The PENTAX K-1 Mark II, the new flagship of the acclaimed PENTAX K-series lineup, delivers outstanding image quality and improved operability in a broad range of shooting conditions. It features a full-frame Anti-aliasing (AA)-filterless CMOS sensor with 36.4 effective megapixel resolution. An new accelerator unit that-along with the camera’s PRIME IV image processor-enables it to produce high-resolution images with minimal noise in even in the most challenging low-light conditions, up to ISO 819200. The K-1 Mark II incorporates Pixel Shift Resolution System II. This new, PENTAX-developed technology uses the same in-camera shake-reduction (SR) mechanism and sensor-shift capabilities as the original Pixel Shift Resolution System, capturing four images of the same scene, and then synthesizes them into a single, super-high-resolution composite image. With the Pixel Shift Resolution System II, the camera also obtains RGB colour data, resulting in images with significantly finer details and truer colours than those produced by typical full-frame sensors. In addition, the new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode allows photographers to produce crisp, ultra-high pixel shift resolution images without the need of a tripod. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II also comes equipped with many unique features and functions designed to facilitate creativity and ensure operational comfort, including a sturdy magnesium-alloy body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction; an optical viewfinder with a nearly 100-percent field of view for real-time subject confirmation; Astro Tracer, which simplifies the tracing and photographing of celestial bodies; and a flexible tilt-type LCD monitor to accommodate various shooting angles.

Sample Gallery

36.4 Effective Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II features a 35mm-format full-frame CMOS image sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing) filter-free design to produce high-resolution images with approximately 36.4 effective megapixels. A large imaging area and a wide pixel pitch deliver lively, true-to-life images with rich gradation. It also assures superb noise reduction performance to capture the subject truthfully with fine details and subtle shades. Its shallow depth of field allows you to control the sense of depth and bokeh (defocus) effect at will.

In-body SRII mechanism assures optimal shake reduction performance

PRIME IV Imaging Engine with RICOH Developed Accelerator Unit delivers high-quality images and super-high-sensitivity imaging performance

A new accelerator unit optimizes the image data obtained by the full-frame image sensor before delivering it to the high-performance PRIME IV 14-bit imaging engine. As a result, the K-1 Mark II is capable of producing high-quality images with minimal noise, while retaining excellent resolution at all sensitivity levels, from normal to super-high sensitivities. All image-processing parameters have also been updated to ensure colours are true-to-life, with special emphasis on deep blues and lively greens. The K-1 Mark II’s noise-reduction performance at a high-sensitivity range has also been dramatically improved- up to ISO 819200 – to expand creative possibilities in super low-light shooting.

Pixel Shift Resolution II produces super-resolution images

Building upon the original PENTAX-developed Pixel Shift Resolution System – the super-resolution technology that uses the camera’s in-body shake-reduction mechanism to capture four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, and then synthesizes them into a single composite image – is the Pixel Shift Resolution System II*. This new system obtains RGB colour data for each pixel, resulting in super-high-resolution images with finer details and more realistic colours while significantly lowering the level of high-sensitivity noise. The Motion Correction function provides ON/OFF switching, which detects moving elements of the continuously captured images to minimize the effect of subject movement during the image synthesizing process.**

Conceptual Illustration of Pixel Shift Resolution System

* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. Even if a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, the image may not be reproduced clearly, partially or in total.
** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.

Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution Mode

The new Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution mode,* which can be used during handheld shooting, works together with the camera’s shake-reduction mechanism, by synthesizing the composite images while detecting the slight fluctuations of the subject’s position during the capture process. This technology comes from the reverse thinking of pixel shift technology to utilize the minute camera shake itself to produce the composite images. By detecting the camera shake in three dimensions, the continuously captured four images are analyzed based on the detected camera shake information and combined into a single file to produce one super high resolution image.

*The captured images may not be properly synthesized with certain subjects or under certain conditions. By capturing images in the RAW or RAW+ format, the user can process the images unsuitable for the synthesizing process as normal RAW-format images within the camera body.

High-performance five-axis, five-step SR II system

The PENTAX-developed in-body SR II (Shake Reduction) five-axis mechanism provides accurate control of the large full-frame image sensor with all compatible PENTAX interchangeable lenses* at a compensation range of up to 5 shutter steps. In addition to camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, it effectively compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift, as well as camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to control with lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Even when taking a panning shot, this system automatically detects the direction of the camera’s movement, and efficiently controls the SR unit to always produce the best image possible.

The AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator ** effectively minimizes moiré and false colour by using the K-1 Mark II’s SR mechanism to apply microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit during exposure. This innovative simulator not only lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off, but also adjust the level of the effect

The SRII unit’s flexible design tilts the image sensor in all directions, offering a host of handy shooting functions including: Auto Level Compensation; Composition Fine Adjustment which allows you to fine tune your composition without having to re-adjust your tripod; and Astro Tracer which simplifies advanced astronomical photography using the built-in GPS module.

