Pentax K-01 review

Is the K-01 a knock out blow to its rivals?

Pentax K-01
The sensor in the Pentax K-01 CSC is the same unit found in the Pentax K-5 DSLR

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The large APS-C sensor enables shallow depth of field, with images taken at fast apertures.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000sec can be selected, for freezing fast action. A bulb option is also provided for extremely long exposures.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Auto white balance does an excellent job indoors

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Colours are vibrant direct from the camera

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Images are vibrant and contain plenty of detail straight from the camera. However, multi-segment metering tends to underexpose: +1.3 stops of exposure compensation were required for this shot.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Quality at high sensitivities is impressive

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Three different levels of auto HDR effect can be selected by the user. Note the chromatic aberration around the arch caused by the pancake kit lens.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Colours straight from the camera are vibrant, without looking unnatural

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Dynamic range is good, with plenty of detail being retained in shadow and highlight areas.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The addition of a standard hotshoe means third-party flash accessories can be used, which is great for studio photography.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The large APS-C sensor results in narrower depth of field, which is great for blurring background at wide apertures.

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Pentax K-01 review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Plenty of detail is contained in images taken with the Pentax K-01.