Pentax K-01

The Pentax K-01 ($899.95 direct with 40mm lens) is a bit of a departure in concept when compared with other compact interchangeable lens cameras. Rather than design a new lens mount, Pentax opted to use the same bayonet K mount that it has used since 1975. Because of this, the K-01 is closer in size to a D-SLR than other mirrorless compacts. In terms of size, it's the complete opposite of Pentax's first foray into the category, the very small Pentax Q ($799.95, 3 stars), a cute camera that packed a sensor identical in size to those found in most point-and-shoots. The K-01 uses a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, the same size as the one found in the company's D-SLRs and our Editors' Choice for this category, the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 ($649.99, 4.5 stars).

Design and Features
Pentax enlisted renowned designer Mark Newson to sketch out the K-01 and the results are interesting. The body is constructed of metal, but features a rubberized grip, which is available in Newson's signature bright yellow.?The camera has a very boxy feel, but the buttons and dials are all in the right places.?

The camera measures 3.1 by 4.8 by 2.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 19.8 ounces, not that much smaller than the entry-level Pentax K-r ($699.95, 3 stars) D-SLR, which is 3.8 by 4.9 by 2.7 inches in size and just 21 ounces. Because the K-01 has a native D-SLR lens mount, the distance between the lens and the image sensor must be equal to that of a camera with a mirror?making the distance shorter would prevent lenses from being able to focus properly. Pentax includes the new DA 40mm f/2.8 XS lens (60mm equivalent), a slimmer, less-expensive version of the highly regarded DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited lens ($499.95). The XS lens, which is also designed by Newson, barely protrudes from the body, giving it the feel of being part of the camera rather than being attached to it. If you already have the DA 40mm lens, which is also quite slim, consider getting the K-01 as a body only for $749.95, and if you're a Pentax user that is interested in the slimline XS version of the 40mm more than the K-01, you'll be happy to know that it is available separately for only $249.95.

The other side of Pentax's decision to include the pancake prime as the standard kit lens for the K-01 is one of practicality?a 40mm lens doesn't give you any sort of zoom, and it isn't suitable for wide angle scenes. Most mirrorless cameras, including the very compact Olympus PEN E-PM1 ($499.99, 4 stars), ship with a 3x zoom lens that covers about a 28-85mm field of view. If you already own a Pentax D-SLR, you'll be able to mount your existing 18-55mm (27.5-82.5mm equivalent) zoom lens to the K-01, but the perfect second lens for the camera may be the wide-angle DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited ($649.95 direct), which produces a classic 30mm wide-angle perspective on APS-C cameras.

The K-01 doesn't have a built-in electronic viewfinder, nor does it have the option to add one as you can with the Sony Alpha NEX-5N ($699.99, 4.5 stars). This is complicated by the fixed rear LCD. The 920k-dot display is very bright and crisp, and when you activate the Focus Peaking feature it makes it easy to verify focus and use legacy manual focus glass with the camera, but it doesn't tilt. Unless you're working with a tripod, this leaves you with a camera that you are almost required to hold like a point-and-shoot?with your arms extended far enough away from your face for you to properly frame an image. You can shoot with cameras that feature articulating rear screens, like the Olympus PEN E-PL3 ($699.99, 3.5 stars), from the hip as you would with a classic medium format camera with a waist-level finder.?If you're in love with the K-01, but really need an eye-level finder, consider tracking down a dedicated 60mm optical viewfinder and slide it into the camera's hot shoe. You'll have to trust the camera's autofocus and the framing will be a bit rough, but it should make it a bit more practical for quick street shots.

The larger body paves the way for a solid layout of controls. There's a standard mode dial, control wheel, and shutter release up top, along with EV Compensation, programmable green and red buttons, and the flash release, which doubles as the Delete button when reviewing shots. On the rear panel you'll find dedicated buttons to adjust ISO, Flash output, the Self Timer, and White Balance. There's also a button for Autofocus/Auto Exposure Lock, and the standard Info, Menu, Play, and OK buttons.

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