RANKING

Rank 43 out of 48 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

Pentax

K-1 Mark II

Name: K-1 Mark II
Brand: Pentax

around $1799

All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

177 Pros

67%
19 reviews (2h 53m)

87 Cons

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a robust, full-frame DSLR offering a unique blend of traditional design and innovative features. Its 36.4MP sensor, coupled with Pentax's acclaimed Pixel Shift Resolution technology, delivers exceptional detail and sharpness. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization system enables sharper handheld shooting, especially in l...

Summary of pros and cons from human reviewers, put together by AI

64%

23 vs 13

Usability/Handling

91%

67 vs 7

Image Quality

75%

3 vs 1

Video Capabilities

76%

26 vs 8

Features

64%

9 vs 5

Autofocus System

Reviewer verdict

Across 19 YouTube reviews, the Pentax K-1 Mark II earns an Index score of 3.7/5, ranking #43 among DSLRs. Reviewers most often praise its image quality, features, usability/handling, while the most common criticisms concern other, usability/handling.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is widely praised for its image quality, with reviewers (67 mentions) highlighting its 36.4 MP full‑frame sensor, excellent sharpness, color rendition, dynamic range and low‑ISO noise performance. Many commenters repeatedly applaud the camera’s in‑body 5‑axis sensor‑shift stabilization and pixel‑shift resolution features (mentioned across image quality notes), including the novel handheld pixel‑shift implementation that several reviewers call a standout. Reviewers also like the feature set (26 mentions) — built‑in GPS/Astrotracer, dual SD slots, DNG raw support and useful custom modes — and they frequently note robust handling and ergonomics (23 mentions) such as a good grip, optical viewfinder and articulating rear screen. Value and build are recurring positives as well: multiple reviewers point to attractive pricing relative to competitors (19 mentions) and a rugged, weather‑sealed body (15 mentions).

Criticisms cluster around video and speed limitations and dated elements (36 mentions in Other), with many reviewers noting the camera is stuck at 1080p video, modest burst rates (around 4–4.4 FPS), limited buffer performance and an older sensor design compared with newer rivals. Pixel‑shift and high‑ISO extensions draw skepticism and reported issues: several reviewers found pixel‑shift prone to failures, motion artifacts or workflow constraints (needing SilkyPix) and some warn about motion‑correction color artifacts and noisier results at extreme ISOs. Usability complaints (13 mentions) focus on weight, bulk and a non‑touch UI that feels old‑fashioned to some, and a smaller set of reviewers flagged limited lens ecosystem and only modest autofocus performance versus modern systems.

Analysis based on 19 YouTube reviews (2h 53m of video) with 177 pros and 87 cons extracted.

Pros (177)

Image Quality (67)

