Pentax K-01 vs Pentax X90

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90
      64
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      57
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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 X90, 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 X90 was introduced in July 2010. 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 X90 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-01
      4. Advantage of Pentax X90
      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 X90.

      PROS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Light - 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      •   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
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   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 X90

      •   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 - 2.70"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      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 X90.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax X90
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.33-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4000 x 3000
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 81 vs 9
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      Microphone Input 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-r
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      APS-C

      12 MP

      Pentax KF
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      APS-C

      24.24 MP

      Pentax K-m
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      APS-C

      10.0 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 ist DL2
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Pentax 645Z
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Sigma SD1
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Advantage of Pentax X90

      Pentax X90
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax X90 over Pentax K-01.

      Pentax K-01 vs Pentax X90
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Viewfinder vs Electronic
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Lighter 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) vs 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 31.6 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax X90.

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Sony a6600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon D800E
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      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 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 X90
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-01 Pentax X90
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-01 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax X90 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Electronic Viewfinder on Pentax X90

      Pentax X90 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. 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 X90 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      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 X90 is equipped with Prime processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2256, 3072 x 2304, 2992, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1024 x 768 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Pentax K-01 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it 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

      Bluetooth on Pentax X90

      Pentax X90 has a built-in Bluetooth which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Pentax K-01 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Pentax X90 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax K-01 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 540 shots and Pentax X90 comes with D-L106 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-01 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax X90 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 X90. Pentax K-01 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-01 and 9.10 m on Pentax X90. Pentax K-01 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. 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 X90 body has dimensions of 111 x 85 x 110 mm (4.37 x 3.35 x 4.33"). Pentax K-01 weighs 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz) and Pentax X90 weighs 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz).

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      122 mm

      79 mm

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      111 mm

      85 mm

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      79 mm

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      85 mm

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      58 mm

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      110 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-01 and Pentax X90

      Pentax K-01 and Pentax X90 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 X90

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      67
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      56
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-01 and Pentax X90 and give them scores of 64 and 57 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 X90

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      57

      Sensor

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      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
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   81 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      71
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-01

      Pentax X90

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 561 g (1.24 lb / 19.79 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 540 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


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

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