Pentax K-1 Mark II: A Timeless Full-Frame DSLR for Landscape and Portrait Photographers
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a 36.4MP full-frame DSLR that remains a compelling choice for photographers in 2025, particularly for landscape, portrait, and astrophotography enthusiasts. Launched in February 2018 by Ricoh Imaging, this camera builds on the original K-1 (2016) with subtle but meaningful upgrades.
Overview
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR designed for photographers who prioritize image quality and durability over cutting-edge video or autofocus speed. Its 36.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor (no anti-aliasing filter) delivers stunning detail, while the SR II 5-axis in-body stabilization (up to 5 stops) enhances versatility. Key upgrades over the K-1 include a new accelerator unit for improved high-ISO performance (up to ISO 819,200) and a handheld Pixel Shift Resolution mode. With a 25-year warranty, dual SD card slots, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and Astrotracer, it’s a feature-rich workhorse.
Specifications
- Sensor: 36.4MP full-frame CMOS, no AA filter
- ISO Range: 100–819,200
- Autofocus: 33-point SAFOX 12 (25 cross-type)
- Shooting Speed: 4.4 fps (6.4 fps in APS-C crop mode)
- Stabilization: 5-axis SR II, up to 5 stops
- Video: Full HD 1080p at 60i/30p
- Size: 5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 2.22 lbs (1,010g, body-only)
- Battery Life: ~670 shots (D-LI90 battery)
- Storage: Dual SD slots (UHS-I)
Pros
- Exceptional Image Quality: The 36.4MP sensor delivers outstanding resolution, capturing 2182 line pairs per picture height (LP/PH) at ISO 100 (89% of theoretical maximum), per PDN Online. Pixel Shift Resolution mode boosts detail and color accuracy for tripod-based shots, ideal for landscapes, per Digital Camera World.
- In-Body Stabilization: SR II provides 5 stops of stabilization, enabling handheld Pixel Shift shots and Astrotracer for sharp star photos without a motorized mount, per Digital Camera World.
- Lens Compatibility: Supports all K-mount lenses since 1975, including manual-focus and APS-C lenses (with 15MP crop mode), offering access to vintage and modern optics, per Trusted Reviews.
- Innovative Features: Astrotracer, GPS, Wi-Fi, and a flexible tilt LCD cater to outdoor and creative shooters. LEDs assist low-light operation, per The Phoblographer.
- Affordable Price
- Ergonomics: Deep grip and intuitive controls suit large and small hands, with a Smart Function dial for quick settings access, per Imaging Resource
Cons
- Slow Autofocus: The 33-point SAFOX 12 system (25 cross-type) is sluggish and centrally clustered, limiting tracking for action or wildlife, per The Phoblographer. Live view contrast AF is slow, per Trusted Reviews.
- Outdated Video: Limited to 1080p (no 4K), with no continuous autofocus and disabled stabilization in video mode, making it unsuitable for videographers, per Imaging Resource.
- Heavy and Bulky: At 2.22 lbs, it’s heavier than the Nikon D850 (2.01 lbs) and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (1.8 lbs), per Digital Trends.
- Limited Lens Selection: Pentax offers fewer modern full-frame lenses (e.g., 7 vs. Canon/Nikon’s hundreds), though vintage K-mount compatibility helps, per PhotoShelter.
- Forced Noise Reduction: Accelerator unit applies mandatory denoising at all ISOs, slightly blurring fine details, per Digital Photography Review.
- Slow Burst Rate: 4.4 fps (6.4 fps in crop mode) lags behind competitors like the Nikon D850 (7 fps), per PCMag.
- Subpar Battery Life: ~670 shots per charge is below average for DSLRs, per Imaging Resource. Optional D-BG6 grip ($200) extends life.
- Weak Wi-Fi App: Ricoh’s Image Sync app is slow and buggy, per PCMag.
Capacity and Performance
- Storage: Dual SD slots (UHS-I, no UHS-II) support overflow, backup, or RAW/JPEG separation. Buffer clears slowly when full, per PhotoShelter.
- Battery: D-LI90 battery yields 670 shots, below Nikon D850 (1,800 shots). Optional grip doubles capacity, per Pentax User.
- ISO Performance: Excellent up to ISO 6400 (2035 LP/PH, 83%), with usable results at ISO 12,800. ISO 819,200 is noisy and impractical, per PDN Online.
- Pixel Shift Resolution: Combines four images for enhanced detail, now handheld-capable, though motion artifacts may occur, per Imaging Resource.
- Autofocus: 33 points cover half the frame width, adequate for static subjects but poor for tracking, per Trusted Reviews.
Reviews
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