K-01 is always in live view, so it has the type of focusing that a DSLR has when in live view. This is different than the regular PD AF of DSLRs. It is a little slower, might hunt sometimes, but it does not suffer from back or front focusing. Once you update the firmware it gets a little better than the original firmware. You also learn how to deal with it, its strengths and weaknesses. But it is not going to be as fast as something like K-3 or K-1.
Like I said, K-01 is a relatively slow camera. If you are in hurry, impatient, or if you take the kind of photos where speed is required (sports photography, photos of moving animals or children) then you might be better off with a classic DSLR. Landscapes and flower photos, the K-01 is great imo. You can check my gallery (link in sig) to see what kind of photos I took with K-r and K-01.
The suggestion of K-S1 is a good one. You can find it for amazing prices, used. Basically, if I were you, I would make a list of priorities and set a budget. Then look at local used offerings and find the best possible camera that fits in that budget. 16MP sensor or newer; these would all be a step up from the K-r.
But!!
You mentioned you only have one lens. I would recommend you update the lens before camera. Unless your camera is falling apart or damaged.
Get a nice lens like DA 50mm f1.8 and DA 35mm f2.4. These will improve image quality a lot, give you faster AF and better low light performance. And the best part? Even if you upgrade from the K-r to something else, maybe two, three years later? You can still use these lenses, and they will still be decent. Lenses are better investments than cameras, they keep value better and can be used for decades. Move away from the 18-55mm zoom. It is not a terrible lens, but it is the worst performer that Pentax is currently selling.
Last edited by Na Horuk; 07-23-2016 at 05:55 PM.
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