I personally get this K-01 camera a few weeks ago and have to say this is love at first sight.
If the design question is an extra polarizing question, I'm on the extreme positive side
The K-01 design is outstanding and "feel" is as good as on other Pentax camera: a lot higher end finishing than on other "all plastic" cams.
My "Pros" against DSLR (K5 for example):
- Design: with a PKA 50mm this camera looks great !
- Lighter (even if not so significant, but the loss of weight is really there)
- Smaller (even if not so significant, but the loss of height is really there)
- Such a Silence when using it (the K5 whisper is now a disturbing shoult ! -just a little exaggerating- )
- LiveView shooting so optimized in front of DSLR's
- Focusing with manual focus lens is so easy with this camera !
- So inexpensive, even with a double lens kit !
- Design ! Ah, yes, I've mentioned it yet, but I have to repeat it in front of the conservatism of other DSLRs
My "Cons" against DSLR (K5 for example):
- Sunny shots (yes, even if they are "makable", it's not so confortable than with a visor, have to admit it).
- No Grip, such a shame
I'm so happy with this, than I bought his little brother, the Q, for my wife.
And we are agree to say that, when Pentax get out of the usual lines with their products, they do such a great job, but, like it was said before, this job is usually understood.