Pentax K-01 Officially Announced

I think that Pentax K-01 is good for being in a room designed by IKEA. That's all.
It is another toy gadget from my favorite photo-company with mysterious ideas.
I think that IKEA could be a formal provider of this model.
We are still waiting for a FF classic body with low price in order to make new thousands of funs. PENTAX, WAKE UP!!!!!

I bought my K-5 realising I couldn't live without a viewfinder, and there is no way I'm going back. If I feel like point and shoot, I got my mobile phone.

I agree with Anton. I have my k5..I don't want another k5 but a portable small camera is appreciated. I don't need a viewfinder, this complements the k5 and the styling is attractive, I prefer it to the retro rangefinder styles.

I agree with Anton. I have my k5..I don't want another k5 but a portable small camera is appreciated. I don't need a viewfinder, this complements the k5 and the styling is attractive, I prefer it to the retro rangefinder styles.

Pentax K-01... Best proof to know, that "famous" designers should stay away from any digital camera...

The ugliest Pentax on the Earth!

I waited so long for evil with k mount... :(

Pentax look on beautiful Olympus OM-D and LEARN, LEARN, LEARN HOW TO DO IT WRIGHT!!!

Sorry but I just want a viewfinder. Damned if I can compose while watching a screen at the back. I have tried and it does not work for me.

I agree with the last comment.... the K-01 left me cold when I first saw it but, reading the specs, it's a neat camera. I never really understood Point and Shoot cameras with interchangeable lenses - what's the point? It ceases to be pocketable as soon as you put a proper lens on it. But this one has some magic things going on inside and, with the 40mm lens, would make a great walkaround camera - in a decent-sized pocket. I probably wouldn't want to be using filters on it, but that 40mm lens has a 27mm filter thread - can we even get filters that size? I know the adapter rings for square systems won't fit.

I slowly realize that this is the solution for me. I am a fan of point and shoot, practical travelling photography. No VF may not be a big problem for me because even with my K-x before and K-r now, I still cannot read the indicators in the VF when it is bright sunlight. I still have to see the LCD to check the metering, ISO, speed and aperture. And with my K-r, I have the DA 70mm as my favorite lens, which may fit to style of the new K-01 if ever I own one.

Maybe it will do something cool like HRD video or 4.2.2 right out of the camera or maybe if you buy two you can wifi genlock them and do 3d video and photos. Was kind of thinking about the K01 for my partner but We really only have 3 Pentax lens and a very expensive sony e mount to K mount adaptor maybe its time for us to move on from Pentax. I just don't know if I want to spend more money on Pentax glass right now. The other companies are making some really cool cameras. Having tons of fun with my fuji P&S W1 3D. Come on Pentax show us something cool you can do it. 3D Q.

Well, I am glad I just bought a K5. And now that I have seen what a joke of a camera the K01 is, I will also be keeping my KR.

The K01, if this is in fact the latest and greatest to follow up the KR and K5, is a let down. I DO NOT see using this as an enthusiast, let alone never for anything professional. NO VIEWFINDER!!! No one can depend on an LCD alone...hello...low light shooting will not display properly...and as for bright sunlight...NO WAY. Any body knows you MUST have a viewfinder, optical still being the best choice right now, though Sony seems to have really broken through with their SLT-A65 and SLT-A77 having high resolution EVF. In fact, the Sony A65 and A77 is more what I was looking for from Pentax: Higher resolution (like going from 16MP to 18MP) and using some kind of viewfinder.

Additionally, small cameras are NOT ideal for good shooting. Photographers must have something to grab onto. Overall, this camera looks more like something Pentax made to fall into the 'pit' of what manufacturers are doing to compete with each other while NONE of the manufacturers making these 'tiny toy' cameras are building what the photographers NEED.

Again, if this is what Pentax has come up with to follow up the KR/K5, all I have to say is: WHAT A LET DOWN!!!

It looks too close in size to a K5 and might be too close in real world pricing as well (K5 is under $1000 in Canada) to be of interest to me.

Also, it just needs a new zoom kit lens which looks more stylish and appropriate appearance to the K-01! Metal pancake style would be perfect! (Silver or dark orange would be great!)

I wonder if the body of the silver color version is silver painted plastic or aluminum anodized? I wish it's the real metal not just plastic. Then it will be sturdy and just matches to my macbook laptop.

I kind of like this odd bird, give us a good not too expensive EVF as an option, bundle the Body, EVF and a 24mm prime, and it'll be a quite competent little kit!

no evf 。。。say sorry to Marc Newson。。。

I wish they would stop making cameras they want us to have and make a camera that we want to buy. In other words, a full frame Pentax that is competitive with the Canon Mark II, the Nikon 700, or the Sony A900.

A good news and great product for Pentaxors!Love it!

It's o.k., I guess, but not really for me. Pentax needs to start concentrating on making the existing slr's better. More focus points means that you can be MUCH more creative in composing shots. I could never use this for portraits since I shoot in very wide apertures. You MUST be able to see the focus point in the viewfinder and have accurately over the persons eye, to get a clear shot. This is oftentimes difficult WITH a viewfinder. Shutter speed needs to be higher. Using any aperture wider than 2.5 in sunny conditions wouldn't give enough speed. Also, pentax needs to have a long look in the mirror and fix how their cameras render microcontrast. Compared to nikon and canon, it's absolutely horrible, especially in the RAW files. The K-5's micro contrast is a huge step back from the K-x and most nikons blow them both out of the water. If pentax doesn't fix this, I'll be getting more Nikon product. This really just feels like another "filler" release to keep the sheep spending money. Kind of like Windows Vista. Pentax really needs a camera overhaul.

I like the idea of the mirrorless version, fantastic that I can use all the lens that I own, but without a view finder, I don't know, when it's really sunny or dark, how do I see what I'm taking a photo of? Also if I understand correctly, there is no possibilty to use an external flash? Also I miss the weather sealing. As far as the design goes, I bassically like it, could be thiner.

The battery life spec is excellent too. 500+ shots despite the EVF!

This new camera is to be convinced you to buy...
a NEW PENTAX K5 camera! ;-)

Ok I would like to say sorry to Marc Newson for my early comment that it must have been 420 when he designed the K01. Sorry Marc that was uncalled for.
At first I was upset about the K01 because I wanted something more Pro something better than my K5. After talking to my partner about the K01 I think we are going to get one for him as he sold his 5Dm2 for a sonyfs100 video camera (it looks like a brick too) I was kind of wanting to give him my K5 and get the new Pentax for myself but after seeing it, I didnt want it and was upset about that. I didn't stop to think tho that this would be a great camera for my partner as he needs something for photos now that he doesn't have the 5D anymore. This camera will work well for us we have an adaptor for the sonyfs100 so he can put Pentax lens on it. The K01 is just what we need. I think we will get one after all its just that he'll get the new toy and not me. That makes two new cameras in a row for him. Anyways Sorry Marc. And thank you pentax for a new camera that will fill a need in our house.

Very interesting. I tend to agree with the review on Camera Enthusiast entitled "Why the Pentax K-01 was a bad idea". It's worth a read.
I think it's only compelling feature is that it has a K mount. It MUST get an orientable screen, and it MUST get an accessory, high quality EVF. With these features, it's weight would be acceptable, and it would need the traditional on-off switch and a traditional Pentax "Green button".

An LCD-only viewfinder can not display stars for night shooting. You just get a blank grey view! Composing star-scapes that might include the Milky Way comets, satellites, meteors is frustrating. Without through-the-lens viewing you are shooting blind! It's like a car without steering wheel. Thank goodness I have my K-x!

Everything seems promising. But it needed to have been about 30% smaller in size. Sony proved you can do that. I'm totally with the K-mount thing. It's great that you can use all your existing lenses. That's what kills the Sony for me.

My first reaction was no, not for me but the more I look at it, the almost K-5 specification and the projected half K-5 price then I got interested. The design by Marc Hewson I suspect needs to be viewed in the flesh but not really a problem. Obviously Pentax decided to do something very different to impact the mirrorless market. This just might help keep them competitive and it is rumoured that the mirrorless market is growing. Viewfinder? Well given this package, I might just live with that issue. But the fact that Pentax has retained the K mount is so important and probably a deal maker for me. Not in the market right now for a camera but I might just be tempted when I have it in my hands.

