Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR camera detailed specifications leaked

**Rondec** · 02-15-2018, 03:52 AM

No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners, as it is easier for us to convince ourselves that the K1 II isn't a camera we need as it is just a minor upgrade over the K-1. What we have needed (and need to save for) are new lenses and it seems as though some of those will trickle out this year.

As for Pentax committing suicide, that's a bit rough. The K-1 II is only a small upgrade, it is true, but I still imagine it will continue to sell decently and as the R and D for it is mostly paid for, any boost in sales will only help the bottom line.

In the end, the question is what the quality of the photos is and my guess is that it will be better -- at least in certain situations. I don't shoot high iso a whole lot, but if you do, having an extra stop or two of high iso performance could sway you to move up, particularly as if you sold your K-1 it would only be a few hundred dollars.

mecrox · 02-15-2018, 04:12 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Rondec

No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners, as it is easier for us to convince ourselves that the K1 II isn't a camera we need as it is just a minor upgrade over the K-1. What we have needed (and need to save for) are new lenses and it seems as though some of those will trickle out this year.

As for Pentax committing suicide, that's a bit rough. The K-1 II is only a small upgrade, it is true, but I still imagine it will continue to sell decently and as the R and D for it is mostly paid for, any boost in sales will only help the bottom line.

In the end, the question is what the quality of the photos is and my guess is that it will be better -- at least in certain situations. I don't shoot high iso a whole lot, but if you do, having an extra stop or two of high iso performance could sway you to move up, particularly as if you sold your K-1 it would only be a few hundred dollars.

Spec sheets don't tell the whole story, I think. On paper this looks a very dull update. However, it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor, an accelerator chip, improved software and tweaks here and there will turn out to produce a tighter, more responsive camera with IQ which is definitely a tad better, especially as the ISO climbs. Not enough to upgrade to from a K1, perhaps, but clearly something of a Mark II version. We'll see.

The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF number will put some better news into their annual results, imho.

**Rondec** · 02-15-2018, 04:19 AM

Originally posted by mecrox

Spec sheets don't tell the whole story, I think. On paper this looks a very dull update. However, it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor, an accelerator chip, improved software and tweaks here and there will turn out to produce a tighter, more responsive camera with IQ which is definitely a tad better, especially as the ISO climbs. Not enough to upgrade to from a K1, perhaps, but clearly something of a Mark II version. We'll see.

The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF number will put some better news into their annual results, imho.

But this definitely does not preclude an updated higher end APS-C camera. In fact, it makes it more likely this year as I can't imagine a huge amount of resources being put towards this minor upgrade.

A serious APS-C upgrade will take a lot of work and work in areas that Pentax hasn't traditionally been great at (auto focus, video).

FantasticMrFox · 02-15-2018, 04:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

But this definitely does not preclude an updated higher end APS-C camera. In fact, it makes it more likely this year as I can't imagine a huge amount of resources being put towards this minor upgrade.

A serious APS-C upgrade will take a lot of work and work in areas that Pentax hasn't traditionally been great at (auto focus, video).

But AF is a transferrable technology. If they have something ready for the K3 successor, why withhold it from the K-1 II?

FantasticMrFox · 02-15-2018, 04:25 AM

Originally posted by LightBug

When I say fast I meant fast focusing. None of your lenses in Pentax mount have fast focusing motor
designed for action. If you want fast focusing, you also need to invest in lenses with fast focusing motors.

PF put the new 55-300 PLM on the K3 II and it focused extremely quickly, but, big surprise, it did nothing to improve the bad AF.C performance.

**Rondec** · 02-15-2018, 04:25 AM

Originally posted by FantasticMrFox

But AF is a transferrable technology. If they have something ready for the K3 successor, why withhold it from the K-1 II?

Clearly the K3 successor is a ways away. Maybe six months away. Most tech/software for it is in beta stage at this point. In addition, if they are using a new imaging processor for the next APS-C camera (I think they'll have to) then it may not be easily transferable either.

surfar · 02-15-2018, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by mecrox

it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor

Is it a new sensor?

Originally posted by mecrox

The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF

Yes,i agree...however this tweak will take an excellent camera up to the SUPREB level...for what its suited to,ofcourse.

