• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-01 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C 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
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    58 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner

Canon T8i advantages over Pentax K-01

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 61 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    29 mm vs 61 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-01
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 40mm Lens

Your purchases support this site

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

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality and excellent high ISO performance. Premium build quality. In-body image stabilization. Lots of creative features. Full HD movie capture with manual exposure control.

  • Barely any smaller than a standard SLR, but lacks viewfinder and phase-detect autofocus. Contrast-detect AF is slow and unreliable. Body design is clumsy and uncomfortable. Very slow raw burst shooting.

  • Read our Pentax K-01 Review

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX10

Pentax K-01
Samsung NX10
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Samsung NX10

Canon T8i
Samsung NX10
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Samsung NX10

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro1

Pentax K-01
Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Fujifilm X-Pro1

Canon T8i
Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Fujifilm X-Pro1

Compared to Samsung NX20

Pentax K-01
Samsung NX20
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $400
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Samsung NX20

Canon T8i
Samsung NX20
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Samsung NX20

Compared to Sony NEX-F3

Pentax K-01
Sony NEX-F3
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-F3

Canon T8i
Sony NEX-F3
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Sony NEX-F3

Compared to Samsung NX30

Pentax K-01
Samsung NX30
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Samsung NX30

Canon T8i
Samsung NX30
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon T8i vs Samsung NX30

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