| Author: | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,653
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 20, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A dream camera for the landscape photographer. | | Cons: | None | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 20, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, pixel shift, astrotracer, lights for astro, gps, weather sealing, body design | | Cons: | gets pretty heavy I guess | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
| |
I have hesitated reviewing this camera for a while because... well... I still have not been able to master it. It is more camera than I am photographer. But, I think it's time to share some thoughts after owning it for two years now.
TL;DR Pentax killed it with their first full-frame, but you may not really need it.
I originally bought it in 2018 for $800, with some defects. For that price at the time it was a steal to me, as I could sell my K-3 and lens for it. Nowadays, I have seen several used K-1's in the 800-900 USD range, which is incredible. Making the switch to full-frame for me wasn't entirely educated, and to be honest I didn't know what I was getting myself into as far as size and cost. Those concerns notwithstanding, I have never been let down by the image quality or usability of the camera.
The K-3 is amazing. The K-1 just takes it up a notch with new sensor and processor technology. Images have even more dynamic range and noise is better controlled. That being said, if you considering making a similar jump, my images aren't "better" now. With my style of shooting, knowledge and skill level (amateur, approaching intermediate in some areas), I mostly have seen advantages in situations that I can shoot more comfortably in. Like indoors, where I can bump up the ISO and take advantage of the full width of a full-frame lens. I feel like more modern Pentax APS-C cameras like the KP and the new one just announced mitigate this with better ISO performance. My point here is, think twice (maybe thrice) about going full-frame unless you have a specific reason, and don't go full-frame uneducated like me 
I really appreciate the astrotracer being built in, and the little lights they put around the camera. I use those all the time with night photography. I don't use the red screen mode as much, as it makes reviewing the images impossible. Otherwise, it's a great idea because it does help with your eyes. Very cool features.
I haven't used pixel shift a lot, because I often find myself without a tripod. But from what I have experienced, it's great. Cool feature.
The jump to 24 -> 36 MP was big. No, I'm not printing that large to make a difference, but I often crop and I feel like it has made a practical difference when I need to.
The camera is very well built. Like a tank. That leads me to my one and only real negative which is size and weight. It is a very chunky camera. In many ways that's actually a positive thing - holding it is easy and it feels premium - but it does make me question taking it out with me for casual walks, and I have resorted to buying old Pentax bodies that are smaller and lighter to fill the photography urge for those kinds of trips. Another thing to think about.
For the price you can get these now it's becoming an even better deal, if you can deal with the size, weight and have access to full-frame glass. If not and you're drooling over it anyway, just know your APS-C camera is just fine 
Just tryin' to save you some money | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2018 Posts: 47
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 18, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, weather sealing, robustness | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
| |
I have had the K-1 for about two and half years and the shutter count is currently at around 60.000. I have previous use experience from mostly Pentax DSLRs (K-x, K-50, KP, K-3ii) and Canon EOS M (mark 1), Sigma Foveon DSLRs and DP1 models (including Merrill), as well as some Olympus P&S and MFT, Fujifilm P&S and Nikon D40, film DSLR and even Samsung Gear 360 cameras as well as several video cameras.
My use of Pentax gear is mostly outdoors in any weather. I carry it in a front loader camera bag with a harness when I am biking, paddling or hiking. Many reviewers have already covered the standard use of the camera, so I will be focusing more on using it in the extreme conditions.
In wet conditions, my experience is two-fold. One of the most extreme conditions humidity-wise has been a rain and hail storm for several hours, on top of a mountain with high winds. The DFA 15-30 actually stopped working after a few hours of this. Camera still worked with other lenses (when back indoors and it was safe to swap the lens) and even the 15-30 came back to life after a night of drying out and does not seem to have suffered from this exposure to the elements. Other times, I have had the camera e.g. boating or canoeing in heavy rain for hours with DFA 24-70, which became my go-to lens for wet conditions after the hail storm incident. DFA 24-70 has never showed any issues related to humidity. I am routinely taking my K-1 out in conditions where no regular DSLR can go. It has probably been out in heavy rain 100 times or more. The one experience with malfunctioning lens has made me a bit more cautious, but I still do not hesitate to take K-1 out in any weather.