Oh,and to those complaining about the lack of viewfinder and using MF lens, that isn't a problem with the Pen as the large screen & magnified view makes it easier for me. Plus, metering is automatic without any button presses or such. I'd expect the K-01 to operate similarly.

Looks like I'll be selling my EP1 kit and picking this up. It will go great with my DA Ltds. IQ should be great, an lack of viewfinder isn't really an issue with me. This will b a great compliment to my K5 kit.

What happened to the patented mirror system for a Pentax DSLR which allowed image gathering without moving the mirror? I like this idea but it seems like and expensive P&S. I really dislike using the rear screen as the "viewfinder". That is personal choice. On the other hand this looks much better than the most expensive P&S out there with the possibility of much better lenses. I know some of the P&S cameras with a 16x or something optical zoom go for a lot of money but can't state anything about prices through ignorance. This would supplement my Canon P&S and the K-x but I still look forward to a K-5 soon.

@ Anton Magus
Problem is you can get a viewfinder for the NEX-5N, E-PL3 and GF3 and you have the option of getting Nikon's V1. The K-01 looks to be a great camera but this is an issue if you are serious about using all those great old K-mount lenses. Doesn't mean this first iteration of the new system has to have a viewfinder but it is a legitimate gripe for many people who don't want wait for the subsequent cameras in this system to get the one they want.
I also don't see a tonne of P & S users migrating over to this cam unless they are already Pentax fans. IMO

@ Anton Magus

The V1 has a viewfinder for the same price.

WOW ... wait ... looking at the prices ... that means that those tiny 40mm can be bought for like $100 ... :D.
The K7 will look sexy with them on :D.

Anton Magus, I wish I could give you thumbs ups on that comment!
Completely in agreement with you!

I agree with Anton. It is a Q killer, and with legacy lens support, the $799 entry price, and (I think) the 40mm pancake lens, it should be a real threat in the NEX space. I think the disappointment here is om the hope that Pentax' latest announcement would address Pentax' weakness in the market above the K5.

I can't believe the ignorance of some commenters here. Most of you just don't get it, do you? The Pentax K-01 is for Point & Shoot buyers who are upgrading to a decent camera and for DSLR owners who want something smaller and easier to carry without sacrificing image quality. Until now they bought Sony NEX-5N, Nikon 1-J1, Olympus E-PL3, Panasonic DMC-GF3, or Samsung NX100 - none of which have viewfinders. The Pentax K-01 delivers great specs against this competition, its price point is set exactly right and it should be a fantastic seller with the huge lens range available. Pentax have now entered the MILC arena with a fantastic camera. They deserve applause for its great design which is so much better-looking than most the opposition. Those slating the lack of a viewfinder should go buy (or keep) their K-5's. To me this is the camera the Pentax Q should have been, and I would certainly buy one.

What a fantastic camera! I love it, will buy one when it comes.

I have always owned a Pentax as my main camera (Initially two LX bodies in 1982 and 1984)and last year the K5, but bought a Panasonic Lumix last year just to carry around in the car should the ideal photo opportunity arise. That idea lasted 10 months and so I bought a Fuji X10 as I just couldn't get by without a viewfinder.
Whilst I don't particularly embrace the shape of this K-01 (it looks a bit toy like to me) that is irrelevant compared with the fact that there's no viewfinder.

I appreciate I'm echoing many other opinions here, but it really does beggar belief when you can get differentiation from many in the market by offering one; I mean, why does Fuji make the X10 and X100 if it isn't for the fact that they think retro is great and viewfinders are a big attraction.
If I'm using my Pentax K mount lenses on a camera, I have them because I'm serious about my photopgraphy and have them linked up to an SLR. Why on earth would I want to then go and attach these to a body without a rangefinder?
I don't know where your focus groups were when you were getting opinions on this idea, but I can't believe they were owners of Pentax lenses. You have so disappointed me.

No evf = no buy...as most people say. An articulated screen would have been nice as well...but well.

That's too bad, because the camera looks great.

I guess it's better to buy a Pentax Q rather than this one if you really want a more compact camera that features only one screen and no EVF.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't (isn't) one of the bigger selling points of the K5 sensor it's ability in low light at high isos? Seems a bit daft then to include that sensor as a feature, then majorly reduce the camera's maximum iso rating. Taking that and the lack of EVF into account, I can only assume photographers aren't involved anymore in the design of Pentax hardware, or else these kind of school boy errors wouldn't happen

No optical vf or an articulated screen put on a decent zoom lens and it will be to clumsy to use without a tripod
not for me i am afraid

I want to see someone mount a more substantial lens like the Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm to that tiny thing and take a shot holding it away from the body while adjusting focal length and focus. It's an industry-first, they say. I'd say it's very likely to be an industry-last as well.

There have been a lot of negative comments on the way this camera looks, but I like it a lot. It's edgy and different (but I wouldn't buy the yellow body) and to me has a sort of post-modern cool look to it. It's nice to see Pentax taking some risks in design. But then again, I don't see looks as being critical to my choice of camera, and it has no impact on image quality.


Also a lot of complaints about lack of a view-finder. This is a more serious issue. I'm in the market for a new camera like this one, but a view-finder is important to me. I'll withhold judgment though until I see how easily visible the LCD display is in daylight.

Franky2step, there won't be a hotshoe mounted EVF because there are no data ports on the camera.

Carlwood wrote:
"I believe that the K-01's flexibility will bring a lot of new people to the Pentax marque"

What have you been smoking? This camera is anything but flexible, and it offers NOTHING to those outside the Pentax fold--it won't attract anyone to shoot Pentax.

perhaps there will be a hotshoe mount viewfinder?

Sign me up! My Panasonic LX-5 days are numbered.

At that price point, it represents good value. As a P & S, it is arguably better than the Canon G1X announced recently and will become the top P & S pick (assuming Pentax improves their retail presence). The fact that you can change lenses means that it will have even wider appeal. But personally, I don't get it! No viewfinder, no dramatic size reduction, possibly worse autofocus. I'd have to see one in real life, but the looks don't excite me either. While its envigorating to see Pentax move in a different direction, I'm not seeing many compelling reasons for me to buy one. But for someone wanting top image quality in a familiar P & S form, why not?

OMG...i really don't like its body

I really like the idea of a mirrorless camera that uses the lenses I already have. I can't see myself buying this, though. I'd like to see in a K3: Mirrorless, but with more of the old SLR form factor- I know it can't be the same, but the grip on the k-01 looks so shallow! Cutting edge high rez EVF, new sensor, and weather-sealed. I'd pay ~$2k for this camera. $800 might seem like a great price, but not for a camera I don't want. I'd buy another K5 before I bought this. Hopefully they'll make the camera I'm after, if they sell enough of these.

Pointless.. take aim at foot and fire.. The best of the smaller cameras are EVL types, with an electronic finder and eye level stability.. Try holding a long zoom at arm's length! I have had 9 Pentax film cameras S1a thru LX thru PZ-1P and 5 digital SLR units (from 1stD through K10D) I eventually bought a Panasonic GH2 to use legacy lenses and whilst its high ISO will be poorer than this beast, it is smaller, can use almost ANY legacy lens from any manufacturer (I use a Zeiss Planar 40mm f1.4 and a Leica Elmarit) and costs less.. so Pentax, after the glorious but poor selling K5 you launch two turkeys on the trot? I see a bleak future ahead...

The look of the camera does not really matter what matters is function. Speaking of function holding a camera up to your eye and using a VF makes for a semi i-stable platform. Holding a camera out in front of onself makes for a less stable base.
Now the able to see a display in the sun can be a problem hence an EV is essential

If it were designed as a low price full frame, I'd buy one for tripod-mounted shooting. But w/o a viewfinder, high image quality in handheld photos will be difficult to obtain.

I love my K5 and that is what I'll be using and for a back up body will be another K5 just a few more $ for the upgrade to the K5. This new one is fugly and way to big for what it should be, maybe it is the brick style that makes it wrong. Pentax made the Q way to small and with a poor choice of lenses, no good and this thing I would not be seen in public with it. The end!!!

Looks like a step in the wrong direction to me. Hopefully they soon announce a serious camera, mirrorless of not, with better design and usability.

