K1 vs A7?

Leumas · 08-26-2017, 02:52 PM

I'm getting the Fullframe itch. My K-70 is serving me well, but just can't do certain things a FF can. I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy. Seems like a steal for fullframe.
But it seems the K1 is leagues above in certain regards....except for EVF manual focus, and liveview autofocus. (Which I do like)

Any owners of both out there that can weigh in?

**clackers** · 08-26-2017, 03:05 PM

Yeah, I owned the A7, Leumas, but since getting the K-1 for the most part it just sits in the cupboard, there's no comparison.

Leumas · 08-26-2017, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Yeah, I owned the A7, Leumas, but since getting the K-1 for the most part it just sits in the cupboard, there's no comparison.

I've heard the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable?

surfar · 08-26-2017, 04:22 PM

The 3rd edition is"around the corner"....so i would wait.Prices could DROP even more.

Or just buy a K1 which is worth the investment, also think about what you HAVE to spend on lenses????

Before i got my K1 i researched both A7 and A7(2)....i ruled out the A7 very early in the process.

BigMack shoots the A7(2)...good luck with the menu of those early A models....A9 is supposed to be improved(but for THAT sort of $$$ you would expect that!)

rawr · 08-26-2017, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Leumas

liveview autofocus

IMHO, K-1 LV auto-focus is generally pretty good - fast and flexible, esp with a modern lens like the DFA 28-105. In particular I have been impressed with well how face-detection AF works in K-1 LV shooting. Certainly comparable to the face-detection AF of my A6000 and other NEX's I've used.

Originally posted by Leumas

the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable?

Probably in part because the A7's AF (and metering) only works in good light (0-20 EV), whilst with the K-1 (like most recent Pentaxes) the AF and metering works down to -3 EV light levels. Mount a slow lens on the A7 and one can certainly understand how it's contrast-detect AF might struggle in less than optimal light

**jlstrawman** · 08-26-2017, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by Leumas

I've heard the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable?

Isn't the latest and greatest, since it was announced in October 2013.

ronniemac · 08-26-2017, 06:03 PM

I only have a K-1 but also a K-S2 which has some similarities with your K-70, Leumas. In terms of heft, the K-1 is more substantial. This usually gives a better experience in the process of taking photos although it will need a camera bag for long hikes. It is difficult to advise you without knowing something about your sphere of photography and which lenses you have. Worth knowing that all Pentax lenses work on the K-1, although for some of the DA lenses it is best to allow the camera to default to crop (APS-C) mode.

On of the benefits of FF is that a larger sensor allows for higher pixel count, therefore greater resolution. A.F.A.I.K, the A7 has the same pixel count as the k-70 (24mp) whereas the K-1 has 36mp. There's pixel pitch to consider, but there's no doubting which offers better image quality.

On the other hand, it must be very tempting to go FF for as little as $900, but be sure to factor in the cost of lenses.

biz-engineer · 08-26-2017, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by Leumas

I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy.

In that case, you get what you pay for, honestly.

kooks · 08-26-2017, 11:32 PM

As other people wrote.. you get what you pay for.. IMO A7 is way below the K1 performance..

surfar · 08-27-2017, 01:33 AM

Originally posted by kooks

you get what you pay for

Originally posted by kooks

K1 performance..

K-1 is the best value FF and the lenses used on K70 will be useable straight away.Factor in the 300k usage recommendation and FF/1:1/Apsc versatility,the A7 isnt in the race.

shampeon · 08-30-2017, 07:54 PM

I use an A7ii with my manual Pentax glass, among others. I for sure wouldn't bother with the original A7, but the A7ii is a fantastic camera. It's small, has in body stabilization, and using the EVF with a manual lens allows me to nail focus. The ability to adapt practically any lens is great. I don't think I can go back to DSLRs now.

If you've got a large investment of Pentax autofocus lenses, it might be a different story, though. I do feel that once you go FF you will not use your APSC lenses much, though.

**clackers** · 08-30-2017, 08:25 PM

24Mp? Nuh. Your K-70 does that already.

Leumas · 09-01-2017, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by clackers

24Mp? Nuh. Your K-70 does that already.

Not to concerned about Megapixels, as the FF tend to have better image quality regardless. More the DOF achievable for portraiture and such.

But seems like the consensus is A7 is vastly inferior to the K1, which is sad cause the A7 satisfies my inner cheap-ass.

....I wonder when the K1 mark 2 is coming

surfar · 09-01-2017, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by Leumas

....I wonder when the K1 mark 2 is coming

Lots are wondering that as well!

Dont hold your breathe unless its good for another 18-24 months,ha ha

Whats a bigger wonder is what features it will bring and at what price point.

Winder · 09-01-2017, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Leumas

I'm getting the Fullframe itch. My K-70 is serving me well, but just can't do certain things a FF can. I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy. Seems like a steal for fullframe.
But it seems the K1 is leagues above in certain regards....except for EVF manual focus, and liveview autofocus. (Which I do like)

Any owners of both out there that can weigh in?

I have the A7II and the K-1. If you love shooting with manual focus lenses then go with the A7. For any other reason, take the K-1. Image quality of the K-1 is hands down better. Even the A7II lags the K-1 in most areas. I keep my A7II simply because I love the little Sony Zeiss 55mm F/1.8.

