Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera Kit with DA 40mm Lens (Black)

 

Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera Kit with DA 40mm Lens (Black)

 

Customer Reviews

Without getting into too much boring detail, I have damaged eyesight, and I have a tough time using DSLRs because of their reliance on tiny flashing numbers in the viewfinder, along with the annoyance of having to dig through various menu screens to get anything done. As a result, I am primarily a film shooter. I like my cameras straightforward. I like to think about getting the shot, not worry about the camera.
Enter this little gem. It has Pentax's intuitive menu system, simple and easy exterior button design which calls to mind an old film camera, and a nice big LCD screen. It is mirrorless, so there's no noisy thing causing camera shake, but it has the same size sensor as most DSLRs on the market, and it takes Pentax's K mount lens line and older M42 glass via adapter. If you want you can get it with a nice 40mm ultra-thin pancake kit lens, which is of excellent quality; or you can get the standard kit with a couple of zooms, or a body only if you already have a set of Pentax glass.
It has a nifty feature called "focus peaking" to aid with focusing when using those wonderful older lenses.
Its video capabilities are very nice. I am not a videographer so I cannot go into a lot of detail on that.
Certain review sites have complained about its ergonomics; but I tend to think these reviewers have never held film cameras and I wonder how they think a camera is supposed to be held.
For me, the biggest drawbacks have been: 1) the rubber flap covering where the SD card slot goes: it's not intuitive, learning how to properly close it. It should not be closed like a door. If you do try to close it like that, it will keep coming open, or your finger will get caught on it, or some other such annoyance. The proper way to close it is to slide it back into place, then press down on it. 2) The LCD screen can be difficult to see in certain types of glare or very bright sunlight. I'm looking for the right kind of removable shade for these situations.
But overall, I am extremely satisfied with this camera. I think it's going to last me a good long time and I'll be getting more Pentax/M42 lenses for it.

The good:
Great image quality
Usable images up to ISO3200
Very fast and accurate focusing
Pretty good performer
K-Mount
The bad:
Horrible ergonomics
Trouble focusing in low light
Very cheap/loose feeling flap over SD/HDMI/Power ports
I had a ton of front/rear focusing issues with the K-x and K-5 since I take most of my images indoors. While I really wanted a true SLR, I figured the K-01 would be a good match for me. I do prefer using the LCD since I wear glasses and composing using the viewfinder can be difficult. I also know the contrast focusing system tends to be much more accurate (with Pentax cameras), thus eleminating the front focusing problems I'd had.
Well, when I first started playing with the camera, I was quite impressed by the focusing speed. it still focuses much like any SLR running in live-view, but about 25% faster. As long as you keep the lenses below about 100mm, they focus very fast and accurately...most of the time. Problem is in fairly dark areas, the camera simply wont lock on anything. And when you get beyond the 100mm mark with a lens, the focusing speed begins to drop tremendously. Once you hit about 250, its about a 1/10th the speed of say the kit 40mm lens.
But you may say this isn't a problem as you'll be using faster lenses like the DA 40mm. Well, at least for me, I couldn't stand to hold the camera for more than about 10 minutes. The camera has almost no grip to hang onto. So after using it a short time, my hand began to cramp. I think it's because you can't really wrap your fingers around it, you're basically pressing your fingers into it. And this is no small P;S or mirrorless camera like some others. This is almost the same size and weight as the K-x.
I suggest staying away from this, at least for now. Perhaps they'll come out with firmware to at laest fix the focusing in low light but the grip still doesn't work for me...

Product Description

Color: Black
From the Manufacturer
Pentax K-01 Digital Camera

• Pentax mirrorless body design is compatible with 25+ million Pentax K-mount lenses spanning decades.
• Large 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios.
• Bright, high resolution 3 inch LCD with 920,000 dots.
• Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60 FPS at 720p) features outstanding video capture flexibility.
• Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.
• Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds and bulb with a silent shutter action.
• Flexible ISO range of 100-25600 ensures gorgeous noise-free imaging in any lighting condition.
• Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.
• In-camera HDR mode combines bracketed user-specified exposures into a single, perfectly blended still image.

