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Our (production) Pentax K-01 and DA 40mm XS lens arrived yesterday, and we have already started testing the camera and getting a feel for how it performs! As interesting as the unboxing itself was, it won't be the focus of this initial hands-on commentary.
Our first impression is that it's a very solid and well-built camera which handles extremely well, especially with small lenses. In real life, the design is much more attractive than it seemed based its press release photos. The image quality is exceptional, even when shooting with fully automated settings. The new Prime M processor delivers a smooth shooting experience as well as an unlimited image buffer, allowing for uninterrupted image capture in continuous mode. The K-01's core menu system is very similar to that of the K-r, thought it incorporates many new innovative features, including new custom image presets, focus peaking, AF enlargement, automatic shadow/highlight correction, easier firmware updates via the menu, as well as several options specific to its mirrorless design.
The new 40mm lens seems to have the same optics as the DA 40mm Limited, and it looks very stylish when mounted on a K-5!
The K-01's contrast detect autofocus (CDAF) performs very well; it is more than adequate for its target audience. However, it is noticeably slower and less sensitive than the Pentax SAFOX IX phase-detect TTL AF system (PDAF) found in current DSLRs. It is slightly faster and more accurate than the DSLR live view contrast-detect AF system overall (much faster in bright light, but not much better at close range or in low light) and consistently seems to use a different (improved) algorithm to lock focus. Face detection has been vastly improved. The AF assist light does a very good job of helping the camera lock on dark areas, although indoors, we have found subjects on which the K-01 is simply unable to focus (with which the K-5 had no trouble).
Below is a low-light AF speed test and a shooting performance test:
As would be expected of this type of camera, the K-01 isn't perfect for more serious shooters and Pentax has deliberately excluded certain features. For example, it can only sustain the 6FPS frame rate for a few frames (though it never locks up, unlike current DSLRs), and bracketing is limited to 3 frames. On the plus side, several improvements over the current DSLRs have been made, namely to movie mode: manual controls can be applied while recording, autofocus works while recording (using the AF button, although performance is mediocre), and the SR system is practically inaudible. Additionally, image playback and writing speed is significantly faster overall.
Below are two quick tests of the image buffer in JPEG "Hi" and "Lo" mode, with all in-camera image correction and noise reduction disabled, as before:
There is almost no shutter lag, and assuming you disable the Marc Newson startup screen (Settings Menu -> LCD Display -> Startup Screen), the camera starts up very quickly. Latency in live view is much lower than it is on the K-5 (you will hardly ever notice that it's there), although the image does get choppy in low light or at high ISO. The K-01 also incorporates new power-saving features, such as the option to disable SR in live view (where it engages just before the image is taken), and an auto-dimming LCD.
Here is a video showing recovery time and performance with instant review enabled in continuous mode:
Overall, the K-01's shutter is noisier than we had expected, and since CDAF does more guesswork than PDAF, focusing is also more noisy than it would be on a DSLR.
Stay tuned to our upcoming K-01 in-depth review for a complete list of pros and cons, a more thorough (and more refined) evaluation, field and daylight shooting experiences, image tests, and sample photos. We aim to make the review available by Sunday, March 11th. For now, all we will say is that after a whole day of use, the K-01 has yet to disappont us, and thus we think that it will be a very successful camera. Pentax Ricoh will surely see even more success once their new Prime M processor makes it into future DSLRs!
The K-01 is already in stock and B&H: the black body-only for $749 and the yellow 40mm kit for $899.
The use of K mount is genius. It is not all about small camera. I could get a range finder design if I only wanted small
Live view doesn't blank out during continuous shooting- it's just that we had instant review disabled. A new video will be posted for our in-depth review.
Nice camera. But, this confirms that I should wait until Pentax releases a new DSLR before I replace my K110D. Since live view blanks out during continuous shooting, the K-01 won't suit me for live action photography, including sports and moving birds or animals. Also, I have concerns about the durability of the rubber covers over more conventional hard plastic hinged covers. I will wait for a new Pentax DSLR with an optical viewfinder and the video capabilities of the K-01.
I'm trying to figure out the target audience for this camera, because I don't think I'm it. Is the idea that it makes me look cooler than I am when I hang out in Starbucks? (sort of like all those folks with Tablets trying to look busier than they really are). The K-01 looks cool but... Why would I want this over my K-5? Why would I want this instead of a Pentax Q? Why would I want this instead of a inexpensive point and shoot? I don't think Pentax is breaking any new ground here. :(
+1 mervis :)
I have a decent collection... if I was called to a pack-light-mixed-assignment tonight, I'd take the K-01, 2 primes and belt bags. There are subtle elements that takes hands-on to love with this camera. Kudos to Pentax !!
Like ------ it sits square to the world on a table or a log, portrait or landscape.
