Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r
      64
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      63
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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 K-r, 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 K-r was introduced in March 2011. 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 K-r Highlights

      • 12 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-01
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-r
      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 K-r.

      PROS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

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

      CONS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      •   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
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   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
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      •   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)
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 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 K-r.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K-r
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4288 x 2848
      More Focus Points 81 vs 11
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1135 vs 755
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.7 vs 22.9
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.9 vs 12.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 79 vs 72
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) vs 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 540 shots vs 470 shots

      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 KF
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.24 MP

      Pentax Q
      Image cannot be found

      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

      Pentax ist DL2
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Panasonic S5 II X
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-r

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

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax K-r
      More Cross-type Focus Points 0 vs 9
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentamirror)
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/6000 sec

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

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a9 III
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon M6
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Pentax K-3 III
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 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 K-r
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-01 Pentax K-r
        Low Bit Depth8-Bit8-Bit
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        Low Video Recording Limit25 min25 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life540 shots470 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax K-r have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot resolution.


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-r has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 96% 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 K-r features a 12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 249.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      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 K-r is equipped with PRIME II processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2624, 3072 x 2048, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Pentax KAF2 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

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) 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 K-r comes with D-LI109
      4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 470 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-01, and up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-r. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


      Flash

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

      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 K-r body has dimensions of 125 x 97 x 68 mm (4.92 x 3.82 x 2.68"). Pentax K-01 weighs 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) and Pentax K-r weighs 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz).

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      122 mm

      79 mm

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      125 mm

      97 mm

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      79 mm

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      97 mm

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      58 mm

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      68 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax K-r 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 K-r

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 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

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      78
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-01 and Pentax K-r and give them scores of 64 and 63 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 K-r

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      63

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72

      Photo

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      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
      GOOD
      75
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      76
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax K-r

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   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 K-r

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots


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

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