Pentax K-1 vs Olympus E-M1X

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Pentax K-1 vs Olympus E-M1X

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35mm 861.6mm²
36.4 megapixels
ISO 100 - 204,800

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-1 Review.
How does it shoot? Pentax K-1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the K-1.
Compare Pentax K-1 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Pentax K-1 conclusion.

4/3 226.2mm²
20.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Olympus E-M1X Review.
How does it shoot? Olympus E-M1X in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the E-M1X.
Compare Olympus E-M1X image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Olympus E-M1X conclusion.

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Differences

Pentax K-1 advantages over Olympus E-M1X

Larger sensor
35mm vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.88 vs 3.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
More pixels
36.4 vs 20.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Optional anti-aliasing filter
Optional vs None
Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
Bigger JPEG buffer
74 vs 49 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
204800 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1X 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 (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Fast startup
~0.80 vs 1.2 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
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
Newer
6 years vs 9 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
More viewfinder magnification
0.83x vs 0.70x
Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
60.7 fps vs 4.6 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
60.7 fps vs 4.6 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
49 vs 17 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

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
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in GPS
Both provide
Geotag your photos
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
Dual card slots
Both provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
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
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read E-M1X User Reviews

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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

Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.
Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.
Read our Olympus E-M1X Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1

Canon 5DS

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1549
35mm

Fast startup
More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS

Olympus E-M1X

Canon 5DS

$2240
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

$1549
35mm

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1

Canon 5D Mark IV

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$2099
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Olympus E-M1X

Canon 5D Mark IV

$2240
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$2099
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Pentax K-1

Panasonic GH5

$1800
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1348
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Panasonic GH5

Olympus E-M1X

Panasonic GH5

$2240
4/3

High resolution composite
Built-in GPS

$1348
4/3

Less expensive
Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH5

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

Olympus E-M1X

Pentax K-1 II

$2240
4/3

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$1747
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Pentax K-1

Panasonic GH6

$1800
35mm

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$2200
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Panasonic GH6

Olympus E-M1X

Panasonic GH6

$2240
4/3

Built-in GPS
Longer video battery life

$2200
4/3

Slower slow-motion
Newer

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH6

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