Pentax K-01 vs Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2
      64
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      55
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax K-01 and the Pentax ist DL2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax K-01 was introduced in May 2012 and Pentax ist DL2 was introduced in January 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax K-01 Highlights

      • 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 81 Focus Points (81 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax ist DL2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-01
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DL2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DL2.

      PROS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Advantage of Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-01
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-01 over Pentax ist DL2.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 3008 x 2008
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 81 vs 5
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1135 vs 639
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.7 vs 22.9
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.9 vs 11.1
      Higher DxO Overall Score 79 vs 65
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) vs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-01.

      Pentax MX-1
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      1/1.7-inch

      12 MP

      Pentax K100D
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Pentax K-m
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.0 MP

      Pentax K-r
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12 MP

      Pentax KF
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.24 MP

      Pentax Q
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.4 MP

      Sony a7C
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon P500
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Pentax K-x
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      APS-C

      12.6 MP

      Pentax 645Z
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Panasonic S5 II X
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax ist DL2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DL2 over Pentax K-01.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentamirror)
      Average Metering vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DL2.

      Sony a7R V
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a7
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Epson R-D1
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Samsung NX mini
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      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pentax K-01 Pentax ist DL2
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-01 Pentax ist DL2
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-01 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax ist DL2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax ist DL2 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax K-01.

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01 features a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Pentax ist DL2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Pentax K-01 can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4352 x 3264, 4224 x 2816, 4928 x 2776, 4224 x 2376, 3840 x 2880, 3456 x 2304, 3456x1944, 3264 x 3264, 3072 x 2304, 2880 x 2880, 2688 x 1792, 2688 x 1512, 2304 x 2304, 2304 x 1728, 1728 x 1728 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax ist DL2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Pentax K-01 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount and Pentax ist DL2 has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-01 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax K-01 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 540 shots and Pentax ist DL2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-01 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax ist DL2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-01, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DL2. Pentax K-01 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Pentax ist DL2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-01. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Pentax K-01. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Pentax K-01.

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax K-01 body has dimensions of 122 x 79 x 58 mm (4.8 x 3.11 x 2.28") and Pentax ist DL2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Pentax K-01 weighs 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) and Pentax ist DL2 weighs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz).

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      122 mm

      79 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      79 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DL2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      81
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      GOOD
      76
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DL2 and give them scores of 64 and 55 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65

      Photo

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      75
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Video

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax ist DL2

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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