Pentax 16.28 Megapixels K-01 Mirrorless Review by TheVerge With Rating 6.5/10

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 is available for $749.95 body only or $899.95 with the DA 40mm f/2.8 XS. Here's the summary of review by TheVerge, giving the camera a rating of 6.5 out of 10:

"In a vacuum, the K-01 is a reasonably compelling package. It's smaller than the average DSLR, can use the wide variety of Pentax lenses that are readily available to customers, offers lots of customization and manual control, and shoots photos that are nearly as good as those from much bigger or more expensive cameras. Three years ago, this would have been a noteworthy achievement, indeed -- but the market has evolved significantly as of late. If you're interested in a smallish camera with a large sensor, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and a number of others offer cheaper and more portable options. The K-01 also has a number of notable flaws beyond its size and price -- specifically its poor autofocus and video performance. For anyone without a lot of Pentax glass, you should be able to find a better camera for less money.

Ultimately, in spite of the excellent photos that the K-01 produces, the price and size discrepancies make it hard to recommend the K-01 to a wide range of consumers. While the K-01 offers more physical controls and access to the vast array of Pentax glass, the Sony NEX-5N can be had for $700, with a zoom lens -- that's $50 less than the K-01 without a lens. Still, the K-01 should find success with a specific audience. If you're a long-time Pentax user who wants to move to a smaller camera and still take advantage of your lens collection, the K-01 makes a lot of sense. For my part, I'm hoping that the next mirrorless camera Pentax puts together keeps as much of the technology on the inside as possible -- while at the same time making it a bit more appealing for both the eyes and the wallet."

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...