Originally posted by Rondec

No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners

Cant we just have a minor meltdown?...i'm a little annoyed that the accelerator chip wasnt in the K-1 originally,i wouldnt have a problem paying the extra $200 back then...but NOW,its a major loss to get into the proper K-1!

mecrox · 02-15-2018, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by surfar

Is it a new sensor?

I've no idea but it has been suggested it might be a new dual gain one from Sony - I've no real idea what that means beyond "better" at some things. Saying the sensor is 36 mpx doesn't tell us whether it is an older model or a newer model. Both are 36 mpx but one has improvements. That's the problem with spec sheets.

surfar · 02-15-2018, 05:04 AM

Originally posted by mecrox

I've no idea

Me either, so i thought you may have read it was...anyway,it wont be too long till alls clear.

JPT · 02-15-2018, 05:54 AM - **2 Likes**

Yaotomi Camera asked Pentax in Japan about future K-1 firmware support and got a positive response. It doesn't mean that the K-1 is necessarily get new features of the K-1 II, but it certainly sounds like a positive response for anyone already invested.

------------

In light of recent rumors, I asked people of PENTAX!

"What will happen with PENTAX K-1's firmware if a new product comes out?"

Pentax insider: “The basis of the K-1 is that it can be used for a long time, we will continue as far as possible"

Pentax_WA · 02-15-2018, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I really like my A7 MkII, but it shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the K-1.

For a start, it's a completely different camera, offering a very different shooting experience. Great for some, not great for others. It works well for my use-cases, but then, I'm very flexible regarding the whole DSLR vs mirrorless thing, and I'm happy to use both optical and electronic viewfinders. I also recognise the limitations in both, depending on the application.

As for the sensor, 24MP on the A7II is fine for me. However... taking pixel density and the use of an anti-aliasing filter into account, it provides the same kind of resolving capability as a 16MP APS-C Pentax K-5 (which I also own, so I can offer an informed opinion). It's nowhere near comparable to the K-1's 36MP sensor with no AA filter.

Regarding AF comparisons... I believe @LightBug was referring to fast-focusing (rather than fast aperture) lenses. The Pentax 16-50 (which I've tried) and 60-250 (which I own) are both great lenses, but neither is fast-focusing as a result of the SDM AF motor. Compared to a good screw-drive lens (or better still, the newer 55-300 PLM and future PLM-driven lenses), they're somewhat leisurely. Not, therefore, a good basis for comparing AF speed.

I think Pentax is going in the right direction with the K-1 and K-1II (even if the K-1II is a minor update). AF continues to be the biggest area for improvement, and I hope we'll see some serious development of that in future cameras.

Incidentally, I shoot the K-3 and K-3II and I've never found the AF system to be embarrassing... it takes a little practice, but it works well. For AF.C, it's not quite as good as some of the DSLR competition, but I can live with that. For those that can't, switch systems. It's pretty simple, really

Interesting insight. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I do own the new 55-300 lens as well, and still not as fast as equivalent version on my fuji xt2. This is just the fact. Fuji has a lot bettee AF system compared to K3ii. Even the slow 55-200 did better on fuji than my fast 55-300 on k3ii.

And frankly, I disagree that pentax is going to the right direction. I kept telling myself the same thing and that's why I invested over 20k in Pentax equipment, but No it doesn't. Pentax has been late in the game. Yes, I am not a videographer but I do record videos often.. Come on no 4K again. Even cellphone these days makes better videos.
No UHS tupe 2?
As far as a7R II, I was never convinced to pull the trigger because of all the little shortcomings, I suggest you rent the A7R III. It's in a different ball game. Such a joy to shoot with.
Happy shooting

---------- Post added 02-15-18 at 08:21 AM ----------

Pentax K-1 Mark II Price and Full Specification Leaked | NEW CAMERA

starjedi · 02-15-2018, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Pentax_WA

Interesting insight. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I do own the new 55-300 lens as well, and still not as fast as equivalent version on my fuji xt2. This is just the fact. Fuji has a lot bettee AF system compared to K3ii. Even the slow 55-200 did better on fuji than my fast 55-300 on k3ii.

