Pentax
K-1
Original 36MP full-frame Pentax DSLR with 5-axis SR, AA filter simulator, and weather sealing.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2016
Pentax
K-1 Mark II
36MP full-frame DSLR with IBIS and rugged build.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2018
K-1 Mark II is 1.8 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
K-1
Wins
K-1 Mark II
15 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BK-1 Mark II has lower Weight (720 g vs 1010 g)
- BK-1 Mark II has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 5 stops)
- AK-1 has higher Resolution (36.4 MP vs 36 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareK-1
137 × 111 × 87 mm
1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-1 Mark II
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
K-1 is 1mm narrower and 2mm thinner than K-1 Mark II but it is also 13mm taller.
K-1 is 290 g heavier than K-1 Mark II.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm K-1 · 88mm K-1 Mark II
Sensor size, to scale
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
K-1 Mark II
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
K-1
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
K-1 Mark II
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
K-1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 137, 110.5, 86.5
Resolution
36.4 MP vs 36 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-1 Mark II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Weight
720 g vs 1010 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 101
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
K-1
Pros
- ✓36MP full-frame
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
- ✓AA filter simulator
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Slow AF vs mirrorless
- –Heavy
- –Superseded by K-1 II
K-1 Mark II
Pros
- ✓36MP FF DSLR
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Rugged
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –DSLR
- –Slow AF
- –Heavy
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the K-1 and K-1 Mark II at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-1
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, K-1 or K-1 Mark II?
K-1 Mark II scores 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for K-1 — 720g — manageable for travel.
What's the resolution difference between the K-1 and K-1 Mark II?
K-1 is 36.4 MP and K-1 Mark II is 36 MP, so the K-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the K-1 and K-1 Mark II have in-body image stabilization?
K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-1 Mark II has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the K-1 or the K-1 Mark II?
K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic. K-1 Mark II reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-1 and K-1 Mark II?
K-1 weighs 1010 g and K-1 Mark II weighs 720 g, so the K-1 Mark II is 290 g lighter.
Do the K-1 and K-1 Mark II record 4K video?
K-1: 4K up to 60p. K-1 Mark II: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-1 and K-1 Mark II weather sealed?
K-1: Yes. K-1 Mark II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-1 and 640 shots for the K-1 Mark II, giving the K-1 Mark II the edge.
How much does each cost?
K-1 launched at $1,799 and K-1 Mark II at $1,999. The K-1 is $200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way K-1 vs K-1 Mark II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.