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Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1D X

The Pentax K-1 and the Canon EOS-1D X are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2016 and October 2011. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 36.2 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 17.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-1
versus
Canon 1D X
Pentax K-1   Canon 1D X
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Pentax K mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 17.9 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.2" LCD – 1040k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.4 shutter flaps per second 14 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
760 shots per battery charge1120 shots per battery charge
137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g 158 x 168 x 83 mm, 1551 g
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Check K-1 offers at
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Check 1DX offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-1 and the Canon EOS-1D X? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-1 and the Canon 1D X. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 1DX is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1D X
Compare K-1 versus 1DX top
Comparison K-1 or 1DX rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 1D X is considerably larger (76 percent) than the Pentax K-1. Moreover, the 1DX is substantially heavier (54 percent) than the K-1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the K-1 gets 760 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the 1DX can take 1120 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E4N power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1DX has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the K-1, Pentax provides the D-BG6 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-1 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 760 Y Feb 2016 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
8.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The K-1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 74 percent) than the 1DX, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-1 and Canon 1D X sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Pentax K-1 offers a higher resolution of 36.2 megapixels, compared with 17.9 MP of the Canon 1D X. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 6.95μm for the 1DX). However, it should be noted that the K-1 is much more recent (by 4 years and 4 months) than the 1DX, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D X are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the 1DX, the K-1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Pentax K-1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS-1D X are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

K-1 versus 1DX MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-1 provides substantially higher image quality than the 1DX, with an overall score that is 14 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 2.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-1 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.414.6328096
2.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
4.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
8.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
9.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
11.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
13.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
14.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
16.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
17.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the K-1 provides a higher frame rate than the 1DX. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The K-1 and the 1DX are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the 1DX has a higher magnification than the one of the K-1 (0.76x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-1 and Canon 1D X in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax K-1optical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
2.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
11.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the K-1 and the 1DX is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 1DX offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The Pentax K-1 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The K-1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the 1DX uses Compact Flash cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-1 and Canon EOS-1D X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
2.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
8.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
11.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
16.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---

It is notable that the K-1 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the 1DX This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-1 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the K-1 and the 1DX have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1DX was replaced by the Canon 1DX Mark II, while the K-1 was followed by the Pentax K-1 II. Further information on the features and operation of the K-1 and 1DX can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1D X Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Pentax K-1 or the Canon 1D X – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Pentax K-1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 17.9MP) with a 42% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (14 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (137x110mm vs 158x168mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 541g or 35 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (74 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 4 months of technical progress since the 1DX launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1D X:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.70x).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 4.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1120 versus 760) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2011).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-1 is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-1 17:06 1DX

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-1 and the Canon 1D X place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the K-1 and the 1DX in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-15/5....84/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
8.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check K-1 offers at
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Check 1DX offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1D X

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 October 2011
    Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 6,799
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 17.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 5184 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 6.95 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2 2.07 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME IV DIGIC 5+ (Dual)
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 82
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.4 23.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.6 11.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3280 2786
    Screen Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.76x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 4.4 shutter flaps/s 14 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations400 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1D X
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Canon LP-E4N
    Battery Life (CIPA)760 shots per charge1120 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    158 x 168 x 83 mm
    (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1010 g (35.6 oz) 1551 g (54.7 oz)
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    Check 1DX offers at
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