Pentax K-1 Mark II vs K-1 Review

Conclusion

The main question that has to be answered isn't whether or not the Pentax K-1 Mark II is any good: it obviously is. Rather, the comparison with the older K-1 model is the main topic of interest. Based on our tests and observations, the K-1 II is an incremental but real upgrade over its predecessor.

Depending on the market, the K-1 II is either the same price as the original K-1 was at launch, or slightly higher.  In some markets, both cameras remain available as of September 2018, while in others, only the K-1 II can be ordered new.  The original K-1 is out of production regardless.

In the US, the Pentax K-1 II was introduced a MSRP $250 higher than that of the K-1; as of September, the former is $200 more expensive at $1899 versus $1699.  Visit our deal finder for the latest pricing information.

Both cameras are an excellent value alongside competitors in their class such as the Nikon D810 or Canon 5D IV.  However, they are seeing increased competition from similarly-priced full-frame mirrorless cameras or mid-range full-frame DSLRs such as the Nikon D750 or Canon 6D II.  The Pentax system continues to deliver value in terms of lenses, and thus remains a strong contender in any case.

Autofocus is a pleasant surprise. Single AF speeds have been increased with all tested lenses, although the best improvements appear to be with older, screw-drive systems. Newer DC and SDM lenses benefit from a minimal increase (those lenses are faster to begin with). AF tracking is also improved, with small to large differences depending on the shooting conditions.  Overall, the K-1 II's autofocus is still shy of modern cutting-edge systems; nevertheless, current Pentax users will appreciate the improvement.

High ISO performance is generally better, but often not by much. We believe that the side-effect of shorter battery life due to the integration of the image accelerator chip levels things out in practice. Using the camera's built-in JPEG engine delivers the most obvious differences, with better color reproduction and higher sharpness at medium to high ISO levels. Very high ISO values show the effect of the accelerator unit: images show lower noise, but appear to have a lower clarity (or local contrast in the mid-tones). Developing RAW files is of course highly dependent on the software and settings, but using Lightroom delivered slightly sharper images with the K-1 II, while preserving color accuracy as ISO levels get high. Note that, for ISO values or 6400 or lower, the differences are all but impossible to spot. Also remember that the K-1 is among the best high-ISO cameras available, even today.

Dynamic pixel shift also works as advertised. While this technology has a limitation (a static subject), it delivers sharper images than regular handheld or tripod-assisted shots. This feature is truly unique to the K-1 II and we believe it is what stands out most among the camera's improvements, especially when comparing across brands.  Sadly, RAW files taken in this mode can currently only be processed in-camera.

Pentax's "Mark II" models have historically been incremental improvements, and the K-1 II is no different.  While the K-5 II brought us very good low-light AF and the K-3 II introduced pixel-shift and on-board GPS, the K-1 II debuts hand-held Dynamic Pixel Shift and improves on image quality, autofocus accuracy, and autofocus speed. If any of these perks are useful to a photographer, it is easy to justify the upgrade to the K-1 II.

Who Is It For

With its superb imaging capabilities, weather resistance, built-in GPS, durability, and exceptional ergonomics, the K-1 II might be the best full-frame landscape camera available today. Improvements in noise handling and pixel shift, when compared to the K-1, will be beneficial to anyone shooting static scenes. In general, the camera is also an excellent choice for astro photography with bulb shooting up to 20 minutes, a dedicated red LCD mode, and the Astrotracer.

Pentax cameras are never regarded as class-leading regarding autofocus speed (although they certainly perform well in terms of accuracy). In this regard, the K-1 II is an improvement for any dedicated Pentax user desiring to improve the AF performance of his or her kit.

APS-C photographers will benefit greatly from the better noise handling of the K-1 II, as well as its higher resolution, wider field of view and stellar ergonomics such as the tilting screen and external LEDs. The camera's bulk might be overwhelming for some, but it isn't much bigger than APS-C cameras from a few years back. The downsides of the K-1 II compared to APS-C flagships are the heavier weight, slower burst mode and maybe the lack of a built-in flash.

The weakest link in the K-1 II is undoubtedly the full HD video mode, which is dated by modern standards.  However, users of the K-1 II will benefit from its improved noise reduction while shooting videos.

Verdict: New User

The K-1 II is relatively easy to recommend to new users. The new model preserves the original K-1's ergonomics, features, and sensor. It offers superb imaging capabilities and class-leading noise handling. APS-C Pentax users will feel right at home using the camera, and newcomers to the brand will appreciate the high level of customization available.

Verdict: Current K-1 Owner

Recommending the upgrade from the K-1 to the K-1 II is not as simple as recommending the camera to new users. In many regards, the mark 1 and 2 are identical. Improvements to the newer model all occur under the hood.

Still, these improvements are real, and can be significant in some cases. AF speed and accuracy is probably the most practical benefit of the K-1 II. Improved AF benefits just about any style of photography. Dynamic (or handheld) pixel shift is also a nice bonus, as it expands the possibilities of in-camera super resolution. Lastly, in general noise handling has been improved, with the most visible results being within the ISO range that most users typically use anyway (not many people shoot at ISO 102,400+ after all).

We feel the upgrade is worth it for current K-1 owners, but it is not as clear-cut due to the decrease in battery life and associated upgrade cost.

Rating

The Bottom Line

Pentax continues to heavily invest in still image quality and has managed to produce a camera which under the right conditions can achieve better shots hand-held than others can with a tripod.  The K-1 II delivers exceptional resolution, is packed with customizable features, and is built to last for years— all while remaining one of the most affordable cameras in its class.  Features that are unique to Pentax— such as the Astrotracer or AA filter simulator— really spice up the K-1 II and should not be overlooked.

However, due to the fast-paced nature of the industry, the K-1 II certainly lacks the "wow" factor that its predecessor brought to the table.  It is an incremental improvement over the original K-1 and there are situations in which one wouldn't be able to tell the two apart.  With the discontinuation of the original K-1, however, it's still easy for us to recommend the K-1 II to just about anyone who is interested in a full-frame camera primarily for high-quality still photography.

Don't forget to read the 27-page K-1 review to learn all about the features that we didn't cover in this comparative review, such as tethering, Wi-Fi, and the many different modes and settings available.

Have Your Say

Tell us how you feel about the K-1 II, or simply ask a question in the comments below.

If you already own the Pentax K-1 II you can also add your own review to our camera database!

To discuss anything and everything related to the K-1, visit our Pentax K-1 forum.