| Author: | | New Member Registered: August, 2018 Posts: 2
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 13, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $170.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size | | Cons: | Rubber cover for the SD card compartment | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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This camera grows on you. It works great with the DA 40mm f2.8 lens and it also works great with manual lenses like the Helios 44-2 58mm f2. Too bad Pentax discontinued this camera. Autofocus hunts in low light, and the camera lacks weather sealing but other than that it is a pleasure to use.
| | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2013 Location: Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut Posts: 223
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 12, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $330.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Compels me toward manual shots with my old glass | | Cons: | 25 min. video limitation | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
Couldn't resist "The Brick". Lack of a viewfinder didn't bother me; I made one for when/if I need it. The K-01 is very similar to my K-50, so I can switch between them almost mindlessly.
Mostly, the K-01 (white) is my "art" camera for my old glass; using focus peaking--since I'm a Lady Geezer and need all the help I can get. The enhanced audio is great for music videos; I use it mostly for art shots, portfolio work, experimental, etc. The K-01 recreates that great feeling I once had of slow afternoons with my Spotmatic-F, my first love.
The K-50 (red) is primarily my "craft" camera--zooms, auto focus, digital features, travel, eBay, family fun, work records, etc. It fills a need for speed and dexterity and actually gets a lot of use.
Both cameras are a delight, and so feature rich that I'm sure I'll never manage to explore them all; any complaint I have is minor by comparison. I've managed, on a budget, to accrue quite a decent collection of gear which I'm sure I couldn't do with another brand. For example, the "kit" lens I got with my K-01 was the 40mm f2.8 XS! What a sweet little lens that is, and what a deal the package was! I hope Pentax keeps developing such cameras for loyalists like me.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2011 Posts: 4,310
10 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 24, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Excellent IQ, solid body, compact size | | Cons: | Slower than a DSLR for action shots | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
Mirrorless done right!
The K-01 came in for a lot of criticism when it appeared on the
market around three years ago, but after owning a couple for
more than two years now (acquired cheaply, and carrying the
updated firmware), I have developed an increasing appreciation
of the value of the concept, and its usefulness for a number of
specific photographic tasks.
As a mirrorless camera, the K-01 has often been compared with
the Sony mirrorless cameras, which also have bigger sensors
than the four-thirds format. In this comparison, the K-01 has
been seen as too heavy and too bulky. However, the smaller size
of the Sony bodies becomes much less of an advantage when
bigger lenses are attached, and the Sony bodies have had
various problems, such as light leaks, because of their flimsy
construction. On the other hand, the K-01 is superbly made. The
weight of the body balances heavier lenses nicely, and offers a
lot of thermal inertia to avoid the inevitable heating that
follows continued use of live view. The big D-L190 battery is
interchangeable with other top-line Pentax cameras, and keeps
on powering the K-01 throughout a long session or trip.
Many photographers, familiar with (D)SLRs, are critical of the
LCD screen finder. It is what it is: a sensible compromise
between resolution and battery drain. Sure, it is not always
clearly visible in certain lighting conditions, even if the
screen brightness is cranked up to full. But every viewfinder
system has its disadvantages. Those of us familiar with
rangefinder film cameras are conscious of how a (D)SLR will
black out at the critical moment when the photograph is made.
On the other hand, rangefinder cameras are not very good for
closeups, or for lenses outside a limited range of focal
lengths. I have actually found the K-01 screen to be very
versatile in its applications. In panning shots, it is easier
to keep tracking a subject when the camera is held away from
the eyes, as compared to a (D)SLR in that situation. And for
portraits, you can keep eye contact with your subjects as you
make the photograph. For use in bright light, I've never
bothered with an LCD hood, just shading the screen with a hand.
OK, so for the photographer who has one or more DSLRs
available, maybe even a K-50 which is virtually a K-01 with a
prism, why use the K-01? Above all, the IQ. The very weak AA
filter, and the sensor that is still unrivalled at high ISO
settings, make for absolutely wicked image quality, especially
in a camera that costs less than 300 dollars.
Beyond that, there are three specific classes of lenses that
really work well with the K-01:
1. "Problem" zooms where you cannot adjust for front or back
focus accurately at all focal lengths or focus distances.
(Tamron 17-50, I'm looking at you here!) The CDAF of the K-01,
in the native live view for which the camera is designed, may
be a little slow, but it really nails the focus with these
problem lenses. Suddenly, their real life IQ begins to match
what the lab tests promise.
