Decision tools · Compare
K-1 vs A5000
Quick take: The K-1 has the highest resolution at 36MP; the A5000 is the most affordable; only the K-1 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | K-1Pentax · 2016 | A5000Sony · 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £475 used | £78 usedBest |
| Sensor | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS | 20.1MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.4MPBest | 20.1MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i, 30p | Full HD 1080 (60i / 25p AVCHD), 1440×1080/30p MP4 |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type) | 25-point contrast AF with face detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 4.4fpsBest | 3.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~760 shots (CIPA)Best | ~420 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1010g (with battery) | 269g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 136.5 × 110 × 85.5mm | 109.6 × 62.8 × 35.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x | None (rear screen only) |
| Screen | 3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.0" 180° flip-up LCD, 460k dots |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD slots | Single SD slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, micro HDMI, mic + headphone, cable switch, PC sync, Wi-Fi, GPS | Micro USB (Multi Terminal), micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
K-1
A5000
Portrait
6.8/10
4.3/10
Street
4.9/10
6.5/10
Travel
5.0/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
6.8/10
2.6/10
Documentary
5.5/10
3.5/10
Sports & Action
5.5/10
3.1/10
Landscape
7.0/10
4.7/10
Wildlife
5.8/10
4.2/10
Casual
3.1/10
4.2/10
Food
5.9/10
5.2/10
Macro
5.3/10
4.7/10
Architecture
6.8/10
4.8/10
Astrophotography
7.3/10
4.8/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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