Pentax K-01

From what I have seen it is the tiny pancake lens which makes it look ugly rather than the body being ugly of itself
I think the K5 is a nice looking camera but it does look a bit weird with the current 40mm pancake on it

Full spec

link

designer Marc Newson

link

Very interesting, spec-wise something like a K-5 without mirror box.

I was looking to get a second k-5 but this would suit my needs better. if it has weather proofing then its a definite buy for travelling etc...

Apologies if this has already been posted ... but there's some additional close-up photos here:

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8...

Personally, I'm still not sure what to think. No view finder?!

That picture makes a huge difference to the overall look of the camera- is looks a million times better IMO.

Just noticed the kit lens has a 27mm thread? step down rings required! I wonder how my 77mm polariser will look on it.

Looks to me slightly more compact, but not really that much. That I suppose is the trade-off for retaining the K mount, so I'm happy with that. Looks are I'd euphemistically say are an acquired taste, but if it's rugged (WR a must) then that's the main thing for me. I like the idea of a slim lens with the ability to use any other. as the DA40mm is small enough anyway for my liking I'd (much) prefer other options, 30-35mm range for example.

Silent shutter is excellent. Really excellent.

If the focusing aids for MF lenses work well then that's excellent.

This would make an ideal second body for discreet around town and travel use. Except, except, except. I'd have to hold the thing up in the air a foot in front of my face Japanese-tourist-in-front-of-Tower-Bridge style. If they'd put an electronic viewfinder on it, then I'd start saving right now. An articulated screen would have maybe got me thinking. But from first impressions I'll have to wait for the next not fully thought through offering.

As a single camera alternative to a DSLR then I don't see the attraction as it's not very compact, especially with a zoom, will probably cost almost as much as a K5 but less well specced. Don't get it.

I think they are hanging their hat on the styling. Mmmmm. I think people who like snorkels will find it gorgeous.

Well anybody that thinks Pentax doesn't listen to thier customers...obviously hasn't read what I've been posting here for the last few years...
I think this is a perfect Evil Class camera and hope it sells welll...
it's on my list...


I'm not gonna sweat the lack of evf (although I suspect there is room to add one in a future model)... this is a great way to get the k-5 sensor and some serious speed in processing (already for the next gen sd cards or it has a seriously hefty internal memaory buffer)..

I can using this with an eye-fi card in studio, and having it in my camera bag for low light shooting alongside my d-srs at a wedding or commercial shoot...

and they've done with the 40mmpancake exactly what they did with the 35 2.4... which to me is a good thing!

in fact I think this camera will look better witht he 35 2.4 on it..

Some thoughts...

Presumably it is an electronic shutter? That should mean flash sync at any speed.

Also, no issues with AF adjustment as it's focused off the sensor (I wonder how fast it is?).

Doesn't look like WR is likely to me - the battery door hints at non-WR (the WR bodies have some kind of rotating latch).

It'll be interesting to see the video capabilities...
...and it's not that much smaller or lighter than the K5 so it looks like I'll still need the Q as well (which is tempting me!)

Matt

Where have you found weight/size info?

good points MattMatic... on the wr, issue you may be right...It is a nice to have, not a deal breaker for me...

I think the the video capabilities are superior to the k-5... just the more advanced codec (I wonder if they kept the old one as well?) and dedicated rec button are enough to please me, for serious video shooting...
I prefer manual focus anyways and the peaking feature, I'll take over evf anyday!

this proves one thing to me... mirrorless k-5 for half the asking price of the original k-5 asking price...

I can add the k-5 image quality to my kit without breaking the bank...

future generations of this camera WILL equal or exceed the entry d-slrs in the market place...
this camera hints that long term.... there are going to have to be some VERY serious mid to pro D-slrs in the pipelines to justify the higher costs...

Very serious d-slrs ARE coming our way... soon,,.

The prices have been leaked, and it looks like it will be similar to the Kr release price - around the five hundred pounds mark body only. This makes sense as a lot of expensive components have been eliminated, and will end up competitive with NEX/Samsung NX cameras (and better than the Nikon J1!) If it sells in similar quantities to the Kr, it will be very good news for Pentax!

That steam-pipe which the mode dial is mounted on really is slightly unfortunate! It's also interesting how the designer has managed to make a robust metal construction look like plastic!! Look forward to seeing one for real though...

After years of uncertainty over the brand and whether Pentax were on the slippery slop (which I never believed) I am delighted to see this new model. Very tempting. If I were heading off on holiday (which sadly I'm not!) I could see this as a great camera for my wife and if she needed to swap a lens with me then it would be no issue. It also is a killer camera for those occasions where 'no professional cameras' are allowed which is always a stupid rule.

Hands-on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-lSQlvqFKs&feature=player_embedded