2. Fast lenses, especially in low light. Once I'd become
familiar with the K-01, I had no hesitation in acquiring an
A50/1.2. Focusing a lens like that with focus peaking is very
accurate, and then you can stop down to f/1.4 or f/1.8! With
shake reduction, the lack of mirror flip, and the big solid
body, shutter speeds of 1/15th second are completely usable.
Coupled with the maintained quality at high ISO, the K-01 with
a good fast lens is a low light demon.
3. M42 screwmount lenses. Once you have them focused fully
open, or using their generally excellent distance scales, you
can stop down to taking aperture and still get a good image in
the LCD screen. This is a distinct advantage of the K-01 over a
DSLR. Metering is automatic with the "Av" setting. Also, the
lack of mirror lets you use lenses, like the ISCO Westron
35/2.8, that may foul an SLR mirror when focused at infinity.
The boxy body of the K-01 ends up being very practical.
Certainly I have no trouble holding it, generally two-handed,
with one hand cradling the lens. You can rest the body easily
on a level surface, in landscape mode or even in portrait mode.
Standing it on end like that, I've found the access to the USB
connection to be the most user-friendly of all my Pentax
digital cameras. My one ergonomic gripe concerns the on/off
switch, which all too easily gets moved back on by the strap
when I put the camera back in its case.
Despite the lack of mirror flip, the shutter action on the K-01
is not quite as discreet as on the K-5. But it is certainly
quieter than its K-50 stablemate. I'd love to see an updated
K-01 appear, especially with a full frame sensor, but until
that (unlikely) event occurs, I'll keep on running up the
shutter count on the original model.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2011 Location: San Francisco Posts: 290
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 3, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $399.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Compact, High IQ, low noise, pretty in white, | | Cons: | LCD in bright light, focusing with large lens | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
Well I have had my k-01 for nearly two years. Bought it prior to a trip to Italy in the spring of 2013. I bought mainly for the lens and ended up really loving the camera
My initial impressions can be found here.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/138-pentax-k-01/218546-omg-i-think-i-am-love.html
After nearly two years I have not grown tired of it. I recently upgraded to a used k-30 so I could gain the quality sensor in a DSLR. The funny thing is the DSLR feels odd after using the k01 as my main digital camera. My two biggest issue, seeing the lcd in bright light and the slow focusing speed on big lense, are the only reasons I chose the k-30. Don't me wrong the k30 is a great camera and I am loving it as well but I don't see my self not using the K01 because of it.
I have gotten use to all it other "quirks" that were criticized and it feels normal to me now.
My K-01 has traveled with me on two trips to italy and countless day trips. It has never missed a beat. All the button, dials and levers continue to perform flawlessly and it still feels as solid as the day I got it. I love using it with my manual focus lens because of the focus peaking. The 40mm XS lens that it came with is one of my favorites and I have used it on my other cameras as well.
Finally what this camera reminds me of are my 70s film camera. I have been shooting a bunch of film lately due to the acquisition of a Minolta XD11. I like the rectangular box feel that era cameras and the K01 sits right in line with them.
Highly recommended. I have notice the used prices have seem to be holding steady not much below the blow out prices. I am sorry this didn't work out for Pentax. It is a very solid, well made, high performing camera and it must have cost them some to build it.
2023 UPDATE
Well my 1st white K-01 sucumbed to the stuck shutter syndrone which is not fixable due to lack of parts. I replaced it with a black one that worked fine but I really wanted another white one and when one became available I picked that up and sold the black. 2nd white still going strong. I now have a k-3iii and K-1 so it doesn't get as much use but I keep it in rotation. Can't think of any criticism or praises to add to my intial review. Still recomended.
| | | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: September, 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 11, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $339.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | High IQ, good video, focus peaking, so Beautiful! | | Cons: | No viewfinder, | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
When this camera was first introduced it seemed like the dumbest idea Pentax every had. That impression was reinforced by the foolishly high price it had at first. When the price came down better reports began to appear. I purchased my K-01 two years ago but I continue to be astonished at the quality and ease of use of this much maligned and misunderstood camera. When I decided to go with Sony (A6000) and sell my Pentax equipment, this camera and the DA*60-250 made me change my mind. The quality and reliability of the camera are outstanding. It has a very weak AA filter so photos were always noticeably sharper than from my K5. Focus peaking was new then but it made the camera very friendly to manual focus lenses. The autofocus is both a strength and a weakness. The contrast detect system is very accurate but it is also slower than the phase detect used on DSLRs. But for most purposes the camera behaves very well. Many people have complained about the design but I find it practical and very elegant. It feels good in the hand and is very stable when place on a surface. It is not as small as some mirrorless cameras but it is significantly smaller than my DSLRs have been. It seems just the right size to me. At current prices it is an amazing bargain.
| | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2014 Posts: 14
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 22, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build, Design, Price, Image Quality, Everything | | Cons: | Green Button Position, Maybe lack of viewfinder | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
| |
I just got this camera today, and have been shooting with it the whole day so I thought that I should share my views. 
First Impressions:
The first time you look at it you realise two things, one, it is rathe big for a mirrorless camera, but this isn't a bad thing, it's actually Pentax's fault for marketing in such a way that it was competing with much thinner, more expensive, and somewhat less capable cameras. It is more of a hybrid. The thickness of the camera is caused by the DSLR-style flange distance required for Pentax K-Lenses and because of that, It also has an amazing range of lenses and more capability than standard mirrorless cameras. And two, the design is very different which is NOT a bad thing, I will talk more about this below.
Specs:
Google them!
Body and Design:
Wow, just, wow, is all I can say, the moment I took it out of the box I was blown away. It really feels like a premium product that one would pay big bucks for, It feels nice in the hand and is pleasing to the eye. Marc Newson did an amazing job with this and I congratulate him on doing so. I own the yellow version and although sometimes it looks like it belongs in the Wizard of Oz (Yellow brick road!) I really enjoy the design. Although ONE feature is annoying when using vintage glass and that is the positioning of the green button used for stop down metering on Pre-A lenses, I feel like I'm doing finger yoga whenever the light changes. The lack of a viewfinder has some people bothered, but you get used to it and the screen is not as bad as people make it seem
Software Features:
Most are just gimmicks for your average person but for a serious amateur photographer, I don't use them, they don't get in my way. Something that is sort of software based is the in camera shake reduction. It works really well with old and new glass alike and is something more cameras should have.
Image Quality:
With the Sony sensor inside this is one awesome camera when it comes to IQ, better than my Canon 60D and any other camera I have used for a matter of fact, it is up there with some of the best Canon's and Nikon's on the DxO mark charts. Being able to use superb quality old Pentax glass from the 80's makes it even that much better. High-ISO performance is tested and proven to be the best for any mirrorless camera and competes fiercely with the high end DSLR's. There isn't much image degrading noise until 12800 which then is still very usable and with the boost ISO of 25600 it is noisy but useful when doing photography at night when most light is needed and the picture just needs to be taken and image quality takes second priority. There is a wide dynamic range meaning that more shadows are captured especially. The sensor is sharp and accurate.
Video:
I hate video.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase and the only annoyance is the awkward position of the green button, but apparently you might be able to assign that feature to the red button in a future update, so I'll wait and see.
I would definitely recommend this camera because with focus peaking and old glass you can take some really nice photos.
Thanks for reading
TL;DR: Amazing everything! | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Posts: 342
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $315.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sensor performance, build, fun | | Cons: | not much | | Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
I'm a little sad that the K-01 was discontinued -- but then again I probably wouldn't have bought one if it wasn't for the crazy discounts that were the result of its "discontinuation". For just over $300 you get a stylish mirrorless with the sensor from a K5 and support for all K-mount lenses. I've been using mine in place of my K20D. Although I miss the viewfinder, ergonomics, and more extensive controls of the K20D, I always choose the K-01 because of the sensor. Pentax really hit a home run with this sensor -- it has amazing noise performance, amazing dynamic range, and superb color reproduction. I adore the images I get out of this thing.
First off, the build and ergonomics. Build quality is fantastic. The aluminum parts have that classic cold metal feel, and the mode/control dials are snappy and responsive. Ergonomics are a little bit worse. I didn't have a problem with the squared edges or seemingly far button placement (I have big hands) but what annoyed me a bit is how "thin" the rear controls were. The buttons on the back feel a little cheap -- light and clicky. Sometimes I press them on accident because theyre too easy to press while holding the camera. Button placement itself is good, everything was reachable and easy to get used to. On-screen info is accessible and easy to discern. Overall, only a few minor complaints. I didn't care much about the flappy SD card door 
Noise performance is outstanding compared to my K20D. To get the same amount of noise that I get with ISO800 on my K20D, I would have to push the K-01 to ISO 6400. And noise at ISO100 on the K-01 is much less present than on the K20D at ISO100. The images are sharper too.
