Which to buy, Q or K-01?

Medium FormatPro · 11-19-2012, 05:39 AM

Although most consumers will never be made aware of this one… I wonder how many of the K-01's are left? Enough to last through the year, or much into next year?

Docrwm · 11-19-2012, 05:51 AM

Originally posted by Medium FormatPro

Although most consumers will never be made aware of this one… I wonder how many of the K-01's are left? Enough to last through the year, or much into next year?

Hard to know. Groupon sold around 800 of the Q kits back in September and is selling them again (so far around 150). That means they have sold around 1000 units in the past 60 days. There has been no similar selloff of the K-01 that I am aware of, so if inventories were similar there ought to be a good reserve of K-01s left. Or not.

wjhawthorne3 · 11-19-2012, 06:40 AM

It would be sad to think of these cameras disappearing - Pentax marketing really missed the boat on these cameras (K-01). I think it is really something different than my DSLRs or my compacts - truly a hybrid. After putting my K-01 through its paces, including some interesting might/street photos the other evening - I'm 100% a fan. Thanks to this forum, however, mine has become "the brick" and it looks like that name will stick. Being a newbie on this forum, I haven't posted any pix yet. When I figure that out, I'll put up some 'brick shots.'

Just posted my test shots in an album - guess I've arrived.

D0n · 11-19-2012, 07:53 AM

the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class, has a famous designer's name on the bottom, and appears to be a limited run.
I doubt Pentax will ignore the mirrorless segment for long, and I suspect the replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design.

The k-01 reaks of the phrase "Collectors Item" and may truly become valuable in it's own right.

Docrwm · 11-19-2012, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by D0n

the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class, has a famous designer's name on the bottom, and appears to be a limited run.
I doubt Pentax will ignore the mirrorless segment for long, and I suspect the replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design.

The k-01 reaks of the phrase "Collectors Item" and may truly become valuable in it's own right.

If the Q series is a model, you may be right about the "replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design."

Laurentiu Cristofor · 11-20-2012, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by D0n

the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class

It is also in a class of its own.

Sulawesi-Man · 03-02-2013, 10:26 PM

I have a K-5 as my main shooter and a Fujifilm X10 as my "pocketable" camera. (That's a stretch.) I did up until recently also owned a white K-X (which was my first Pentax DSLR) but didn't use it as much because the K-5 was much more useful in many ways. At any rate, I sold the K-X and picked up a white K-01 mainly for its video capability which I find superior to the K-5's plus its focus peaking feature has allowed me to use older manual focus lenses with ease. I also find the K-01 to be a better companion to the X10 than the K-5 when I go on street photography shoots. Overall, I am quite happy with my new "Stormtrooper" and it slots nicely between the K-5 and the X10.

wjhawthorne3 · 03-03-2013, 10:13 AM

I was sad to learn that Pentax has discontinued the K-01. I jumped in after the big price drop and got a body for $299. I've had mine for about 4 months and have really grown to appreciate it - very comfortable size - I find the ergonomics to be quite comfortable - focuses easily and quickly - and it takes great pix. I have particularly enjoyed using my Pentax legacy lenses on this camera. So, from my point of view - its a good tome to snag one before they are gone. Too bad they dumped it - I saw it not as a compact (I prefer my Samsung EX-1 for that) but as a very flexible 'midsize" camera with some nice features.

ChatMechant · 03-03-2013, 07:22 PM

How well does the Q's image quality hold up when printing? has anyone done a 16x20 or larger?

SpartanD63 · 03-03-2013, 07:54 PM

I have both and like them both. The K-01 is serving me well while my K-30 is being repaired, and the Q is a good little camera.

Both are excellent cameras. But if I had to pick between them, it's the Q, every time. It's just such a fun little thing. I have only had my Q for a few days, but I'm enjoying it more than I've ever enjoyed the K-01. (Not that the K-01 is bad, it's just not as fun.)

GibbyTheMole · 03-05-2013, 04:44 PM

Since I already have 2 DSLRs, I don't see a K-01 adding anything to the mix, so I wouldn't personally buy one. It's too much like buying another DSLR. The Q on the other hand, is a blast to use, and IQ is surprisingly good for such a tiny sensor. (I haven't made prints with it, though...) Maybe the new hasn't worn off the Q yet, but I find myself shooting with the Q about 95% of the time. It's just so darn cool! Not that I'd give up my K-x's, though! :-)

Steve.Ledger · 03-07-2013, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by GibbyTheMole

Maybe the new hasn't worn off the Q yet, but I find myself shooting with the Q about 95% of the time. It's just so darn cool!

Me too! Even though I bought a K-01 a couple weeks later, I still go for the Q first.

Sulawesi-Man · 03-08-2013, 09:34 AM

The (old) Q is going for $237 on Amazon with the 02 zoom lens right now.