Temperature-wise, I have successfully used the camera for astro and other photography at freezing conditions. At -30C and below, with long exposure astrophotography shots, the number of shots per one battery can go to just 60 images, but if you do have the spare batteries at hand, the camera never stops working even if kept for hours under bare sky so that it starts turning into a block of ice. (I am currently experimenting with lens heaters to keep shooting in these conditions). A number of times, there has been some arctic wind which means wind chill has been way lower than the -30 or -40C, and you can only take off gloves for a few seconds at a time, and the camera does not miss a beat. This is quite remarkable, as this means that even a well clothed photographer gives up long before the camera. One important thing is that K-1 can be handled with thick gloves on (except the power switch and AF/MF switch which are too tiny). On hikes in cold weather, when you keep the camera in a bag most of the time, there is not even much degradation in battery life.
Using the camera in these harsh conditions month after month, some of the buttons have become quite sticky. This is probably due to some salt water or sand penetrating inside the button wells (but not through the sealing I would guess). This does not affect the actual camera function.
There have only been two actual malfunctions with the camera so far. The first one was the hail storm incident described above, and the second one was not related to extreme humidity or temperature as far as I know. Actually, when it occurred, I had the camera with me for a few days’ hike in zero Celsius temperatures, but it never got very cold or even very humid. After about four days of this, the camera suddenly reset itself to factory settings. This has not occurred ever since, and the root cause for this one incident remains unknown to me. I have shot another few thousand images after this occurred, and I am hoping that this was a one-time occurrence.
I see K-1 as a perfect landscape and nature photography camera, and especially as an outdoors camera for Nordic conditions. (I don’t shoot birds or wildlife, do not have the time it would take to find the wildlife). The weight with one DFA lens is still tolerable and a handful of batteries takes you through a few days’ hike. Image quality is superb even in low light. I routinely use bracketing (+/- 1.5 EV stops) but rarely need to go for the + or – images. My only criticism is about the lens weight and size for the weather resistant selection: a weather-sealed pancake size lens in the wide to normal range (prime) is missing from Pentax selection. Ideally, something maybe in the 20 or max 35 mm focal range. f/4 would be perfectly okay for landscape photography.
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: December, 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 2,437 | | Review Date: October 19, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $2,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A please to use, excellent IQ, great selection of features | | Cons: | Shutter shock | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
Now that I have owned my K-1 for a couple of years now, I thought its about time to review it.
Overall I love it and it doesn't leave me wanting for much. It feels so great in my hands and comfortable enough to hold for hours. Personally I don't think its too heavy as the weight helps me with steady holding and seems to balance with the lenses I use very nicely. Size is small for a mirrored FF and really its not much bigger than a K-5 or K-3 - coming from a K-5, I did not really notice it being bigger until I put them side by side and certainly the extra depth to grip makes it much more comfortable to hold than the K-5 (which was already quite good).
I don't like a lot of noise in my images and with K-5 would avoid going over ISO 1600 when I could. On the K-1 I have many times been shooting indoor at ISO3200 (and sometimes 6400) and been very happy with image quality. To be honest I was not particularly needing more resolution than the K-5, however I have found the 36 MP sensor does give me a lot more flexibility to crop and can obviously help with noise performance too by the time you scale the image down. I'm more impressed with the sensor than I thought I would be.
I have to mention the tilt screen. This is a feature that I was not particularly looking forward to as I have always been concerned about the durability of tilt screens. But on the K-1 its a solid beast and I have no concerns about it at all. In fact its a feature I have really come to love and I'm often popping the screen out to help with those really awkward angle shots! GPS is nice to have too and have shot the occasional astrotracer too.
Features I have not used that much (a bit to my surprise but maybe its just me):
* Wifi. Mobile apps has often been quite problematic for me to get going and I don't often have a need for it anyway.
* Pixel shift. Have played with it but most of the scenes I shoot are rarely static enough for effective PixelShift. Often quite breezy in NZ.