To most people outside of the Pentax realm, buying a mirrorless body the size of an SLR won't be appealing, especially one without any VF. That is especially true for enthusiasts who have non-K mount lenses that can be used on other mirrorless cameras with adapters. This camera will likely only appeal to current K mount users, and only to a minority of them

It's big, it's boxy, it has no VF, and will only work with K mount lenses. Who thought that was a good idea?

I think that all camera enthusiasts should recognise the K-01 for what it is - Pentax have always been innovators, and the K-01 brings a lot of new capabilities to photographers (and image users) over the whole spectrum; stills, video, a mirrorless that can take full-size, "heritage" and third party lenses, and even being able to shoot time lapse, which some will find extremely useful. Whilst Marc Newson's visual design of the camera body may leave many of us wondering just where he is at, I believe that the K-01's flexibility will bring a lot of new people to the Pentax marque.

The K-01 is certainly not a serious DSLR replacement, not by any means, but at the current price, which is certain to fall over the year, it is a camera body that many will be happy to keep in their bag just in case, or to "play" with from time to time.

However, many of us dedicated Pentax DSLR users are still hoping and waiting for a Pentax full-frame DSLR (let's call is the K-FF), and I sincerely ask Pentax/Ricoh to give us some early indication as to their plans in this regard. Oh, and please let it not be Marc who designs it!

Looks good but of no value to me without an EVF. I wear variable-focus eyeglasses (fancy bifocals); and using the live-view screen in place of an eye-level viewfinder will only hurt my neck. My small carry-around camera is a Samsung NX11 which enables me, with an adapter, to use my old Pentax glass.

Not quite sure what everyone is complaining about. A fabulous camera for using all my great old manual lenses. The K5 is not much good for manual lenses as the focus indicator is not accurate enough on wide apertures. Let's see how the K-01 focus indicator works on manual lenses. That's the decider for me. Oh and how quiet the shutter is.

Personally I like taking pictures without the camera held up to my face. Articulated viewscreen would have been nice though. Hope this one allows wide viewing angles.

I'm a designer and I think the camera looks fabulous. I miss my K1000 and this is like coming home.

First time Pentax has really surprised the camera world in a substantial way in decades with tech which could outhit everything else in the park.

Bravo!

I feel very disappointed in most of the negative comments below. Must be a lot of Nikon/Canon people on this forum. It looks like a great complement to a DSLR. Use the same lenses, cool. If have read some professional shooters are using the LCD a lot more. I would have to get use to using the LCD as I am a view finder person. As a walk around and with that great thin lens, image quality of the K5, perhaps the arms and shoulders will get a bit of a rest. The body is getting a bit old a worn. The design is engaging, it is a little like a range finder, which are very boxy too. I know that isn't a range finder camera, but it is a little of that look. Using the same battery as my K5 is just great. That is the biggest disappointment as my wife has a K20 and I have my second body, a K20. This would be a replacement for the second body. The only problem I have is I'm about to replace my computer, so more overtime at work appears to be in my future.

As for full frame, yes that would be nice, but then is there a market there?

Thanks Pentax.

Why the hell no EVF?! Not even as an add-on, like the PEN range or the NEX-5N?!

If Pentax can make available EVF that will be great!
I have a qn: For an interchangeable lens camera, having an optical viewfinder that is available in P&S might not work right? If you mount a big lens, then the barrel will block the optical VF or is there any other way other than EVF?

I still own K10D, if this K-01 is speedier in operation in still and video mode, then I can replace my camcorder and have just one camera to lunge around

What a disappointment. The lack of a viewfinder makes this camera worthless in the sun. Even though I have been a fan of Pentax for over 30 years, I'm not interested in a camera in this price range with no viewfinder. Why would I spend this much money to be continually complaining about not being able to see the LCD?

No viewfinder - not interested.

I love the design. Purposeful, Elegant and Functional.

Wake me up when Pentax brings out a full frame.

that said, Pentax should keep the yellow to Japan and release an all black version available to all other regions.

I understand little of most comments. Almost all mirrorless cameras look nice, until you mount a lens: small camera, relatively bulky lens. This seems to be more in balance. The desire for a FF is an utopia: Pentax has a relatively small customer base, of which an even smaller part might buy a FF. Why should anyone? The image quality of a K5 is great, and most Pentax users are no professionals that really need the best of the best. Who uses only prime lenses, with the camera on a tripod, to exhaust the possibilities of a K5? A FF would be a disaster for Pentax, economically. I can only go with the comments on the lack of a viewfinder, although I don't like EVF's at all. That's why I have a DSLR...

The lack of a viewfinder makes it completely useless in the tropics. Like most things it is designed for the higher latitudes where the light has less sting. At my place you can't see anything on a lcd screen in the daylight.

GXR-K and all will be well in Pentax land.

the K-01 is just part of the plan.

Smart of Pentax/Ricoh to recognize how only the unique nature of the K-mount and it's Limited Lenses could be considered at all for a mirrorless camera.

Pentax/Ricoh need to hurry and release the K-Mount GXR module for this camera to make sense. The GXR-K will be the true 'serious' mirrorless K, and then with the inevitable price drop, the simplified and welcoming design of the K-01 could flood schools and christmas trees to be the K1000 for the next generation.

It's a K mount with no conversion. It will handle my small Ltd lenses. It dares to be different. It is incredibly cheap. It will pack away in my kit very nicely. I will probably buy it as it will complement my kit. Even better pentax won't be putting their money into another lens system. At the price the K-01 will kick some ass

I don't get all comments that say second strike, and that they wouldn't buy one because they have a K-5 and so on and on. Are you in kindergarten do you need a new camera every time they release something to show off to your friends? I thought it was about taking photos not having the latest camera.
It seems like a cool camera in my opinion, I could get one for my girlfriend and lend her my lenses. Witch is the thing i like most with this camera, that it can use my lenses. Will wait for the next version after K-5 I didn't feel that i needed even the K-5 too take good photos. But this might fill in the gap in between for fun.
And if your really pros that need a super camera, what about the 645D? I thought both the K-5 and the 645D got pretty good reviews?

I think it's kinda kool, I may pick one up just for the fun of it, I will defenitly get the new 40 XS lens for my K-5 & K-R.
You guys hoping for a FF camera from Pentax might as well switch to another bran. It's not going to happen, there is no money in it for them. The Pros already have there systems and arn't going to change just because Pentax comes out with a FF. They have the 645D and that is all the need.

I like this brick style. thanks pentax that you didnt go with a new mount.

Better to release this on April 1st.

Well, it's designed by some guy who never designed a camera before. Perhaps the guy has never seen a viewfinder. Glad I purchased a K-5 and didn't wait for this thing. Pentax-Ricoh- next design get a camera designer. It's damn near the size of a K-5 without a viewfinder. Harrumph !!!

Looks like the new 40mm lens is for sale individually as well. Can we use this lens on K5/K-r? What exactly did XS stand for? "eXtra Small"?

So, I'm looking for FujiX100. Sorry Pentax, you have a great camera (K1000, ME-Super, ME-F) but this K-1 is terrible! Bye bye...

I love it . . . except for having to use the screen on the back . . . I have several very nice p&s cams that I hardly ever use because of the screen issue . . . only keep them because they will fit in my pocket.
Therefore, I will not buy one. This will not replace my 2 K-5s.

Like the specs... I like the blockie look... I am sure all the additional add-ons will come out over time.. I am still waiting to see what they do to replace the K-5.

As someone who was really disappointed with the K7 video, this one has me paying close attention. With three Pentax DSLRs already I'm not worried about this being a non-DSLR. Would I run with this one as my only camera? No. But as an add-on to my existing stable; most certainly. In terms of video, it looks like it could be what I wanted the K7 to be be.

Sorry.
I better see FF in your road map Pentax.

Normally I've always been happy when Pentax delivers a new model but this one is strange to say the least, why omit the viewfinder. Was that such a difficult implementation.
Sorry but this is for me wrong in so many ways that I don't understand it.
Now I'm waiting to see if any publicity will appear for this camera, and what all the review sites are going to do with it.

It was never meant to be a K5 replacement so am not more upset than usual at Pentax.


I better see FF in your road map Pentax.

