• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-01 advantages over OM System OM-1

  • Less expensive
    $900 vs $2200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

OM System OM-1 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 (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    3 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 921k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.3 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    120.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    92 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the OM System OM-1

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

OM System OM-1
Samsung NX10
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare OM System OM-1 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

OM System OM-1
Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare OM System OM-1 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

OM System OM-1
Samsung NX20
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $400
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Samsung NX20

Compared to Panasonic G95

Pentax K-01
Panasonic G95
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Panasonic G95

OM System OM-1
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic G95

Compared to Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Pentax K-01
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $359
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Pentax K-01 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

OM System OM-1
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
  • $1649
  • 4/3

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Compare Other Cameras?