Name: Pentax K-01 Digital Camera Body, 16.3MP CMOS Sensor, 1080p HD Video, 6 FPS Burst Mode - Black
Brand: Pentax
SKU: IPXK01
Price: 299.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.3 (30 reviews)

Pentax K-01 Digital Camera Body, 16.3MP CMOS Sensor, 1080p HD Video, 6 FPS Burst Mode - Black

Pentax K-01

Pentax

Adorama

Photography

Cameras

Mirrorless Cameras

Pentax Mirrorless Cameras

Pentax K-01 

Top Rated Gear: Pentax K-01 Digital Camera Body, 16.3MP CMOS Sensor, 1080p HD Video, 6 FPS Burst Mode - Black Resolution: 16 MP

I bought the Pentax k-01 based on my positive experience with Pentax and Ricoh cameras, both film and digital. I owned Pentax *ist DL and Pentax k2000 and enjoyed the clarity and colors these digital cameras produced and hoped the K-01 would also, and I have been quite pleased. I have many Pentax and Ricoh slr lenses that work very well with the K-01 producing crystal clear photos. I also own a Canon 7d, which is a great camera but I think because of its anti-aliasing filter does not produce the clarity and colors of a Pentax.  I hesitated buying the K-01 because it did not have a viewfinder for working in bright sunlight, but the K-01 turns up the brightness on the screen so one can easily frame a photo even with the sun shining on the screen. This surprised me, since my pocket point and shoot screen washes out in bright sunlight. Reviews of the K-01 indicated that the low light functioning is not that great. However, I have taken many photos in dim available light with high ISO and taken remarkable photos. I have digital slr Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Minolta and Sony cameras that could not produce such clear and low noise photos in dim available light. I am favorably impressed with the Pentax K-01 and recommend it highly.

Favorably Impressed

I have been shooting photos for over 30 years. Mostly Minolta in the film years. A lot of Fuji digital cameras followed. I had inherited a lot of old Pentax lenses about a year ago from a family member and was looking to go full DSLR about the same time. When the K-01 was on sale at Adorama during the big price drop, I could not resist taking the plunge. Back in 2005 I had lost all my possessions in Hurricane Katrina, so I had kind of lost my passion for photography for a few years. Then I received my K-01 from Adorama, It has put me back in the game. I mostly do nature and landscape photography, and architectural photos of old buildings. all the old glass and a few new lenses are a joy to shoot with on the K-01. Also I am one of the few that actually likes the Marc Newson Design. I always get stopped and have to give a mini tour of my K-01. I like that it is different.

My First DSLR

I own a Pentax K-5 so I didn't really feel the need for another camera but after the price kept dropping, I finally went for it.  And I'm glad I did.  The K-01 is an amazing camera, quirky but fun to use.  The IQ is excellent and the Focus Peaking feature is really interesting and makes focusing very easy without a viewfinder.  I do a lot of macro, and with macro work I typically use Live View with Mirror Lockup on my K-5, so using K-01 for macro work is sort of a no brainer. I really like this camera, Pentax really stepped outside the box with this one and did a great job. 
Highly recommend.

Amazing Camera

I bought this camera as my second Pentax body; I had the K-r and was quite happy with it, but wanted something to do full-HD video. I've ended up quite liking the camera. It takes absolutely beautiful stills and video. However, it will not replace a DSLR. A viewfinder is a must for shooting anything that moves quickly.

Things I like about it: Using old glass is a treat. The button layout makes sense and the menu system is logical enough. All relevant features are readily available. Image quality is fantastic (it does have the same sensor as the K-5...). The shutter is pretty quiet, so I feel less bad when I take pictures at quieter events.

Things I like less about it: I wish the grip was more in line with a traditional DSLR grip. I miss the viewfinder. Even though the LCD is pretty good, you're not going to be able to shoot most sports or fast moving wildlife with the K-01. After burst shooting, the camera needs to buffer and you can't frame your next shot until it finishes. Finally, it feels a little bit ridiculous taking photos with a yellow camera and vintage glass when you're standing next to a bunch of guys with their 5DmkIIs and giant telephoto lenses.

A Versatile Camera

I use the K01 as a backup camera to my pro systems (Pentax 645D, Pentax K5, Sony A850) and for creating time lapse sequences in ultra high definition formats.

The LCD display is difficult to see outdoors in bright sun. However, a Hoodman type of magnifier solves the problem to some extent.  With Pentax DSLR lenses the physical size of the K01 is larger than any other mirrorless camera design but at the closeout price, the image quality completely outclasses point and shoot designs in the same price range.

Incidentally, the video spec by Adorama is incorrect. The K01 video format is 1080P 30 not 25.