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: K, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, KAF3- and KAF4- mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be combined with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution system.

Flexible tilt-type LCD monitor to accommodate various shooting angles

The K-1 Mark II features a flexible tilt-type 3.2-inch LCD monitor, which tilts horizontally, vertically or diagonally with a single action, without deviating from the lens’s optical axis. It has a tempered-glass front panel for added durability and a unique air-gapless construction to effectively reduce reflections. An Outdoor View Setting mode allows instant adjustment of the monitor’s brightness to the desired level. Its red-lit monitor display function facilitates monitor viewing when the photographer’s eyes have become accustomed to a dark location during nighttime photography.

SAFOX 12 with 33 sensor points and full-frame-proportioned AF frame

The SAFOX 12 AF sensor module features 33 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned throughout the frame). The center sensor and the two sensors located just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on a subject when using large-aperture F2.8 lenses.

PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, with application of artificial intelligence technology

The K-1 Mark II’s advanced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System performs near instant analysis of exposure, colour, movement and other factors. Combining with a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning, the K-1 Mark II instantly optimizes settings for even the most difficult shooting situations.

Easy-to-focus optical viewfinder with nearly 100-percent field of view

The K-1 Mark II’s optical viewfinder provides a nearly 100-percent field of view and an approximately 0.7-times magnification. A Natural Bright Matte III focusing screen allows ease of focusing and a true-to-life rendition of defocused areas in the viewfinder image.

High-speed continuous shooting

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II allows continuous recording of as many as 17 images in the RAW format (or a maximum of 70 images in the JPEG Best format) in a single sequence, at a top speed of approximately 4.4 images per second. This is made possible by the combination of advanced mechanisms including a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; high-speed, high-precision control of the shutter and mirror units; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME IV imaging engine.

Supportive shooting functions to improve picture-taking efficiency and operational comfort

Operation assist light function provides LED lights above the lens mount, behind the LCD monitor, at the memory card slot, and at the cable switch terminal to help facilitate fast and easy operation in poorly lit settings. The key lock function prevents erroneous operation of the four-way controller and other exposure-related control buttons. The Smart Function allows users to swiftly choose and set desired functions using just the function dial and the set dial on the camera’s upper panel, without referring to the menu screen on the LCD monitor.

Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Constructed of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy with the inclusion of 87 sealing parts in the body, the K-1Mark II also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction.