The new Pentax K-01 is another bold effort from the manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit. The contemporary, timeless K-01 houses a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function. Marc Newson commissioned designPentax commissioned designer Marc Newson to develop the contemporary, timeless design of the Pentax K-01's body. Newson's retro-meets-contemporary design is evident in all elements of theK-01 including the product logo, camera strap (included) and start-up screen that appears when the K-01 is powered on. Buttons, shutter release and control levers are purposefully placed and accented with colors for instant recognition including a vibrant red button for Video Recording and a brilliant green for the Pentax Green button. The mode dial and power switch are made of high-quality aluminum alloy, while the memory card slot and grip connectors are covered with protective rubber. The design optimizes both form and function on a camera that is as suitable on a photo shoot as it is in a museum display that honors design as art.Exceptional image qualityThe Pentax K-01 is equipped with a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.7 millimeters by 15.7 millimeters. With approximately 16.28 effective megapixels, this sensor assures high-speed readout of image data signals. 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 an extra-wide sensitivity range ¡X from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or to ISO 25600 when expanded using a custom function ¡X while minimizing digital noise at all sensitivity levels.Compatibility with every Pentax K-mount lense ever madeThe Pentax K-01 accepts a wide array of Pentax interchangeable K-mount lenses so users may choose the most suitable lens for a particular subject or scene.K-, KA- KAF, KAF2, and KAF3- mount lenses can be used with the Pentax K-01, while screw-mount lenses, 645-system lenses and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available on certain lenses.High-quality video recordingThe Pentax K-01 features Full HD video-recording function to capture high-quality movie clips in 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). H.264 compression format offers a choice of frame rate (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) to accommodate user-specific applications. Two new features facilitate video recording:

• a video recording button for instant pushbutton start
• and a stereo microphone with audio gain control and wind noise suppression for more realistic sound

Video record options are flexible, offering the photographer to select aperture or shutter exposure control, and Pentax Shake Reduction helps stabilize captured video. Users may add personal touches to recorded clips using various Custom Image modes or record subjects in a series of video clips with the Interval Movie Shooting mode. The Pentax K-01 also comes with an HDMI terminal (which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and stereo sound) as well as an external microphone input terminal.New-generation High Dynamic Range (HDR) modeThe High Dynamic Range mode (which produces one extra-wide-gamut blended photo from three images taken at different exposure levels) is accessible with a turn of the mode dial and 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 even when they are taken with a handheld K-01.Custom Image Modes and Digital Filters for personalized expressionThe Pentax K-01's Custom Image modes allow users to select the most appropriate finishing touch for a particular subject or scene to express the photographer's creative intention or taste. Two of the 11 Custom Images functions are Bleach Bypass to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures and Cross Process to produce a fanciful image with unusual colors. The K-01 also features 19 distinctive digital filters including Miniature to convert an actual scene into an image full of miniature models for an unusual visual effect. Users may be more creative by applying multiple digital filters to a single image.Smooth, quiet, high-speed burst shootingThe Pentax K-01's high-speed burst shooting mode comes in handy when preserving the action of fast-moving subjects in a series of images, since it captures up to five images per second. With its mirrorless construction, the K-01 offers exceptionally silent mechanical operation that allows users to concentrate on photography even when shooting such subjects as stage performances.Large, wide-angle 3.0 inch LCD monitor with approx. 921,000 dotsThe Pentax K-01 features a large, easy-to-view, high-resolution 3.0 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. The wide-view design assures a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, which is useful in low- and high-angle shooting.Pentax-original Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism for sharp, blur-free imagesThe Pentax K-01 incorporates the Pentax-developed SR mechanism, which effectively reduces annoying camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all compatible lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras, this mechanism produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight. Equipped with the Pentax O-GPS1 device (an optional GPS unit launched in June 2011), the K-01's SR system helps astrophotographers track and shoot celestial bodies.Effortless, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modesThe Pentax K-01 features the Pentax-original, user-friendly Auto Picture mode, which selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene from Portrait, Landscape, Macro and other distinctive shooting modes, while optimizing all camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. This allows a new photographer to concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity. The K-01 also offers 19 different Scene modes to help simplify the photography of challenging subjects or scenes such as Night Scene Portrait mode, Pet mode, and Backlight Silhouette mode. Users simply choose a corresponding icon on the camera's LCD monitor.Additional features

• TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, center-weighted and spot modes
• Contrast-detection autofocus system with 81 selectable focus points
• DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake off dust adhering to the surface of the CMOS image sensor
• CTE white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant color of a particular scene, such as the sunset
• A choice of four image size ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and applications
• Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
• Interval shooting mode, useful in time lapse recording of landscapes and flowers/plants from an exact same location and angle
• Compatibility with the new-standard SDXC and UHS Speed Class 1 memory cards
• SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for Pentax RAW image data development (developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included; in-camera RAW image development also available

Pentax 40mm F/2.8 Interchangeable Lens

• Ultra low profile is only 0.36 inches thin at 1.8 oz.
• Fixed focal length 40mm prime lens is equivalent to 61mm in the 35mm format.
• Short 16 inch minimum focus distance.
• Maximum F2.8 aperture is ideal for existing light photography and creative depth of field applications.
• Nine rounded aperture blades produce extraordinarily smooth, natural bokeh.
• Pentax SP (Super Protect) coating on lens surface helps repel elements and aids in cleaning.
• Pentax KAF mount is compatible with current and past K-mount compatible cameras.

The new smc Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS interchangeable lens is the world's thinnest interchangeable lens. The new 40mm combines with the Pentax K-01 camera body to deliver a unique compact system camera that is perfect for photographers who are as keen on design as they are on performance. Together, the K-01 and this 40mm lens system mark the intersection where high technology and high design meet. The world's thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on Pentax's research).Marc Newson commissioned designThe exterior of this ultra-slim new lens was designed by Marc Newson to complement the clean, contemporary design of the K-01 body.Easy-to-use, super-thin lensThis unifocal standard lens offers a focal length equivalent to 61mm in the 35mm format and measures a mere 9.2 millimeters thin (only 0.36 inches) making it the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens. The ultra-thin design is highly portable and easy to store and carry. Designed with the acclaimed smc Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens in mind, the maximum aperture of the new lens is F2.8 to produce sharp, bright images in a wide range of applications, including snapshots, scenic photos, portraits, and even incident-light indoor shooting.Exceptional image-descriptionPentax conducted numerous image-quality tests of hundreds of images taken with this lens. Upon assessment, the lens offers outstanding optical clarity and subject reproduction characteristics. Rounded diaphragm blades produce a smooth, natural bokeh (out-of-focus) background effect.SP coating to block dirt and dustThe front surface of this lens is treated with SP (Super Protect) coating, an exclusive fluorine compound applied to the surface through a vapor deposition process. This SP coating not only repels dust, water and grease, but also makes it easy to wipe off stubborn stains such as fingerprints and cosmetics.
Specifications
LENS MOUNT:
Pentax KAF
FOCAL LENGTH:
40mm (equiv 61mm)
APERTURE:
F2.8
MIN APERTURE:
F22
LENS CONSTRUCTION:
5 elements in 4 groups
ANGLE OF VIEW:
39°
MIN FOCUSING DISTANCE:
1.31' (0.4m)
MAX MAGNIFICATION:
0.13X
FILTER DIAMETER:
27mm
DIAPHRAGM CONTROL:
Fully Automatic
NUMBER OF APERTURE BLADES:
9
MAX DIAMETER x MIN LENGTH:
2.5 x 0.36" (62.9 x 9.2mm)
WEIGHT (W/O HOOD):
1.8 oz
NOTES: External appearance by renowned designer Marc Newson. SP (Super Protect) coating. "World's thinnest interchangeable lens" at time of introduction.
Pentax mirrorless camera featuring the contemporary styling by world renowned designer Marc Newson. Large 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor with low noise image capture with ISO range of 100-25600. Machined aluminum frame under a stylish black, white or yellow exterior. Supports all Pentax K-mount lens and is compatible with 25+ million Pentax K mount lenses. Full HD 1080p video capture 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60FPS at 720p). Sensor shift shake and dust reduction compatible with every Pentax K mount lens. Fast 6 FPS burst mode with shutter speeds from1/4000 to 30 seconds and bulb with a silent shutter action. Shooting modes include P, Av, TV and M as well as powerful automatic modes, creative filters and finishing options. In camera HDR mode combines bracketed user-specified exposures into a single, perfectly blended still image. Built in pop up flash and external hotshoe compatible with modern Pentax flash units. Captures JPG still images as well as open standard DNG RAW.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.8 x 3.2 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00740MR78
• Item model number: K-01 Lens Kit w DA 40mm XS Black
• Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)