Pixel shift mode enhances RGB spectrum, increasing sharpness ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 1:51
detects motion when taking pictures and incorporates image stabilization ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 1:17
The Pentax K1 Mark II has a 36.4 MP sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, which means it can capture stunning details and sharpness. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 4:08
offering Advanced modes for anti-aliasing correction and fine detail enhancement ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:31
higher ISOs ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 1:20
The K1 Mark II also has a unique feature called pixel shift resolution which can combine four images into one to increase resolution and color accuracy. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 4:26
introducing dynamic pixel shift resolution. The original k1 and a lot of cameras from companies like Sony Olympus Panasonic has a sensor shifting mechanism that will stabilize your handshake and it also has a mechanism for taking multiple pictures with the sensor shifted one pixel and that allows you to stack the pictures so that every single pixel has full range of color information red green and blue. with this Pentax update they're now allowing you to use this technology handheld. if this works it is a landmark it's a real big step no other camera manufacturer has ever done this and it could be really good this could take imaging to the next level ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 3:04
Each pixel gets full red, green and blue value, no guesswork ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 2:04
takes gorgeous crisp images ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:44
this was photograph at a th000 ISO and um this is completely uncropped and review it 100% you know you can see what I mean about the comparison with the K3 Mark 3 I would say it's about as 90% a sharp at one: one viewing but because it has so many more pixels you're actually still getting more um Fidelity out of the files ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 4:48
It also has a 5-axis sensor shift image stabilization system which can reduce camera shake and enable handheld shooting in low light. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 4:17
low light capability ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 2:42
great sensor and great image quality ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 7:35
Increased ISO rating to 819,200, best low-light performance ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 2:10
5-axis sensor shift image stabilization tailored for Stills ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:28
increased low-light performance in the k1 mark 2 ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 3:23
I like the quality it's the fact that they are not that analytical ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 8:59
boasting an impressive 36.4 MP and a high resolution tilting LCD it excels in detail capture ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:15
camera's image stabilization using 5-axis stabilization ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:51
I'm quite happy the color rendition coming out ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 5:09
this could print a z I reckon no problem ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 5:33
pixel shift resolution can be done handheld ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 5:51
shooting in the shade at 5,000 ISO 100% magnification everything looks good to me here you know it's a lot of detail ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 5:15
brilliant resolution from it ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 5:28
the K1 is just that good I got rid of the monochrome ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 0:17
in-body image stabilization which compensates for camera shake and allows for sharper handheld shots particularly beneficial in low-light situations ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 5:45
this lens is beautiful, pretty decent for landscapes, loved it for portraits and low-light work ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 7:24
a little sharper as well ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 3:27
full frame sensor with its 36.4 million pixel resolution ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:59
36 megapixel sensor which is great for landscapes ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 2:46
excels in delivering breathtaking images particularly in demanding shooting scenarios ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 6:12
new prime3 imaging engine, ISO up to 51200, creating images with minimal image noise ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 1:26
36.4 megapixel full-frame sensor ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 5:36
the pictures you click with this 36 mp camera comprises of subtle shades enriched colors well-defined sense of depth ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 3:44
can now shoot at a maximum ISO of 800 19200 so quite a bit more than the k1 ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 1:25
new 24 megapixel cmos sensor designed without the addition of an anti-aliasing filter ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 0:56
the colors on this are a lot better than those lenses ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 3:24
pretty sharp ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 4:14
the shake reduction mechanism of this unit offers optimum compensation for different lenses which are being used in the handheld shooting ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:53
It makes use of the advanced image processing system for conferring images of high quality ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:18
image quality is already fantastic even without pixel shift ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 7:17
this one outshines those lenses by quite a bit ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 3:18
full-frame is you obviously get much higher resolution and a wider field of view ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 2:33
built-in Shake reduction ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:54
exceptional dynamic range and ability to capture intricate details ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 5:41
get down to about a quarter of a second at least with this lens and still get really sharp results, definitely one of the advantages of the k-12 and a lot of other Pentax DSLRs ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 2:59
impressive sharpness straight out of the camera ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:25
50 millimeter F 1.4 lens renders beautifully and it's really sharp ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 8:21
excellent image quality ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:11
image stabilization shines bright with its sensor shift Shake reduction system ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 1:50
embody image stabilization ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:16
stunning results ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:23
capture Sharp Images even at slower shutter speeds whether you're shooting handheld or in challenging conditions ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 1:55
delivers images with unparalleled sharpness and color detail ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:46
impressive ISO range and noise performance with a range extending all the way up to an astounding ISO 81920 ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 3:20
has Ibis which is not very common in a DSLR ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 6:59
minimal noise levels at lower ISO settings ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 3:35
remarkable prowess in capturing vibrant colors with commendable saturation level ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:14
lets you capture stunning images in even the dimmest of lighting conditions ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 3:31
has a pixel shift technology it combines several exposures and between those exposures it moves the sensor a tiny bit and delivers better resolution or better sharpness and also much improved noise suppression ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 7:07
delivers beautiful shallow depth of field ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 8:31
effectively mitigate common lens aberration ensuring your images are crisp and clear every time ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 1:42
versatile white balance options ensuring your colors pop in any lighting environment ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 4:05
5-axis stabilization ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:30
proven 36 MP full-frame image sensor ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:25
it has a five axis mechanism for compensating for the camera shake which has caused owing to the vertical and horizontal shift ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 5:01
The pixel shift resolution system 2 makes use of full image resolving power ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 5:10

Features (26)