* Extra selector knob. I alternate between selecting it to ISO and exposure but most of the time I forget what its on and I'm so used to the exposure and ISO buttons that I use those without even having to think. Its a nice idea though.
AF is actually quite good and certainly a big step up from my K-5. Its fast and accurate enough for my use but then I don't shoot a lot of action and rarely use continuous mode.
My only little annoyance (that is greatly outweighed by all the positives), is the occasional shutter shock. I use smaller lenses and occasionally the DFA28-105, and its with these lenses that it tends to show up. I shows up as a slight blurring when you pixel peep (and in cases where I know its not movement causing it). Also its usually not that critical to me as there is plenty of resolution there to work with when it happens - that said for more critical scenes and where shutter speed fall between 1/60 and 1/250, I sometimes change to LV (with ES turned on) to avoid it. To be fair I should point out that this is a common problem with FF DSLRs in general and its good Pentax has added ES in LV to help mitigate it.
Highly recommended if you into landscape photography.
Some sample shots:
1. ISO3200 (shadows boosted a bit as it was a dark seen and I believe no NR applied as I'm not fan of it)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/32751914666
2. ISO400
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/42822346734
3. ISO100
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/33079762078
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/40014570223 | | | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2019 Location: Roma Posts: 10 | | Review Date: October 2, 2019 | Not Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | OTTIMA E FACILE DA USARE | | Cons: | NESSUNO | | Years Owned: 0.6
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
FINALMENTE LA MACCHINA PERFETTA PER ME. OTTIMA IN OGNI SITUAZIONE ANCHE IN SCARSA LUMINOSITA'. CONTRASTO E COLORI ULTRADEFINITI. MOLTO UTILE IL WI-FI E MOLTO EFFICACE SENZA PERDITA DI SEGNALE E MOLTO VELOCE NEL TRASFERIMENTO DELLE IMMAGINI. OTTIMO IL GPS
SI USA CON MOLTA FACILITA' ED HA UN RAPPORTO QUALITA' PREZZO ECCELLENTE
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2016 Location: Arkansas Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 22, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, FF, IBIS, Weather Sealed, High ISO, Direct Control | | Cons: | Centralization of AF points, AF speed, Articulating screen | | Years Owned: 1 month
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
Coming from a K20d the K1 is a huge leap for me in everything except the learning curve, most buttons and controls are very similar so I've found myself completely at ease with this camera. On first unboxing I was concerned because there was a definite shifting of something within the camera, I later found out that this is normal. That was a scare as I bought the camera from an ebay retailer (but authorized Pentax dealer), but it still worried me. I bought the K1 new instead of the Mk II due to some issues raised by DPReview, if this camera interests you on the used market you might read that review. Anyhow here are my thoughts on some aspects of this camera.
Positives:
1. Build Quality is superb - What I've come to expect from Pentax/Ricoh.
2. Ergonomics - great, maybe not as good as my K20d, but I don't have the battery grip yet. If you don't think this is important, I have a Nikon D5000 gathering dust you should talk to.
3. IBIS - Easily 4-5 stops of stabilization, superb! Coupled with the high ISO, most flash situations are non-existent with this camera. Hence, no pop-up flash needed!
4. Size is large but not really much bigger than my k20d!
5. 3 command dials and 2 function dials and button inputs!!! Awesome, no menu diving for basic functions. Camera is a joy to use, especially if you grew up with film cameras.
6. Quieter and quicker by far than K20d.
7. Great to have an articulating monitor, I've missed that. It is something I used to use often.
8. The viewfinder is super, I can focus manually again. Wish they came with split/microprism focusing screen though.
Negatives:
1. Why not have a flip and twist monitor?? My Coolpix 8700, Oly E-3, and Nikon D5000 (kinda) had it, but the K1 has a strut system. Better than nothing, but still, what's the deal?
2. All the AF points are in the APS field of view. This to me is just stupid, I'm constantly having to recompose to get the composition I want.
3. Slow AF. My first "good" DSLR, the Oly E-3, stomps the K1 ... ELEVEN YEARS LATER!!! If only Oly hadn't used the 4/3 sensor.
