Pentax K-1 Mark II vs Sony RX100 II: A Tale of Two Cameras for the Serious Shooter

When it comes to choosing a camera, the gulf between categories can feel vast - almost like comparing a trusty pickup truck to a snazzy sports car. But both vehicles serve drivers well in their own right, depending on the journey. Similarly, the Pentax K-1 Mark II and Sony RX100 II occupy very different niches: a full-frame DSLR powerhouse versus a large sensor compact. At first blush, they might seem worlds apart. Yet for photographers hunting for versatile, high-quality image makers - whether on a budget or scouting for pro-grade gear - this comparison unveils everything you need to know.

Having spent years testing everything from rugged DSLRs to travel compacts, I’ve put these two through their paces across diverse photographic disciplines and technical benchmarks. Let’s embark on this photographic road trip to see how the K-1 II and RX100 II fare head-to-head - from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus wizardry to real-world performance. Spoiler: I’m happy to report that it’s not a question of which camera is “better” across the board, but which suits your unique style of shooting.

Size and Handling: Big Bodies, Pocket Rockets, and the Ergonomics Dance

Anyone who’s lugged a DSLR all day knows that size and weight aren't trivial matters - they impact how long you shoot and what you shoot. Let's start by sizing these two contenders up.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II, clocking in at 137 × 110 × 86 mm and roughly 1,010 grams, is built like a tank - with a solid grip and a reassuring heft that DSLR users crave. That full-frame sensor demands a full-sized body to accommodate not only the sensor but the mirror, optical viewfinder, and robust weather sealing. The K-1 II’s magnesium alloy chassis is designed to withstand some serious field abuse - rain, dust, dust, and even sub-zero temps. Over endless hikes and outdoor sessions, I found its balanced heft aided stability - minimal shake even when handholding longer lenses.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 II is a marvel of compact engineering: at 102 × 58 × 38 mm and 281 grams, it’s pocket-friendly without sacrificing much on image quality. The flip-up, 3-inch 1229k-dot screen allows for flexible shooting angles, although the small size means a more cramped grip and controls. For street shooters, travelers, or anyone prioritizing portability, the RX100 II slips unobtrusively into a jacket pocket or purse - a huge advantage over lugging the K-1 II and lenses.

If physical ergonomics dominate your buying decision, the following image captures the stark contrast well:

The K-1 II sports dedicated buttons, joysticks, a top LCD status panel, and a traditional pentaprism viewfinder - features designed for tactile feedback and fast manual control under frankly punishing conditions. Meanwhile, the RX100 II relies more on menu navigation and fewer physical controls, reflecting its role as a travel-friendly compact.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of every camera is its sensor - the magic square that encodes your images. Comparing the 36.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor of the Pentax K-1 II with the 20.2MP 1-inch CMOS sensor in the Sony RX100 II is a bit like comparing a grand piano to a high-quality keyboard. Both can play beautiful music, but the depth, nuance, and tonal precision differ.

In real-world use, the K-1 II’s full-frame sensor offers exceptional dynamic range, colour depth, and low-light performance. I’ve confidently pushed its ISO native floor of 100 all the way to 819,200 ISO with respectable noiseless results (though those high ISOs are best used cautiously). What truly sets the K-1 II apart is the absence of an anti-aliasing filter, allowing for razor-sharp detail that rivals medium format in some scenarios.

The RX100 II’s smaller 1-inch sensor, while significantly more modest in size, punches way above its weight for a compact camera. Capable of native ISO settings from 160 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600), it delivers crisp, clean images - especially in good light. Colour depth stands at 22.5 bits on DxO benchmarks, which is solid but modest compared to the K-1 II. Low-light noise creeps in sooner here, but the RX100 II’s built-in lens optical stabilization tempers blur well.

If ultimate image quality is your mission-critical factor, the large sensor full-frame of the K-1 II will reward you with finer tonal gradations and detail - especially when coupled with Pentax’s unique Pixel Shift Resolution technology, which composites four images to boost detail further.

Viewing and Composing: Optical vs Electronic Viewfinders, Screen Quality

Optical versus electronic viewfinders has been a hot debate for years. The K-1 II embraces the DSLR tradition with a large, bright pentaprism optical viewfinder covering 100% field of view with 0.7x magnification. It’s perfect for day-long ergonomic comfort and gives a direct “real world” view without lag.

In contrast, the RX100 II opts for a tilting LCD screen (nonelectronic viewfinder included by default, optional accessory). The 3-inch “Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD” panel boasts 1.23 million dots, bright and clear for outdoor use, though not quite as detailed as the K-1 II’s 3.2-inch, 1.04 million dot articulating screen.