Strangely that some here believes this is intended as a replacement for the K-5, but come on - it isn't.
This is a replacement for the K-x and K-r entry level. The image quality may be better than the K-5, because it is a new camera with new upgraded versions of sensor and imaging processing unit - but it is not a K-5 replacement, just as the K-x wasn't a K-7 replacement despite having better image quality at high ISO.

It sill suit it's target market - there are so many mirror less cameras without optical viewfinders that are selling like hot cakes so it seems not to be that much of an issue.

May I remind you that the K-5 is still a great camera?! It is still competitive. There will come a K-5 replacement, but it is not the K-01.

Without a viewfinder I would not even consider the K-01. I do not even like the live-view feature on my current DSLR.

I agree with robgo2 below, and I'll add that if you already have a Pentax Forums account, this camera probably isn't intended for you. This is intended to broaden the Pentax and K-mount user base. Getting more people in those pipelines will mean more dollars and continually expanding APS-C and (hang in there) FF offerings in the future.

I think Pentax did find a hole in the market with this camera, and I look forward to seeing where things go next!

I'll give them one thing: if you're really serious about DSLR video, this is certainly a step forward (and the lack of a viewfinder isn't an issue at all). But, for stills the lack of a viewfinder is a major problem for most serious photographers.

Marc Mewson first and last camera I hope. Was it 420 when he was working on this? I don't think I want to fly anymore lol.
No weather sealing, no bracketing, no front dial. I don't think the K-01 is for me I'll keep my K5.
Maybe Pentax could make us a weather sealed 3D Q that would sell.

Sorry but Pentax is kidding with us. That's not serious! Why is Pentax no more able to work out for real affordable professional camera, beside the 645s. On great thing is the K-mount system working through all the different bodies. But the K-01 seams to be a great joke you can take pictures with.
Pentax has lost he chance to make something great and interresting the people. It's a pitty.

bye bye Pentax

I think what frustrates me the most, is that Pentax doesn't seem to be concerned about its current customer base, which is screaming for a FF camera, and only seems interested in getting new customers moving up from point and shoots.

Does Pentax really want to be seen as only a nice step up from point and shoots for snapshooters, but not worth sticking with once you go pro? If there was a FF camera in the lineup, I could happily recommend Pentax to people starting out, but with this ceiling in place, I wouldn't recommend the brand I use to anyone who intends to get serious down the road. I don't understand why Pentax is being so short-sighted.

I like it. I might get one, if it has AF adjust (or if the AF works so well you don't need it). Or maybe I will just hold out for a K5. But I think it looks pretty cool.

Showing once again that being a designer is not enough to make a well designed camera. I wish they has someone experienced in camera design to make it. Oh well. Perhaps the K-02 will be better and this will be relegated into history with the other failed "designer" cameras...

If they'd put in a viewfinder (especially one like the Fuji X100), I'd get one as a backup for my K-5 and possibly sell my K-7 to help pay for it. But without a viewfinder, it isn't very practical for serious portrait work. It would still be a great camera for working on a tripod, though. I like the look of the camera and the new 40mm pancake, but I won't be getting one.

Incidentally, I did actually pick up a mirrorless APS-C camera without a viewfinder a little while back. I wanted a walk-around camera with a big sensor and a small, fast prime. I picked up the Samsung NX100 because it was cheap ($400), and I could get a 30mm f/2 pancake for it. I never plan to get another lens for the camera. Sure, I wish it had a viewfinder, but I wasn't willing to pay the extra cost for it, since I wasn't planning to use it as a primary working camera.

I wouldn't trade that camera for this new Pentax, either, since I love its 30mm f/2 pancake, and the 40mm f/2.8 is too slow.

It's nice that it has a K-mount, but why would anyone buy a mirrorless camera, stick a big, heavy lens on the front, and hold it at arm's length?

Pentax,
Put a really good viewfinder on it, and then we'll talk
... assuming I haven't already sold my gear and switched to Nikon for full-frame.
If you'd put a full-frame sensor in there along with an electronic viewfinder, you'd be generating a massive amount of excitement, but as it is, you're only increasing the feeling many of us have, that we should have gone with Canon, Nikon, or Sony. (This is coming from someone with 3 Pentax DSLRs, both of the DA* zooms, the FA 50mm f/1.4, FA 100mm, and a couple of Tamron lenses for ultrawide and telephoto coverage.)

Just read the stats on the new "Fujifilm X-Pro1 Mirrorless Premium Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera. 16.3 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor, FUJIFILM proprietary X-Mount, Full 1080p HD With Stereo, Black"
WITH A VIEWFINDER ON THE SIDE for all the viewfinder lovers...hahhaha....
Looks aimed to pros but you got to have deep pockets price tag at $1,699.95
Pentax bring back the viewfinder...:>)

I think that many of the critics of the K-01 do not understand that the target market is P&S users who want to move up the ladder but are not yet seriously interested in photography. The vast majority of such people have never used an eye level viewfinder and do not see any advantage to it. For them, holding the camera away from the body seems natural and proper. And here's a little secret: There are more than a few "serious" photographers who do the same with their P&Ss and get some fine images doing so.

Personally, I am pleased with the industrial design of the K-01 that sets it apart from virtually every other mirrorless camera on the market. Furthermore, it is the first APS-C mirrorless that has image stabilization, which is a HUGE advantage, especially in the absence of an EVF. The 40mm lens is unbelievably small. I only wish that Pentax had chosen a 24mm or 28mm as the starter lens, as those are more useful focal lengths for general photography.

Rob

Is this "New Coke" all over again? I can't slip it in a pocket. For that I have a point-and-shoot WITH an optical viewfinder (Canon A100IS).

If I want full features, I already have my K-5.

You can't get a steady hold by holding the camera out at arm's length, and my old eyes would have a hell of a time with it, particularly in sunlight.

It's an answer to a non-existant question. Better luck next time, Pentax.

John

hahahaha ... he said "a-boat". :D


Otherwise, said to have better image q than the than the K-5. Well that's something in the plus column. Looking forward to see focus speed and accuracy and continuous shooting.

Ack! My beloved TAv mode is not included. Oh well. I'm still warming up to it. I've been able to look past that fugly lens detracting from the overall look and accept this camera more warmly now given the look with other lenses.

My biggest concern now would be mounting my 70-200 f/2.8 zoom of 300mm f/2.8 prime, let alone with a TC, and being able to hand-hold it to take suitable pictures. My normal grip with all that bulk is to rest it over my left elbow/triceps while grasping my right bicep with my left hand; arms thus folded making for a strong stable platform to rest the heavy lenses. This camera prohibits that. I think I would find it would be relegated to only being able to be used with shorter/lighter lenses.

the quy's face at 5;08 say's it all.he thinks wtf is that??holding it shows that he can barely handle it in his hands..too small..maybe for somebody who wants a stylish camera to learn about photography but that's it..imagine it with a 50-135..it's like i will attach a camera to my lens not the other way around..but a sign that pentax is keeping up with the competition..but if isn't going to come up with an ff then the train is gone..

Obviously this camera is for public consumption and not aimed at pros or semi-pros.
Some of the settings that pros like to use are taken out and I'm sure the viewfinder or the lack of it is going to be a big deal with the advance photographers, but all in all looks like a solid camera in design and features.
Kind of pricy with the kit of 50-200mm lenses wich is what most people would get, to be of any fun.

Camera designed by a focus committee. Nobody's happy with it. They're clueless.

At least we got the K5.

My first impression was: old fashion design. But after a while it dosen't look bad at all.

Good thing is K-mount and traditional Pentax hot shoe. Weight is not a problem.

Big minus (on my mind) is lack of view finder, optical or even electrical. It's useless without it for me.

If I were buying a DSLR camera now, I probably wouldn't buy Pentax, if they can't offer any entry level DSRL in the future (with view finder) like K-r.

But, lyckily I have K-x and I hope Ricoh can offer DSLRs in two classes also in the future (like K-r and K-5).

-Jukka

So the K-5 is the last real camera from Pentax.. this is just plain ugly and no viewfinder? never even gonna bother testing one.. if I want a camera of this type I'll go buy a damn digital camera for $150 this is NOT good!!
This is just a mirrorles campact digital camera.... want a Fullframe or DSLR camera to play with!

