Pentax K-01 SLR-like camera: Is high design worth $900?

Consumer Reports News: February 02, 2012 07:08 AM

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SLR-like—a.k.a. mirrorless advanced—cameras have been one of the few areas of the camera market that's seen growth this past year. In keeping with this trend, Pentax is introducing its second such model, the 16-megapixel K-01, $900 with a 40mm non-zoom kit lens or $750 (body only). That's pricey for this type of camera. But I'm convinced that part of the reason for the high price is that Pentax hired Australian designer Marc Newson to design the new camera.

In looking at the photos of the K-01, I'm not sure its distinctive design alone warrants the high price. For the most part, it has most of the same design elements, controls, and features found on other advanced cameras. But unlike other SLR-like models in its class, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3K, it doesn't have a high-quality electronic viewfinder. In my opinion, the design of the K-01 is a bit flawed, since Pentax left out such an important feature.

But the design is strong in other areas. For example, one of the first things you'll notice is the camera's very thin lens: It's a 40mm non-zoom or fixed lens. (If you factor in the camera's magnification factor, it's equivalent to a 61mm lens on a film camera.) Like most mirrorless models, it accepts other same-brand lenses, so you're not stuck with just one lens.

Another attractive feature is that the K-01 has more than one high-dynamic range (HDR) setting. Pentax says you can select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effect. You're still just limited to three shots, though.

Here are some other notable specifications: