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Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Pentax K-1

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and the Pentax K-1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2004 and February 2016. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16.6 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 36.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon 1Ds Mark II
versus
Pentax K-1
Canon 1Ds Mark II   Pentax K-1
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
16.6 MP – Full Frame sensor 36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 3,200) ISO 100-204,800
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)
4 shutter flaps per second 4.4 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge760 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1215 g 137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and the Pentax K-1? 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 Canon 1Ds Mark II and the Pentax K-1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

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

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

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-1 is considerably smaller (39 percent) than the Canon 1Ds Mark II. Moreover, the K-1 is markedly lighter (17 percent) than the 1Ds Mark II. 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 1Ds Mark II gets 1200 shots out of its Canon NP-E3 battery, while the K-1 can take 760 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1Ds Mark II 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 following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-1 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 760 Y Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
11.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
13.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.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 78 percent) than the 1Ds Mark II, 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies 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.

Canon 1Ds Mark II and Pentax K-1 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the K-1 offers a higher resolution of 36.2 megapixels, compared with 16.6 MP of the 1Ds Mark II. 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 7.21μm for the 1Ds Mark II). However, it should be noted that the K-1 is much more recent (by 11 years and 4 months) than the 1Ds Mark II, 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 1Ds Mark II are 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm for good quality, 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.7 x 33.8 cm for very good quality, and 16.6 x 11.1 inches or 42.3 x 28.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the 1Ds Mark II, 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 Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (no boost).

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.

1Ds Mark II versus K-1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-1 offers substantially better image quality than the 1Ds Mark II (overall score 22 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 3.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 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.

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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.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
2.
 
Pentax K-1 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.414.6328096
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
8.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
11.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
12.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
13.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
14.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

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

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1Ds Mark II and the K-1 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1Ds Mark II, the Pentax K-1, and comparable 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.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
2.
 
Pentax K-1optical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
12.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
13.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
15.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/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 1Ds Mark II is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 1Ds Mark II 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 1Ds Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the K-1 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The K-1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1Ds Mark II cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and Pentax K-1 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.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Pentax K-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1DsY- / ----FW---
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
13.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
15.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
17.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY

It is notable that the K-1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1Ds Mark II does not provide wifi capability.

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

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 1Ds Mark II better than the Pentax K-1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II:

  • 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.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1200 versus 760) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2004).

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 16.6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 47%.
  • 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 (22 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
  • 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 230k dots).
  • 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 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 205g or 17 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (78 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 11 years and 4 months of technical progress since the 1Ds Mark II launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-1 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

1Ds Mark II 04:20 K-1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1Ds Mark II and the Pentax K-1 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1Ds Mark II or the K-1 perform in practice. 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 hands-on reviews by experts 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.

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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
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-15/5....84/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
11.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
13.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Pentax K-1

    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 Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2004 February 2016
    Launch Price USD 7,999 USD 1,799
    Sensor Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.6 Megapixels 36.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4992 x 3328 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.21 μm 4.88 μm
    Pixel Density 1.92 MP/cm2 4.20 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 204,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3,200 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC II PRIME IV
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 96
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.3 25.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 14.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1480 3280
    Screen Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    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 2.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 4.4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations300 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Pentax K-1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NP-E3 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge760 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1215 g (42.9 oz) 1010 g (35.6 oz)
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    Check K-1 offers at
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