The Pentax K-1 Mark II is an enhanced follow-up to the original K-1, which was Pentax’s first flagship full-frame DSLR. It’s a professional-caliber DSLR at an enthusiast-level price. Key features include:
Updated PRIME IV processor with Accelerator Unit
36.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Enhanced five-axis image stabilization
33-point autofocus system
What’s New. While the K-1 II retains all of its predecessor’s features, its PRIME IV image sensor has been updated with an Accelerator Unit that boosts clarity and color accuracy, reduces noise, and extends ISO sensitivity to 819,200 for excellent low-light performance. Additionally, the improved Pixel Shift Resolution II setting gives you more robust image stabilization. All this power comes at a cost, though. You’ll get up to 670 shots per charge compared to 760 on the original K-1.
36.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor. This sensor—which lacks a low-pass filter—outputs high-resolution images with more depth and sharpness than possible with the previous APS-C offerings. The combination of this large sensor and the new Accelerator Unit provides outstanding high-ISO image quality with a range of 100-819,200—a serious leap from the original K1’s 209,400.
Five-Axis Image Stabilization. Rated for five stops of correction, this system does more than just keeping images free from camera shake across five axes. Thanks to some technical wizardry, the K-1 II’s stabilizer offers an updated Pixel Shift resolution mode, horizon correction, an AstroTracer function, and AA filter simulation. There are dedicated corners of the internet that go into detail on these unique features, so we’ll leave it at that.
Pixel Shift Resolution II. Using the above-mentioned in-camera stabilization unit, this mode composites four separate exposures into a single frame while moving the sensor in one-pixel increments. This all translates to higher-resolution images, more accurate color reproduction, and reduced high-sensitivity noise. On top of that, the combination of Pixel Shift Resolution II and the new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode lets you use image stabilization without a tripod, even in low light.
SAFOX 12 Autofocus System. The updated SAFOX 12 autofocus module features 33 total autofocus points, 25 of which are cross-type. Three central points are optimized for performance with f/2.8 and faster lenses, while all but the outer eight points offer focusing down to -3EV.
Full HD Video. It’s definitely not a flagship feature, but the K-1 II shoots Full HD 1080/30p video using H.264 compression. There’s a built-in stereo mic for in-camera audio, as well as external mic and headphone jacks for higher-quality audio.
Professional Build. It wouldn’t be a Pentax camera if the build quality wasn’t up to snuff. Rest assured there’s no skimping here. The magnesium-alloy body has the usual elaborate weather sealing for peace of mind. There’s more customization than you can shake a stick at, yet the core manual controls and ergonomics remain the design’s primary focus. The 3.2-inch Cross-Tilt LCD gives you the ability to position the screen in ways you didn’t think was possible, and the large optical viewfinder’s 0.7x magnification gives you 100% coverage.
Other Notable Features. Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless image transfer and camera control from a smartphone, and the in-camera GPS module does just what you’d expect. There are LEDs strategically placed behind the rear LCD and above the lens mount to help you see what you’re doing in complete darkness. There are dual SD slots for recording images and video, and the included rechargeable D-LI90 battery is rated for 670 shots per charge.