I really like the manual focus ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 9:07
beautiful with a lot of features I love the GPS Astro Tracer ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 14:07
PX has a fantastic thing that can save the row files in dng the dng format is an open format is a standard format that can be used by all manufacturers and makes this camera compatible with all the software ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 5:15
Handheld pixel shift, world's first feature ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 0:56
The K1 Mark II has some other cool features such as built-in GPS with electromagnetic compass and astrotracer function which can help you capture amazing Star trails and night sky photos. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 5:04
unique features like the astrotracer mode utilizing GPS and tilt sensors for astrophotography ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:36
seriously good specs including a 36.4 mp cmos sensor with 33 autofocus points shake reduction full hd video recording and even a gps system for location tracking ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:23
14-bit raw capture and dng files for raw so it's very friendly when it comes to post editing ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 2:51
two SD card slots ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:12
this dslr camera is loaded with dynamic pixel shift resolution shake reduction 2 gps improved iso sensitivity weather resistant and dust proof engine accelerometer magnesium alloy constriction astro tracer extended exposure mode etc ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:24
scissor action articulating rear screen and extended exposure modes ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:07
The aps-c crop mode full-frame 35 millimeters sensor happens to be another crucial feature of this model ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:01
dual sd card slots and usb 3.0 connection ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 3:09
amazing array of lenses that are useful particularly for astrophotography ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 0:59
great landscape camera thanks to its pixel shift high resolution mode ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 0:21
unique antimoria function ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 1:15
x flash, external microphone, new af button on the front for quick access to af modes ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 3:18
packs in a lot of features while handling in a familiar manner for photo enthusiasts ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 6:50
motion correction option ensures Crystal Clear results every time ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:50
handheld pixel shift mode introduces a whole new dimension to your photography allowing you to enhance detail and sharpness on the Fly ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:56
interesting feature is Horizon correction it again uses the Ibis to correct minor camera tilt and it levels The Horizon and automatically ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 7:53
built-in lens correction features including Distortion correction, chromatic aberration correction and defraction correction ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 1:32
special feature for astrophotographers it's called Astro Tracer and it uses the Ibis to track stars during a long exposure ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 7:40
Pixel Shift Resolution: Innovative technology takes your images to the next level by combining multiple shots to create a single high resolution Masterpiece ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:34
wide array of digital filters and Custom Image settings ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 4:20
high resolution pixel shift capture ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:28

Usability/Handling (23)

controlled via function dial which is unique ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:36
loved this camera the viewfinder here is perfect and is a reflex so it's an optical viewfinder so you don't have all the problems of the electronic view finder ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 4:24
it's very difficult to push buttons without noticing and change the settings ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 10:59
with a manual focus lens I have this focusing screen where I can see the focus everywhere without having to move the camera so I can just focus exactly in the spot I want and take the pictures ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 9:53
this little Buton here is a lock button you can just simply lock the camera and everything stays there ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 12:59
It also has LED lights on the body which can help you change settings or swap lenses in the dark. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 5:17
I get on with this camera so much better than a K3 m 3 that it doesn't even bother me I'd rather have this ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 3:13
something that's a lot better on this than on the K3 is the rear screen ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 2:02
the optical viewfinder is also preferred by the end users ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:08
grip [is good, even for] big hands ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 3:48
dedicated button for direct access to video recording ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 3:27
articulating screens ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 0:56
articulating screen ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 2:46
lightweight ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 1:15
interesting set of lights that help with trying to operate your camera in the dark ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 2:59
small lens lightweight ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 1:00
people love this dslr camera on a wide scale ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 3:35
surprisingly nice to hold and use ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 4:34
handles surprisingly well ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 4:26
Optical viewfinder is really nice because you literally see through the lens ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 5:09
generous grip ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 4:29
100% viewfinder ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:13
added bonus of a 5 AIS electronic level function composing your shots has never been easier ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:01

Value for Money (19)