And frankly, I disagree that pentax is going to the right direction. I kept telling myself the same thing and that's why I invested over 20k in Pentax equipment, but No it doesn't. Pentax has been late in the game. Yes, I am not a videographer but I do record videos often.. Come on no 4K again. Even cellphone these days makes better videos.
No UHS tupe 2?
As far as a7R II, I was never convinced to pull the trigger because of all the little shortcomings, I suggest you rent the A7R III. It's in a different ball game. Such a joy to shoot with.
Happy shooting

---------- Post added 02-15-18 at 08:21 AM ----------

Pentax K-1 Mark II Price and Full Specification Leaked | NEW CAMERA

Do not compare with A7Rii or A7Riii. I think that K1 Mark II apparently targets low-end FF market. The leaked specifications sound to be high-end if released 5 years ago and still not bad 2 years ago. It will be fairly priced I believe.

Rico · 02-15-2018, 07:59 AM - **1 Like**

One thing to keep in mind is that these specs are "rumor' specs. We don't really know yet officially what is coming. Those specs on PentaxRumors look like a bad copy and paste job to me.

Pentax_WA · 02-15-2018, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by starjedi

Do not compare with A7Rii or A7Riii. I think that K1 Mark II apparently targets low-end FF market. The leaked specifications sound to be high-end if released 5 years ago and still not bad 2 years ago. It will be fairly priced I believe.

True but sad. Why Pentax should be 5 yesr behind the game.
Sony is about to release this which is supposed to be the baby A9 and I predict the price will be very close to K1 or K1 mark II.

https://www.digitalrev.com/article/sony-a7-iii-rumours-on-the-rise

**clackers** · 02-15-2018, 08:09 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pentax_WA

True but sad. Why Pentax should be 5 yesr behind the game.
Sony is about to release this which is supposed to be the baby A9 and I predict the price will be very close to K1 or K1 mark II.

https://www.digitalrev.com/article/sony-a7-iii-rumours-on-the-rise

Only 24 Mp? No thanks.

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02-15-2018, 03:52 AM	#151
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners, as it is easier for us to convince ourselves that the K1 II isn't a camera we need as it is just a minor upgrade over the K-1. What we have needed (and need to save for) are new lenses and it seems as though some of those will trickle out this year. As for Pentax committing suicide, that's a bit rough. The K-1 II is only a small upgrade, it is true, but I still imagine it will continue to sell decently and as the R and D for it is mostly paid for, any boost in sales will only help the bottom line. In the end, the question is what the quality of the photos is and my guess is that it will be better -- at least in certain situations. I don't shoot high iso a whole lot, but if you do, having an extra stop or two of high iso performance could sway you to move up, particularly as if you sold your K-1 it would only be a few hundred dollars.

02-15-2018, 04:12 AM - 3 Likes	#152
mecrox Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Originally posted by Rondec No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners, as it is easier for us to convince ourselves that the K1 II isn't a camera we need as it is just a minor upgrade over the K-1. What we have needed (and need to save for) are new lenses and it seems as though some of those will trickle out this year. As for Pentax committing suicide, that's a bit rough. The K-1 II is only a small upgrade, it is true, but I still imagine it will continue to sell decently and as the R and D for it is mostly paid for, any boost in sales will only help the bottom line. In the end, the question is what the quality of the photos is and my guess is that it will be better -- at least in certain situations. I don't shoot high iso a whole lot, but if you do, having an extra stop or two of high iso performance could sway you to move up, particularly as if you sold your K-1 it would only be a few hundred dollars. Spec sheets don't tell the whole story, I think. On paper this looks a very dull update. However, it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor, an accelerator chip, improved software and tweaks here and there will turn out to produce a tighter, more responsive camera with IQ which is definitely a tad better, especially as the ISO climbs. Not enough to upgrade to from a K1, perhaps, but clearly something of a Mark II version. We'll see. The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF number will put some better news into their annual results, imho.

02-15-2018, 04:19 AM	#153
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by mecrox Spec sheets don't tell the whole story, I think. On paper this looks a very dull update. However, it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor, an accelerator chip, improved software and tweaks here and there will turn out to produce a tighter, more responsive camera with IQ which is definitely a tad better, especially as the ISO climbs. Not enough to upgrade to from a K1, perhaps, but clearly something of a Mark II version. We'll see. The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF number will put some better news into their annual results, imho. But this definitely does not preclude an updated higher end APS-C camera. In fact, it makes it more likely this year as I can't imagine a huge amount of resources being put towards this minor upgrade. A serious APS-C upgrade will take a lot of work and work in areas that Pentax hasn't traditionally been great at (auto focus, video).