Wow, pentaxkmount4ever, that's a lot of negativity!
Expensive? $749, $899 with a nice prime. For a top-performing camera. Compare with Lumix GX1 w. 20mm; Fujifilm X-Pro1 w. 35mm; Sony Nex7 w. 24mm; Oly EM5 body-only. Truth is, it's the cheapest route to high-end digital photography at the moment. Do some research, guy.
.... well, it's a camera and it's pretty expensive for what is being offered ... there has to be someone bright enough at the top of the heap at Pentax to realize that in order to ever break into the mainstream of public sales they are going to have to bite the bullet and sell their products at the cost of a Chevrolet and not that of a Cadillac .... this is a lot of hoopla about nothing .... seems to be that Pentax isn't really selling anything these days, just keeping the name alive to launder money from someones ill gotten gains .... just saying .... 8(
a camera without an (electronic) view finder and without a swivel mounted display? for me it sounds like a bad idea.
I feel the detractors are missing the point. Perhaps duck over to photofocusdotcom and ave a read about the Lytro light field camera. Although this doesn't deal with these exact arguments presented by some of the contributors, Scott Bourne does raise some interesting discussion about camera design. It does make you think. Perhaps Pentx is moving that way, but in small steps. Perhaps Pentax is more innovative than they are given credit for. Perhaps Pentax is a leader and the only two camera manufactures that can make cameras need to step outside the comfort zone and look more to the future.
Seems to me it's kinda like a Ferrari with a 1 litre engine. So you get a camera with restrictions that prevent the use of it's full potential, what's the point.
And a start up screen about the designer ?, that's pretty nerdy.
My son uses Canon and I feel embarrassed to show him and brag about the new K-01.
I guess I need to rent one and see what's what.
Even with instant preview, it seems (from the video) that there is quite a noticeable lag. Will be hard on action shots ... :/ ...
One thing is for sure though ... those damn pancake lenses will sell like butter :). I know I will be getting one!
@mervis - I agree and forgot to mention this. I've started wearing glasses the past few years, and it's always been a pain with a dSLR, since I'm either setting the diopter for my glasses, then smearing my glasses with the viewfinder so I can see the controls on the camera, or putting on/taking off/putting on/taking off glasses all the time. With the LCD, this is a non-issue.
The LCD actually IS a viewfinder, so it's kind of disingenuous to say this camera doesn't have one. What it doesn't have is an eyepiece viewfinder - a device which brings it's own set of problems.
For eyeglass wearers such as myself, an eyepiece viewfinder is more hindrance than help. If I set the diopter for my glasses, I can't get right up to the VF to block out light; if I set it for my naked eye, I'm constantly taking my glasses on and off while I work. (I shot a two-month trip to central America with a K-7 and my glasses took a beating.) Using the screen, I'll leave my glasses on as I frame the picture, review my work and observe the world around me. If the K-01 did have a VF, I would probably never use it.
The electronic versions, which the K-01 would need, are even more problematic, but I'll leave that alone for now.
In using my Pen, I've found that longer lenses are a little harder for me to stabilize (usually above 150mm starts to get less stable than my dSLR). For focal lengths shorter than than, it's not a problem. First of all, nobody holds a camera "at arm's length". You brace your elbows against your sides, and it you need to, you can have the camera strap become the "third leg" of your brace. I've never really needed to do this, though. Bracing your elbows, plus SR, works great.
And I'll go ahead and say that yes, you can see the LCD outdoors. I tried to find the absolute worst viewing angle I could in a bright Texas summer sun, and I could still see well enough to frame the shot (which is the point of a viewfinder). Note that in order to get the sun shining directly on the LCD, I had to hold the camera away from my body off to the side so that I wasn't casting a shadow on the LCD. I'd never shoot that way in the real world, but just wanted to test to see if everyone's hysteria was warranted. In my opinion, no.
This camera is not a dSLR. It's not supposed to be a dSLR. It's for people that want a compact camera to use in the style of a P&S, but with dSLR image quality. If you need a viewfinder, the K5 is the perfect camera.
@chiane: If you are going to drop nearly a grand on a camera you are either a "camera geek" or a spoiled trust fund kid in my book. Maybe these days there is enough of the latter..... Also, how is this thing "compact" when you put a any non-pancake lens on it?
I was interested in this as perhaps my "fun" camera due to its size...I thought of offloading my K100d super in exchange....but the no viewfinder is a dealbreaker. How do you handhold this thing with any decent size lens on the front and get a stable image? Also, how do you make focus corrections if the screen is 2 feet away from your body?
@emergo
Shake reduction better be damn good in the K01, else it's for sure a whole lot a better idea to stay with our DSLR's.
It has nothing to do with age, but rather with ergonomics and the laws of Physics. It may not matter much when you mount a pancake lens to it, but nobody can deny that hand-holding a shot with a larger and heavier lens is more likely to end up ruined from camera shake than if you held the camera body close to your body like you would if it had a viewfinder.
