A successor to Pentax’s first full-frame flagship DSLR, the K-1 Mark II is distinguished by better processing and imaging capabilities. The camera, which has a 36.4 MP CMOS sensor and a PRIME IV image processor, can record full HD video and capture high-resolution still images at up to 4.4 frames per second. A Ricoh-developed Accelerator Unit has been added to the 14-bit picture processor, improving clarity, color accuracy, and reducing noise. It also increases the sensitivity range to ISO 819200 for low-light operation. The 5-axis shake reduction technology, which reduces the impression of camera shake for crisper handheld shooting, also helps to improve image quality. Pixel Shift Resolution II, which takes advantage of the sensor’s movement to capture four consecutive frames and combine them to improve resolution and color detail, is also made possible by this image stabilization mechanism. This technique likewise helps dynamic pixel shift resolution, but it allows you to accomplish comparable outcomes even when working handheld.

Apart from its unique imaging capabilities, the K-1 Mark II is distinguished by its remarkable physical design. This camera is excellent for use in difficult climates and cold weather because of its sturdy body made of stainless steel and magnesium alloy and extensive weather-sealing. A massive 0.7x magnification and 100% frame coverage are provided by the big pentaprism optical viewfinder, and the back 3.2″ 1.04m-dot LCD features a unique cross-tilt design that makes it simple to position for working at different angles. In addition, integrated GPS allows you to geotag your photos, so you can trace your shots on an interactive map. Built-in Wi-Fi also allows for wireless remote control and picture sharing.

Some of the Pentax K1 II’s greatest features and fantastic modal

Ergonomics’s Pentax K1 II

You’ll be at ease using the K1 Mk II if you’ve ever used a Pentax camera. Prepare yourself for button and control overload if you’re switching from any other brand of camera. The Pentax K1 Mk II is a DSLR with an incredibly good design. The camera appears somewhat simple from the front, with the huge lens mount and deep hand grip taking center stage. There’s a tiny light above the lens mount, in addition to the shutter dial and lens release. That small light is a lifesaver if you need to change your lenses in a dark place.

The front and top of the camera are very different from one another. This is where the primary mode selection dial is located, along with a tiny LCD showing exposure compensation, shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, battery life, and which memory card slots are in use. The way the two dials that encircle the LCD cooperate is pretty special. You can pick a parameter using the top mode dial, and you can adjust the parameters of the mode you’ve chosen using the dial to the right of the LCD. It’s a great feature that I rapidly grew to enjoy. Additionally, there is an exposure compensation button, an ISO control, a light control, a power toggle, and a Wi-Fi indicator light. Additionally, there is an on/off switch for the GPS next to the viewfinder.

Build quality Pentax K1 II

Here, it is evident what has to be discussed. Huge is the Pentax K1 Mk II. It would be an understatement to say that switching back to a Pentax K1 Mk II would have been shocking, given that I usually use a Fujifilm X-T3. The Nikon D850, which weighs 2.01 pounds, is already enormous; in comparison, the Pentax K1 Mk II is larger and heavier. The Pentax K1 Mk II has a massive 2.22-pound weight. The magnesium alloy body that is concealed beneath the gorgeously textured body covering is partially to blame for its weight.

The benefit of this weight is that, in the two weeks since I started using the K1 Mk II, I have noticed noticeable improvements in my upper arms and forearms. This camera is meant to be used outdoors, where weather conditions may cause it to malfunction. The 87 weather sealing locations that are located all over the body of the camera allowed it to function flawlessly even amid intense rain, snow, dense fog, 45 mph gusts, and -3 degree days.

Pentax K1 II of usability

Although there are a lot of menus to choose from, the Pentax K1 Mk II is a reasonably simple camera to use. Although Pentax’s menu structure is well-designed, there are a whopping seventeen pages of settings. Although the pages are easily navigable due to their grouping into sections, be ready to go down a very deep rabbit hole. To fully utilize this camera and comprehend all of its features, you will need to invest a significant amount of time reading through the handbook. There is little difficulty in browsing the menu. I was able to easily navigate the choices within around fifteen minutes. The menus appear a touch out of date, but since it’s a menu system, it doesn’t need to impress anyone—it simply needs to work, and work well, at that.

The Pentax K1 Mk II has several characteristics that set it apart from other DSLRs. The stability of the sensors would come first. This does work quite well, in my opinion. Hand-held photography at 1/10th of a second produced the image above. That is very, very amazing. The rocks on the upper portion of the pool are clear, sharp, and crisp when viewed at 100%. Pentax rates it at five stops, so taking pictures in low light will be a breeze.

Autofocus Pentax K1 II Pentax

I have some reservations about this Pentax K1 Mk II section. The camera’s usefulness is truly restricted by the autofocus function unless you possess extraordinary skill. There are just 33 focal points to begin with. The amount of focus on the camera is fine if you take it for what it is and consider the target market (portrait and landscape photographers). However, in a time when having hundreds of focus points is standard, it appears that the camera is severely behind the times, and anyone looking at a spec sheet will be turned off right away.

The focus points are gathered into the center of the sensor, as you can see in the image above. As a result, be prepared for a lot of focus and recomposing; if this is nothing new to you, it shouldn’t be a major concern.

Image Quality: Pentax K1 II

Excellent results can be obtained with the Pentax K1 Mk II. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 36.4 Megapixel Full Frame sensor’s lack of change from the original K1.

The Pentax K1 Mk II produces incredibly adaptable RAW files. There’s more leeway in the RAW files to produce genuinely amazing results, even though it might not be as flexible as my daily Fujifilm X-T3. Since Capture One 12 does not support the Pentax K1 Mk II, I edited the RAW files in this instance using Lightroom. The camera’s wide dynamic range allows you to extract a great deal of detail from the shadows and highlights, and the natural-looking colors it produces are just what landscape and portrait photographers require.