. For example, resetting bracketing, time-lapse and file format to RAW. This is especially convenient if you have to give the camera to friends to take pictures.

Well, now let's move on to testing. Let us remind you once again that we were dealing with a pre-production sample, with “raw” firmware. So the results may be a little worse than they should be.

@ ISO 100

@ ISO 200

Pentax K-01 @ ISO 400

Pentax K-01 @ ISO 800

Pentax K-0 1 @ ISO 1600

ISO 3200

Pentax K-01 @ ISO 6400

Pentax K-01 @ ISO 12800

The result is more than worthy. All values ​​up to ISO 3200 are fully operational. At ISO 6400 you can shoot quite comfortably, and at 12800 the noise is very moderate - when you reduce the final photo to 6-8 megapixels, it will not be noticeable at all. The dynamic range, of course, narrows, so without emergency maximum value It's better not to use ISO. Let us note once again that this is a pre-production sample of the camera. But despite this, the result is one of the best in the mirrorless camera class, along with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Sony NEX-7.

During our acquaintance with the camera, it was a typical Moscow spring, so there are no examples of shooting in sunny weather - almost all the examples given below were taken in cloudy weather, or in a room with artificial light.

entax DA 40/2.8: ISO 100, 40 mm, f/5.0, 1/320 s

Pentax K-01 + Pentax DA 40/2.8: ISO 100, 40 mm, f/5.0, 1/160 s

Pentax K-01 + Pentax DA 40/2.8: ISO 400, 40 mm, f/4.0, 1/125 s

When shooting with a Pentax DA 40/2.8 lens at maximum aperture, chromatic aberrations are very noticeable. This is due to the optical design of the lens. For example, a 60mm lens from Nikon on a full-frame camera (D700), all other things being equal, is noticeably less lame. If there are bright objects in the frame and reflective surfaces, it is better to tighten the aperture. In this case, already at f/4.0 aberrations hardly appear.

It is also worth noting that the determination of white balance under artificial lighting is not always correct. But since the camera supports shooting in RAW format, and there is a manual selection option in the white balance settings, we will not classify this as a disadvantage.

Competitors

The Pentax K-01 is a unique camera, the only mirrorless camera that allows you to install optics from Pentax DSLRs without any adapters. Both lenses with a built-in motor and those that require a mechanical autofocus drive (“screwdriver”) work. So this camera has no direct competitors. We chose indirect ones based on two points: an APS-C format matrix and a minimum noise level at high sensitivity.

This camera, of course, is the first one to be compared. In terms of pictures, the X-Pro 1 is one of best mirrorless cameras On the market. Subjectively, the camera produces more honest colors. In terms of dimensions, it is comparable to the K-01 - the latter is only slightly thicker. The ergonomics of the Fuji camera are better, but if we talk about the usage potential, then the K-01 has a higher one.

Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Firstly, there are only three lenses available for the X-Pro 1 so far (all of them are exceptionally good, but they are clearly few in number). Secondly, optics for the KAF mount are much cheaper. Well, the carcass itself is cheaper, which is also important.

Sony's flagship mirrorless camera surpasses the Pentax K-01 in matrix resolution. It's currently the highest megapixel system camera on the market, so if resolution is a major factor for you, then the NEX-7 is your only option. In addition, this camera is more compact than the new Pentax mirrorless camera and can be comfortably carried in a jacket pocket.

Sony NEX-7

Skewer call: 3701 5 inline

Inferior to NEX-7 in terms of optics. Firstly, there is less of it. Secondly, it is more expensive. And thirdly, it's worse. Strictly speaking, there is literally one lens in Sony's portfolio that can realize the potential of 24 megapixels. But, in fairness, it is worth noting that the NEX-7 focuses faster.

Although Samsung recently announced a successor to this camera, the NX200 remains relevant. If we compare with the Pentax K-01, we should note more a high resolution matrices, thinner body and more confusing menu. From a functional point of view, the cameras are very similar.

Samsung NX200

Skewer call: 3701 5 inline

If Samsung's mirrorless camera had cost half as much, it wouldn't have left the K-01 alone. one chance, however, at the current price level, both models are equivalent. But, again, the Pentax optics fleet is beyond competition.

conclusions

Admittedly, the Pentax K-01 is a very controversial camera. It evokes sincere sympathy thanks to its unusual design. It attracts attention, passersby constantly ask about it (although this may be relevant as long as the camera is not sold in Russia and looks like just an exotic gadget), but the ergonomics suffer a little. The buttons on the back side could be larger, and instead of the rubber band covering the expansion slot, there could be a plastic cover, more practical and convenient.

