Upgrade Guide
Pentax K-1→Pentax Pentax K-1 Mark II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the K-1. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the Pentax K-1 Mark II
-
Generation2 years newer (2018 vs 2016)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (36MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | K-1 | Pentax K-1 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.1 | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Travel | -0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.1 | ||
| Documentary | — | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.2 | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Wildlife | -0.2 | ||
| Casual | +0.2 | ||
| Food | +0.1 | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | +0.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | K-1 | Pentax K-1 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £475 used | £1,899 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2018 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS (no AA filter) | |
| Resolution | 36MP | 36MP | |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i, 30p | 1080p only, no 4K | |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type) | SAFOX 12, 33-point DSLR phase-detect AF | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops | 5-axis Shake Reduction II (in-body) | |
| Burst Rate | 4.4fps | 4.4fps | |
| Battery Life | ~760 shots (CIPA) | 670 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 1010g (with battery) | 1010g (with battery and card) | |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots | Multi-axis tilting screen (up/down/side), no touchscreen | |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD slots | Dual SD (UHS-I) |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See K-1 and Pentax K-1 Mark II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Pentax K-1 Mark II against your specific genres — not just specs.
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