//Daniel

On the plus side: SR and a great sensor at a decent price. On the minus: beyond ugly, large and heavy, no viewfinder. Just buy a K-5 and get a decent camera you won't be ashamed to show your clients and friends. This is two strikes in a row for Pentax. Meanwhile the competition runs circles around them.

Just the thing . . . a way to get the excellent image quality of the K5 in a camera that's more difficult to use. Does the world really need another point & shoot?
I utterly fail to get the point. Who's it for?
It may take all those wonderful manual lenses, but using one of them on this thing would be a pain in the a**.

Sorry, I meant Pentax not Pentex.

Ouch!

Ugly looking camera. Reminds me of cheap Lomo cameras. Almost $800 for this? Really? Designing it for k-mount lenses is not enough. Pentax, I get it, lots of lenses to play with... You can't use this as a sales point anymore, you have being using this forever to the point I would be shock if it wasn't designed like that. Move on. Give me options, please don't take away my viewfinder

Does anybody see a problem with the zoom dial, and the location of the main dial? Luckily I live in Arizona and almost never have to wear gloves. Also my hands are not that big, so I should be in good shape (too bad for the rest of the world).

Pentax, how about USABLE ISO? how about USABLE Dynamic Range? I would throw my money at you if you give me usable ISO ranges at 12,000 or above... Or how about improvements to the dynamic range?

An overpriced "designer" camera with 99-cent store features targeted for point and shoot camera people with big wallets.

What part of the market is Pentex targeting with this camera? As a DSLR user and a point and shoot user, I know it isn't me. I still use a K-100D as my DSLR and a couple of point and shoot cameras that are under $150. The main thing I don't like about it is no viewfinder. LCD's are hard to see outdoors and drain the battery too quickly. Bump up the brightness and the battery drain is even more. Plus for those of us that are getting older, it's harder to see up close. I don't want to wear reading glasses to operate a camera. If Pentex can find a market for this camera, then that's great!

Another almost great idea from Pentax. No viewfinder, no buy.

How is this a K5?

K5 has +- Five EV exposure comp vs Three
K5 has 1/8000th second top shutter speed vs 1/4000th
K5 has 80(measured 70dxo)ISO vs 100 ISO
I'm sure there's more.

Don't get me started.

I'm still waiting to see a modern version of the K-200D with weather sealing, live view, AA Battery support, and video etc. And why am I seeing Nikon add's just below the You Tube video's on a Pentax site??? LOL :| .-.-.

I don't care...it's FUGLY! The designer too!

I have to admit that I should have edited my last post better. But the fact remains, if a camera has no viewfinder other than the LCD screen, It is no better than a point and shoot camera. Half the pics I take are in very bright light or marginal light, and 200mm telephoto lens can no longer be "hand held" in real life. Even a point and shoot camera I would desire has a viewfinder alternative. (Nikon P7100 or Canon G-12) I do like the small size though. But...............

Heres an idea - fire the person/group that said " hey, lets not have a viewfinder. Nobody uses them" - Nice looking and has some nice features but - no viewfinder ='s no purchase. Love my K-x. ps, it has a viewfinder.-- TG

Although I'm not sold by the design (don't hate it either) I will get one later on, Just because i have a gf2 right now and it's a pain to buy different lenses each time. So I will sell that and later this year, when the prices go down a bit, I will definitely buy this, just for the superior lenses of pentax.

Amen! As a serious photographer, a camera with no viewfinder to brace the camera is about as stupid as it gets. Low light pics, and telephoto pics become clearly just a point and shoot camera. The "Brownie" type of customer only thinks that the pic "comes out" or doesn't "come out". That's why the camera manufacturers have lost the low end market to Telephone cameras. To pay $800 for an interchangeable lens camera is insanity. In light of this, the shape or look of the camera is immaterial.

It is very simple no view finder no good for me. What the Heck. are they thinking

The news post was excellent, well done Pentax Forums - on the ball thank you.
What a disappointment in the product though and like many other Pentaxians who have already posted and make the same comment as I am about too "No viewfinder". This camera will not find its way into my kit bag. I will upgrade my K20D to a K5 while stocks last, now I know there is nothing else decent coming from Pentax. What a disappointment.

Can't say that this camera does anything for me without the viewfinder, front dial, etc but there are a lot of good things about it. It is good to see that Pentax wants to widen out their offerings from having just the mid-range and entry level paired entries they have been putting out since the K10d. I have often commented that the canikons have always had a wide range of choices that we Pentaxians have lacked. This does not mean that I will like or buy all of them, but someone will. In fact even if I went to the canikon stable there are a number of their DSLRs that I would not be interested in. This will definitely appeal in the Asian market which, let's face it, far outweighs us in the west. If we need to mine that market to fund some serious DSLR's at the affordable Pentax price point I say bring it on. This is a step in the right direction which will be proven when the new DSLRs arrive.

As a hobbyist DSLR user, I won't be getting one. No viewfinder is a big thing for me, for others it might not be.

The the thing is I don't understand the point of the camera combined with how it looks. Using any sort of medium or longer telephoto on this would be a nightmare, as the body seems too small, and no viewfinder to steady it against your body/face. You also have lack of external controls it seems, so for the DSLR user, why even bother getting this as a backup? For a "soccor mom" maybe it's a good idea, but would they like the design? As a quirky fashion/designer's camera? Possibly.

The design is, imo, terrible. It's got the boxy 80's look. I love retro, don't get me wrong, but there is a reason people don't design like that anymore. Take a look at Apple's line-up, or any tablet, pc, smartphone, TV etc on the market - all smooth bevel's with thin sleek designs.

Why did'nt they go for a retro SLR look like the spotmatic, or a rangefinder type, similar to the X-100?

To top it all off, why announce this first, when the K-r has been discontinued and there is no lower-end replacement as of yet?

Who's Marc Newson? Will the flat top hold a shot glass? No weather seal?

In all, it seems well done for the price.

I see wrapping this in a nice handmade leather half case. That would improve the looks considerably.

Without EVF for me it is useless.

In general, I think this is a great little camera for a regular P&S user that wants something a little better than the usual noisy models with tiny sensors - but doesn't want to go the full step up to a DSLR. I never quite saw the point of a tiny camera using regular lenses - it ceases to be 'pocketable' - so you'd need a bag of some sort, so you're back to square one. The pancake lens makes it a very neat 'street camera' but that is just about the only way to operate if you want to keep it pocketable, so it ceases to be particularly flexible. A few things that put me off, as a regular DSLR user.....
limited EV compensation (+/-1) - (snow scenes generally need about +1.5); no bracketing - but maybe the HDR modes can do that?; no real viewfinder - really, putting good glass on a compact and then holding it at arm's length just doesn't work; fixed LCD live view; it takes Raw (good) but only DNG - I use DNG on my other kit but I'm surprised that PEF has been ditched; who's idea was that truly awful yellow? I'd prefer one completely black.
I take it that the crop factor is x1.5, as the sensor is APS-C - so that 40mm becomes quite attractive as a 'standard' lens.... maybe an equally tiny zoom lens (ok, a bit bigger) is in the pipeline?
All in all... I think I'd buy it, with the 40mm pancake lens...... I've tried a couple of Canon 'quality' P&S cameras and I've been very underwhelmed but at least they had optical viewfinders! I'll try a K-01 in a shop and have a think about it!

Not the camera I had wanted, but it's a step in the right direction. I suspect a thinner camera for new model lenses with a separate adapter for legacy lenses a better was to go. However, this camera looks like it could take a full-frame sensor and perhaps that's the reason for the, umm, styling. I would, however, miss the auto bracket functions, the Tav and Sv modes, and some sort of viewfinder. I guess my next camera will be a K-5 after all

I am wondering about how a manual focus lens could be used in this camera...

Does anyone else think that instead of this being a replacement for the k-5 flagship, they are shifting categories? Do you think this opens the door for a FF replacement for the k-5?

uh..! Simply did not like it. perhaps becuase of disappointment.. I was expecting something competing Nikons D4, Canon 1Dx, etc...

