• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 204,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-1 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 24.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon T8i advantages over Pentax K-1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 1015g
    Lighter weight
  • More AF points
    45 vs 33
    More AF points improve autofocus

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All T8i Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Unlocks the full potential of full-frame Pentax lenses; Excellent image quality; Great ergonomics and build; Very compact for full-frame; Decent performance; Fast autofocus with great low-light capabilities; Very wide sensitivity range; Bright, accurate viewfinder; Articulated LCD; Stabilization, Wi-Fi and GPS in-camera

  • No built-in flash strobe; Quite heavy compared to APS-C flagships; Somewhat soft images and blown highlights by default in JPEG mode; Warm Auto white balance indoors; Slow startup and buffer clearing; Small top-deck status display; Weak viewfinder illumination; Below-average battery life for DSLR

  • Read our Pentax K-1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D810

Pentax K-1
Nikon D810
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2346
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D810

Canon T8i
Nikon D810
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2346
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D810

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1
Canon 5DS
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS

Canon T8i
Canon 5DS
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Pentax K-1
Canon 5DS R
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS R

Canon T8i
Canon 5DS R
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon T8i
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-1
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-1 II

Canon T8i
Pentax K-1 II
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?