Pre-order offer includes free battery grip worth £220 ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 3:24
Price is £1799, £200 less than the k1 ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 3:34
PX is supporting reflex cameras ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 5:08
at 2 grand it's a fantastic value ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 10:09
New 1.4 50mm DFA lens ▶ First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens @ 2:48
I have a lot of lenses that are from the manual era lenses so I have a lot of beautiful lenses now are called vintage I love them and I want to be able to use these lenses ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 8:32
Pentax is doing something I've never seen done before: you can send your existing k1 to them and they will open it up and swap out the circuit board and upgrade it to a k1 Mark 2 ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 0:40
price is $2,000 for a 36 megapixel full-frame camera ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 7:26
Holy Trinity zoom lenses at affordable prices ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 7:46
nice prime lenses at reasonable prices ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 8:08
upgrade your old Pentax K-1 to the mark II for 500 euro ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 4:22
the absolute best part of this camera is the k-mount lenses, 45 years of lenses that you can attach to this camera and use ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 5:50
this lens could be had for a hundred dollars ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 5:57
excellent image quality at an affordable price ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:38
this lens can actually be bought for like 100 bucks ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 4:34
wide angle lens at a budget price ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 1:10
The pentax k mount can be used with the pentax slr and thus you seek the prerequisite opportunity for trying the old lens ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 3:52
attractive price ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:33
affordable compared to other full-frame dslrs ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:18

Build Quality (15)

sealed in an impressive 87 places making it durable and safe to use in rain snow and heat ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:15
The K1 Mark II has a rugged and weathersealed body with a 100% pentaprism viewfinder and a 3.2 inch far angle LCD screen. ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 4:35
Dependable choice for traditionalists embarking on outdoor photography Adventures ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 6:05
stands out for outdoor photographers seeking a sturdy weather sealed body ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:09
full frame camera that not only takes fantastic shots but can also withstand the elements ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:04
robust build build ample controls and practical LED features ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 6:01
emphasis on image quality combined with its rugged build ensures that photographers can confidently capture beautiful photographs regardless of the conditions they encounter ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 6:16
weather sealing enhances its durability making it a reliable companion for outdoor and landscape photography even in challenging weather conditions ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 5:56
fully weather sealed ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 0:48
insane weather sealing ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 3:34
rugged ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 0:52
built like a tank ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 2:22
tough ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 0:52
great build quality and weather ceiling ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:11
weather sealed ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:33

Autofocus System (9)

the biggest surprise with this camera was the autofocus for me uh it's probably not something a lot of people would have expected but I found it a lot more consistent a lot more reliable ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 2:39
improved the AF tracking algorithm ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 2:29
here's a good example of um the autofocus system doing a good job ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 6:07
when i do need to use autofocus it works incredibly well ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 3:11
25 cross type sensors and two line type sensors for precision focusing of moving subjects ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:21
accurate and well performing 33 Point AF system ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:31
new safox 11 autofocus module utilities 27 autofocus points for fast and accurate focus, even in difficult lighting conditions ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:14
updated autofocus algorithm that makes focusing a bit snappier ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 2:26
three central points provide extra power when using fast lenses with a maximum aperture of f 2.8 or larger ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:30

Performance (8)

great great great camera ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 14:16
for the studio experience a reflex is abs absolutely much better ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 5:00
you'd be hard pushed to beat this camera ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 1:58
high speed data transmission allows a frame rate of 8.3 frames per second for up to 60 jpeg images or 23 raw ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:42
it comes with the latest accelerator unit which helps in processing the image signals efficiently by the image sensor ▶ ✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews @ 4:46
high precision metering, new 86000 dot rgb light metering system ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 1:39
the K1 Mark II delivers very consistent exposures ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 6:22
Lightning Fast responsiveness ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:52

Connectivity (5)

wi-fi is also included ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:39
built-in Wi-Fi ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 3:31
dedicated Pentax Flucard enables wireless connection to a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:51
GPS built right into the camera body which allows it to track the stars across the sky so you can do much longer exposures and get great Milkyway shots without blur ▶ Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Camer @ 3:34
GPS and Wi-Fi ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:36

Video Capabilities (3)

high quality full hd movie clips with smooth movement and a wide variety of controls at up to 60 frames per second ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 1:53
advanced level movie mode which captures a series of 4k images and compiles them for outstanding effects ▶ 5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 @ 2:05
options for recording in full frame or apsc crop mode along with adjustable sound levels and wind noise reduction ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 4:33

Battery Life (2)