Best Buy at Close Out Price

I like to think of the k-01 as a digital rangefinder.  There is no mirror flap.  Pair it with some fast glass, take advantage of the built in image stabilization, and top that off with a low noise sensor (with built in noise reduction), and viola!  Crystal clear 1/4" hand held shots.  I purchased mine to augment a large collection of Pentax equipment and also put to rest my old voigtlander.  Build is solid but the rubber flap the covers the SD card is annoying.

Crystal clear 1/4" handheld shots.

The K-01 is solid, stylish, fun camera that provides impressive image quality.  Do not hesitate to buy this camera if you already own Pentax K-mount lenses. Adorama's customers service is excellent.

Judge the K-01 for what it is than not.

This camera is a fantastic value. For the uses I have made of the camera, there are only a few shortcomings: (1) awkward balance when using longer zoom lens, best for prime lenses, (2)flimsy media cover with flimsy metal cover inside does not inspire long-term confidence, (3) too slow, too much hunting on low-light focus ruins lots of shots. This camera represents an excellent value as a means of getting top quality images without paying the price for K-05. It is best reserved for specific uses, but I am constantly finding new uses! Excellent software with many very useful shooting modes. Excellent video quality. At the moment my Pentax 77 mm limited f 1.8 lens is stuck on this camera except when shorter lens is needed for inside photos. Then the Sigma 30mm f 1.4 takes over. Image quality with these two excellent prime lens is really hard to beat. Highly recommended, and I am actually thinking about buying another one as a backup!

Great product for the price

The use of all Pentax lenses is a plus that cannot be overstated...variety, availability, price, and quality. The inclusion of a detailed instruction book is a consumer friendly move, especially valuable to a newbie. I like the size of the K-01, in spite of the barbs of pro reviewers...IMHO, small is not necessarily equal to 'easily handled'. I miss a viewfinder but am easily adapting to the great 3" LCD screen.
Pans about slow autofocus seem to forget that a Manual lens setting of 'infinity' keeps all action beyond 30' in focus.
My first DSLR does not disappoint at all.
Great camera with a weird look.
Kudos to Pentax.

A Great Find

I use my K-01 for art, portrait, low-light, and street photography.  It has excellent image quality and uses any of the huge library of Pentax lenses made since 1960.  Using vintage glass is where this beauty really shines, as focus peaking makes focusing outstanding lenses like the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 much easier.  Plus, all M42 glass works in Av mode, meaning the camera will meter with them and set the shutter speed... this is very handy indoors where you can really see the exceptional high ISO performance of this sensor.
This camera is the best value in photography because of the price, and access to all that classic glass... a huge advantage in my opinion.

Best value in photography

I had been looking for a camera to replace my current Pentax digital SLR (burned out pixels on the sensor) but didn't want to spend a lot of money.  In addition, I have six k-mount lenses that I wanted to be able to use instead of enshrining as has-beens.

This camera was exactly what I was looking for - a low cost body, fully manual, good sensor AND would accommodate all of my old lenses!  The jury's still out on the lack of a viewfinder, but I think that's a matter of getting used to it.  The LCD display is big enough and provides a clear image,  but there is something to be said for feeling more a part of the action by looking through a viewfinder.

The image quality is great and I found the access points for the SD card, cable and mic easy to use, unlike some other reviewers of this camera.

The primary cons of this camera are the delay when using auto focus and the light sensitivity could be a bit better - but this is offset by fairly low noise when switching to higher ISOs.  I'm almost always shooting manual focus anyway, because of the minimal shutter delay in that mode.  I have not tried the video function for this camera yet, but shooting video wasn't my primary goal.

I've only had this camera for about a month, so here's hoping for no burned pixels.  Hopefully the gods of planned obsolescence were on their lunch break when this camera was going through the assembly line.
Overall, very satisfied given the price point and lens compatibility.

What I was looking for

If you do not read any further, read this.  Buy this camera.  At the current low price point (Pentax possibly discontinuing) you cannot get a better camera on the market today for this price.  
Accepts all legacy K-Mount lenses, the "Focus Peaking" is a great assistant for manual focus lenses.  Shares the same sensor as the K-05 which has excellent quality and high ISO handling.  I am a current k-07 owner who was blown away.  My 40mm pancake focuses better and quicker than on my k-07.  I boost ISO to 12k without another thought, and I hesitate to go above 400 on my k-07.
Downside: Only 3 exposure bracketing and no use of IR remote for bracketing.  My only complaint. (dont quite care for the rubber cover for the SD card area, but what can you do?)

Awesomeness

Even with the lack of a viewfinder – I would still buy this camera again. I am proud to wear it, and it takes amazing shots. I am planning on getting some old-school K mount lenses (they will fit no problem)...I LOVE that this is a Pentax and not a Nikon or Canon. It feels good. Very happy with it. AND it is yellow!

Love this camera

poor assist light i hope theres a way to improve the assist light mine i use a flashlight during low light condition so that it can autofocus