The video mode is alright. I was excited to use it since it supports 1080p 24fps videos. However I found that it doesn't reproduce fine detail very well -- it looks pretty compressed, even at the highest bitrate. Things like leaves in distant trees turn into green blobs. It's decent and I use it for shallow depth of field -- but for scenes where I do not need my "special" lenses (wide angle or large aperture) I continue using my Canon HF S11 camcorder -- it resolves a LOT more detail at 1080p.
I won't say much about autofocus since it's contrast AF and I don't shoot anything that requires fast focus. I worked for me 99% of the time.
For $300, it's an amazing value. I will say I am planning on getting either the K-3 next year or the new flagship (if there is one) to upgrade both this camera and my K20D. I bought this as a sort of "stepping stone" to my next DSLR. I have absolutely no regrets. The images I get out of this thing are fantastic and it's extremely fun to shoot with. Granted, you don't want to mount a giant lens on it because A) It's uncomfortable and B) It looks weird. It'll also ruin the whole "zen" of the mirrorless camera and probably intimidate your subjects. I've been shooting this with my primes exclusively. I find people react much more naturally to this camera compared to my K20D.
Overall, it deserves a 10 because for $300 I can not think of a single camera that could possibly outperform it.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2011 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Light, sturdy, compact and reliable | | Cons: | none, it is what it is.. | | Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
when the k-01 was introduced I never left my eyes on it, it was an itch that cannot be scratched till you have it.. this camera has all I wanted, I got this primarily for videos and it served me well... | | | | | Junior Member Registered: May, 2013 Location: Makati City Posts: 44
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | great image quality, use with old DSLR lenses | | Cons: | badly designed power switch and battery door | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
A maligned design
The Pentax K-01 is Pentax's first entry into the "bigger sensor" mirrorless interchangeable lens camera race. Pentax apparently wanted to distinguish itself in this category, so it tried to give the K-01 something different. One, Pentax designed the K-01 to be compatible even with its 40-year-old lenses, without fiddling with an adapter. This was intended to endear it to Pentax users who have old 35mm-format lenses. Unfortunately, this goal meant that the K-01 would have to be bigger (deeper) than other MILCs. The K-01 would have to be as deep as a DSLR, even without the DSLR mirror. And so the size alienated the non-Pentax crowd. Indeed the K-01 is a monster when compared to the sleek MILCs of Samsung and Sony. It’s that goal (and its price at launch) that I believe doomed the K-01 to fail commercially. Not many will prefer a fat mama who can cook, if you can get a supermodel for the same dowry.
Second, Pentax decided to give the K-01 a different look. So who is Marc Newsson whose name is on the bottom of the K-01? He’s an Aussie industrial designer who designs anything from bathroom plumbing to jet packs and space jets. Indeed a broad range of products, and in between he designed the Pentax K-01 – his first foray into cameras, and hopefully his last. The K-01 will be remembered for its much maligned looks. My take on this is that the design-wise the camera has some obvious faults. Spend a day with it and you’ll know that Marc Newsson does not know his cameras. Also, the K-01 is not pretty when compared to MILCs from Sony or Samsung, although it’s no prettier nor uglier than a Hasselblad. But then it’s a camera, it’s not meant to be pretty. If you are swayed from a camera because of its looks, then buy a Sony. That said, one can’t help but wonder what good Marc Newsson brought to this party.
The K-01 body is made of aluminum with rubber grips. It’s rock solid, it doesn’t yield nor creak when squeezed, exactly what a camera should feel like. It has a metal tripod mount, the controls are laid out well (with some exceptions, but more on that later). The menus are logical and settings easy to find. It also has a flash hotshoe.
Obviously, Marc Newsson exercised artistic liberty in designing the buttons and controls. The buttons and dials appear to be made of metal and exudes quality. The flush design of the lens release button was a nice deviation from the norm. Well done, Newsson. Why he did not do the same for the on/off switch is a mystery. There is a reason why a flush on/off switch is preferable – it snags in the case or bag, and the on/off switch on the K-01 will do that everytime.