4. Slow FPS continuous shooting... not a deal breaker, but again the 11 y.o. Oly beats it.
5. Slow write-to-card speed and buffer clearance. Also, if you switch cards around it can cause issues with the camera.
The only issue to me that is truly a big problem (for my picture taking style) would be the centralization of focus points. Then again, I've used cameras with only 3 FP's! No negative is so great as to detract from the whole in this camera.
As always, even from it's earliest film days, Pentax is a camera for photographers who appreciate value, quality, and core photographic needs. This is not a video camera, it is not a do everything but nothing well camera. It is a superb photographic machine. Bravo RICOH!!
P.S. - I have not tried the astrotracer or pixel-shift yet so no comment on those abilities but really am looking forward to trying them out soon.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 195
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 24, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image Quality, Full Frame, Ergonomics, Dynamic Range, Build Quality | | Cons: | 4 frames per second burst and buffer speeds | | Years Owned: 3 months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
I moved up from a K5 IIs to the K-1. I had owned the K-1 back in 2016 but the copy I received had some quirky issues that caused me to return it during the trial period. This copy of the K-1 I am reviewing is perfect. I was able to pick up with the grip, sling bag, 32GB SD card, software, cleaner, pentax strap, and other goodies for the amazing price of $1497 delivered! From a value standpoint, i would rate it a 15. The camera has a great weight to it and is combined with great weather sealing.
The K-1 has been rock solid since the unboxing. I updated the firmware and started shooting. I was amazed at the image quality produced from all of my lenses but especially my 77mm limited, 31mm limited and now the most impressive 50mm * 1.4. The combo of the the 50mm and this camera body is out of this world. Every lens I place on the K-1 renders amazing photos. I have 3 sigma lenses that rally benefit from the 36MP: 100-300mm F4 (FF), 70-200mm ff2.8 (FF), and 18-35 f1.8 (APS-C). Without any post editing, the images are spectacular. The best implementation of Sony 36MP sensor with amazing dynamic range.
I have been a Pentaxian for 7 years and have to say this camera is exactly the full frame camera I was waiting for. In my hand I feel the possibilities are endless. With the movable rear screen, the camera is an excellent choice for any landscape photography shoot. With the improved 5 axis image stabilization, photos come out razor sharp even when hand held in average to low light.
If I had to list improvements that would entice me to upgrade in the future, it would be more cross type focus points, improved frames per second count (at least 7 in ff), 4K video (even though i don't use for filming), improved buffer performance, and continued improvement on autofocus algorithms. While I am not a sports photographer, these upgrades would make the Pentax full frame, the ultimate full frame. However I would add that anyone who purchases the K-1 couldn't possibly be disappointed. This is an amazing camera that should be able to take me through the next 8 years of photography.
What everyone says about the K-1 is true. I have no idea how I can outgrow this camera. I highly recommend the K-1 for any person who loves photography!
 | | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2017 Posts: 5
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 24, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $1,990.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Full Frame, tropicalized, shake reduction, many lens available even for low budget, great high isos, handling, | | Cons: | for the moment nothing | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
I already have Canon 5D classic, Sony A7 and Kodak Pro 14n, and I wanted to get a full frame by Pentax, the K1 was and is the obvious answer to me.
I had it for $1990 as special offer and also taken official battery grip for increasing handling in portraits shooting and also using my Eneloop AA batteries.
For the moment I am deeply satisfied and will share some pictures very soon.
If you have the basics and really need full frame, you will be happy with K1, however avoid lenses as 28-300 and so on, use constant aperture or prime lenses. For sure if you are low budgeted when once bought K1, 50 1.7 or 1.8 are great choices or take a 35mm, choices are numerous.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2013 Posts: 5
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 27, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $2,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | dynamic range, build, ISO | | Cons: | non | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
Amazing dynamic range with this camera. What always has been difficult to reproduce are images of the sky. If you shoot in RAW, you will be able to get all these different shades of grey of the cloud formations. It seems to me that is was each time really the sky I photographed. That is an new experience to me  .
