K5iis versus K1 ISO range

Wild Mark · 06-26-2016, 08:02 PM

Am I right in thinking that the minimum ISO 80 for the K5iis is inferior to the K1's ISO 100 on the basis of format differences? I ask this as I am contemplating which APS-C I should be selling (K5iis or K3).

I am leaning towards selling the K5iis as the K1 will more than adequately make up for the 'loss' of ISO 80. The K3 will be my main wildlife/ macro setup (focus peaking is another benefit over the K5iis).

Thoughts

Adam · 06-26-2016, 08:35 PM

The pixel pitch is roughly the same if you compare the two sensors. The newer chip in the K-1 offers better color depth and more dynamic range, though, so that should deliver superior pixel-level image quality and base ISO. The fact that you have more than twice the number of pixels then seals then deal

**UncleVanya** · 06-26-2016, 09:33 PM

Two school of thought. One says each pixel on its own determines the performance based on pixel pitch and generation of sensor. The other school says total light on the sensor is most important. I think there is some truth to both.

As Adam pointed out the k-1 had nearly three same pixel pitch as the k5ii. The sensor is larger, and of a newer generation.

sewebster · 06-27-2016, 12:03 AM

I guess the idea with the more pixel advantage is to display/print at any given resolution you can average more pixels to reduce noise...

Wild Mark · 06-27-2016, 12:11 AM

thanks guys. while I really love my K5iis it would seem I am not 'losing' by selling it after an upgrade to K1 (with a K3 as backup).

06-26-2016, 08:02 PM	#1
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	K5iis versus K1 ISO range Am I right in thinking that the minimum ISO 80 for the K5iis is inferior to the K1's ISO 100 on the basis of format differences? I ask this as I am contemplating which APS-C I should be selling (K5iis or K3). I am leaning towards selling the K5iis as the K1 will more than adequately make up for the 'loss' of ISO 80. The K3 will be my main wildlife/ macro setup (focus peaking is another benefit over the K5iis). Thoughts

06-26-2016, 08:35 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	The pixel pitch is roughly the same if you compare the two sensors. The newer chip in the K-1 offers better color depth and more dynamic range, though, so that should deliver superior pixel-level image quality and base ISO. The fact that you have more than twice the number of pixels then seals then deal Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-26-2016, 09:33 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Two school of thought. One says each pixel on its own determines the performance based on pixel pitch and generation of sensor. The other school says total light on the sensor is most important. I think there is some truth to both. As Adam pointed out the k-1 had nearly three same pixel pitch as the k5ii. The sensor is larger, and of a newer generation.

06-27-2016, 12:03 AM	#4
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	I guess the idea with the more pixel advantage is to display/print at any given resolution you can average more pixels to reduce noise...

06-27-2016, 12:11 AM	#5
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954 Original Poster	thanks guys. while I really love my K5iis it would seem I am not 'losing' by selling it after an upgrade to K1 (with a K3 as backup).