The K-01’s size makes it handle like a DSLR only that you don’t stick it to your face when shooting.
My biggest gripe is with the right rubber grip that doubles as a hatch to cover the SD slot and ports. It’s a good design in theory, but the execution is terrible. The hatch is difficult to close firmly and pops open unintentionally. And its too thin and flimsy and certain to break sooner or later. A metal or even plastic door would have been better.
Where it shines
The K-01s image quality is as good as any in its class. Even those who are quick to condemn it for everything else still praise it for image quality.
Pentax touts compatibility of old manual focus lenses with its new digital bodies. Compatible is a relative term. Bodies like my K1000 had a split-image focusing screen that makes manual focus a breeze. But modern autofocus bodies have no need for such a focusing aid, until you try a manual focus lens on it. I had been using my Pentax M lenses on a Canon DSLR with an adapter (the type with electronics that allow focus confirmation in the optical viewfinder) with very mixed results, so I expected that manual focus using an LCD would even be more challenging. To my delight, I have more hits using manual focus on the K-01 than with focus confirmation on the Canon’s optical viewfinder.
The key to better manual focus on the K-01 is called focus peaking. When focus peaking is enabled, the edges of that portion of the frame with greatest contrast (and sharpest focus) give off a white glow. The glow is noticeable but not distracting. This feature has its limitations, but it works for the most part. Manual focus lenses are just so much easier to use with focus peaking.
There’s also in-body image stabilization. Pentax’s Shake Reduction moves the sensor vertically and horizontally (not sure if it can rotate the sensor as well like other camera models) to counteract camera shake. Now even my 70s vintage manual focus lenses have image stabilization.
A no-brainer in 2013
At its launch price of US$750 body only in March of 2012, purchasing one did not make much sense, but at below US$300 twelve months later it’s the cheapest digital camera that you can slap your old lenses on. What makes the K-01 more interesting is that it has a 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor that is second to none, has all-metal construction, accepts external strobes, and takes 40 year old lenses.
If like me you have Pentax lenses and no digital body to wed them with, buying the K-01 in 2013 is a no-brainer. If my plastic is not maxed out I’d get two of them in different colors. Now if you are just looking for a camera -- any camera -- the K-01 is still a good value in 2013. Just try to get a metal-bodied MILC with APS-C sensor and a flash hotshoe at that price!
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 141 | | Review Date: August 23, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $338.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, Great with manual lenses | | Cons: | Screen hard to see in direct sunlight | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
A great camera and a lot of fun with manual lenses.
Colour is great ...... don't use " Vibrant Mode" for skin tones unless you want "Disney Land" like effects
I have no issue with the location of the "Green Button", but I have large hands. Because there is no finder to look through, you hold this camera differently. My 12 year old's response to the Green Button was "my phone doesn't need a green button". Enough said!
I like the focus peaking feature, but I find it obscures my ability to achieve the correct depth of field so leave it off. The box around the auto focus is easy to use as it tell you where the camera is focused when in "auto" mode.
The Body looks very stream lined compared with the K-5/K-7. Very low profiled....almost "sexy" mated with short SMC K/M prime lenses. Mated to the 18-135mm DA ed, it looks decidedly awkward and front heavy. The pop-up flash is much closer to the lenses, then the K-5, K-7, so can cast shadows with long lenses.
The menu can be confusing......with " where was that feature again"....coming back on a regular basis.
The RAW and JEPG saves are brilliant. The JPEG for seeing the image and the RAW for post processing. Overall I found that less post pressing was required compared to the K 5
Conclusion..... Pentax have created a wonderful hybrid of a mirrorless camera, still able to access the wonderful lenses of yesteryear. Could become quite collectable in the years ahead .... but don't listen to me as technology usually loses value rapidly. Great second camera body, fun for family and friends familiar with the world of compact camera's and phones. Best applications are indoor and social.
Happy shooting!
 | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: November, 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 806 | | Review Date: May 17, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $299.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image Quality, K-5 sensor & battery, AF, Focus Peaking | | Cons: | funky flap/door where the SD card goes | |
There is a lot of technical things I could say but they have already been said in many other reviews, so I won't go there. So here is what i will say -
Though my daily driver is a K-5, I couldn't resist getting the K-01 when Pentax dropped the price and practically started giving them away.
