Pentax K-1 High-Resolution Sample Photos

Pre-production samples from the Pentax K-1 full frame

By PF Staff in Trade Shows on Mar 9, 2016

During WPPI 2016, we had the opporunity to shoot with a pre-production version of the new Pentax K-1 full-frame DSLR.  Please note that since these photos are from a pre-production camera, actual performance is subject to change, and no metadata is available.  The image resolution has been reduced to 2000 pixels, which is higher than previous pre-production sharing limits.

The K-1 features the tried-and-tested 36-megapixel sensor also found in the Nikon D800; the sensor has been adapted by Sony to match Pentax's specifications.  We can thus expect a very high level of performance from the production version of the camera.

General Gallery

All of the photos below were shot at default settings in JPEG mode with either the HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 (first three) or HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 (remainder). No post-processing was applied.  Click on any thumbnail to enlarge.

High-ISO Gallery

The following photos were captured indoors at high ISO settings in JPEG mode. Auto noise reduction was applied.

ISO 3200

The remaining photos test the upper limits of the K-1's ISO range, from 12,800 to 204,800.

Dynamic Range

The Pentax K-1 has 14+ stops of dynamic range.  The shadow and highlight recovery potential in this test photo proved to be rather impressive.

Unedited JPEG

In-Camera Developed RAW

Stay tuned for more hands-on impressions of the Pentax K-1 in a separate article.

Learn more about the Pentax K-1:

• Pentax K-1 official announcement
• CP+ interview
• Hands-on video impressions
• Pentax K-1 forum

The Pentax K-1 is available for $1796.95 in the US.  Follow these links to pre-order the K-1 and support the forum:

• Pre-Order the K-1 at B&H Photo
• Pre-Order the K-1 at Adorama

Don't miss the pre-order giveaway if you do place an order.

All photos found in this article are copyright 2016 PentaxForums.com; publication elsewhere prohibited without prior written permission.