The K-1 ii is surprisingly small for a DSLR

**SirGuinea** · 04-10-2023, 05:09 PM

Something I’ve noticed while handling my old 5Dii is how large it felt while handling it.
I then compared it to my k-1 ii and noticed that the k-1 ii is slimmer width-wise
The more compact build makes the handling feel better.

What’s your take on the grip/handling?

But then I noticed the size difference of the 5Dii’s top lcd display compared to the K-1ii.
I’d love to have a larger top display. The tiny one on the pentax feels unnecessary because of its size.

What’s your opinion on the mini display? Should it be bigger and sacrifice something, remove it for something else or keep things as they are?

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MarkJerling · 04-10-2023, 05:32 PM

Coming from the K5 to the K-1ii, I've found the top display small. But, it's OK, especially considering how much information can be found by looking through the viewfinder.

**Ski Jumper** · 04-10-2023, 05:52 PM - **1 Like**

I rarely look at the top display. Kind of forgot it was there lol.

**OldChE** · 04-10-2023, 06:07 PM - **1 Like**

The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact. But it has more weight per unit volume than many other cameras, so gives the perception of being "heavy" and "built like a tank." Well, on that last point, it probably is. On the LCD screen, I don't often look at it, but when I do it has the information I need and is big enough. With the hyper capability of the two control wheels and the information in the viewfinder, I don't really need to check the LCD screen in most instances.

---------- Post added 04-10-23 at 08:10 PM ----------

Oh, forgot to add, I think the grip and handling on the K-1-II is excellent. Even better with the optional battery grip installed, though then the size and weight does put it over the point that I'd want to walk around with it all day, at least for me. But if you are doing some intensive portrait shooting in a limited area like a home or studio, the battery grip may be just the thing.

zapp · 04-10-2023, 10:28 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by OldChE

The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact. But it has more weight per unit volume than many other cameras, so gives the perception of being "heavy" and "built like a tank." Well, on that last point, it probably is. On the LCD screen, I don't often look at it, but when I do it has the information I need and is big enough. With the hyper capability of the two control wheels and the information in the viewfinder, I don't really need to check the LCD screen in most instances.

---------- Post added 04-10-23 at 08:10 PM ----------

Oh, forgot to add, I think the grip and handling on the K-1-II is excellent. Even better with the optional battery grip installed, though then the size and weight does put it over the point that I'd want to walk around with it all day, at least for me. But if you are doing some intensive portrait shooting in a limited area like a home or studio, the battery grip may be just the thing.

Canon 5D iv is 130g lighter than K1ii. The 70-200 from Canon is lighter than the Pentax. K1ii is not overly heavy, but also not lighter than its competition.

leekil · 04-11-2023, 12:51 AM - **1 Like**

The K-1 is kind of big and heavy, when compared to previous Pentax DSLRs. It seemed quite heavy when I first got it, I have gotten used to it, but I still wouldn't mind a smaller/lighter FF Pentax.

AfterPentax Mark II · 04-11-2023, 01:11 AM - **1 Like**

The K-1's are always described as big and heavy, build like a tank and then I had a chance to hold one at a photoshop and was surprised that including the DFA 28-105 was not as heavy as I expected. I was used to the Samsung GX10 and K-3 Mark II, which I found always quite heavy. Still I have not bought one, although I am hesitating at the moment now the price has gone down € 300,00. Because I also have the superb KP and do not want that one to go into retirement yet...

**acoufap** · 04-11-2023, 02:14 AM

The top LCD shows most needed information - battery status, card slots, exposure time, fstop, iso and if theres an exposure compensation set. The exact value for the latter is only shown when you activate it for input. The only thing that I‘d like to see also directly.

When I walk around with K-5 or K-1 I often set basic values without looking through the viewfinder or activating live view info panel. And when doing interval shots it‘s also helpful, when I don‘t want to activate liveview and liveview feedback after shots.

So I still miss this feature a little bit on my KP - especially because the second weakness of the KP is the small battery and battery consumption of the liveview monitor is relative high.

**Serkevan** · 04-11-2023, 04:18 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by OldChE

The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact.

Nnno. The K-1 is the second-heaviest FF DSLR body, a touch behind the D850. It's *noticeably* heavier than the 5D and 6D for sure. It just doesn't feel as heavy as it is due to its much better grip.