Here, the Pentax also benefits from its articulating screen, ideal for low or high angle shots in nature or macro work. The RX100 II’s tilting screen is less flexible, limiting some creative compositions.

Autofocus and Speed: Who Nails the Focus Faster?

Let’s talk chakras - the autofocus systems.

The Pentax K-1 II uses a hybrid AF system combining phase detection (33 focus points with 25 cross-type sensors) and contrast detection for live view. Its autofocus excels for still subjects in good light, especially with legacy Pentax lenses. However, the AF speed can feel leisurely by modern standards, maxing out at 4.4 frames per second - fine for landscapes and portraits, but a little sluggish for fast sports or wildlife action.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 II’s 25-point contrast-detect AF system doesn’t have phase-detection but achieves speedy focus acquisition in bright conditions thanks to fast-lens optics (F1.8 at wide end). Shooters can capture bursts at 10 fps, great for action-packed moments on the go, such as street or event shooting.

A seasoned wildlife shooter might find the K-1 II’s AF tracking a tad lagging, especially compared to newer mirrorless rivals - but it’s still workable with practice and good AF lenses. Street photographers valuing quick responsiveness and discretion might appreciate the RX100 II’s nimble AF system and silent operation thanks to its leaf shutter.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Raw Durability Difference

If you shoot outdoors or travel to unpredictable climates, build quality and weather sealing often matter more than specs.

The Pentax K-1 II is rated highly for environmental sealing - even among DSLRs in its price range - with dustproof and splash-resistant construction sealing almost every seam. It’s freezeproof down to -10°C, making it suitable for mountain treks or snow covers. The robust magnesium alloy body feels indestructible after heavy use.

The Sony RX100 II, while brilliantly engineered for a compact, lacks weather sealing. It means you must be cautious around moisture, dust, or heavy rain. It’s a polished city or travel companion but not built for heavy outdoor abuse.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Pentax’s Legacy vs Fixed Zoom Limitation

If you’re the sort who likes to tinker and expand your photographic arsenal, lens selection can make or break your decision.

The K-1 II uses the Pentax KAF4 mount with an extensive native lens lineup of more than 151 lenses - including stellar primes, zoom telephotos, and unique optics such as the FA Limited series. That breadth especially appeals to landscape, portrait, and wildlife photographers who want precise optical character or versatility across genres. Plus, backward compatibility with older Pentax lenses is a bonus for collectors or those upgrading from legacy gear.

The RX100 II, true to compact form, sports a fixed 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 zoom. While versatile from wide angle to short telephoto, it’s limited - you cannot swap lenses. For traveling light or casual shooting, this is a perfect “do-it-all” lens that covers many bases; for professionals requiring fast primes or super telephoto reach, it's a dealbreaker.

Battery Life and Storage: Extended Field Use vs Compact Convenience

Battery endurance surprisingly favors the Pentax considerably. The K-1 II comes with the D-LI90 battery rated for approximately 670 shots per charge under standard testing - a full day out shooting without extra batteries in many cases.

The RX100 II’s NP-BX1 battery clocks in around 350 shots, closer to half a day on average. Considering its compact form and smaller sensor, that’s not bad, but for serious shooting, spare batteries will be essential.

The K-1 II also includes dual UHS-I SD card slots, permitting overflow, backup, or raw+JPEG separation - a workflow boon for pros. The RX100 II has a single card slot accommodating SD or Memory Stick Duo cards, suitable for casual shooters but more limited for high-volume work.

Connectivity and Video: Old School Meets Modest Modernity

The Pentax K-1 II has classic connectivity - USB 2.0, HDMI out, and built-in GPS (a rare but useful feature for geotagging landscape and travel shots). Despite lacking Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the GPS integration is a bonus for outdoorsy users.

The Sony RX100 II, slightly older but more modern in connectivity terms, sports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for smartphone pairing - ideal for on-the-fly sharing or remote control. Sadly, neither model features Bluetooth, and both use USB 2.0 rather than faster USB-C.

For video, both max out at Full HD (1920×1080), with the RX100 II supporting 60fps progressive mode for smoother motion. The K-1 II offers multiple frame rates but lacks 4K recording altogether. Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks that professionals might crave, although the K-1 II strangely supports external microphones.

Practical Field Performance: What Shooting Styles Best Suit These Cameras?

Now, let’s break down real-world performance based on specific photographic genres:

Portrait Photography

The K-1 II shines with its full-frame sensor delivering creamy bokeh, excellent skin tone rendition, and accurate eye detection using its 33-point AF spread. Its ability to handle natural light and artificial setups without overheating or lag is commendable.

The RX100 II, while limited by sensor size, produces surprisingly flattering portraits for a compact camera - its fast f/1.8 lens wide open renders decent background blur at short telephoto lengths. Great for casual headshots or travel portraits.

