Pentax 16.28 Megapixels K-01 Mirrorless Review by Pocket-lint With Rating 3/5

On February 2 2012, Pentax announced the K-01 compact system mirrorless camera with a Pentax K lens mount and a 16.28 Megapixels, APS-C sized CMOS sensor. Designed in collaboration with Marc Newson, the Pentax K-01 features sensor-shift shake reduction, a dust removal mechanism, 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots, continuous shooting at 5fps, 19 digital filters and full HD video capture at either 24, 25 or 30 fps in H.264 compression format.

The K-01 also features a new "PRIME M" imaging engine to assure first-rate movie recording performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. The K-01 offers a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or to ISO 25600 when expanded using a custom function. The High Dynamic Range mode allows users to select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effect, while an automatic position adjustment function assures precise alignment of three images. Also introduced is a new K mount "pancake" lens, the smc Pentax-DA 40mm f/2.8 XS, which is billed as the world's thinnest interchangeable lens. Available in black, white and Newson's signature yellow colors, the K-01 features the designer's autograph logo stamp on the bottom of each camera. It will be available from end March 2012 for $749.95 body only or $899.95 with the DA 40mm f/2.8 XS. Here's the summary of review by Pocket-lint, giving the camera a rating 3 out of 5:

"Where the K-01 really can shine is with its image quality. Taking the picture you want may be a little tricky in the first instance on account of the LCD-only and so-so autofocus system, but the likes of still lives, portraits and other stationary or slow-moving shots will sparkle with the right lens combination. The sensor is the same 16-megapixel offering as found in the Pentax K-5, or neighbouring Sony NEX-5N model. It's a cracking sensor that delivers decent amounts of detail and low noise. The K-01 can shoot from ISO 100 all the way up to ISO 25,600. All bar the top three sensitivities provide competition-beating results, meaning shooting from ISO 100-3200 will yield excellent results. Pentax also offers some staggering lenses that can be popped on to the front of the camera - we've no doubt that the limited-edition wide-aperture primes will produce great results, if you can find any to buy. Raw files can be captured in the DNG format - Adobe's universal format - for immediate use in editing software. The files hold that extra bit of detail and offer bags more room to process than the JPEG equivalents. And it doesn't stop there. Within the camera's menus are detailed settings to adjust JPEG sharpness, contrast, saturation, hue and high/low key points. Bleach bypass, sepia, black & white and other useful in-camera settings also feature, as does a HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode on the main mode dial itself. HDR, used to expose for shadow and highlight in a single frame, can be shot in JPEG only and will require a tripod for modes 1-3, but can be used handheld in good light if selecting the "Auto" mode. The results are subtle rather than some of the over-worked HDR that's all too common.

Oh, Pentax. From the outset the K-01 looked like an oddity and, sadly, our "weird" view remains unchanged. Super-designer or not, the K-01 is boxy, big and has less - not more - than the competition to offer prospective buyers. It's sandwiched somewhere between smaller compact system cameras and more advanced DSLR systems, albeit without the key benefits of either type. Autofocus isn't up to scratch in terms of speed or ability, plus it's far too loud in use. The teeny grip won't be deep enough for use with more serious lenses either - which seems a total mismatch to the K-mount's presence. Image quality is great though, and by far the camera's strong point. Yet for just a little more cash - and the £679 outlay that the K-01 demands is already pricey - the far superior K-5 would make a much keener purchase. Pentax's website proclaims that the K-01 is "the first K-mount mirror less camera". We can only hope it's the last too."

Built like a tank., M. Likavec "Mike" - Apr 30 2013
Great build and optical quality...overall excellent. It has a very solid feel. Color balance near perfect. Bought it as a back up but find that I use it daily....

As am amateur potographer, i love the quality of the pictures, benjamin a tayag jr - Apr 25 2013
Pictures are crisp, and with very natural colors. Downside is I lost the lens cap of the 28mm lens on day 1. There should have been a cap keeper system....

Zoom Issue, m.kobie - Apr 21 2013
Love the picture quality, however you need to buy additional lens for better zoom. Not a listed requirement in the description. It does state that additional lens are available not required. Lens protector should also be attached (via cord). At events it is easy to lose....

Slick, easy-to-use body with tons of lens options, Brianna Sheldon - Apr 18 2013
*The Body* The Pentax K-01 is a relatively compact camera body (considering it mounts all K-mount lenses and needs to be deep enough for the mount and the focal distance of those lenses) with a nice, clean design. It is chunky and friendly-looking, which helps put subjects at ease. I found the menus and controls simple and intuitive, and all the options I've needed have...