08-26-2017, 02:52 PM	#1
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454	K1 vs A7? I'm getting the Fullframe itch. My K-70 is serving me well, but just can't do certain things a FF can. I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy. Seems like a steal for fullframe. But it seems the K1 is leagues above in certain regards....except for EVF manual focus, and liveview autofocus. (Which I do like) Any owners of both out there that can weigh in?

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08-26-2017, 03:05 PM	#2
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Yeah, I owned the A7, Leumas, but since getting the K-1 for the most part it just sits in the cupboard, there's no comparison.

08-26-2017, 04:08 PM	#3
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers Yeah, I owned the A7, Leumas, but since getting the K-1 for the most part it just sits in the cupboard, there's no comparison. I've heard the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable?

08-26-2017, 04:22 PM	#4
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	The 3rd edition is"around the corner"....so i would wait.Prices could DROP even more. Or just buy a K1 which is worth the investment, also think about what you HAVE to spend on lenses???? Before i got my K1 i researched both A7 and A7(2)....i ruled out the A7 very early in the process. BigMack shoots the A7(2)...good luck with the menu of those early A models....A9 is supposed to be improved(but for THAT sort of $$$ you would expect that!)

08-26-2017, 04:24 PM	#5
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Leumas liveview autofocus IMHO, K-1 LV auto-focus is generally pretty good - fast and flexible, esp with a modern lens like the DFA 28-105. In particular I have been impressed with well how face-detection AF works in K-1 LV shooting. Certainly comparable to the face-detection AF of my A6000 and other NEX's I've used. Originally posted by Leumas the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable? Probably in part because the A7's AF (and metering) only works in good light (0-20 EV), whilst with the K-1 (like most recent Pentaxes) the AF and metering works down to -3 EV light levels. Mount a slow lens on the A7 and one can certainly understand how it's contrast-detect AF might struggle in less than optimal light

08-26-2017, 05:13 PM	#6
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by Leumas I've heard the focus on the A7 hunts a lot, and isn't very reliable? Isn't the latest and greatest, since it was announced in October 2013.

08-26-2017, 06:03 PM	#7
ronniemac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oxford Photos: Albums Posts: 244	I only have a K-1 but also a K-S2 which has some similarities with your K-70, Leumas. In terms of heft, the K-1 is more substantial. This usually gives a better experience in the process of taking photos although it will need a camera bag for long hikes. It is difficult to advise you without knowing something about your sphere of photography and which lenses you have. Worth knowing that all Pentax lenses work on the K-1, although for some of the DA lenses it is best to allow the camera to default to crop (APS-C) mode. On of the benefits of FF is that a larger sensor allows for higher pixel count, therefore greater resolution. A.F.A.I.K, the A7 has the same pixel count as the k-70 (24mp) whereas the K-1 has 36mp. There's pixel pitch to consider, but there's no doubting which offers better image quality. On the other hand, it must be very tempting to go FF for as little as $900, but be sure to factor in the cost of lenses.

08-26-2017, 09:38 PM	#8
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by Leumas I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy. In that case, you get what you pay for, honestly.

08-26-2017, 11:32 PM	#9
kooks Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San José, Costa Rica Photos: Albums Posts: 794	As other people wrote.. you get what you pay for.. IMO A7 is way below the K1 performance..

08-27-2017, 01:33 AM	#10
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by kooks you get what you pay for Originally posted by kooks K1 performance.. K-1 is the best value FF and the lenses used on K70 will be useable straight away.Factor in the 300k usage recommendation and FF/1:1/Apsc versatility,the A7 isnt in the race.

08-30-2017, 07:54 PM	#11
shampeon New Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: San Francisco Posts: 14	I use an A7ii with my manual Pentax glass, among others. I for sure wouldn't bother with the original A7, but the A7ii is a fantastic camera. It's small, has in body stabilization, and using the EVF with a manual lens allows me to nail focus. The ability to adapt practically any lens is great. I don't think I can go back to DSLRs now. If you've got a large investment of Pentax autofocus lenses, it might be a different story, though. I do feel that once you go FF you will not use your APSC lenses much, though.

08-30-2017, 08:25 PM	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	24Mp? Nuh. Your K-70 does that already.

09-01-2017, 12:22 PM	#13
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers 24Mp? Nuh. Your K-70 does that already. Not to concerned about Megapixels, as the FF tend to have better image quality regardless. More the DOF achievable for portraiture and such. But seems like the consensus is A7 is vastly inferior to the K1, which is sad cause the A7 satisfies my inner cheap-ass. ....I wonder when the K1 mark 2 is coming

09-01-2017, 12:32 PM	#14
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	Originally posted by Leumas ....I wonder when the K1 mark 2 is coming Lots are wondering that as well! Dont hold your breathe unless its good for another 18-24 months,ha ha Whats a bigger wonder is what features it will bring and at what price point.

09-01-2017, 05:15 PM	#15
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by Leumas I'm getting the Fullframe itch. My K-70 is serving me well, but just can't do certain things a FF can. I am super tempted by the A7 price as I can get one new for $899 at BestBuy. Seems like a steal for fullframe. But it seems the K1 is leagues above in certain regards....except for EVF manual focus, and liveview autofocus. (Which I do like) Any owners of both out there that can weigh in? I have the A7II and the K-1. If you love shooting with manual focus lenses then go with the A7. For any other reason, take the K-1. Image quality of the K-1 is hands down better. Even the A7II lags the K-1 in most areas. I keep my A7II simply because I love the little Sony Zeiss 55mm F/1.8.