Pentax K-1 II First Shots: Sample images from Ricoh’s second-generation full-frame DSLR

posted Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 5:10 PM EDT

Click here to see our Pentax K-1 II First Shots

Back in 2016, amidst rumors, demands and a long wait, Ricoh's first full-frame DSLR arrived in the Pentax K-1. Sporting a big 36MP CMOS sensor, impressive weather-sealing, unique features and a very competitive price for a flagship full-frame camera, the Pentax K-1 was a solid choice for Pentaxians -- especially for those who didn't want to jump up to the 645Z to get a big sensor camera experience.

Now, some two years later, the second-generation model is here, and yet the aptly-named Pentax K-1 II looks and feels nearly identical to the original. Indeed, the design and ergonomics and a number of specs, like the sensor resolution and full-frame burst-shooting rate, are all the same. But there are some nice under-the-hood upgrades, including handheld Pixel Shift Resolution mode and, more importantly to overall image quality, improved ISO performance on the high-end -- likely thanks to the new "accelerator unit" added alongside the image processor. The K-1 II now has a native ISO range of 100 all the way to 819,200, whereas the K-1 topped-out at 204,800.

We've now started our in-depth laboratory testing of Pentax's flagship K-1 II, and we have our classic First Shots series of sample images for all of you pixel-peeping Pentaxians! Using our standard Still Life test target, we offer sample shots that span the camera's full ISO range. We have images (both RAW and JPEGs) shot with default noise reduction as well as with NR disabled. And in the case of the K-1 II, we also have Still Life shots using the camera's Pixel Shift Resolution mode (both from a tripod and handheld).

As usual, our standardized lab sample shots are easy to compare side-by-side with any other camera we've tested using our Comparometer. But feel free to jump straight to the Pentax K-1 II Samples Page to begin browsing, or scroll on down for a few sample comparisons at ISO 100 and ISO 51,200 with the K-1 II against its predecessor and two notable competitors, the Canon 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850.