Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II
55 Imaging
75 Features
82 Overall
77


60 Imaging
57 Features
82 Overall
67
Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 204800
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
- Released February 2016
- Newer Model is Pentax K-1 II
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Revealed June 2013
- Older Model is Pentax K-5

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Overview
Here is a extended comparison of the Pentax K-1 versus Pentax K-5 II, both Advanced DSLR cameras and both are offered by Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and K-5 II (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

The K-1 was introduced 2 years later than the K-5 II and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the K-1 matches up against the K-5 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-1 & Pentax K-5 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Pentax K-5 II
K-1 | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | February 2016 | ![]() | June 2013 | Fresher by 33 months |
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Screen dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer screen (+116k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Pentax K-1
K-5 II | K-1 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-1 and Pentax K-5 II
K-1 | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison
If you're planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-1 has outer measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).
Check the Pentax K-1 versus Pentax K-5 II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-1 versus the K-5 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-1 and K-5 II is 55 and 60 respectively.

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison
Normally, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the K-1 and K-5 II.
As you can plainly see, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-1 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax K-1 will result in more detail using its extra 20MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher K-1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications
Pentax K-1 | Pentax K-5 II | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Pentax |
Model type | Pentax K-1 | Pentax K-5 II |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Released | 2016-02-17 | 2013-06-04 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 35.9 x 24mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 861.6mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 36 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 4928 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 204800 | 12800 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 51200 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Min enhanced ISO | - | 80 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | 33 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | 25 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3.2" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 1,037k dots | 921k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 4.4 frames/s | 7.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/200 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Built-in | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 1010 grams (2.23 lb) | 760 grams (1.68 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 96 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 25.4 | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.6 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 3280 | 1235 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 760 images | 980 images |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI90 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Dual | One |
Price at release | $1,499 | $830 |