TMB, contrary to the popular belief of old guy camera enthusiasts, dlsr are not that cool to have hanging around your neck unless you want to be known as that camera geek guy. This gives the younger crowd a sleek design, a more compact design, and still gives them top notch image quality. And no, they could care less about a viewfinder. They really could care less.
TMB, contrary to the popular belief of old guy camera enthusiasts, dlsr are not that cool to have hanging around your neck unless you want to be known as that camera geek guy. This gives the younger crowd a sleek design, a more compact design, and still gives them top notch image quality. And no, they could care less about a viewfinder. They really could care less.
Thanks for this, Adam. You've given us an open, even-handed assessment of a camera that is stirring up a lot of irritation and ridicule. Soon enough we'll see this as a very capable product, one that can run with the pros IQ-wise, but is cheap and simple enough to allow anyone a crack at real photography. With a vast, highly-regarded lens system already in place. What could be better?
Most of the negativity directed at the K-01 has its source in the commenters' expectations and prejudices. Glass half-empty and all that.
I'm saving again for a K-01 to replace my old Panasonic p&s. Wll have to off load a K20D body nd kit lens first though. Looking forward to its arrival in Australia seeing as it is cheaper than the US version, the advantage of a good Aussie dollar. Well for imports anyway.
Next week I will have the camera at hand for some hours, and I'm gonna take my 40mm smc-m just for fun, to test the manual experience, I can also use the 50-135, and some other lenses, so lots of fun to look forward to. I think it might be a great cam, but it all depends on the feel!
I agree. This camera really feels like a winner when you get to use it, especially to the novice user. It really takes superb pictures (best-in-class would probably not be an understatement) and there isn't much to complain about unless you're a high-end DSLR user.
Would hope that they can get a distribution deal set up to move these through Target stores or similar in the US. Hands-on is going to be important to get new users to adopt.
Very nice Adam. I look forward to Monday when mine arrives. Welcome again to all the NoVF folks. Happy to hear the Gregorian Chant starting up again - I missed it there for a day or two. I imagine I will prefer this camera to a dSLR since my vision now means it is either LCD, analog or nothing for me. Cheers - I bet Pentax sells a million!!
I do not understand the target market for this camera. I'm no market analyst, but in my mind, camera users fall into the following categories: 1) I-phone; 2) point and shoot; 3) prosumer; and 4) professional. This seems to be targetted at a group between 2-3. What I do not understand is why someone would want to drop this kind of money on a camera and not just get a dslr? Is it intended to replace that segment of the market that would have purchased a K100 in the past? I might have been interested for the small body/convenience factor but-for the fact that there is no view-finder. Maybe I am just an old curmudgeon
Instant review was off for these tests. We'll post one with it on shortly.
Biggest problem I will have buying the K-01 is it can't hide among my other 6 DSLRs. It will stand out and I will have to confess. I am short of money so i will need to wait, otherwise I would have pre ordered mine.
Forget about the K01; I want that A* 135mm f1.8!
Thanks Adam. Great to have a preview early on.
I must admit I was a bit surprised to see it blanking the screen totally during continuous (thought at least a brief preview of each photo would show - which would be good enough I think).
No VF is not necessarily a show stopper for me - I already use LV quite a bit for manual focusing - as long as the screen performs well in direct light.
Look forward to the full review.
PLEASE can you compare the shoot to shoot time of the K-01 with the K-5? My wife has strong glasses and she uses the live view a lot with the K-5, but it takes about 3 seconds to save a raw image and 2 secs for a jpg before the camera responds again- thats is a huge lack if we take pictures of moving subjects like a group of people or kids. The K-01 in your movie seems to get comparable times - is this correct? Can you maybe compare the K-01 with the K-5 with the 40mm lens?
I like this camera but ... but ... black screen during continuous shooting ... it does need a VF!!!
I wouldn't care about a VF if the screen would stay ON ...
Off my shopping list ;( ...
What IS the point of this revolting contraption?...it offers less than the competion for greater price...
emergo electronic viewfinders on mcs cameras are a life saver and very highly useful! I have used panasonic's g2 and gf2 and samsung nx100 and 10. The g2 and 10 have evfs and its very useful for shot composition! Most dslrs users are used to shooting pics with the viewfinder and so it makes logical sense for them to expect the same in msc cameras as well! This is also very useful when you shoot videos as wel as you can see if the focus and exposure are right as its hard to judge it while using the lcd
Nice hands-on, however the *CRACKLE-POP* really destroyed the videos.
if a viewfinder is so important, stick to your SLRs! :D
Does the face detection also automatically choose the prettiest face and mark it with yellow frame? I found that feature useful on the K-5.
