Pentax K-1 Review | 108 Data compared

The Pentax K-1 is a robust and massive full-frame (24x36 mm) DSLR camera equipped with a 36.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and a Prime IV processor. It stands out for its excellent image quality, boasting a wide sensitivity range from 100 to 204,800 ISO that provides sharp details and great ISO handling up to 1,600 ISO. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its weather-sealed build with 87 protection seals, a unique and clever LED system to illuminate functions in the dark, a clear viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and an innovative Pixel Shift Resolution mode that boosts sharpness on static subjects. However, the camera suffers from significant performance bottlenecks, resulting in a 4 out of 5 overall rating. Its main weaknesses include a heavy and cumbersome body, a sluggish startup time of over one second, and highly inconsistent autofocus response times. Furthermore, its multi-directional screen orientation mechanism is criticized as inefficient, and the display lacks touch functionality. The video mode is another major disappointment, offering only standard Full HD (no 4K/UHD), a 25-minute recording cap, and completely inactive continuous autofocus during...

The Pentax K-1 review from Les Numériques highlights it as a highly robust, weather-sealed, and compact full-frame DSLR. Powered by a 36.4 MP sensor and a Prime 4 processor, it delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range. Key pros include its highly efficient 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization system, excellent electronic noise management up to ISO 6,400, a bright 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and a clever LED assist lighting system for shooting in the dark. Additionally, features like Pixel Shift Resolution significantly enhance fine details, and the inclusion of an integrated GPS/Wi-Fi and dual SD slots add versatility. However, the camera falls short in performance, speed, and modern multimedia requirements. Major cons include a disappointing autofocus system that slows down significantly in low light, sluggish contrast-detection AF during Live View, and a slow startup time. Its continuous shooting speed of 4.6 fps in full-frame mode is deemed too slow for action photography, and the 24x36 AF point coverage is notably restricted. Video capabilities are particularly outdated, completely lacking continuous autofocus, 4K recording, and 1080/50p or 60p capabilities. Finally, the camera lacks an...

The reviewer highlights several major strengths, particularly the camera's exceptional low-light performance and noise control, which deliver clean images up to ISO 6400 and remain highly usable up to ISO 51,200. The improved autofocus system shows a massive leap in tracking accuracy and speed compared to previous APS-C models like the K-3II. Users will also appreciate the flexible crop mode that allows full compatibility with older DA lenses, a relatively quiet shutter mechanism, and an unmatched price-to-performance ratio against competitors like the Nikon D810 or Canon 5D Mark III. On the downside, the camera is heavy and lacks a built-in flash, which may bother some users. Its video capabilities are lagging, capped at Full HD because the Sony sensor cannot output continuous 4K video. Finally, the choice to use a slow USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0 is noted as a significant regression, making an external card reader necessary for fast file transfers.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR featuring a 26.2-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a Digic 7 processor, delivering strong performance upgrades over its predecessor, particularly regarding speed and focus. Key strengths include its effective Dual Pixel AF system, which ensures smooth autofocus tracking in live view and video without any focus hunting. It features an upgraded 45-point all-cross-type optical autofocus system that performs well in good lighting, alongside a burst shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second that makes it capable of casual sports photography. Users will also benefit from an articulating touchscreen display, effective electronic anti-flicker technology, integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, excellent battery life capable of up to 1,200 shots, and reliable high ISO noise management up to ISO 6,400. However, the camera suffers from several distinct drawbacks, most notably an exposure latitude (dynamic range) at low ISO settings that is narrower than its competitors, restricting flexibility when recovering shadow details in post-processing. Video capabilities are quite basic, completely lacking 4K/UHD recording aside from a time-lapse mode, and missing critical features like a...

The Pentax K-1 is a robust, full-frame DSLR designed for stills, featuring a 36-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers exceptional color depth and wide dynamic range. Key advantages include extensive, reliable weather-sealing for harsh environments, 5-axis image stabilization, a fully articulated screen, and dual SD card slots. Conversely, the camera is limited by a heavy 1,010-gram body and autofocus tracking that lags behind modern competitors, making it less suitable for action photography. Additionally, video capabilities are restricted to 1080p rather than 4K, limiting its utility for videographers.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is an expert full-frame DSLR featuring a 36-megapixel CMOS sensor powered by a PRIME IV processor, delivering striking visual sharpness and excellent high-ISO noise management up to ISO 25,600. Built like a "road warrior," its robust, weather-sealed chassis resists dust, weather, and freezing temperatures down to -10°C, and it features an unusually solid, non-touch screen mounted on unique mechanical pistons. The camera also features intuitive ergonomics, an excellent physical grip, and highly integrated features like built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, a digital compass, and an Astrotracer tool for star photography. Furthermore, its Pixel Shift Resolution II technology captures multiple micro-shifted exposures to maximize detail, while a native APS-C crop mode adds versatility. On the flip side, the camera suffers from performance bottlenecks, particularly a slow burst rate of just 4.4 frames per second and an incredibly sluggish buffer that locks up the camera after continuous shooting. While the SAFOX 12 autofocus system performs quickly and tracks subjects effectively, its 33 focus points (25 cross-type) are clustered too tightly in the center of the frame, limiting overall coverage....