Other features

  • Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels in the H.264 recording format and comes equipped with a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection
  • Built-in GPS module and electronic compass
  • High-grade DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
  • Crop mode with a choice of image area from AUTO, FF (Full Frame) APS-C and 1:1, to accommodate different types of lenses
  • Wireless LAN connection to support the operation with smartphones and table computers, the transfer of captured images, and remote shooting operations
  • HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing, usable in handheld shooting
  • The PENTAX-invented hyper operating system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions
  • Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 buss speed mode)
  • Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, diffraction, and brightness level at image-field edges. Fringe effect compensation is also available in RAW-format processing.
Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera
Sensor Type: CMOS with primary colour filter
Size: 35.9 x 24.0mm
Effective Pixels: 36.40 megapixels
Total Pixels: 36.77 megapixels
Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction (SRII), 5-axis
AA Filter Simulator: Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Type1/Type2/Bracket (2 images)/Bracket (3 images)
Dust Removal: Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations, “DR II”
Sensitivity Auto: ISO 100-819200 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV)
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
(AF coupler, lens info contacts, K-mount w/ power contacts)
Usable Lens PENTAX KAF4, KAF3, KAF2(power zoom compatible), KAF, and KA mount lenses
Recording & Image Formats
Image Sizes [35mm Full Frame]
JPEG: L (36M): 7360×4912, M (22M): 5760×3840, S (12M): 4224×2816, XS (2M): 1920×1280
RAW: (36M): 7360×4912[APS-C size]
JPEG: L (15M): 4800×3200, M (12M): 4224×2816, S (8M): 3456×2304, XS (2M): 1920×1280
RAW: (15M): 4800×3200
File Formats RAW (PEF, DNG), JPEG (EXIF 2.30), DCF 2.0 compliant
Quality Level RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG
JPEG: ★★★ Best, ★★ Better, ★GoodRAW + JPEG: simultaneous capture available
Colour Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage Media SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Card (Conforms to USH-1 standards)
Focusing System
Type TTL phase-matching autofocus, SAFOX 12, 33 point (25 cross type focus points in the center)
Brightness Range EV-3 to 18 (ISO 100 / at normal temperature)
AF Modes Single AF (AF.S), Continuous (AF, C)
Focus Point Selection Spot, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Zone select, Auto (33 AF points)
AF assist Dedicated LED AF assist light
Exposure Control
Metering System TTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor, Multi-segment, center-weighted and spot metering
Metering Range EV-3 to 20 (ISO100 at 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Mode Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed,USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4, USER5
Exposure Compensation ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected)
AE Lock Button type (timer type: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting); Continuous as long as the shutter button is halfway pressed
Capture Settings Custom Image Modes: Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Flat, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Process: Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3
Digital filter: Extract Colour, Replace Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Colour, Unicolour Bold, Bold Monochrome
Clarity: adjustable ±4 steps
Skin tone: Type 1/Type 2
HDR: Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function
Pixel Shift Resolution: Available, Motion Correction ON / OFF, Image Stabilization On
Lens Correction: distortion correction, peripheral illumin. correction, lateral correction, aberration correction, diffraction correction
D-RANGE compensation: highlight correction, shadow correction
Noise Reduction: Slow Shutter Speed NR. High-ISO NR
GPS: GPS Logging (Logging Interval, Logging Duration, Memory Card Options), GPS Time Sync
Electronic Compass: Available
ASTROTRACER: Possible
Horizon Correction: SR On: correction up to 1 degrees, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees
Composition adjust: ±1.5mm up, down, left or right (1mm when rotated); 1 degree of range
Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and LCD panel (Horizontal and Vertical)
Playback Playback View: Single frame, multi-image display (6,12, 20, 35, 80 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16, 100% display and quick magnification available), grid display (4×4 grid, golden section, scale display, square 1, square 2, grid colour: black/white ), rotating, histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), bright area warning, auto image rotation, detailed information, copyright information (photographer, copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, coordinated universal time), orientation, folder display, calendar filmstrip display, slide show
Delete: Delete single image, delete all, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image
Digital filters: Base Parameter Adj, Extract Colour, Replace Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Colour, Unicolour Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Colour, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, Monochrome
RAW Development
RAW file select:Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder
RAW Development Parameter: White Balance, Custom Image, Sensitivity, Clarity, Skin Tone, Digital filter, HDR, Pixel Shift Resolution, Shadow Correction, High-ISO NR, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Diffraction Correction, Colour Fringe Correction, File Format (JPEG/TIFF), Aspect Ratio, JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Colour SpaceEdit: Image Rotation, Colour Moiré Correction, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Saving RAW data in buffer memory, Image Copy
Video Capture
File Format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)
Recorded Pixels Full HD (1920×1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p)
HD (1280×720, 60p/50p)
Sound Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible)
Recording Sound Level adjustable, Wind Noise Reduction
Recording time Up to 25 minutes or 4GB; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Capture Settings Custom Images: Auto Select, Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross Processing: Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
Digital Filter: Extract Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Colour, Unicolour Bold, Bold Monochrome
White Balance Type: Method using a combination of the image sensor and the light source detection sensor
White Balance: AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Colour, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Colour Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image
Fine Adjustment: Adjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis
Shutter Type: Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
* Electronic shutter when using Pixel Shift Resolution
Shutter Speed: auto: 1/8000 to 30 sec., manual: 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3 or 1/2EV steps), Bulb (Timed exposure setting possible from 10 sec. to 20min.)
LV Electronic Shutter: ON/OFF
Drive Modes Mode selection
Still image: single frame, continuous (H, M, L), self-timer (12s, 2s, continuous), remote control (0s., 3s., continuous), bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames), mirror-up (possible to use with remote control), multi-exposure (possible to use with continuous, self-timer or remote control), interval shooting, interval composite, interval movie record, star stream Movie: remote control

*Bracketing, Interval Shooting, Interval Composite, Interval Movie Record and Star Stream are possible to use with Self-timer/Remote Control.

Continuous shooting (approximates)
[35mmFull Frame]
Max. 4.4 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to 70 fr., RAW: up to. 17 fr.
Max. 3.0 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to 100 fr., RAW: up to 20 fr.
Max. 0.7 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to 100 fr., RAW: up to 100 fr.
[APS-C size]
Max. 6.4 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to 100 fr., RAW: up to approx. 50 fr.
Max. 3.0 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to 100 fr., RAW: up to 70 fr.
Max. 1.0 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to 100 fr., RAW: up to 100 fr.
*ISO100
Multi-exposure: composite mode (additive/average/bright) # of shots(2 to 2000 images)
Interval shooting:
[Interval Shooting] Interval: 2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min.・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 2 to 2000 images, Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Remote Control/Set Time
[Interval Composite] Interval: 2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min.・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 2 to 2000 images, Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Remote Control/Set Time, Composite Mode: Additive/Average/Bright, Save Process: On/Off
[Interval Movie] Recorded Pixels: 4K/FullHD/HD, File Format: Motion JPEG (AVI), Interval:2s. to 24h./ Standby Interval: Min・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 8 to 2000 images (8 to 500 images at 4K), Start Interval:Now/Self-timer/Remote Control/Set Time
[Star Stream] Recorded Pixels: 4K/FullHD/HD, File Format: Motion JPEG (AVI), Interval: Min・1s. to 24h., Number of shots: 8 to 2000 images (8 to 500 images at 4K), Start Interval: Now/Self-timer/Remote Control/Set Time, Fade-out: Off/Low/Medium/High