Jos de Bont - I didnt know that, thanks for mentioning but still I feel even after vat the UK price is quite high when compared to its US counterpart. By the way dont mind my saying this but do you really think your wife would prefer a bulky compact system to shoot her videos? My understanding is the k-01 is a bit big and on heavier side and has a design which seems more male oriented so keep that in mind before making the purchase for your wife.
@aruk5, don't forget the 20% VAT, as prices in the USA are whitout VAT.
@rae2, for me (actualy for my wife), is the movie feature the reason to buy this camera. A moviecamera with this quality sensor and the possibility to exchange lenses does cost many times more and she can now use my lenses, so we don't have to take that much lenses with us on holidays and so.
So I hardly can't wait to read about the movie feature and quality in the full review.
Let's see...uses my existing lenses, uses my existing accessories (flash, GPS, batteries), smaller than my K5, similar image quality to my K5 and better than my E-P1. I'm sold. I look forward to using this with my DA Ltd lenses. I looks like a great supplement to my K5, and much better than any P&S out there. How's the viewing angle on the LCD? While an articulated LCD would be nice, I don't really miss it on my E-P1. Also, I'm assuming it's plenty bright. I never had problems viewing my E-P1 in the Houston sunlight, so I doubt this will be worse, and should be better. AF speed seems on par with similar cameras. Interesting about having trouble locking focus in low light. I can usually get my Pen to lock focus in dim light, though I might have to search for a relatively high contrast area.
Can't wait to try it out and carry it around in the car
everyone complaining about the screen going black and the noise -- the camera has a mechanical focal plane shutter, just like an SLR -- except it stays open while live view is in use, but needs to cycle for each captured image.
SLR noise isn't just the mirror mechanism, it's also the shutter 'firing' and being re-cocked. Compact cameras with fixed lenses use smaller leaf shutters closer to the lens.
One thing I dont understand is why do most mirrorless camera systems have a shutter noise when you click an image? When you use normal point and shoot compacts you hardly hear any shutter noise so why does it in mirrorlesses[!] systems!
Over here in UK its still not available but can only be pre ordered and starting price at Jessops is around 599 pounds for black body only. I thought if this camera cost 749 $ in the US then shouldnt it be priced more in the 399 range than 599?? Apart from giving full manual controls for video this camera isnt in anyway superior to other current pentax dslr models. It needs an evf [guess the marketting geniuses at pentax are gonna release one soon and charge it around 250$ a piece!!]
This camera has already got competition from samsung nx200 which lets you shoot full hd video with full manual controls and its smaller and lighter, is cheaper and pentax lenses can be used on it with an adapter.
I might still go for the k-01 if they bring down the price of body to somewhere around 399 in the UK as at present it seems to be very overpriced.
No viewfinder?
"Almost" no shutter lag and when it does fire it's noisy?
New AF system "noticably slower"...
WHY would you bother, Pentax?
Get back to me when you come out with a top quality DSLR, with instant responses, and NO VIDEO crapola. If I want to shoot a movie, I'll use a movie camera!
No sale.
Looking great. Can't wait to see the full review. This camera would be great as a carry around camera aside my K-5. I'm really interested in AF performance during video.
I hope the clicking sound in the video's can be removed.
The blanking of the screen again verifies that a view finder is a must!
I assume from the clicking sound he is NOT using a K-01. If he is, Pentax has even more problems than no view finder!!!
Looks like just another point and shoot wannabe.
And now possibly a lens that wanders away from the any Pentax K mount standard???
Rudi
@jac
That's what many of us assume, a nice not too expensive EVF....
Sorry, I just don't get it yet. Maybe when a VF comes out?
This 40 is not that special lens that goes deep in the camera? I thought it is possible because this camera lacks a mirror... Using it on a K5? Wont the mirror get in the way? Also, if it goes that deep in the camera, some difference must be in the optics, since it has to project the picture closer to the lens.
Does it have clean uncompressed HDMI out? I'll probably order one before the end of the day if it does.
What's that ticking sound?
Your videos have a very loud and quite distracting background 'crack-crack-crack-crack...' interference, do you have some sort of electric fence on your property?
I agree with Kameraten, if the screen goes black while continuous shooting, that's very disappointing indeed. Surely if video recording gives an image then continuous shooting should too.
Thanks for the 'teaser'
-- Wow -- some notice no classic VF, glad I don't have to describe that hands-on adaptation with words.
I can't help but feel they could have caught a much bigger audience with a simple VF addition... :S
What about DNG shooting?
I still say, come back when you've added the viewfinder.
If only there was a VF....
So - it seems to be just an oridinary camera. In spite of body look
can we see some manual focus videos
So, while you shoot the screen goes black, and how are you supposed to know what you get? Jees!
Look forward to your review in depth.
Thank you first.
Very nice, looking forward to the full review.