ISO is impressive as well. Indeed, no more flash needed. I live in an apartment which does not get a lot of sunlight and sun goes down always early in my country. So shooting indoors was often an bad experience for me. AF problems, IQ problems.....so flash was always needed. But I do not like to shoot with flash. It ruins every picture. Makes it looking artificial. Sure there are a lot of techniques like bouncing flash-light and filters but .......I do not care any more about that. I can shoot now in very low light conditions. So cool ! ISO of 12000 or 25000 is usable.
I did not tested features like ASTROTRACER yet, but this will come soon
WiFi works fine. Your camera will be the "server" where you have to connect to, if you like to get your pictures quickly onto your smart phone. Some free app from RICOH is needed therefore. Worked fine.
And as always, veeery good interface, handling and ergonomics with PENTAX.
I am an very happy K-1 owner but I have to admit, it is my first full frame camera.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: June, 2016 Location: Paris Posts: 124
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 30, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,799.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | sensor, ergonomics, WR, af, shake reduction, pixelshift, wifi, screen, gps, size, price | | Cons: | none | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
After two months usage and more than 20,000 actuations this is my conclusion :
It's flawless and it's the best deal FF camera on the market today.
It has a great amount of available new and used full frame AF Pentax & third party lenses and a huge number of full frame manual lenses to cover all possible professional needs.
In terms of ergonomics, it is the best full frame 35mm DSLR ever created.
In terms of autofocus, i've never imagined i could use a camera with 80 to 100% AF succes rate, depending of the lens attached.
The screw driven AF is fast enough for 99% of the needs. The SDM AF is fast and ..silent! enough for 99% too.
I won't talk much about everything else that i find perfect and covering the 99% of top notch full frame photographer's needs.
The 1% downside is the shots/sec rate. Do not forget that Pentax doesn't have a line of sport specific cameras like Canon and Nikon that aim high shooting rate. But what you loose in high end sports photography with this one, you gain in studio shots with the pixel shift technology, and you get yourself the cheapest medium format equivalent quality possible.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2015 Location: NC Posts: 7
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 13, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,799.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image Quality, Consistent Performer, Solid Build, Weather Sealing, Value | | Cons: | Video | | Years Owned: .4
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
Full review here.
Growing K-1 500px gallery.
K-1 perks from review listed here:
K-1 perk 1) Stellar spec sheet on par with the best full frame cameras available today. Getting the well knowns that separate it from the rest of the Pentax clan out of the way in one perk. 36MP, full frame, 1/8000s shutter speed, and improved 5-axis image stabilization. Few cameras operate in this company.
K-1 perk 2) To add on to the Pentax perk above it has to be said again. Price. Until the K-1 was released the full frame camera I wanted most was a Nikon D810. No more. At $1,000 less not only does it match the D810 spec sheet it keeps going offering features no other DSLR I know of offers regardless of price (Cameras like the Leica SL baffle me what you get for what you pay wise, but much respect to those who can afford them.) like GPS and image stabilization and…
K-1 perk 3) Built in WiFi. Above not only many of it’s siblings, many other DSLRs like the D810 either do not have or require a dongle for this. Of note the D750 has WiFi, but priced above the K-1 it has 24MP, no IS…
K-1 perk 4) 3rd control wheel of many purposes. Agreed they went crazy with the choices, but that control wheel has been fantastic in use.
K-1 perk 5) A ‘unique’ tiltable screen. I will be first to admit that it seemed wonderfully over engineered to me initially (I am an Industrial Engineer by degree you understand). But in use this is what it is about. My preference is flip down/up screens (E-P5, E-PL5, NX300, NX1, RX-100ii for instance) and central to the K-1 screen is this type of mount. No sideways motion with those above however. Side 180 degree swing out and swivel screens (NX30 for instance) are less discrete when used as a waist level viewfinder and have an inherent single point failure point where the screen meets the camera. So what if you want a bit of sideways view action, but with more anchor points? Mount the up/down tilt mechanism to the camera using an interesting rods with sliding ball socket mechanism that works as billed.