With lenses, it feels lighter because the center of mass is closer to the body - though the total weight might well be higher than in most other cases.

texandrews · 04-11-2023, 07:31 AM - **4 Likes**

I agree with several of the above comments. I'll add that I find Canon cameras kinda cheesy, feel-wise. The "big and heavy" thing started at DPR IIRC, totally unfair IMO since the Nikon was equally chunky---it was in the review. This is when I had a post deleted because I used the term "sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" to point out inequities between reviews. Still burns me.

I agree especially with the comment above about center of gravity. After all, we use these cameras with lenses, so it seems to me one must take that into account. As much as I loved my A7R, with lenses on it it always felt unbalanced. And I also think there's a finite limit to how small a sophisticated, full featured camera can be before the small size impedes easy use of the controls. I think Pentax got the size of the K1 just right---any smaller and it would feel cramped to me.

It's just solid.

**Serkevan** · 04-11-2023, 07:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by texandrews

I think Pentax got the size of the K1 just right---any smaller and it would feel cramped to me.

It's just solid.

Yep yep. It's a fair bit smaller than most other comparable cameras, but it still lets you access all its buttons easily (and it's not like it has any lack of physical controls).

**iheiramo** · 04-11-2023, 07:51 AM - **1 Like**

I found the top screen useless and I rather have it removed from next model than sacrifice any adjustments on top to make it larger. Same information is shown on rear screen with much better visibility so I don't need to put on glasses to read it.

Size of the camera and the grip are perfect for me. In comparison K3 style bodies are too small for my big hands. Also the hevier body is good counterweight for big modern lenses. DFA85 is much better balanced on K1ii than on K3.

**ffking** · 04-11-2023, 08:00 AM - **1 Like**

One thing I'vre realised aboiut reviews is that seeming opposites can both be true - for example, if robustness is important you realise that it comes with extra weight which you don't mind. If robustness is not important to you, the extra weight might be a negative. So a camera can have 'built like a tank' in the pros and 'heavy' in the cons without there being a contradiction - just things that different users might regatrd as important.

Stavri · 04-11-2023, 08:34 AM

The K1 is small FF, even when considering modern FF mirrorless. If you take the pentaprism out the K1 is not much bigger than Sony bodies. I wish they could do a K1 mirrorless version, it'd sell like hot cakes. (I don't have my K1 anymore but here's my K10d next to Gen 4 Sony FF)

**GaryM** · 04-11-2023, 09:26 AM - **1 Like**

I love the solid feel and handling of the K-1, it feels very purposeful when I'm shooting with it. Regardless of what performance improvements they put into a newer version (if we get one), I would be very satisfied if they left the body just as it is, other than maybe adding a joystick.

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04-10-2023, 05:32 PM	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Coming from the K5 to the K-1ii, I've found the top display small. But, it's OK, especially considering how much information can be found by looking through the viewfinder.

04-10-2023, 05:52 PM - 1 Like	#3
Ski Jumper Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO Posts: 672	I rarely look at the top display. Kind of forgot it was there lol.

04-10-2023, 06:07 PM - 1 Like	#4
OldChE Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 484	The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact. But it has more weight per unit volume than many other cameras, so gives the perception of being "heavy" and "built like a tank." Well, on that last point, it probably is. On the LCD screen, I don't often look at it, but when I do it has the information I need and is big enough. With the hyper capability of the two control wheels and the information in the viewfinder, I don't really need to check the LCD screen in most instances. ---------- Post added 04-10-23 at 08:10 PM ---------- Oh, forgot to add, I think the grip and handling on the K-1-II is excellent. Even better with the optional battery grip installed, though then the size and weight does put it over the point that I'd want to walk around with it all day, at least for me. But if you are doing some intensive portrait shooting in a limited area like a home or studio, the battery grip may be just the thing.

04-10-2023, 10:28 PM - 2 Likes	#5
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Originally posted by OldChE The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact. But it has more weight per unit volume than many other cameras, so gives the perception of being "heavy" and "built like a tank." Well, on that last point, it probably is. On the LCD screen, I don't often look at it, but when I do it has the information I need and is big enough. With the hyper capability of the two control wheels and the information in the viewfinder, I don't really need to check the LCD screen in most instances. ---------- Post added 04-10-23 at 08:10 PM ---------- Oh, forgot to add, I think the grip and handling on the K-1-II is excellent. Even better with the optional battery grip installed, though then the size and weight does put it over the point that I'd want to walk around with it all day, at least for me. But if you are doing some intensive portrait shooting in a limited area like a home or studio, the battery grip may be just the thing. Canon 5D iv is 130g lighter than K1ii. The 70-200 from Canon is lighter than the Pentax. K1ii is not overly heavy, but also not lighter than its competition.

