Pentax K-1 Mark II Review
We've aggregated 3 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Pentax K-1 Mark II
The Pentax K-1 Mark II refines an already strong full-frame DSLR formula with modest but meaningful improvements over its predecessor. Reviewers consistently praise its intelligent control layout, exceptional ergonomics, and traditional DSLR handling that feels purpose-built for serious photographers. The 36.4-megapixel sensor delivers slightly improved image quality over the original K-1, and Pentax's unique features like handheld Pixel Shift Resolution (yielding 42-megapixel effective output), GPS-based AstroTracer star tracking, and 5-axis in-body stabilization rated at 5 stops set it apart from mainstream competitors.
Build quality stands out as a major strength. The magnesium alloy and stainless steel chassis, combined with 87 sealing points, delivers durability and weather resistance that reviewers appreciate for field work. At under $2,000, it remains one of the most affordable full-frame 36-megapixel options available, excelling in the same areas the original K-1 dominated: image quality, robustness, and specialty features for landscape and astro work. The tradeoff is dated video specs capped at 1080/60p and a slower 4.4 fps burst rate that won't appeal to action or hybrid shooters. For traditional stills photographers who value tactile controls, weather sealing, and unique imaging tools, the K-1 Mark II delivers proven performance at a compelling price.
- Exceptional ergonomics and intelligent control layout
- Robust weather-sealed build with magnesium alloy body and 87 sealing points
- Unique features including handheld Pixel Shift Resolution and GPS-based AstroTracer
- Strong image quality from 36.4 MP sensor with improved processing
- One of the most affordable full-frame 36 MP cameras available
- Video capped at 1080/60p, no 4K recording
- Slow 4.4 fps burst rate unsuitable for fast action
- Limited ecosystem compared to Canon/Nikon/Sony
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
Best reviews
The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.
Editorial reviews
Overall, the K-1 Mark II is a solid, traditional-feeling DSLR, with an intelligent control layout and some clever features. It wouldn't be your ...
The Pentax K-1 II excels in the same areas that the K-1 did, but offers slightly improved image quality, whilst still being one of the cheapest 36mp cameras ...
With its superb imaging capabilities, weather resistance, built-in GPS, durability, and exceptional ergonomics, the K-1 II might be the best full-frame ...
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About this product
Refined K-1; hand-held Pixel Shift.
Specs
- Battery
- D-LI90, 7.2V, 1860 mAh
- Weight Grams
- 925 g
- Dimensions Mm
- 136.5 x 110 x 85.5 mm
- Build Material
- Magnesium alloy, stainless steel chassis
- Weather Sealing
- Yes, 87 sealing points
- Bit Depth
- 14-bit
- Raw Video
- No
- Internal Codecs
- H.264
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 1080/60p, 1080/60i
- Max Recording Time
- 25 minutes
- Max Video Resolution
- Full HD 1080p
- Gps
- GPS, QZSS
- Hot Shoe
- Yes
- Bulb Mode
- Yes
- Self Timer
- 2/12 s
- Astrotracer
- Yes, GPS-based star tracking
- Pc Sync Port
- Yes
- Image Formats
- DNG, Pentax RAW, JPEG
- Metering Range
- -3 to 20 EV
- Diopter Adjustment
- -3.5 to +1.2
- Interval Recording
- Yes
- Aa Filter Simulator
- Yes
- Max Flash Sync Speed
- 1/200 s
- Viewfinder Eye Point
- 20.6 mm
- Operating Temperature
- 14 to 104°F (-10 to 40°C)
- Pixel Shift Resolution
- Pixel Shift Resolution II (42 MP effective)
- Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution
- Yes, handheld capable
- Sensor Size
- Full-frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
- Sensor Type
- CMOS
- Image Processor
- PRIME IV
- Low Pass Filter
- No
- Effective Megapixels
- 36.4 MP
- Launch Price Usd
- $1796.95
- Dual Native Iso
- No
- Iso Range Stills
- ISO 100-819200
- Continuous Shooting
- 4.4 fps
- Shutter Speed Mechanical
- 1/8000 to 30 s
- Viewfinder
- Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification
- Rear Screen
- 3.2 inch, 1,037,000 dots, Cross-Tilt LCD
- Lens Mount
- Pentax K
- Crop Factor
- 1.0x
- Usb
- Micro-USB 3.0
- Hdmi
- Micro-HDMI
- Audio Io
- 3.5 mm stereo microphone input, 3.5 mm stereo headphone output
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- Card Slots
- 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
- Ibis
- 5-axis, 5 stops
- Af Points
- 33 points (25 cross-type)
- Af System
- SAFOX 12
- Af Low Light
- -3 EV
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- B&H Photonew● In stockBest price$1,797Buy
