The best Pentax K-1 Mark II prices and deals

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Sitting at the top of Pentax’s lineup, the K-1 Mark II is, by some distance, the most affordable flagship model offered by a DSLR manufacturer.

Built around the same high-resolution 36.4MP full-frame sensor and PRIME IV processing engine found in 2016’s highly respected K-1 model, the addition of a new accelerator unit has enabled a wider native sensitivity range of ISO 100-819,200. Thankfully, this is accompanied by claims of improved high-ISO noise performance.

Carrying such a high pixel count and a design that incorporates no anti-aliasing filter for sharper detail, this sensor appears perfectly suited to high-quality landscape imagery and studio work. However, with a continuous shooting speed of only 4.4fps, the Pentax K-1 Mark II falls short of becoming a go-to model for wildlife photographers, despite its impressive 87 seals for weather resistance and rugged construction that may otherwise have helped endear it as such.

The K-1 Mark II’s 5-axis Shake Reduction II system is not just on hand for helping to steady videos ands images to the tune of five stops of shutter speed, but it's also what makes the camera's Pixel Shift Resolution System II function possible. This feature, which is usable hand-held shooting for the first time, moves the sensor fractionally as it takes four captures, compositing them into in a single image with better colour accuracy, detail, and resolution than would be present in a conventionally captured image.

The camera has a large 3.2in rear display with a 1,037K-dot resolution, and while it's not touch-sensitive, it does at least have a unique flexible-tilt design that allows it to be adjusted to a variety of shooting angles for comfortable high- or low-level use. This is partnered with a top-panel reference LCD for easy setting confirmation at a glance, while an optical pentaprism viewfinder with approximately 100% coverage of the frame sits next to it.

Only able to record Full HD video to 30p, its lack of serious video functionality means this is very much a device for those who are predominately interested in shooting stills. A fairly unique feature among current DSLRs, however, is GPS, which not only allows for the recording of location information in files, but is also essential for the device’s effective Astrotracer functionality for streak-free astrophotography.

Similar cameras: Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Nikon D750, Nikon D850

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Pentax K-1 Mark II key specs

Second-generation model that's better equipped for low-light shooting

Superb value for money

LCD screen is highly flexible

Very similar to previous model

No 4K video recording

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For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.

Pentax K-1 Mark II key specs

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