Well, I looked at the photo’s and video’s . My take on this: As a K5 replacement Pentax missed the mark badly. But I do not think that was their intention. As a member of this forum and I believe that most members of this forum are photo enthusiasts, as such we love the flexibility that the K5, K20, K10 gives us. That is why we shoot with these cameras. But the large majority of people do not what to do that. They want to point and shoot and let the camera do all the work for them, (a lot of flexibility seems to be gone for this new camera, unless options are buried in a menu, which is not fun anyway). So as a Consumer camera I think this is right on the mark. Think about this, I just want to take photo’s of the family at Christmas, thanksgiving, etc. I want to take video (in HD) of my kids playing soccer, baseball, basketball, gymnastic , so this camera will do all the work for me, and wow, I can by a Pentax 55-200mm DA and take 200mm video in HD of the kids in action, great stuff. Will this replace a K5, no, but for Penax it gives them a consumer product that uses their current lenses, no retooling, gives consumers a nice range of lens to play with for both video and photo work. For a pro it may be a nice 2nd camera, gives you a back up and a HD video for wedding’s using your existing lens, no additional cost. That said I would hope that in the near future Pentax will have a replacement for the K5, with no mirror and a EVF, using the new algorithm that this one is using (assuming it is better than the current one) and all the knobs for fast and easy setting adjustments, for those of use who love the art of taking photo’s as much as we love the photo’s.

Total non-starter for me because of the lack of a view finder. I have no intention of putting my investment in great Pentax glass on a camera body that requires me to hold it out in front of me. It will be a great toy for anyone who isn't too serious about their photography.

I'm excited about this. Just wait - it's going to give Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, etc. a run for their money.

Pentax made a smart move with this camera.

Had one sold until the lack of view finder showed up...

Nice to see a K-mount mirrorles ..that one-ups the Sony Nex for sure. I can't understand them losing the Sv & TAv modes ..targeting the newbies I guess. The problem for me is the lack of a viewfinder. The Fuji X-100 has shown the way .. come on Pentax .. give us a good EVF.

I will carry on saving for a real camera, (645D) I think. But this is a step in the right direction for Pentax. I just dont get on with composing images on a rear screen, yuk.

I am hoping the camera have more control on the dial. I think it is a great idea to have a mirrorless camera that can use all K and m42 mount lens. Think about all the old manual lens out there, with the LCD in the back, it is a lot easier to focus on those old lens. And I believe this boxy design is great for any FF sensor, if Pentax can get their hand on one fo them.
The only complain that I am having is not having a tilt LCD/touch screen. I almost sold all my pentax lens and m42 lens.
This design also gave Pentax more opportunity to sell new lens. Pentax is always great on making pencake lenses, think about the space the camera has between the mount and sensor, Pentax could develop a new line of long focal lengh lenses which will not extend more out of the mount.
Bravo Pentax! I will get it when it is out. i sure hope they are making a small prime lens in the 30-35mm range.

Lack of the EVF is major. Other than that, looks like a really usable camera. Glad I saved all the SMC-Takumar glass.

Sorry, this rates a big FAIL from me. You're able to put good glass on it so you can then hold it at arms length and take shaky photos (???) ... rather pay the extra for a camera with a viewfinder

This camera was released with a viewfinder quite a while ago..... it was called the K5.... Lets face it, if this camera had a viewfinder it would just be a re-release of the K5. Possibly called the K5-S

i would like it to be a serious box shooting machine, with no back lcd at all, just an electronic viewfinder like those in fujis x100 and a week of battery life :)

If Pentax eventually does produce a full frame camera, the only thing that could prevent me from buying it would be if it had the ugly look of the K-01. Hope Pentax sticks with the K-5 look for any future cameras.

Looks really interesting, but I'm sure there will be higher specification versions still to come, with some of the missing features added back. Great that it is backward compatible with all lenses, a must really for any self respecting Pentax.

I also wonder how good the autofocus is going to be on this camera.

I don't have a problem with the boxy look. I just don't like the scaling back of functionality. I especially don't like that there is no EVF on the camera. That's the biggest drawback.

Kind of homely looking, no viewfinder or moveable LCD. Lense compatibility is definite plus and price is at least competitive.

Simon, the answer is simple ... "BOX Camera" just said it ... adjust to it.
And it is possible to use bigger lenses and make pictures especially during day time.
For low light conditions you will need a tripod anyway...

No viewfinder or folding lcd? that makes it a non starter for me and my work.you can't stand in a church with your arms stuck out trying to compose, tried that already with live view.

My nickname "BOX Camera" and I want one.. a perfect companion to the K5 or Kr for a walk around, hiking or backup. Actually I have adjusted to no EVF by using a LX5 and it's not so bad.

The most effective way round the lack of a proper VF is to use an LCD VF loupe (eg Seagull) but if you are going to do that, you may as well buy a DSLR!

I'd love to understand why some don't think the lack of viewfinder (optical or electronic) is a problem. I'm willing to think outside the box, so a waist-level finder would work - an appropriately articulated LCD might do that job. The fact is to get reliably decent pictures off-tripod you need to brace the camera either against your face or your body - neither of those is possible with a fixed LCD and no viewfinder. So how do you propose to hand-hold a K-mount 50-135 at arm's length without camera shake? I'd love to know, seriously!

but if you want a real camera go for the k5 or wait for it´s replacement ;) and if you want to go real pro buy a 645d ;) ;)

I would prefer a real camera, I mean one with a viewfinder. That would give a sense to using good optics.

great Pentax!
I don´t know why people insist in comparing to other brands and cameras, if this is something completely new. Probably this camera will change the way we look at photography cameras. When canikon users see my k5, they don´t even know that i´m holding a professional camera, even if they have in hands a canon 550d or nikon d5000, and that´s because Pentax is in another level.
So i must say that this camera is a great work for Pentax. I already see every designer making line to buy one, because a bulky dslr with lots of buttons is to mainstream.

I like the yellow one with the 40mm lens!

I wonder how that PRIME M is compared to our PRIME II image processing engine?

No viewfinder....bummer. And no Sv, TAv? It seems like if they could put back in what the DSLRs had that they took out they would have a real winner. Not so sure about this one.

Who's Mark Newson Is he like Ralph Lauren, certainly not Steve Jobs...
Not a pro level camera. No viewfinder a negative, not full frame another miss. Ok for a point and shoot with video. At least it can use good glass, the only consistent sustainable Pentax value that remains. I guess you have to try innovation, but they should concentrate on the photography hobbyist. It's also too expensive by about $150.00. This is for soccer moms.

I like it. I can't believe how many of the posters on this thread need so much useless crap. For $250 more you can get a OVF on a K-5, and all the controls... really, shut up. I'm not selling my DSLR, but I can just tuck this little baby into my camera bag for a back up body... I can hike with this in my hands with a 21 ltd.. while my K20D is in the holster on my DA*60-250, waiting or wildlife. NO need to change lenses and no change in IQ. IN fact better IQ than my K20D. Plus I already have about $4,000 in lenses that will work on it. I didn't think I was going ot like it, but I'm starting to see the possibilities.

I actually like it!
And guys ... like it or not, the future for "viewfinders" is what this type of camera is offering. Is a matter of accepting it and improving it.

Anyway, so far, looks like a great camera. Can't wait to try it out :).

For those who can't live without a viewfinder... videographers using DSLRs have a sort of viewfinder extender for the monitor. There are many different ones, but just do an image search for hoodman to get an idea. That could work, although it's certainly not attractive or small (with the better ones you can easily attach or remove them it seems).

My main gripe is the lack of proper controls. If you go retro in the design department, why not go all the way and replace the mode dial with a shutter speed dial (A setting included). As the lens mount has to be far out there... make the body less fat, and make it seem like the lens mount protrudes out of the camera... on the mount you could add controls, like an electronic aperture ring. Also add a dial to select the ISO (or integrate it into the shutter speed one like the Nikon FM2 did). Or maybe that could be the "big" brother of this one, including an high resolution OLED EVF? The only other camera to capture that market (for now) is the Fuji X-Pro1, which frankly is a bit expensive and has a very limited choice of lenses. (The Olympus OM-D is supposed to be styled like the OM-1, perhaps it also keeps the controls.)

so if the XS lens will ONLY work on the K-01, Pentax has effectively created a new mount (one which is the same size, etc as the K mount, and therefore can use existing lenses without an adapter).
I would be worried that future lens development is focused on XS lenses, and we are left with nothing new for our SLRs (now, granted I don't need to buy a lens right now, but looking into the future and at further expanding what I have, this does cause some concern...)