Autofocus is quite slow. In this regard, the K-01 is clearly inferior to the Lumix GX1, Sony NEX-7 and Olympus mirrorless cameras. Thus, we can highlight two of the most significant advantages: the picture quality at high sensitivity (at low sensitivity, however, it is also excellent) and a wide range of inexpensive and very high-quality optics. In short, the ideal mirrorless camera for experienced Pentax shooters. If you are not a fan of the brand and have never owned a Pentax DSLR camera before, then devices from Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and Fuji are more likely to suit your taste. Well, Pentax, having come under the wing of Ricoh, promises several more pleasant surprises this year. Well, we're looking forward to it.

Those who read my blog know that I have been shooting on camera for a long time. Canon cameras, currently on the second mark. And the growing demand for new cameras drives progress forward, creating more and more masterpieces in the digital photo equipment market. I have always considered myself a true "canonist", but Canon's policy last years It's just depressing. While competitors (Nikon) are moving by leaps and bounds, Canon produces strange cameras for absolutely astronomical money. And it's time for me to update. There is a legend about the camera among my colleagues Pentax K-1, which in its functionality and price beats the big players. I have long wanted to hold it in my hands, and in January I was able to do so, thanks to Pentax Ukraine !

2. In January we had a wonderful time in Sri Lanka, alternating beach holidays and eating seafood with filming tropical places. I took two cameras with me. My own - Canon 5d mrk II with a bunch of optics (yes, yes, I know that the camera is morally outdated) and Pentax K-1 with HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR lens. I really needed a wide angle, so I shot part of it with a Canon 17-35 wide from Tokina, and the rest with a Pentax

3. It was mentally difficult to start shooting with a camera where everything was wrong) The usual buttons, control wheels, etc. were not there. But when I saw the first result, I spat on Canon, and most I shot only on K-1. I’ll say right away that I cried when I gave away the camera. YES, it has its flaws, but the Pentax is a dream camera. And now looking through the pictures, while preparing this post, a stingy male tear rolled down my cheek again...

4. Well, let's get started! We take a scalpel and begin to cut the truth. I'll be honest, this is not an advertisement, but an honest review. If I ended up keeping the camera, then there would be rivers of honey) Just kidding. There is something to praise for and something to scold for. Let’s go through appearance and functionality, we’ll finish with rav files.
Pentax looks solid) Well, actually, all cameras of this class look solid, but there is something in the Pentax from its older film brothers. The body is made of magnesium and is dust and moisture resistant. For a landscape painter - just the thing (check the box). I didn’t do a crash test, I haven’t been in waves, but from the appearance (plugs on the connectors) it’s clear that the camera is ready for moisture.

5. By the way, the camera has a stated operating temperature threshold of -10 degrees. Typically, manufacturers indicate only 0) On the left side of the camera there are microphone-headphone connectors (why headphones?) and HDMI - USB ports. The rubber plugs fit very tightly, moisture should not get in. There are also traditional autofocus/manual switches

6. There is no built-in flash (thank God, otherwise some top cameras include this flapping nonsense). The mode dial is similar to the Mark3, it is also locked and is active only after pressing the button. The on/off button additionally turns on the aperture repeater. This is just the most necessary thing) Out of habit, I looked at it enough... A completely unnecessary regime, as for me. The Pentax K-1 also has a disk with additional settings. There are settings for HDR, bracketing, stabilizer, crop mode settings, Wi-Fi (also not something you need at hand), and exposure change settings. And the switch under it activates the video recording mode. How many times have I turned on the video instead of turning off the camera)) On my camera the switch is located in approximately the same place, so confusion was inevitable) On the right side of the pentaprism is the GPS button. I turned it on and never turned it off again. This is a good thing, coordinates are immediately written into the metadata. When uploading a photo to Facebook, for example, I was asked whether to indicate such and such a place in the photo. I didn’t use Wifi, but I must say that it is available mobile app, allowing you to control the camera remotely.
Yes, one more moment. In addition to the manual mode, aperture and shutter speed, there is an incredible exotic - the Shutter Speed-Aperture mode (where only ISO changes) and photosensitivity priority. I wonder if anyone uses all of this??

