Pentax K-1 II Detailed Review

In additional K-1 II was introduced by Pentax in February 2018. It belongs to the Professional DSLRs category.

Pentax is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Pentax.

The K-1 II has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.42″ x 0.94″).

Picture of K-1 II’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The K-1 II’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 36 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

The Pentax supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Pentax’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The K-1 II features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The K-1 II has an optical viewfinder with a penta prism. Viewfinders with a penta prism are typical for enthusiast and professional DSLRs. The viewfinder covers 100% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.70x, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

The K-1 II’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The K-1 II’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 819200 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The K-1 II supports all general exposure modes.

The Pentax allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The K-1 II’s auto focus processor uses 33 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in sports).

Manual focus is also possible with the Pentax, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The K-1 II doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Pentax’s hotshoe.

The K-1 II features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The K-1 II does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

K-1 II video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Pentax K-1 II Video parameters:

The K-1 II has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Pentax to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Pentax connects to your PC over USB 2.0. Given the high resolution that the camera supports, USB 3.0 would have been a nice addition.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Pentax K-1 II has a D-LI90 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 670 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The K-1 II’s battery battery parameters:

The Pentax K-1 II’s dimensions are 136.5 x 110 x 85.5mm³. (5.4″ x 4.3″ x 3.4″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is a rather considerable 1010 grams (32.6 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the K-1 II:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.