02-15-2018, 04:22 AM - 1 Like	#154
FantasticMrFox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Munich Posts: 2,339	Originally posted by Rondec But this definitely does not preclude an updated higher end APS-C camera. In fact, it makes it more likely this year as I can't imagine a huge amount of resources being put towards this minor upgrade. A serious APS-C upgrade will take a lot of work and work in areas that Pentax hasn't traditionally been great at (auto focus, video). But AF is a transferrable technology. If they have something ready for the K3 successor, why withhold it from the K-1 II?

02-15-2018, 04:25 AM	#155
FantasticMrFox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Munich Posts: 2,339	Originally posted by LightBug When I say fast I meant fast focusing. None of your lenses in Pentax mount have fast focusing motor designed for action. If you want fast focusing, you also need to invest in lenses with fast focusing motors. PF put the new 55-300 PLM on the K3 II and it focused extremely quickly, but, big surprise, it did nothing to improve the bad AF.C performance.

02-15-2018, 04:25 AM	#156
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by FantasticMrFox But AF is a transferrable technology. If they have something ready for the K3 successor, why withhold it from the K-1 II? Clearly the K3 successor is a ways away. Maybe six months away. Most tech/software for it is in beta stage at this point. In addition, if they are using a new imaging processor for the next APS-C camera (I think they'll have to) then it may not be easily transferable either.

02-15-2018, 04:49 AM	#157
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by mecrox it's perfectly possible that a combination of a new sensor Is it a new sensor? Originally posted by mecrox The real big seller which Pentax would benefit from would be a serious step-up on APS-C. That and not this new FF Yes,i agree...however this tweak will take an excellent camera up to the SUPREB level...for what its suited to,ofcourse. Originally posted by Rondec No sense melting down over this. It is a win for existing K-1 owners Cant we just have a minor meltdown?...i'm a little annoyed that the accelerator chip wasnt in the K-1 originally,i wouldnt have a problem paying the extra $200 back then...but NOW,its a major loss to get into the proper K-1!

02-15-2018, 04:53 AM	#158
mecrox Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Originally posted by surfar Is it a new sensor? I've no idea but it has been suggested it might be a new dual gain one from Sony - I've no real idea what that means beyond "better" at some things. Saying the sensor is 36 mpx doesn't tell us whether it is an older model or a newer model. Both are 36 mpx but one has improvements. That's the problem with spec sheets.

02-15-2018, 05:04 AM	#159
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by mecrox I've no idea Me either, so i thought you may have read it was...anyway,it wont be too long till alls clear.

02-15-2018, 05:54 AM - 2 Likes	#160
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	Yaotomi Camera asked Pentax in Japan about future K-1 firmware support and got a positive response. It doesn't mean that the K-1 is necessarily get new features of the K-1 II, but it certainly sounds like a positive response for anyone already invested. ------------ In light of recent rumors, I asked people of PENTAX! "What will happen with PENTAX K-1's firmware if a new product comes out?" Pentax insider: “The basis of the K-1 is that it can be used for a long time, we will continue as far as possible"