3.2 inch lcd screen which you can tilt and a decent battery life at around 760 shots per charge ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 4:01
battery life is excellent and so much better than any mirrorless ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 8:58

Cons (87)

Other (36)

Pentax marketing is almost non-existent around this camera or any of their recent cameras ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 10:28
basically the same sensor from the Nikon d800e which was released in 2012 Nikon replaced the sensor in the D 850 and Sony has upgraded the sensor to the new 42 megapixel sensor so I really hope that we'd see them use one of these sensors but it's the same kind of old sensor. it's a fantastic sensor but it is older there are newer better sensors cameras are getting sharper ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 9:32
It may not have the best video features or the fastest burst speed... ▶ TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before @ 5:33
lacks the lens variety of Canon and Nikon ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:56
autofocus tracking is not the strongest point ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 1:32
modest 4.4 FPS burst rate ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:53
the video is still 1080p 30 frames per second nowadays 1080p 60 frames per second is considered a huge disappointment everybody's mad at him for not adopting 4k so we're now like two generations behind on video technologies that's simply not a camera anybody would pick up if you're a hybrid shooter at all ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 10:12
they're selling it as a kit with their I think it's 28 to 135 lens it's not the sharpest lens I would not recommend it ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 11:37
video only 1080p 30fps ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 7:03
outdated 1080p movie resolution ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:49
users have limited lens selection in terms of compatibility ▶ ✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2 @ 3:46
the focus is good up until let's say probably like 2 3 meters away if things are starting to come back and forth so like someone's walking towards you walking away that close proximity AO focus it is quite primitive ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 3:31
absence of touchscreen functionality ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:23
lens selection is limited ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 7:42
subpar sensor-based autof Focus for live view and movie capture ▶ From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every @ 5:46
there's quite a lot of weight to this even with this 50 mil lens on you know this is still over a kilo ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 1:41
buffer is not really good, not the fastest camera ▶ Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? @ 6:49
frames a second are a bit rubbish so you're looking at about four frames a second and even worse is the buffer um when you're shooting and raw it it does stack up very quick and lock the camera up ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 3:03
the only one thing I was disappointed with this and that was the the viewfinder I was expecting it to be larger than it is ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 4:15
most most uh color cameras I've just always found them quite muddy with cross light ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 1:13
not quite as fast as a K3 ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 2:45
only a modest 4.4 FPS maximum burst speed when shooting in full frame which won't impress sports or action photographers ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:13
only full HD video capability rather than 4K ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:27
one of the biggest issues with this camera is unlike its predecessor it has a built-in noise reduction that you can't turn off and that can cause some issues at higher isos ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 5:21
33-point autofocus system which is kind of laughable when you compare it to like my old sony that had 400 something ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 2:58
the astro tracer [is difficult to use]: you have to take the camera you're shaking it all around trying to line it up ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 4:35
just be baking in some hardware base to noise reduction ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 1:17
images don't really look good at ISO levels that high ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 1:33
autofocus is very loud and noisy ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 3:14
video recording it's not very good at recording video, it's only 1080p 30 at the best ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 5:11
it's definitely not anything you're gonna be conspicuous about ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 3:29
the camera is really heavy…it's 2.23 pounds, so it may get a little tiresome in your hands carrying around all day ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 4:58
very little that's actually new on the mark 2 ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 0:59
no hybrid phase detection AF system for its Live View mode ▶ Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 @ 7:23
only has four frames per second shooting in burst mode, so if you do sports it's probably not the best camera to look at for that ▶ Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] @ 4:07
they don't have those really bright Crystal Clear displays ▶ Pentax K1 mark ii Review @ 4:34