First things first, though this camera is "the brick" it's really outside the box when it comes to innovative thinking. I have to give Pentax, Marc Newson and the Pentax engineers kudos for this camera, it is way ahead of it's time. It's a bit quirky as some will tell you but it is an excellent camera and I'm glad I have it.
I've been hauling the K-01 around a lot lately and everywhere I go, heads turn. Everyone wants to know what it is.
This camera is just great in every aspect I've run it through, it's a real work horse. Additionally, I shoot a lot of macro and I've found that focus peaking is an excellent feature for macro work.
Bottom line, if you don't have one - get one. You won't be sorry.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2007 Location: Baguio City, Philippines Posts: 350
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 22, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Silent Shutter, GREAT IQ and GREAT High ISO Performance, Tough Built, Great AWB, Responsive | | Cons: | Read below... | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
This camera is grossly underrated and hated by many... In fact, I think many people who complained about this camera didn't even had an experience to shoot with it, or didn't explore its capabilities and really felt the built...
This K-01 is so great in many way like:
1) Silent Shutter - I feel like I'm using a range finder camera, but of course the range finders are more quiet.
2) K-Mount - Just think about it, you don't need any additional expensive adapters to use your collections of K-mount lenses.
3) Built and Design - Personally, I love the minimalist design of it (I love minimalism), and the built is tough great and it feels good right in your hand.
4) Focus Peaking - It's always great to have your focus checked properly.
5) Image Quality - Just WOW even at high ISO! Because of this, I can now shoot at higher ISOs without compromising the IQ.
6) Better Video Controls and Quality - Finally I can manually custom set my videos (I was using K-7 for my videos), and finally I can have a 60fps for slow motion and 24fps for cinematic look. The image quality is great even at low light and at a very high ISO.
The "Cons"??? Not really a con for me...
1) Green Button? - the placement of the Green Button does not really affects my photography and I always using it. Take note, my fingers are short, and still it's not a problem. You know, when you're really into photography, that kind of "problem" will not really bother you.
2) The Rubber SD Card Door? - Yeah, it's flimsy, but I still don't find it as a problem. Live with it...
3) 1fps When Shooting RAW? - For me, it's okay. I lived with that since when I was using my hand-cranked analog cameras.
4) Viewfinder? - That's not a problem for me. It's not a big issue. Can we not create photographs without any optical of electronic viewfinder?
5) Tilt/Swivel Monitor? - It's good to have it for easier composition for lower or higher composition, but I can live without it. I mean when live view for DSLRs were not available, many photographers can shoot as low or high angles. It is us photographers have to adapt not the camera.
6) Video Audio Levels? - It's better to have it, but it doesn't, but I can live with that, just make sure the microphone is working properly, or better yet use a dedicated pro audio recorder.
Now... Here are some things I wanted for the K-01 which I think can be corrected via firmware update:
1) Simultaneous Selective Focus Area - meaning, if I set my AF Settings to a selective control, and when shooting, I don't have to press the 'OK' button first before changing the AF position.
2) Presence of Exposure Value when activating DOF Preview at Manual Mode when using aperture ring - I have many old full manual Pentax lenses just like others, it would be nice if the EV is present when pressing the DOF preview to check the exposure.
3) White Balance in Kelvin - It would be great if they added the WB adjustment in Kelvin for precise WB.
4) Focus Peaking During Video Mode - It would be great to to have it while recording video for optimum focus check.
5) Custom Color of Focus Peaking - It's nice to customize the color of the Focus Peaking, instead of just plain white highlights, it would be good to choose other colors like yellow, green, or red.
This Pentax K-01 is a great camera, it's like I'm using a modern Pentax K1000 and at the same time a rangefinder camera. It's simple and is silent. This camera is a straight forward camera. I'm having fun with it, I use it for my work (I'm a photojournalist for a national newspaper), it's discreet even if my K-01 is yellow, it's not an obtrusive camera where my subjects won't be intimidated...
This Pentax K-01 is great for general use like street photography, travel, photojournalism, documentary, videos, etc... Of course don't expect this camera to be good for sports photography and the like, I mean, this K-01 is like a Leica M9 (without the 35mm format sensor) where you're not going to use it for sports photography where you will shoot at high speed shutter with a high speed continuous super accurate AF systems. You can use it for sports but it's limited...
