Pentax K-01 Unveiling Countdown

In my opinion, the K-01 is attractive and a good value. Features such as a K-5 class sensor, full compatibility with Pentax K-mount lenses, and 30fps 1080p video grab my attention and make it a possible upgrade from my K110D. But, the lack of an optical or electronic viewfinder, a possibly uncomfortable grip for long days in the field, and a limited battery life mean that it probably won't be my choice. Maybe Pentax will release a new DSLR this year with the features I need, but near or below the price of the K-01.

Just noticed the diameter of the filter thread - 27mm..... er, is it even possible to get filters to fit that? Certainly the adapter rings for square systems don't fit it.

i would imagine that this is the first of a line of mirror-less cameras for pentax. i would also assume that this is the entry level unit equivalent to the nex-5n, aps-c sensor and no viewfinder, and that a more advance model could be offered with a viewfinder and additional features. i look forward to see what pentax has in store for the future.

Great idea to stay with 'K', new bayonet would not be successful. Adapter for old lenses not serious.
I really appreciate the compatibility with the last 30 years. Thank you for that. Pentax, keep the sensor shake reduction forever.
Design is modern but I prefer Xpro1.
I guess that XS lens is so small thanks to the usage of opcodes for correcting distortions instead of additional glasses. For the same reason XS will not perform well on other bodies. Am I correct? Why XS is only for K-01? I expect really good video from this new camera.

I highly doubt this will replace the K-5, or the K-r considering it is being marketed as a Hybrid Camera on their website, right next to the Q. I believe their will be replacements of the two DSLRs in the form of DSLRs....hopefully they will fix the issues and/or implement features we've been hoping for in the K-5, but an amateur can only dream though....but this guy here, the K-01, I really don't don't think I would entirely label it ugly...put on a nice lens and this thing is a beast, but then again, I don't see myself buying it...still on the queue for the new K-5 (K-3??).

So much hype for a big disappointment. I'll stay with my K-r and continue to save for a K-5.

I have now seen the demise of a once great camera company, The K-01 is for lack of better words "An expsensive toy"

here we go :)

Also: I like the design. Certainly no "ugly duckling".

There certainly won't be an optical viewfinder as there is no mirror. And I don't really see a problem with no electronic viewfinder either. Sometimes for video recording on my K-5, I use an LCDVF, and that would work just as well on the K-01.

59 minutes.

2 hours....

It is highly unlikely to have a separate viewfinder due to the size of these mirrorless units. Even if it has it would need to be a very hi res view finder.

Unless it has a separate viewfinder (for accurate composition) as well as the LCD screen, this could could be the parting of the waves with Pentax after forty years of excellent products.

I'm waiting for this little baby to shock the world with its IQ. If this ugly duckling of a camera can beat the X100 or X10 (or who knows, even the X-Pro1?), the Canon G-series and the Nikon V1 in terms of IQ, then I might just sell my K-x and get this one instead!

A mirroless camera is a waste of time and money. In the tropics where I live it is almost impossible to see a lcd screen in the daylight so how can you compose or take a decent picture?

I still want my mirror less or with mirror but FF , you remember , something like full frame, Yes, really full frame. Its like climbing Everest: only small steps and obviously no, but really no hurry to get to the top.
But as at Everest, if you don't get to the top in time, you will die.... So, my still well loved Pentax, 'hurry' up, time is running out, don't be to late, we want you strong and alive
!!! :-)

Won't replace my K-5, but I'm pretty sure my K-7 backup is toast :)

A leaked photo at Photorumors that was taken down earlier says the body alone will be 750US$ with 40mm 900US$ and 2 zoom kit lenses for 1000US$

HHsss.. I'm praying now.. I'm praying for < $500 price tag :D

I'm now past the disappointment phase (re rumors and pics/diagrams) and ready for whatever is coming;>)

Well there are already pics up at Photorumors and I've posted a link in the K-01 thread.. there better be some great features, otherwise K5 owners will have nothing to look for, and the rest will be in the same boat as before it's release..

...and why today and not in CP+?

So it happens tonight. :) I'm excited!

Wait, those 15 photos- are those photos OF the camera or photos FROM the camera?

Today is my birthday. Thats not fair!

This camera is being announced on my birthday. It's a sign! :p

Can someone make a countup timer from the release of the above until the FF dSLR appears?

so ricoh... the lines... the looks...

We do care how small a camera is, we don't all think cameras need to be black, and we don't all care about FF only. We like that you decided to make this with a K mount to use our pancakes with. We like that we can get a great sensor into a smaller body, and we like something that doesn't look like it was made in the 60's. We still know how to shoot pictures without two wheels. Thank you!

Dear Pentax, I don't think this is the way to blow your little niche of semi-professional user. we don't care about small camera, we don't care if we have 100 colors to chose from, we don't care if we can upload immediately on facetube etc. pls stop bothering with this toys! the market is full

If this was a FF announcement I could see having a countdown timer, but for this? Kind of over dramatic for what they are announcing.

I've seen a picture, and brace for impact, the design of this camera is...

Well...

English is not my mother tongue, so I'm a little bit short in slang. It's just awful.

maybe a real competition for the fuji x100

and 10 secons after the countdown stops, starts the moaning of why this is a stupid move of pentax :D

But that camera with the 40 pancake should be an ideal street camera

I am not even remotely interested in this unless it has a really good viewfinder (not just an LCD) and really fast autofocus (like the Nikon 1).
However, I really wish they were spending their time on a full frame camera instead.
Now, if they blew us all away with a mirrorless full frame camera, that would really be something!

I really wonder what it will look like.

cool！

I am excited for this...

looking forward yay

Thanks for the countdown timer.