Usability/Handling (13)

it is a weird camera release ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 0:15
in a low light viewfinders electronic viewfinders always sucks because they cannot go low as a time of exposure because they have the refresh rate ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 3:32
with evf there's a problem that you have to couple the exposure the the visualization of the exposure from the viewfinder ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 2:30
to use manual focus on Modern lenses like on the Fuji is just Su experience it's not it's not fluid it's not exactly uh is not the same experience the lenses the modern lenses are made for autofocus ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 10:10
in studio it really sucks and it sucks because it is a mirrorless and in studio you cannot use the optical viewfinder because it's not precise enough for framing so you have to switch to the electronic viewfinder and use it like a mirrorless and a mirrorless in a studio situation sucks ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 0:57
you still have to turn the live view on and off which is kind of annoying…it is kind of a big deal after a mirrorless camera ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 9:39
bulky and heavy ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:24
camera definitely looks a little bit intimidating maybe with all these buttons and dials ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 3:26
you can't see how the picture is going to come out until you actually take one picture and then take a look ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 5:26
user interface is slightly different from the rest…it definitely takes a bit of time to get used to ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 3:03
kind of hard to justify the size and the weight because there are so many much smaller really capable cameras today ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 4:49
built like a tank but it also weighs like a tank ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 3:42
LAX touchscreen ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:26

Value for Money (9)

exactly the same camera with a couple of little changes ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 0:26
the k1 replacement was really anticipated because we want another great contender in the full-frame camera marketplace and this isn't it this is not the a7r Mark 3 killer this is not the D 50 killer even the 5d Mark 4 killer it's something different ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 7:41
they really still are very limited in their lenses that Pentax considers to be designed for digital. Pentax themselves only recommends using these limited selection of design for digital lenses and since 2016 when the original Kalyn was released we really haven't seen many new options ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 8:01
there are better lenses out there but not for 100 bucks ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 6:12
this lens is not ranked very high ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 1:22
k1 mark 2 simply isn't an enticing upgrade over the original ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 7:38
mark 2 is suddenly $2000 despite being based on the same exact tech and it faces fiercer competition today than the k1 did two years ago ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 7:49
not really a big improvement ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 2:36
dwindling third-party lens support ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:44

Features (8)

skeptical about the dynamic pixel shift. with the original k1, the pixel shift mechanism was useless for landscape photos because even in what looks like a still scene there's always some amount of movement. the Pentax is supposed to accommodate that and stitch it out we found it failed so much that things ended up being real weird. even on a tripod between multiple shots it's possible for a little bit of movement to happen. so we had a fairly high failure rate with these images requires to take several images over and over again to get success. a little skeptical that I'll be able to handhold it and have much success. the compensating for handshake the sensor can only move a certain amount it has a limit ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 4:37
don't use Lightroom, have to use silky pix to get the most out of the pixel shift file ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 6:01
handheld pixel shift high-definition mode doesn't work that great ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 4:40
silky pix is clunky ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 6:16
may not offer an abundance of extravagant features found in other cameras ▶ Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW @ 6:05
pixel shoot, even on a tripod the gains you get from it aren't always that apparent and they often come with some rather significant drawbacks, need a completely static scene for it to work properly even with motion correction turned on ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 5:33
handheld pixel shift mode doesn't exactly work very well ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 2:20
omits as 2sd support ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:44

Image Quality (7)

the top-end iso raid limit is now eight hundred and nineteen thousand whereas on the k1 original one it was two hundred and nine thousand but it's the same sensor ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 1:30
motion correction can introduce some weird color artifacts into the image ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 5:58
don't think this camera really makes sense for anyone unless you absolutely need that 800,000 iso, not going to look good ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 8:24
even in silky pics you still get some weird color artifacts in things like water and occasionally foliage or around the edges of other moving objects, can happen with and without motion correction turned on ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 6:24
tendency towards underexposure in certain scenarios ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:34
plenty of longitudinal chromatic aberrations visible and that shows up way way too much in pictures shot at F 2.8 or wider apertures ▶ PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR @ 8:37
noise becomes more pronounced when venturing into the higher ISO ranges ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 3:51

Performance (5)

the buffer times in the readers camera are pain. limited to 17 raw shots. in real world uses I found myself running into the buffer all the time. continually even shooting just landscapes running up against the buffer and ending up frustrated so that's frustrating that they didn't change that ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 8:51
f4 to f 5.6. so you're not gonna have this really ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 2:34
takes like 20 seconds to process the image and the quality gains are somewhere between minimal and non-existent ▶ Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review @ 4:57
slightly falls short of the manufacturer's specified figures ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 0:55
slower burst shooting ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:41

Autofocus System (5)