Landscape Photography

Pentax’s K-1 II is a natural here. Its impressive dynamic range, weather sealing, and ultra-sharp sensor - especially with Pixel Shift - produce incredibly detailed, nuanced landscape shots. Combined with weather resistance, it’s designed for extended field shoots.

The RX100 II, portable and quiet, can capture good landscapes in fair weather but falls short for large prints or extreme highlights/shadows due to smaller sensor and limited DR.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

The K-1 II’s slower 4.4fps burst and respectable but not lightning-fast AF limit its appeal for fast sports or wildlife action, but with its extensive telephoto lens support, it remains a viable option for patient shooters or those focusing on birds with large prime glass.

The RX100 II offers a 10fps burst and quick autofocus for fleeting street or informal sports moments - but drawn-out wildlife work is beyond its scope due to fixed telephoto reach and sensor size.

Street Photography

The RX100 II is lightweight, discreet, and quick to whip out - ideal for capturing candid street shots with minimal fuss. Silent operation and compactness are a major advantage. The K-1 II is bigger and louder, drawing attention but offering superior image quality indoors or low light.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes in macro, but Pentax’s compatibility with dedicated macro lenses and its articulating screen edge out the RX100 II’s 5cm macro mode. For serious close-up work, the K-1 II’s lens ecosystem is superior.

Night & Astro Photography

The Pentax K-1 II excels with its high ISO range, no low-pass filter, and deep pixel-level sharpness - ideal for astrophotography applications. Its longer exposures and weather sealing give it an edge for nightscapes and star trails. The RX100 II is less able here, although the fast lens helps with general night scenes.

Video Usage

Both cameras max out at Full HD, but for casual vlogging or short clips from travels, the RX100 II’s 60fps and built-in Wi-Fi provide a nice balance of portability and decent video quality. The K-1 II’s video functionality is secondary at best.

Travel & Versatility

The RX100 II fits neatly in suit pockets, making it travel’s best friend where minimalism and ease matter. Battery life and modest zoom cover broad travel needs. The K-1 II, while heavier and larger, offers versatility with full-frame image quality, extensive lens choices, and professional-level build for those prioritizing photographic results over carry weight.

Professional Workflows

Pentax’s support for raw files, dual card slots, in-body stabilization, and comprehensive manual controls suit demanding workflows. The RX100 II’s fixed-lens convenience and compactness aren’t suited for professional assignments requiring customization or high capacity.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

For a visual snapshot of overall merit and how these cameras fare in genre-specific scoring, here are the consolidated performance charts:

These ratings confirm what hands-on experience reveals: the Pentax K-1 II is a full-frame beast excelling at landscapes, portraiture, and professional work; the Sony RX100 II is a smart, capable compact made for street, travel, and casual everyday photography.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Pentax K-1 Mark II and Sony RX100 II comes down to your photography style, priorities, and budget.

• Go with the Pentax K-1 II if:

  • You crave full-frame image quality, superb dynamic range, and pixel-level detail
  • Weather sealing and rugged durability matter to you
  • You want access to a vast ecosystem of high-quality lenses & accessories
  • Your photography spans landscapes, portraits, low-light, and professional assignments
  • You don’t mind the bulk and want tactile control and classic DSLR ergonomics

• Choose the Sony RX100 II if:

  • Portability, stealth, and convenience are paramount (think travel, street, quick snaps)
  • You want good image quality without lugging heavy gear
  • Casual video and Wi-Fi sharing excite you
  • Your shooting is mostly in daylight or moderate light conditions
  • You need a pocket rocket with a versatile zoom lens for everyday carry

Closing Thoughts: Beyond Specs to What Really Matters

Specs and numbers help, but the core question always returns: Which camera helps you take better pictures that you enjoy making? Both the Pentax K-1 II and Sony RX100 II are solid performers, excelling in very different ways.

The Pentax harks back to traditional DSLR roots but seriously upgrades the experience with cutting-edge sensor tech and rugged reliability. It’s a tool for photographers who want to control every aspect of their craft.

The Sony RX100 II remains a legendary compact for its class - tiny, reliable, and packed with punch way exceeding its dimensions. It’s a perfect companion when size, speed, and stealth win over the last word in sensor size.

I find myself reaching for the K-1 II in controlled or adventure shoots needing the absolute best files, and the RX100 II when I want to travel light with my wits - and camera - about me.

Whichever way you lean, both cameras have unique strengths to help you tell your visual stories - whether blown-up large on gallery walls or shared instantly from a café patio.

Happy shooting!

Pentax K 1 II front Pentax K 1 II screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back