04-11-2023, 12:51 AM - 1 Like	#6
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	The K-1 is kind of big and heavy, when compared to previous Pentax DSLRs. It seemed quite heavy when I first got it, I have gotten used to it, but I still wouldn't mind a smaller/lighter FF Pentax.

04-11-2023, 01:11 AM - 1 Like	#7
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,462	The K-1's are always described as big and heavy, build like a tank and then I had a chance to hold one at a photoshop and was surprised that including the DFA 28-105 was not as heavy as I expected. I was used to the Samsung GX10 and K-3 Mark II, which I found always quite heavy. Still I have not bought one, although I am hesitating at the moment now the price has gone down € 300,00. Because I also have the superb KP and do not want that one to go into retirement yet...

04-11-2023, 02:14 AM	#8
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,187	The top LCD shows most needed information - battery status, card slots, exposure time, fstop, iso and if theres an exposure compensation set. The exact value for the latter is only shown when you activate it for input. The only thing that I‘d like to see also directly. When I walk around with K-5 or K-1 I often set basic values without looking through the viewfinder or activating live view info panel. And when doing interval shots it‘s also helpful, when I don‘t want to activate liveview and liveview feedback after shots. So I still miss this feature a little bit on my KP - especially because the second weakness of the KP is the small battery and battery consumption of the liveview monitor is relative high.

04-11-2023, 04:18 AM - 1 Like	#9
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by OldChE The K-1 is quite compact for what it offers. I think that is one reason why it gets the undeserved comment in most reviews as being "heavy" when it really is not. Compared to many full frame DSLRs with their typical zoom lenses attached, the K-1-II in use is actually lighter and more compact. Nnno. The K-1 is the second-heaviest FF DSLR body, a touch behind the D850. It's noticeably heavier than the 5D and 6D for sure. It just doesn't feel as heavy as it is due to its much better grip. With lenses, it feels lighter because the center of mass is closer to the body - though the total weight might well be higher than in most other cases.

04-11-2023, 07:31 AM - 4 Likes	#10
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,392	I agree with several of the above comments. I'll add that I find Canon cameras kinda cheesy, feel-wise. The "big and heavy" thing started at DPR IIRC, totally unfair IMO since the Nikon was equally chunky---it was in the review. This is when I had a post deleted because I used the term "sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" to point out inequities between reviews. Still burns me. I agree especially with the comment above about center of gravity. After all, we use these cameras with lenses, so it seems to me one must take that into account. As much as I loved my A7R, with lenses on it it always felt unbalanced. And I also think there's a finite limit to how small a sophisticated, full featured camera can be before the small size impedes easy use of the controls. I think Pentax got the size of the K1 just right---any smaller and it would feel cramped to me. It's just solid.

04-11-2023, 07:49 AM - 1 Like	#11
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by texandrews I think Pentax got the size of the K1 just right---any smaller and it would feel cramped to me. It's just solid. Yep yep. It's a fair bit smaller than most other comparable cameras, but it still lets you access all its buttons easily (and it's not like it has any lack of physical controls).

04-11-2023, 07:51 AM - 1 Like	#12
iheiramo Unoriginal Poster Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Espoo Photos: Albums Posts: 3,182	I found the top screen useless and I rather have it removed from next model than sacrifice any adjustments on top to make it larger. Same information is shown on rear screen with much better visibility so I don't need to put on glasses to read it. Size of the camera and the grip are perfect for me. In comparison K3 style bodies are too small for my big hands. Also the hevier body is good counterweight for big modern lenses. DFA85 is much better balanced on K1ii than on K3.

04-11-2023, 08:00 AM - 1 Like	#13
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,038	One thing I'vre realised aboiut reviews is that seeming opposites can both be true - for example, if robustness is important you realise that it comes with extra weight which you don't mind. If robustness is not important to you, the extra weight might be a negative. So a camera can have 'built like a tank' in the pros and 'heavy' in the cons without there being a contradiction - just things that different users might regatrd as important.

04-11-2023, 09:26 AM - 1 Like	#15
GaryM Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Montclair, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 426	I love the solid feel and handling of the K-1, it feels very purposeful when I'm shooting with it. Regardless of what performance improvements they put into a newer version (if we get one), I would be very satisfied if they left the body just as it is, other than maybe adding a joystick.