Every cameras made since its invention, we will never escape the reality of pros and cons... It's up to us to adapt with it and live with it. With that, we can be great photographers using any kinds of cameras...
Now, with the K-01's abilities and limitations listed here at K-01 Product Review, the question is How Far Can We Go Using This Camera???
Cheers..!
Richard B.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 | | Review Date: January 11, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $316.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, can use K mount lenses, focus peaking, great IQ, funky and cute | | Cons: | for me, none ... i don't expect it to be anything else | | Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Looks and ergonomics aside (each person will have their own standard and preferences), I think this camera is a great addition as a backup camera or studio camera. Everything you need is pretty much included in this camera.
I love how Pentax is standing its own grounds and brake the "monotony" of a camera by bringing new designs and fun cameras that are different but in the same time they are serious contenders that will give you great results.
Now, nothing is perfect and for some this camera will fall a little short on looks and some buttons placement, but if you are willing to accept it for what it is, you will not be disappointed with the results.
The brick does good ...  | | | | | Junior Member Registered: June, 2010 Posts: 47
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 28, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | IQ, Noise control, Size, Can expand creativity if used to shooting with viewfinder | | Cons: | Cannot bracket 5 exposures, No remote use when bracketing, SD card under flap of grip | | Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 6
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 4
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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My initial statement is to just get this camera while you can at the low price point. I purchased it as a second body to my k7, but now I am pretty sure I will be using it as primary for any non-tripod shots. Not having owned the k5, I am blown away by the image quality and the noise handling at high ISOs. This sensor does better at ISO 6400 then my k7 at ISO 800.
I noticed that my 40mm limited auto-focuses quicker and more accurately on the k-01 then it does on the k-7. It is not a matter of adjusting the lens for front or back focusing either (on the k-7), because sometimes it is right on, sometimes it isn’t. This is great since the pancake lens is the best companion to the k-01. I would recommend getting it with the 40mm xs lens if you don’t already have the limited. Great walkaround lens.
As others have stated, the focus peaking is awesome. It is cool that the feature is not offered on the k5 (to my knowledge)… so it is not all take-aways to make it cheaper, which is refreshing. It is nice to have a different view of things (using the lcd vs viewfinder). I think it helps to keep things creative.
However the one take-away that will prevent this camera from being my landscape shooter is the bracketing of only 3 exposures. On top of that, you cannot use the remote or timer when bracketing, which will defeat the purpose for those who use it for HDR on a tripod (as pressing the shutter down will cause camera movement) It will most likely be my walkaround camera and portrait/low light shooter. I am sure I will get the k5 iis or equivalent at some point to replace my k7 for landscapes.
It was bigger than I thought it was going to be, but I realized if it was any smaller it would be hard to hold and manual focus. So I actually like the size and don’t wish it to be any smaller. Not a huge fan of the rubber flap covering the SD card, like many others… but what can you do? Maybe on the next model just include it right next to the battery, in the same compartment. That is what my ricoh gx100 has (which by the way probably wont be seeing the light of day again). They can leave the rubber flap to cover the other inputs which I never use.
It gets a 10 for quality and value. I almost want to buy a second one just in case they discontinue the line, and if they don’t the next one will most likely be more expensive. Even at its original price point, I would still recommend it. | | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Sheffield Posts: 9
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 28, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
New or Used: New
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This camera's looks just kept growing on me which I guess reflects the daring new design. Added to that the price has become a bargain for the image quality it can produce and actual user reviews seemed to differ greatly from the early media reviews.
After testing this camera out, especially with the new firmware, it has totally exceeded my expectations. Build is incredible and weather sealing is the only thing missing for me but think I'm being greedy!
The comments about hitting the green button and the rubber flap don't wash with me - you have to move your finger a couple of cms for the former and you get the knack of sliding the flap back in very quickly. Big deal.
UI is great - really fast to access shooting options, manual focus and peaking are amazing with the screen and have totally changed my approach to non evf shooting.
Build is absolutely fantastic, with solid aluminium everywhere and reassuring clicks from dials and buttons, but noticeably lighter than K5.
And finally, the image quality is right up there for APSC. Pentax Ricoh, please don't ditch this line. Make a smaller, lighter version with less heft and depth in the body and an update of the K01 which takes an optional EVF.
Oh and on next firmware, add compatibility with gps astro tracer unit.
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