A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1Ds

The Pentax K-1 and the Canon EOS-1Ds are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2016 and September 2002. 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 11 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 1Ds
Pentax K-1   Canon 1Ds
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Pentax K mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 11 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video no Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-1,250
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 2.0" LCD – 120k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.4 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
760 shots per battery charge600 shots per battery charge
137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g 156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1265 g
logo
Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1Ds offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-1 and the Canon EOS-1Ds? 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.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-1 and the Canon 1Ds is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. 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 1Ds is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1Ds
Compare K-1 versus 1Ds top
Comparison K-1 or 1Ds rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 1Ds is considerably larger (64 percent) than the Pentax K-1. Moreover, the 1Ds is markedly heavier (25 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 1Ds can take 600 images on a single charge of its Canon NP-E3 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1Ds 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 adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image 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 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 8,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.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 IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 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.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The K-1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 80 percent) than the 1Ds, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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. The sensor area in the 1Ds is 1 percent smaller. 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 1Ds sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the K-1 offers a higher resolution than the 1Ds (11MP), but the K-1 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 8.83μm for the 1Ds). However, the K-1 is a much more recent model (by 13 years and 4 months) than the 1Ds, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 1Ds are 20.3 x 13.5 inches or 51.6 x 34.3 cm for good quality, 16.3 x 10.8 inches or 41.3 x 27.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.5 x 9 inches or 34.4 x 22.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the 1Ds, 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-1Ds are ISO 100 to ISO 1250, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-1250.

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 1Ds MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 1Ds, with an overall score that is 33 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.6 bits higher color depth, 3.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
7.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
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 IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
14.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
17.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The K-1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the 1Ds does not. The highest resolution format that the K-1 can use is 1080/60i.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The K-1 and the 1Ds 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%), as well as the same magnification (0.70x). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-1 and Canon 1Ds in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/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 IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/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.
padding

One feature that differentiates the K-1 and the 1Ds is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 1Ds 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 1Ds uses Compact Flash cards. The K-1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 1Ds only has one slot.

ad

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-1Ds and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image 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 1DsY- / ----FW---
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
7.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
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 IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
padding

It is notable that the K-1 offers wifi support, while the 1Ds does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

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 1Ds have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1Ds was replaced by the Canon 1Ds 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 1Ds can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1Ds Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Pentax K-1 better than the Canon 1Ds or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Advantages of the Pentax K-1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 11MP) with a 81% 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 (33 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (3.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60i movies.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 120k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4.4 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (137x110mm vs 156x158mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 255g or 20 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (760 versus 600) on a single battery charge.
  • 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.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (80 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 13 years and 4 months of technical progress since the 1Ds launch.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1Ds:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2002).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the K-1 is the clear winner of the match-up (22 : 3 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 22:03 1Ds

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-1 and the Canon 1Ds 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the K-1 or the 1Ds. 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 why expert reviews are important. 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  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 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 8,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.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 IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 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.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1Ds offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1Ds

    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 1Ds
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 September 2002
    Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 8,999
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1Ds
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 36.0 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 856.8 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 11 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 4064 x 2704 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 8.83 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2 1.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 1,250 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 1,250 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME IV DIGIC
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.4 21.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.6 11.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3280 954
    Screen Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1Ds
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 2.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 120k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1Ds
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 4.4 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    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 Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-1 Canon 1Ds
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 Firewire
    HDMI Port micro HDMI no HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    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 1Ds
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Canon NP-E3
    Battery Life (CIPA)760 shots per charge600 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1010 g (35.6 oz) 1265 g (44.6 oz)
    logo
    Check K-1 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check 1Ds offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1Ds