02-15-2018, 07:20 AM	#161
Pentax_WA Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Seattle Posts: 307	Originally posted by BigMackCam I really like my A7 MkII, but it shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the K-1. For a start, it's a completely different camera, offering a very different shooting experience. Great for some, not great for others. It works well for my use-cases, but then, I'm very flexible regarding the whole DSLR vs mirrorless thing, and I'm happy to use both optical and electronic viewfinders. I also recognise the limitations in both, depending on the application. As for the sensor, 24MP on the A7II is fine for me. However... taking pixel density and the use of an anti-aliasing filter into account, it provides the same kind of resolving capability as a 16MP APS-C Pentax K-5 (which I also own, so I can offer an informed opinion). It's nowhere near comparable to the K-1's 36MP sensor with no AA filter. Regarding AF comparisons... I believe @LightBug was referring to fast-focusing (rather than fast aperture) lenses. The Pentax 16-50 (which I've tried) and 60-250 (which I own) are both great lenses, but neither is fast-focusing as a result of the SDM AF motor. Compared to a good screw-drive lens (or better still, the newer 55-300 PLM and future PLM-driven lenses), they're somewhat leisurely. Not, therefore, a good basis for comparing AF speed. I think Pentax is going in the right direction with the K-1 and K-1II (even if the K-1II is a minor update). AF continues to be the biggest area for improvement, and I hope we'll see some serious development of that in future cameras. Incidentally, I shoot the K-3 and K-3II and I've never found the AF system to be embarrassing... it takes a little practice, but it works well. For AF.C, it's not quite as good as some of the DSLR competition, but I can live with that. For those that can't, switch systems. It's pretty simple, really Interesting insight. Thank you for sharing your experience. I do own the new 55-300 lens as well, and still not as fast as equivalent version on my fuji xt2. This is just the fact. Fuji has a lot bettee AF system compared to K3ii. Even the slow 55-200 did better on fuji than my fast 55-300 on k3ii. And frankly, I disagree that pentax is going to the right direction. I kept telling myself the same thing and that's why I invested over 20k in Pentax equipment, but No it doesn't. Pentax has been late in the game. Yes, I am not a videographer but I do record videos often.. Come on no 4K again. Even cellphone these days makes better videos. No UHS tupe 2? As far as a7R II, I was never convinced to pull the trigger because of all the little shortcomings, I suggest you rent the A7R III. It's in a different ball game. Such a joy to shoot with. Happy shooting ---------- Post added 02-15-18 at 08:21 AM ---------- Pentax K-1 Mark II Price and Full Specification Leaked \| NEW CAMERA

02-15-2018, 07:43 AM	#162
starjedi Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 932	Originally posted by Pentax_WA Interesting insight. Thank you for sharing your experience. I do own the new 55-300 lens as well, and still not as fast as equivalent version on my fuji xt2. This is just the fact. Fuji has a lot bettee AF system compared to K3ii. Even the slow 55-200 did better on fuji than my fast 55-300 on k3ii. And frankly, I disagree that pentax is going to the right direction. I kept telling myself the same thing and that's why I invested over 20k in Pentax equipment, but No it doesn't. Pentax has been late in the game. Yes, I am not a videographer but I do record videos often.. Come on no 4K again. Even cellphone these days makes better videos. No UHS tupe 2? As far as a7R II, I was never convinced to pull the trigger because of all the little shortcomings, I suggest you rent the A7R III. It's in a different ball game. Such a joy to shoot with. Happy shooting ---------- Post added 02-15-18 at 08:21 AM ---------- Pentax K-1 Mark II Price and Full Specification Leaked \| NEW CAMERA Do not compare with A7Rii or A7Riii. I think that K1 Mark II apparently targets low-end FF market. The leaked specifications sound to be high-end if released 5 years ago and still not bad 2 years ago. It will be fairly priced I believe.

02-15-2018, 07:59 AM - 1 Like	#163
Rico Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,205	One thing to keep in mind is that these specs are "rumor' specs. We don't really know yet officially what is coming. Those specs on PentaxRumors look like a bad copy and paste job to me.

02-15-2018, 08:05 AM	#164
Pentax_WA Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Seattle Posts: 307	Originally posted by starjedi Do not compare with A7Rii or A7Riii. I think that K1 Mark II apparently targets low-end FF market. The leaked specifications sound to be high-end if released 5 years ago and still not bad 2 years ago. It will be fairly priced I believe. True but sad. Why Pentax should be 5 yesr behind the game. Sony is about to release this which is supposed to be the baby A9 and I predict the price will be very close to K1 or K1 mark II. https://www.digitalrev.com/article/sony-a7-iii-rumours-on-the-rise

02-15-2018, 08:09 AM - 1 Like	#165
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Pentax_WA True but sad. Why Pentax should be 5 yesr behind the game. Sony is about to release this which is supposed to be the baby A9 and I predict the price will be very close to K1 or K1 mark II. https://www.digitalrev.com/article/sony-a7-iii-rumours-on-the-rise Only 24 Mp? No thanks.