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How many Megapixels does the Pentax K-1 have?

The Pentax K-1 is equipped with a a full frame sensor that offers an image resolution of 36.2 megapixels (MP), or 36.2 million pixels. With its native aspect ratio of 3:2, the sensor has 7 360 horizontal pixels and 4 912 vertical pixels.

A 35mm film slide or negative contains 5-15 MP of useful detail, so that the Pentax K-1 can be considered to be a high-resolution camera that outresolves any 35mm film camera.

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A high megapixel count makes it possible to crop any captured image substantially or to make very large prints from the image file. On the downside, large megapixel files are slower to transfer and take up more storage space on the computer harddisk. Also, high-resolution imaging requires sharper, more expensive lenses than low-res picture taking.

How large can I print with 36.2 MP?

The maximum print size of the Pentax 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. Few people actually print their images that large on a regular basis, but it is nice to have the option to make very large prints of exceptional shots. Also, as mentioned earlier, a key advantage of high-MP cameras is that it is possible to crop an image ex-post and thereby, for example, change the composition of the capture or zoom in on some detail.

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Sensor specs and performance

The table below compares the sensor specs of the Pentax K-1 to those of several similar cameras. In addition to sensor class and megapixel count, DXO values are reported as indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). Three aspects are covered: color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape), and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.

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Sensor Characteristics
    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 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
3.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
5.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
6.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
7.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
8.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
10.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
11.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Further information on the sensor in the Pentax K-1 and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.

In the United States, the K-1 was initially launched in February 2016 at a price of $1,799.

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Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Pentax K-1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016
    Launch Price USD 1 799
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 862 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7 360 x 4 912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204 800 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME IV
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3280
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen
    V-logging Friendliness No front-flip
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)760 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1 010 g (35.6 oz)

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