An exercise in pointlessness without a viewfinder

Another toy. What's got into the Pentax designers? Why waste a good sensor and processor on this?

No way! I got the K-100 D because I wanted a viewfinder! Both viewing options would be better yet, of course.

No viewfinder? No thanks. Make a full frame DSLR and save the toys for later.

It's a "K" and "Optio" fusion - KO1. I hear people call it a "KO", and not "K Zero", so I am convinced of that. Since it appears to be more video oriented and I already have a K5 - and love the video from that - this is a "might" buy for me to use as a secondary video platform. If it has more video control than the K5, it will be a winner. As a still camera? Not so much so.

Look at the image quality, look at the lens choice, this could be a "Pentax does it again, (at last)moment......

One thing bothers me: why is the top of a black body silver, and of a silver body black? That is hiddeous! Also, No EVF is a big fail to me. On the upside: K mount. That's awesome.
Future mirrorless models should have EVF and better design. Why not re-use the fabulous looks of the K-1000?

The look is growing on me quite a bit after seeing it in the video. My main problem is lack of VF and lack of WR. So it's not a camera for me but it is a step forward in widening the market for Pentax. I just wish they can push their Kr and K5 replacement out sooner too.

No optical or electronic viewfinder. Not interested. This is a non-starter.

No Viewfinder = No Buy. I hope they will release an accessory EVF or another model with a good EVF. The lack of 2 dials make this an entry level cam mean to replace the K-r. That leaves place for a higher model with 2 dials, weather sealing and EVF.

On the extremely positive side they kept the K-mount and it's still small enough.

I think it's brilliant except for one thing: The lack of an EVF.

However, the lack of an eye-level electronic view finder is SO important that I've lost all interest. I'll save up for the K-5, or step down to the K-r. At least I can use those in sunlight.

You have got to be kidding right? No viewfinder? Ugly Design....Goodbye Pentax because you are not serious!

I laughed at the comment that it's the 'Volvo' of cameras. You know there's so much wrong with this design I can't decide where to start. I'm with Chris, it's a brick with a lens and kind'a like a big Lego accessory. Not a camera for adults. Sorry PENTAX, you've lost my interest.

I like the looks of the K01, and I like how it is fully compatible with the older Ptx lenses without use of adapter.

It does seem none of the Adorama product links are working BTW.

No viewfinder, for crying out loud! are pentax absolutely crazy!

I tied taking some brightly lit snow scenes with my phone camera the other day. i couldn't see a thing.

one step forward, ten steps back.

some reasons why I won't get near one soon:
- no viewfinder
- no articulated display!!!!! really, this is ridiculous
- too big
- ugly. in fact it's so ugly it's almost endearing, in a sort of "ugly duckling" fashion.
- I already have the Fuji X100. I was hoping this will be a reason to get back into the pentax fold and keep my wonderful lenses. If the camera wasn't so ugly, if it had a viewfinder and/or an articulated display and if it was somewhat smaller it would have been a serious contender for the Fuji X-pro. Fuji is able to build a MILC APSC camera that is very appealing; indeed it doesn't have access to thousands of lenses, but, who's gonna need and use thousands of lenses?
In the current form and shape, I am afraid that my K7 and bunch of pentax lenses will go towards financing an X-pro.
So, yeah, a step in the right direction, maybe... but I'll wait until they get there.

It's sleeper function may be the video mode. If they offer full manual controls and it has low latency output to HDMI along with low moire and skew and a stellar screen they may be on to something. If it is anywhere close to as responsive as the K5 in still mode it will stomp most of the mirrorless cameras in that regard too.

Its all about the execution. If they pull it off, I will definitely add one to compliment my K5. No doubt. Great second body! And potentially a first choice for video.

Marc Newson and I need to have a little chat:
1) The bulge under the mode dial is a visual show-stopper. It makes the mode dial look like an after-thought tacked-on at the last minute, which of course it couldn't have been. It's slightly less hideous in the black version, but then I would need to get over the bright silver flash bulge that seems to stand out for no apparent reason, making it look like a tacked-on after-thought. A simple and elegant solution would have been to centre the mode dial on the top plate, and not leave the top of e-dial exposed. Don't even get me started on the bile-coloured version...
2) The rounded rectangular grip looks like a case of Ricoh trying too hard to push their corporate style (from the GXR) on to the Pentax brand. This won't sell well among existing Pentax owners interested in using their existing K-mount lens colletion, or in markets where Ricoh has little market presence.
3) The pop-up flash looks almost as flimsy and injury-prone as the one on the Q. Since I assume the target market includes parents who want a compact, yet capable camera to take pictures of their kids, this is a miss as well. It wouldn't survive 2 minutes with my 2 year old and I have a hard enough time keeping my 2 kids out of trouble; I don't need anything else in my house that needs lots of time and effort to keep it safe.

Contrary to my normal habit of buying after a price drop, I am pre-ordering this as soon as the links to live. This will be a great companion/backup to my K-5 on motorcycle trips - put the DA21 on the K-01 and the DA70 on the K-5 and Bob's my uncle!

I like it. I do wish it had a viewfinder though. But I think this would easily fit in your pocket along with a DA21 and a DA70. I wonder what the next xs lens will be.

I don't get all the negative response. Unless Pentax says it is stopping DSLR production this doesn't impact DLSR owners. Personally, I prefer the stability and bright light performance of a viewfinder, but the K-01 will appeal to many photo enthusiasts. Would I like to see a full frame DSLR? Sure. Will we see smaller DSLRs? I think it unlikely given the limitations of physics and ergonomics. So if you don't like the K-01, fine. Don't buy it. But don't bash it. I think it is a good sign that Pentax, far from an industry leader in terms of market share, is still in the game in terms of pushing the technological envelope. The more people who buy anything Pentax, the more likely Pentax will not go away. So welcome, K-01, and welcome to all the Pentaxians that will be born due to this new technology.

Might be okay for some, but just let me know when the FF DSLR arrives.

As i see it, it misses a front dial, evf the ergonomics are off (no hands on though), as someone mentioned it don't look like it would be nice to use with even a medium tele lens or what about the balance with the AF-540 flash? And in general a lot of buttons from the K5 is missing, so that means menu digging all the time.

But i'm looking forward to a hands-on review.

Nice compliment to a DSLR package, as you can use the same lenses etc - but not a replacement in any near future afaik. 2013 maybe???? :)

No electronic viewfinder, no swivel and tilt LCD. Yes mirrorless K-mount with sensor-shift shake reduction is needed, but not with this disgusting ugly bold box design. So definitley no replacement for my K20 / Lumix G1 equipment. Sony is ways ahead with its A77.

The "prosumer" will still prefer the K5.

Mama likes, mama wants!!

I like to shoot handheld in available light, with low iso.
How can I do that without a viewfinder?
I would really like to add it to my K5, but I can't see myself shooting with my arms stretched at 1/8th sec.
To make things worse, I need glasses at short distance.

A camera without a viewfinder is useless.
Rudi

Might as well buy a point & shoot. With no 'up to the eye' viewfinder (be it optical or a mini LCD), the user will suffer with this camera greatly in bright sunlight scenes. Pupils close down to the ambient light and you simply cannot adequately see the image on the big LCD that you are holding away from you body. Fast moving subjects are even more difficult to capture in this environment. Does the K-01 come bundled with a 19th century style large format camera head sheet? I'll need one.
And from experience, there is simply no way to get as steady a grip on a camera held at nearly arm's length. I would be totally at the mercy of high shutter speeds, or the camera's anti-shake if I want to shoot say running water at a slower speed.
If this is what Pentax has put in place for its advanced amatuer camera, I am VERY glad I managed to purchase a K-r just before they were discontinued.
Please Pentax, don't jump on the ME TOO bandwagon. Bring back an affordable camera for the advanced amatuer that includes an up to the eye viewfinder. I don't care whether or not the viewfinder is a mirror/optical system or electronic, but please let me see what I am shooting.

I need a viewfinder for this, otherwise: no buy!

Oh dear - the wait for a smaller, newer dslr with a viewfinder goes on...................