Amazon.com: Pentax Q Black Kit w/ 02 Standard Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo

dundee2002 · 03-08-2013, 11:00 PM

I prefer K-01 and compact camera.

audiobomber · 03-09-2013, 05:55 AM

I considered a Q for a long time, and had little interest in the K-01. In the end I bought the K-01 for two reasons.
1. I didn't want to start collecting lenses for another mount, and I know I would have if I owned a Q.
2, I wanted a low light shooter and the K-01 excels here

11-19-2012, 06:40 AM	#33
wjhawthorne3 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 16	It would be sad to think of these cameras disappearing - Pentax marketing really missed the boat on these cameras (K-01). I think it is really something different than my DSLRs or my compacts - truly a hybrid. After putting my K-01 through its paces, including some interesting might/street photos the other evening - I'm 100% a fan. Thanks to this forum, however, mine has become "the brick" and it looks like that name will stick. Being a newbie on this forum, I haven't posted any pix yet. When I figure that out, I'll put up some 'brick shots.' Just posted my test shots in an album - guess I've arrived. Last edited by wjhawthorne3; 11-19-2012 at 07:59 AM. Reason: to update for availability of pix

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11-19-2012, 05:39 AM	#31
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	Although most consumers will never be made aware of this one… I wonder how many of the K-01's are left? Enough to last through the year, or much into next year?

11-19-2012, 05:51 AM	#32
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Medium FormatPro Although most consumers will never be made aware of this one… I wonder how many of the K-01's are left? Enough to last through the year, or much into next year? Hard to know. Groupon sold around 800 of the Q kits back in September and is selling them again (so far around 150). That means they have sold around 1000 units in the past 60 days. There has been no similar selloff of the K-01 that I am aware of, so if inventories were similar there ought to be a good reserve of K-01s left. Or not.

11-19-2012, 07:53 AM	#34
D0n Banned Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 530	the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class, has a famous designer's name on the bottom, and appears to be a limited run. I doubt Pentax will ignore the mirrorless segment for long, and I suspect the replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design. The k-01 reaks of the phrase "Collectors Item" and may truly become valuable in it's own right.

11-19-2012, 08:30 AM	#35
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by D0n the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class, has a famous designer's name on the bottom, and appears to be a limited run. I doubt Pentax will ignore the mirrorless segment for long, and I suspect the replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design. The k-01 reaks of the phrase "Collectors Item" and may truly become valuable in it's own right. If the Q series is a model, you may be right about the "replacement for the k-01 will be a cheaper more conservative design."

11-20-2012, 10:01 PM	#36
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by D0n the k-01 has the best image quality of any camera in it's class It is also in a class of its own.

03-02-2013, 10:26 PM	#37
Sulawesi-Man Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 17	I have a K-5 as my main shooter and a Fujifilm X10 as my "pocketable" camera. (That's a stretch.) I did up until recently also owned a white K-X (which was my first Pentax DSLR) but didn't use it as much because the K-5 was much more useful in many ways. At any rate, I sold the K-X and picked up a white K-01 mainly for its video capability which I find superior to the K-5's plus its focus peaking feature has allowed me to use older manual focus lenses with ease. I also find the K-01 to be a better companion to the X10 than the K-5 when I go on street photography shoots. Overall, I am quite happy with my new "Stormtrooper" and it slots nicely between the K-5 and the X10.

03-03-2013, 10:13 AM	#38
wjhawthorne3 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 16	I was sad to learn that Pentax has discontinued the K-01. I jumped in after the big price drop and got a body for $299. I've had mine for about 4 months and have really grown to appreciate it - very comfortable size - I find the ergonomics to be quite comfortable - focuses easily and quickly - and it takes great pix. I have particularly enjoyed using my Pentax legacy lenses on this camera. So, from my point of view - its a good tome to snag one before they are gone. Too bad they dumped it - I saw it not as a compact (I prefer my Samsung EX-1 for that) but as a very flexible 'midsize" camera with some nice features.

03-03-2013, 07:22 PM	#39
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	How well does the Q's image quality hold up when printing? has anyone done a 16x20 or larger?

03-03-2013, 07:54 PM	#40
SpartanD63 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 351	I have both and like them both. The K-01 is serving me well while my K-30 is being repaired, and the Q is a good little camera. Both are excellent cameras. But if I had to pick between them, it's the Q, every time. It's just such a fun little thing. I have only had my Q for a few days, but I'm enjoying it more than I've ever enjoyed the K-01. (Not that the K-01 is bad, it's just not as fun.)

03-05-2013, 04:44 PM	#41
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Since I already have 2 DSLRs, I don't see a K-01 adding anything to the mix, so I wouldn't personally buy one. It's too much like buying another DSLR. The Q on the other hand, is a blast to use, and IQ is surprisingly good for such a tiny sensor. (I haven't made prints with it, though...) Maybe the new hasn't worn off the Q yet, but I find myself shooting with the Q about 95% of the time. It's just so darn cool! Not that I'd give up my K-x's, though! :-)

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03-07-2013, 06:14 AM	#42
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by GibbyTheMole Maybe the new hasn't worn off the Q yet, but I find myself shooting with the Q about 95% of the time. It's just so darn cool! Me too! Even though I bought a K-01 a couple weeks later, I still go for the Q first.

03-08-2013, 09:34 AM	#43
Sulawesi-Man Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 17	The (old) Q is going for $237 on Amazon with the 02 zoom lens right now. Amazon.com: Pentax Q Black Kit w/ 02 Standard Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo

03-08-2013, 11:00 PM	#44
dundee2002 New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 9	I prefer K-01 and compact camera.

03-09-2013, 05:55 AM	#45
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I considered a Q for a long time, and had little interest in the K-01. In the end I bought the K-01 for two reasons. 1. I didn't want to start collecting lenses for another mount, and I know I would have if I owned a Q. 2, I wanted a low light shooter and the K-01 excels here