Pentax K-01: Hybrid Camera With SLR Lens Mount

So here it is, the first hybrid compact complete with large-format sensor from Pentax. The K-01 uses a 16-Megapixel APS sensor, like the firm’s K-5 SLR and Sony’s NEX interchangeable lens compacts. One particularly surprising thing about this model, however, is that unlike other lens-switching compacts, it has an SLR lens mount, making it compatible with K-mount autofocus lenses.

Most people would agree that the main advantage of an interchangeable lens compact over an SLR is a more compact size. Pentax, however, is striking out on its own with a bulkier model that uses an existing SLR lens mount. The K-01 therefore won’t need a whole load of new-finagled lenses, as it’s already compatible with Pentax K-mount SLR lenses (for the record it’s the KAF2 mount, used since the K10D).

Pentax has taken a radically different approach to Sony with its latest Alpha SLRs. In these models, keeping the Minolta/Sony A-mount meant keeping a built-in mirror, in order to power a technical feature that sets SLRs apart from other cameras—the phase detection autofocus, which is much more effective for tracking a moving subject than the contrast detection autofocus systems used in interchangeable lens compacts. There’s none of that here though, as the K-01 autofocus uses contrast detection like any standard point-and-shoot compact. In fact, the camera is built around the same principles as Sony’s NEX-5N (which uses the same sensor).

So for the Pentax camera, keeping the K-mount only has one advantage—the possibility of using lenses developed for the firm's SLRs with no need for an adapter. Oh, and it also allows Pentax to claim it has a more original, more advanced hybrid on its hands. Using the K-mount does have one pretty major drawback, though, as even if the internal mirrors have been ditched, the camera body can’t really be reduced significantly in size, as the SLR lenses are designed to be positioned 45 mm away from the sensor—no closer. The K-01 therefore has to make room for an empty 45 mm chamber. Add to that the sensor, its stabilisation frame and the screen, and it’s no surprise to see a camera body 59 mm deep, which is more than a Sony NEX-5N loaded with a pancake lens!

Take a K-5, Remove the Viewfinder ...

The rest of the tech specs are pretty standard stuff, as the Pentax K-01 is very similar to the K-5. It uses the same excellent 16-Megapixel CMOS sensor, the same mechanical stabilisation system, and the same VGA screen (although we hope Pentax has taken the time to correct colour fidelity).

In fact, what’s really new in this model is the fact that it has no mirror and no viewfinder—the bump on the top of the camera is home to a pop-up flash, cutting a couple of centimetres from the camera’s height (79 mm compared with 97 mm for the K-5). Similarly, a stereo microphone has appeared, as well as a separate video record button. On the other hand, there’s no sign of the Sv mode, which allowed you to change the ISO setting in the K-r and its predecessors!

... and Pay a Designer

Designed by Marc Newson, this camera certainly has an original look—the small grip handle, textured vertical stripes, teardrop-shaped shutter release and cylindrical tube extending down from the mode-selection dial are all eye-catching features. The yellow version of the camera is particularly striking, in a kind of Canadair/buttercup/motorway maintenance colour scheme that'll certainly turn heads.

The Pentax K-01 will sell alone for £630, with the DA L 18-55 mm lens for £680 (the same as the K-r) or with a new 40 mm f/2.8 pancake lens for £680. This is the first in a new 'XS' range of lenses and seems to be even more compact than the 40 mm f/2.8 Limited. Note that the K-01 can also be picked up with both lenses for a cool £800.