K-1 perk 6) LED access lights. Brilliant. Why has no one else done this?
K-1 perk 7) Full frame. Unique to the K-1 this makes the K-1 so much more usable with the 28-75mm and 70-200mm ranges of the 2 Tamrons mentioned above. On the K-3ii the crop factor was not a plus making the 70-200mm too tele for in a pinch walkabout use.
K-1 perk 8) Low noise and image quality on par with the best cameras out there. This cameras performance far outshines the full frame film and digital cameras I have used and my only real IQ comparison can be made with my 2 medium format film cameras. And I am talking about normal mode. Pixel shift mode provides even greater results where the shooting situation allows. The image quality is that good.
I may add perks if more come to me, but these are more than enough in my book. It is my sincere hope that Pentax can get these in to as many hands as possible. It may not convince die hard brand loyalists to switch. I understand. A lot, emotionally and fiscally, goes in to choosing and building a system. But if you have only APS-C bodies and lenses you owe it to yourself to take a look if you have been thinking of moving to full frame. Same applies if you are looking to start off new with a full frame. If you have found yourself with a full frame body, but like I did you now realize you cannot bring yourself to spend the astronomical sums companies, factory and 3rd party, are asking for primes and image stabilized constant aperture zooms consider this: Backwards legacy lens compatibility and the availability of non-stabilized 3rd party constant aperture zoom lenses means I have spent $100 less for a new K-1 ($1,799), 3 legacy primes ($149), and 2 used zooms ($750) combined than the current new price for a D810 ($2799) body alone. A trade could go a long way is all I am saying.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2015 Location: Stockholm Posts: 15
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 10, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $2,400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | High end in every aspect | | Cons: | None so far | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
Well, been using it for a month now and it's a sheer joy to use. The image quality and dynamic range is just stunning. Have tested around 20 lenses of all ages this past month and even with old Pentax-F zooms it delivers fantastic images but it's most impressing when putting on old Zeiss Jena lenses or my Limited's (35 & 70)
My K-1 is still on v1.00 but I have not encountered any bugs yet.
Update 17-07-25:
Been using it for more than a year now and still love it !! Have not encountered any bug either.. The only negative, but not a big one, is that one still can't tell the K-1 what memory card it should use besides pulling one out..
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Posts: 2,626
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 17, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Versatilty, Ergonomics | | Cons: | Accessories options (hopefully expanding) | | New or Used: New
| |
The K-1 has pulled from earlier models with its ergonomics, which means switching to it is a breeze! The various buttons are very configurable, so you can set it up the way you work the most comfortably. An example, it has a button for RAW. As I always shot RAW and JPG at the same time, this button would normally not be used, but it was reconfigured to give access to the Flash Exposure Compensation module of the firmware. NICE!
I have tried a number of lenses with it so far, including Tamron's 80-300 Macro zoom (I thought this was for the ASC-P sensors, but works fine with no vignetting) some older Pentax A and M lenses and even a Sigma 10-20 f3.5. OK, there is vignetting below 15mm, but until then, it works fine without any noticeable corner vignette deterioration. Auto focus lenses focus spot on. Manual focus lenses are easy to focus using the focus assist function (semi- auto focus)?
OK Pentax & Ricoh, now how do you top yourselves?
 With a 50mm FA macro
 With a 24-70 f2.8 Sigma EX DG
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: October, 2014 Posts: 28
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 13, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $2,086.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Solid build, ergonomics, high ISO / low noise, features, IQ | | Cons: | AF speed in LV, AF points too centralised, continuous shooting speed | | Years Owned: .1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
After using it only for couple of weeks I can easily say, it is the best DSLR I've ever used and in my opinion the best DSLR on the market under $5,000.
AF speed coped a lot of criticism in the past among Pentax cameras and it was main reasons that I left Pentax a few years ago and switched to Sony. However build quality, ergonomics, usability and availability of K mount lenses and overall "Pentax feeling" won me back. I sold all of my Sony gear and got myself , what I consider an ultimate piece of photographic equipment . The masterpiece.
