• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 204,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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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

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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 5DS R

Pentax K-1
Canon 5DS R
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS R

Olympus E-M1X
Canon 5DS R
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 5DS R

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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