7. A 36.4 megapixel matrix is ​​hidden in the camera. Solid, remembering mine from 21 mp. Moreover, one raw weighs about 50 megabytes. One of the very cool bonuses is that the camera is equipped with a 5-axis stabilization system. I’m a landscape photographer, I only shoot on a tripod, so I don’t use stabilization. Out of habit, it even did harm - stabilization also works in video mode. When shooting moving waves, the camera tried to compensate for this movement, as a result the picture turned out to be lively and shaky)

8. Pentax works with two SD, SDHC cards; in the menu you can choose which card to work with. It was probably possible to set up dubbing on both cards, but I haven’t looked. Hidden under the card slots is a connector for the remote control. Quite an unusual place for him)

9. Now about the screen. In K-1 it is rotatable, which means it will make life a little easier for those who like to shoot from unusual angles - lying down, on all fours, while jumping) It is made very well, on metal hinges that freely support the weight of the camera (if you suddenly decide to check) .

10. You can twist it any way you want, thanks to the hinges there are a lot of options.

11. And there’s still room for a stash)

12. Go to the desktop. Camera settings are controlled using three dials. One is here, the second is near the information display and the third is under the power button. In principle, the controls are more or less familiar, without any special frills, although out of habit I also had to wander a little

13. Info screen included. It is very bright, with different colors, which allows you to separate different settings. Now you can see that the GPS is turned on, the stabilizer is turned on, focusing is carried out on the central point, the color profile is set to “Landscape”, and exposure metering is used over the entire field of the frame. Only the first memory card is active. Yes, about the viewfinder! It is very bright and comfortable.

14. When you click on the Info button, a panel appears with available tools, various noise reductions, color settings, crop factor, quality settings, etc. As for me, it’s very convenient, you can adjust various parameters without going deep into the menu, and not waste time when shooting.

16. You can also adjust the screen brightness in different situations(oh gods, finally!!) There are several modes, street, bright day, night. The brightness is now reduced

17. And here the brightness is +2. On a bright sunny day - just right!

18. And this is a special mode for night photography - the light does not shine in the eyes, and all settings are visible. In addition, there is illumination of all important parts of the camera - memory slots, remote control. And what’s most interesting is that even the focusing scale on the lens is illuminated! Shooting at night has become easier)

19. And this turns on the notorious Pixel Shift mode, also known as pixel shift. The camera takes 4 pictures, combining them through magic and spells into one. The result is one, large RAW (150-170 MB), in which the noise level is reduced and sharpness is significantly increased. I won’t tell you for a long time, see for yourself. Here's an example. Important point, this mode is only suitable for shooting static objects and from a tripod. Otherwise, you will get a not very beautiful moire in the photo.

20. Customize color profiles - Neutral, Vivid, Faded, Portrait, Landscape and creative (Monochrome, Cross-process or Bleach Bypass)

21. Tripod socket and battery compartment.

22. The battery compartment opens like a door on a submarine) Everything is sealed

23. Let's get to the ravs) Pentax's ravs are simply wonderful. With huge dynamic range and sharpness...

24. About sharpness - here is the crop of the top frame. The detail is enormous, with high magnification you can see the swimsuits of the girls on the nearby beach!

27. Things are a little worse with lights. But nevertheless, we can freely win 2 steps. Perhaps more, but why shoot so crookedly?) The frame below is a Raw conversion without processing

28. Here the lights are dimmed and the gradient is -1.5 steps. I didn't touch the saturation. Also, the file is attached.

29. And finally - a still from a night shoot. It was a full moon, so at night we usually drank beer and went to sleep. But for the purity of the experiment I took a couple of frames.
Camera settings Iso 3200, 30s, f2/8 The frame is attached. A separate post, a little later I will post photos taken on Pentax.

All Raw files in bulk plus a little more to “twist”

Results. The Pentax K-1 is a wonderful camera with a huge range of tools. The feeling is that everything that was possible was crammed into the cell. Even a little more. The unfamiliarity of the controls quickly wears off. A couple of days, and everything switches intuitively with your eyes closed. There were many questions about the system of the camera and the fact that it has few lenses. In fact, the main ones are fast wide (15-30), standard (24-70), telephoto (150-450 and 70-200). And also a bunch of optics from third-party manufacturers. The other day I read a question from a colleague in a discussion - the most important question, would he buy this camera? I will answer - yes, I would buy it, I would change the system without hesitation if there was a quick opportunity to get rid of my old equipment.
K-1 raw files have a huge dynamic range, allowing you to work with the file like clay. There is no need to shoot with bracketing; one correctly exposed frame is enough. The color rendition was a little confusing; it was very different from what Canon produced. But a couple of minutes in the converter, and everything looks the way you want it). Overall, I recommend the camera!