The original k1 had very primitive autofocus, like almost an entry-level camera or an older camera like the original canon 5d. insufficient to do even the most basic of autofocus tracking. They did not update the autofocus system but they updated the algorithm, so we will have to wait and test it to see if how much better it actually is ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 2:33
we really struggled with the autofocus on the original k1 the autofocus points are very small and clustered in the middle really limiting the usefulness. even for things like autofocus you had to do a lot of focus and recompose and that feels really primitive nowadays and it seems to be the same autofocus ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2, @ 8:32
autofocus not the fastest ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:22
focusing in low light environments may require a bit more patience ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 1:19
slow inconsistent autofocus ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:36

Build Quality (2)

the upper to ring doesn't change is stiff use the fu lenses and the upper to ring and other lenses with the uper ring always a little bit soft you're taking the pictures you're moving around and you move the uper and you do not even notice here you really notice it ▶ The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II @ 10:31
plasticky body ▶ Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II @ 0:58

Battery Life (1)

below average battery life ▶ Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Ro @ 2:24

Video Capabilities (1)

outdated video tool set ▶ PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYN @ 14:39

Review sources

Pentax K-1 Mark II Review 2024: Low-Light Champion or All-Rounder? by BuyRightProducts — 24 pros, 8 cons
Ricoh Pentax K-1 Mk II - Hands On Review by Digital Trends — 6 pros, 15 cons
PentaxK1II is a BEAST! –Back To DSLR by Matti Sulanto — 12 pros, 7 cons
Pentax K-1 Mark II Preview: Handheld Pixel-Shift, 36 MP, $2,000! by Tony & Chelsea Northrup — 5 pros, 13 cons
Pentax K1 mark ii Review by i like pixels — 11 pros, 7 cons
The Last Great DSLR - Pentax K1 Mark II by Luigi Barbano — 12 pros, 5 cons
Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera] by LENS DADDY — 6 pros, 8 cons
5 Best PENTAX CAMERAS IN 2021 by Top5 Rated — 14 pros, 0 cons
Pentax 18-35mm f/4-5.6 lens review Full Frame K-1 mark II by leehaze1 — 9 pros, 4 cons
From Pro to Beginner: Top Full Frame DSLR Cameras for Every Photographer (2024) by ReviewSet — 7 pros, 5 cons
Pentax K1 mark II Preview. Should you upgrade or not? by Blue Sky Photography — 8 pros, 4 cons
✅Top 5 Best DSLR Cameras 2022 Reviews by The Home Guide Pro — 11 pros, 0 cons
Pentax Astrophotography Series | Part One: Overview of Cameras by C.R.Kennedy Imaging — 11 pros, 0 cons
PENTAX K 1 MARK II DSLR CAMERA REVIEW [2023] WHAT IS THE DYNAMIC RANGE OF PENTAX K1 MARK II? by Golf Sky — 6 pros, 5 cons
Best Pentax Camera - Top 6 Best Pentax Cameras Review! (2025 Buying Guide) by Grip Things — 7 pros, 3 cons
✅Best Cameras for $2,000 in 2022 | Top 5 Best Cameras for $2,000 Reviews in 2022 by Gadgets Tubes — 8 pros, 1 cons
First look at the Pentax K1 Mark II and DFA 50mm f/1.4 Lens by DIYPhotography — 8 pros, 0 cons
TOP 5 Best DSLR Cameras of 2023: All You Need to Know Before You Buy! by LenCo Recommendations — 6 pros, 1 cons
Best DSLR Camera 2023 - Best DSLR CAMERAS REVIEW by Top Tech Gadget — 6 pros, 1 cons

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pentax K-1 Mark II worth buying?

Based on 19 independent YouTube reviews, the Pentax K-1 Mark II scores 3.7/5 with 177 positive and 87 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #43 in the DSLRs category.

What do reviewers like most about the Pentax K-1 Mark II?

The most praised aspects are image quality, features, usability/handling — Image Quality (67 mentions), Features (26 mentions), Usability/Handling (23 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the Pentax K-1 Mark II?

Reviewers most frequently criticize other, usability/handling — Other (36 mentions), Usability/Handling (13 mentions).

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