I hope they are still working on a full frame sensor as the replacement for the K-5. the K-01 looks great, but I'd be waiting for full frame before buying a new Penatx DSLR.

SteveNunez: ""The Q was a bit too small and this K is a bit too big."" -- exactly :(
Plus inability to mount manual RF lenses :(

I really hope this isn't a replacement for the K-5 and I am hoping that they come out with a pro level DSLR like the Nikon D3 seriers. Please tell me this is a joke. I was waiting for a real camera to replace my K100 and they give us this?

Sorry but this may be the end of the road for me with Pentax.

The Q was a bit too small and this K is a bit too big........they missed the point of the mirror less market, to offer near dslr quality in a smaller package anyone could carry around without backpacks......this camera with a few lenses will once gain mean carrying dedicated camera equip bags........sad because they were close.
I think they should have gone a bit smaller and introduced a new series of lenses and offered a Pentax K mount after with full AF for those enthusiasts wanting to use full sized lenses.....that would have been ideal.......".im also guessing no micin for the video guys........Pentax missed the mark here.

So....did I still see a lack of an HDMI out? Autofocus/full manual exposure control during video?

A bit surprised to not see articulating touch screen.

Still, 'tis a mightily small K-mount, indeed.

My opinion - great camera (K-mount, K-5 sensor, nice video) but not in this body. This camera in Spotmatic body please! upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Honeywell-Pentax-Spotmatic.jpg

Not for me, I am afraid. It reminds me of the old Brownie Box Camera but with i/c lenses. I downsized last year after several months checking out the market and went for the Lumix G3. Glad I did not wait for the Pentax offering. No viewfinder, heavy lenses. Sorry but I have my K10 for those lenses, although I believe there is an adapter for the G3 though I have not tried it yet.

I agree with blacklion : its not a camera for serious photographers/ enthusiasts without either EVF or a bolted-on OVF. And its size, being smaller than the K-x (or K-r), will suit smaller Far-Eastern hands better. Because, let's face it, that is the market it was designed for.

Hmmmmmm...

I am ok with the looks, but there is nothing compelling about this camera that will make me want to shell out $700. It is barely smaller than my DSLR, it lacks any sort of viewfinder, and it has a mechanical shutter (I doubt it will be much quieter than the K-5). I am sure it will be a nice camera, but there is nothing on it that compels me to spend $700 or even $400 (though, I suppose the sensor would be worth $400).

Interesting....but I'm somehow underwhelmed. Auto-bracketing only 3 frames (I shoot a lot of HDR....was hoping for 7-9 frames)? On the other hand, no more exposure errors like I get with my K20D as a result of light coming in through the viewfinder. Might be a good camera to get for my wife. I'm hoping this doesn't blow Pentax's budget for coming out with a K-5 replacement.

It looks like it will be easy to handhold it, unlike many other mirror less cameras.
Using K-mount instead of a new mount means it is thicker than the competition, but the advantage is that you can use K-lenses without an adapter and those lenses will be autofocus (with adapters on other systems they would be manual focus only). However, the autofocus with the K-lenses is likely to be slow (like they are with contrast detect AF on the current K-DSLR's). However, with the newly designed XS-lenses autofocus I'm sure will be quick.

This is the replacement for the K-r camera but with K-5 image quality.
And please note - while it is not much smaller than the K-5, the K-5 is the smallest pro DSLR on the market. Compared to other APS-C DSLR's, the K-01 is small.

well... I expected something of a A77 league...looks like a cheap toy :( disappointed.

For I long time I have been waiting for a top rated full frame DSLR from Pentax, and not for this one. So please Pentax-guys, do your homework seriously.

seanloup
Der richtige Schritt in die Zukunft. Gratulation.

Extending my previous comment: I quite like the design, visually. I am not sure how ergonomic it would be, but without a viewfinder the answer is not at all, whatever the shape. The loss of a few physical dials also reduced usability. The new lens allows you to have a small carry-around. Using K-mount means that when you are lugging a camera bag with a DSLR its lenses have no weight (you'd have them anyway); for me that would be better than a different system (albeit smaller). A camera without a viewfinder can only (IMHO) be used on a tripod (apart from haphazard snapping) - so that is the deal-breaker. An accessory viewfinder would have to be *very* well integrated to change my mind.

Without an EVF, all they've done is tick the 'mirrorless' but offer none of the advantages (i.e. size). I fear for Pentax as this looks like a massive failure of judgement. People buy mirrorless cameras because they're small, not because the optical viewfinder is unnecessary! This has no viewfinder and isn't small!
I was so looking forward to this camera but I don't care what the quality is like now. Without any sort of viewfinder, it's a disaster.

minimalist 80s design, I like the black, but the black/silver and yellow aren't my style.

looks to be a good effort all round so far when the intended audience is taken into account. ie remove some extra modes, and semi pro features from the k5, and shrink the remains down for portability whilst keeping backwards compatability in key areas!

nice work Pentax!

I just want that new strap for my K-5!

I don't understand this camera, sorry.
Strong point of all "good" mirrorless cameras (NEX, u4/3) is ability to mount RF lenses, like Leica and CZ ones. And they are smaller. And lighter.
What do we see here? Not much smaller, than DSLR, but without viewfinder and for "standard" lenses (bulk ones, really, for everyday carry, if you need some zoom and not only fixed 40mm).
I don't understand, why should I buy this.
I understand why could I want to by NEX-5/7, but not this camera.
And I have K-5 (and owned K10D and K-7 before) and some K lenses (including manual ones), and I really like Pentax DLSRs. But not this one camera -- it has all bad parts from DSLR (size of body, size of lenses) and mirrorless cameras (no viewfinder).
Shooting with 50-135/f2.8 hand-held without viewfinder? No, thanks.

Great looking camera.. No EVF is a big deal though. I'f it had an EVF solution, even as an add on, I'd pre-order now, but I think I'll wait to see what else they announce at CP+ before I decide on anything.

Simon: Thats why it looks like a toy. :)

Looks horrible. Specs sound good but in a square box.
and How do ya hang on to it, esp with one hand.
To me, it's a step forward on the inside, but many steps backward on the outside.
I'm willing to bet, sales won't be too high.

Have to agree with Class A. If "a step in the right direction" means losing dedicated dials for quick adjustments in manual or semi-manual modes, then I'm headed for another destination.

Without a viewfinder it immediately loses my interest. How can a camera without one be taken seriously?

No viewfinder :(

Looks like some cheap toy from the 80s.

And why not all black? Now you have to get 2 and disassemble and make a silver and a black one. :)

No viewfinder or weather sealing? tsk, tsk...
I don't mind the looks, but it doesn't appear to be as serious a camera as the K-5.
Nothing wrong with that, but I'm not sure it's for me.
I've been known to change my mind quite a bit, tho.

It's not the most attractive camera ever made, but in all on the spectrum of cameras to buy, it registers in the region of very possible. I'll be watching for some hands-on reviews before I run out and buy one.

Now we are going to make every one sit up and wonder why they couldn't be the first in this space. I am buying.

I want one without any silver/metal. All black for me please!

What about 'shutter lag'? Is this a factor on 'mirrorless' cameras?

Make more colors for this model and an upgraded model with an evf thats is sealed! I love the looks!

Im buying :)

DNG-only RAW -- is the writing on the wall for PEF format?

"Sure, some might miss the viewfinder, and the weather sealing, but this doesn't mean that the K-01 isn't a step in the right direction for Pentax."

Oh, yes. It does.

Intriguing new camera at a great price. Using the same battery as K5 and K7 is magical.

as long as its very responsive

Pentax finally solved K5's AF problem.. by forcing us to use the LV only. :(

what the **** is this? this is to be kinf of miracle or what? they must be kidding..
I am big pentax fun but last few years they produce pure nonsens.. I hope I stay for next few years with K20D /last awesome Pentax camera/ and to be complete I’ll replace my Panasonic GF1 by Fuji X Pro1 no doubt..

There seem to be a little mistake on the post: it reads " Why makes tha camera special" I'm pretty sure you meant "What makes...."

Looks like a great camera. I would definitely buy one.

Great job! Thanks.

Any plans that you know of for an external, synced viewfinder?

Now make me a sealed one and I will get one... Maybe two :D

please full specs

no viewfinder

ME WANT!

Great!