Viewfinder Type: Pentaprism finder
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.70x (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Eye relief length: approx. 20.6mm (from the view window), Approx 21.7 mm (from the center of lens)
Focusing screen: Fixed Natural-Bright-Matte III
Diopter adjustment: -3.5m to 1.2m-1
Viewfinder Overlay: AF Points, Grid Display, Electronic Level, AF Frame, Spot Metering Frame, Crop
LCD Monitor Type: 3.2” (3:2 Aspect) wide viewing angle TFT colour LCD, Air-gapless glass, Flexible tilt
Resolution: 1037K dots
Adjustment: brightness, saturation and colours adjustable
Outdoor View Setting: adjustable ±2 step
Night Vision LCD Display: ON/OFF
Live View Type: TTL method using image sensor
Focusing mechanism: Contrast detection (Face Detection, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select,Spot), Focus peaking : On/Off
Display: field of view approx 100%, magnified view (up to 16x), grid display (4×4 grid, golden section, scale
display, square 1, square 2, grid colour: black/white), histogram, bright area warning, composition adjustment
Built-in Flash n/a
External Flash Flash modes: auto flash discharge, auto flash + red-eye reduction, flash on, flash on+ red-eye reduction, slow speed sync, slow-speed sync + red-eye, P-TTL, trailing curtain sync, contrast-control sync*, high-speed sync*, wireless sync

*Contrast-control-sync and high-speed sync requires 2 or more dedicated external flashes

Sync speed: 1/200 sec.
Flash exposure compensation: -2.0~+1.0 EV

Custom Function 26 custom-programmable functions available
GPS/Electronic Compass Satellites: GPS, QZSS, SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/GAGAN/MSAS)
Reception frequency: L1 1575.42MHz
Recorded information: latitude, longitude, altitude, time (UTC), direction
Geodesics: World Geodetic System (WGS84)
GPS logging: KML format, logging interval 5/10/15/30 sec./1min., logging duration: 1-24hr (Up to 9 hrs at logging Interval 5 sec, up to 18 hrs. at logging interval 10 sec.)
Electronic Compass: Azimuth calculation using triaxial geomagnetic sensor and triaxial acceleration sensor, True north standard
Interfaces Connection port: USB 2.0 (Micro B), external power supply terminal, external cable switch terminal, X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D), stereo microphone input terminal, headphone terminal
USB Connection: MSC/PTP
Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Frequency(Center Frequency): 2412MHz~2462MHz (1ch~11ch)
Security: authentication, WPA2, Encryption: AES
Power Sources Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90
Number of Recordable images: Approx. 670 images*
Playback time: Approx. 340 minutes*

* With a fully-recharged rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard. Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition.

AC adapter available: Yes (sold separately)

Dimensions (W x H x D): 136.5 x 110 x 85.5 mm
Weight Without battery or removable memory: 925g
Loaded and ready: 1010 g w/dedicated battery & SD memory card
Construction material(s) Magnesium alloy shell over metal chassis
Weather Resistant Yes (87 weather protection seals)
Operating temperature -10 to 40°C (14-104°F)
Time World Time: 75 cities (28 time zones)
Language English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
  • Rechargeable L-ION Battery D-LI90(E)
    Model No. 39993

  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC90U
    Model No. 39835

  • Battery Grip D-BG6
    Model No. 38607

  • AC Adapter Kit K-AC167U
    Model No. TBA

  • Magnifying Eyecup O-ME53
    Model No. 30150

  • Waterproof Remote Control O-RC1
    Model No. 39892

  • Remote Control F
    Model No. 37377

  • Auto Flash [AF540FGZ II] Weather Resistant
    Model No. 30456

  • Auto flash [AF201FG]
    Model No. 30458

  • Image Sensor Cleaning Kit O-ICK1
    Model No. 39357

  • K-1 Mark II Body
  • Li-Ion Battery D-LI90E
  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC90U
  • Strap O-ST162
  • Eyecup FT
  • Finder Cap ME
  • PC Socket Cap
  • Hotshoe Cover FK
  • Body Mount Cover
  • Software CD-ROM