Of course K1 has it's flaws. No camera is perfect. AF points, IMO, should cover more of the area and should be more of them. The way they are spread, covering the central area of the focusing screen, you wouldn't find them really useful for AF tracking. But I am trying to learn to work with it.
AF in live view is a bit hesitating and sluggish. Also some of the functions on the new function dial are unnecessary doubling up already easy accessible functions. But this flaws are negligible when you put them up against an excellent high ISO performance, brilliant IQ, in body image stabilisation, pixel shift resolution, build quality, ergonomics, WR body and lenses, big, beautiful viewfinder and quirky but very useful and unique LCD screen. There is some more excellent features as TAv exposure setting, 5 user setting memories, option of extracting RAW data from the last reordered image even when file format set to JPEG and so much more.
All that would be worth nothing if image quality is not there, but in my honest opinion, K1 is a real deal. Complete package. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a non compromise, top notch semi-pro DSLR.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2007 Location: North West UK Posts: 390
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 6, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,799.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build, AF speed, quiet shutter, features, ergonomics, IQ | | Cons: | Tight AF cluster but because of the excellent APS-C feature | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
Lets start by saying that I have had the camera 4 days as I write, and I am trying to be objective and not seeing it through Pentax rose tinted glasses due to the fact that it is the first FF digital body Pentax have made.
If it was solely rose tinted all of use would give it a 10 even if it had 12MP a slow AF and ISO noise above 800. Why? because it was FF and we can use our legacy glass on it as they were meant to be.
The truth though, is that the K-1 is one mighty camera anyway and the performance and feature set would honour any of the rivals hall of fame. That is something that Ricoh should be proud of. Not only have they produced a camera that Pentaxians have been crying out for, but produced a camera that is worthy for any photographer.
So the nitty gritty so far.
Apart from the superb build quality, weather sealing and the fact that it is FF. there are several things that make the K-1 such a delight to use.
Crop mode option - Unlike Nikon which forces their FF bodies to crop when a DX lens is on the front, you have the option to choose AUTO, APS-C or FF in your choice. A bonus as a number of DA lenses cover the sensor with ease, and some (10-17 fisheye for example) cover the sensor when zoomed in. This means that you are not forced to shoot at 15MP and use the full 36MP for the shot.
AF speed - This is the biggest leap of them all, it is fast and snappy indeed. I thought that the K-3 was good (from a Pentax point of view) but the K-1 has really reached the fast AF of CaNikon standard bodies, but not the D5/1DX. Then again nothing matches those two. For those who accept the slight slow but accurate AF of Pentax will be delighted on how fast it is.
Shutter - K-5 was quiet, the K-3 was quieter, the K-1 even more so, especially considering the size of the sensor and mirror. Couple this with the AF and in actual use is a wonderful thing.
Old lenses - Okay we have all wanted a FF due to the amount of lenses going back decades. We have read various "opinions" on the web that you will only get the best IQ with the latest lenses. Guess what? It is a pack of lies! I have used already lenses going back fifty years deliberately, and the IQ is fantastic! Pentax lenses have always been over-designed and over-engineered (more recent film zooms excepted on the whole) and they love the K-1. If you have great lenses that you have used on film and the APS-C bodies, I can tell you that they will shine on the K-1. I am going to play with my cheap lenses to see how they go shortly, the FA28-80 springs to mind, but I am not expecting much, but then again I never expected much from film days nor APS-C.
Finally, Price. - How have Ricoh produced a gem of a camera at a price that undercuts the rivals by a large margin, yet has so many features is beyond me. But we are the winners here.
If you are only thinking about getting one, seriously, do not hesitate, get one, you are getting one of the finest FF digital bodies out there, not just the best (and only) Pentax FF body.
Edit - Sept 2017. There is one issue that needs to be addressed in the Mk2 and that is support for UHS-II cards. UHS-I cards when mirroring to both slots is simply not quick enough. Having UHS-II support would make it a heck of a lot faster. So please Pentax, ensure the mk2 has this facility, it REALLY needs it.
| | |
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
