Pentax K-1 Mark II Full-Frame DSLR Camera Body

A Rugged Full-Frame Camera Built for Astrophotography

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a powerful full-frame DSLR ideally suited to astrophotographers, night-sky observers and outdoor photographers. Combining a high-resolution 36.4MP sensor with outstanding low-light capability, built-in GPS and Pentax’s innovative Astrotracer technology, it provides an impressive set of tools for capturing the stars.

Its rugged, extensively weather-sealed body makes it particularly well suited to long nights under dark skies, where cold temperatures, damp conditions and changing weather can challenge less durable equipment.

Key Features

36.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

The high-resolution full-frame sensor captures fine detail, subtle colour and an impressive dynamic range. It is ideal for photographing the Milky Way, constellations, star fields, nightscapes and detailed astronomical landscapes.

Built-In GPS and Astrotracer

One of the K-1 Mark II’s most valuable features for astrophotography is its built-in Astrotracer system. Using GPS data together with the camera’s sensor-shift mechanism, Astrotracer compensates for the apparent movement of the stars during longer exposures.

This allows compatible lenses to capture longer exposures with reduced star trailing—without requiring a separate star-tracking mount. The precise exposure time available will depend on factors including focal length, direction, calibration and the area of sky being photographed.

Exceptional Low-Light Performance

With an extended sensitivity range of ISO 100–819,200, the K-1 Mark II is designed to perform in extremely low-light environments. Its PRIME IV processing engine and accelerator unit help produce detailed images with improved noise handling at higher ISO settings.

No Fixed Anti-Aliasing Filter

By omitting a conventional optical anti-aliasing filter, the K-1 Mark II prioritises fine detail and image sharpness—particularly valuable when photographing intricate star fields and detailed night landscapes. An AA Filter Simulator is available when moiré reduction is required.

5-Axis In-Body Shake Reduction

Pentax’s built-in Shake Reduction system provides up to five stops of compensation when shooting handheld. The same sensor-shift technology also supports specialist functions including Astrotracer, Pixel Shift Resolution and automatic horizon correction.

Image stabilisation should normally be disabled when the camera is mounted securely to a tripod or astronomical tracking mount.

Dynamic Pixel Shift Resolution System II

Pixel Shift Resolution captures four exposures while moving the sensor by a single pixel between each frame. These are combined to produce improved colour accuracy, finer detail and lower noise.

This mode is best suited to stationary subjects, such as landscapes and terrestrial foregrounds. Because stars move between exposures, conventional Pixel Shift shooting is generally unsuitable for untracked night-sky images.

Flexible Night-Shooting Controls

The 3.2-inch Flex-Tilt LCD can be adjusted for easier viewing when the camera is positioned low to the ground or pointed towards the sky. Its Night Vision Display uses a red interface to help preserve the photographer’s dark adaptation.

External body illumination also makes important controls, the lens mount, card slots and cable terminals easier to locate in darkness.

100% Pentaprism Viewfinder

The large optical pentaprism viewfinder provides a bright, clear view with approximately 100% frame coverage, making composition more precise during daytime and twilight shooting.

Rugged, Weather-Sealed Construction

The K-1 Mark II features 87 sealing points to help protect it against dust and moisture. It is also designed to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C, making it a dependable choice for cold nights and remote observing locations.

For a fully weather-resistant system, pair the camera with a compatible Pentax AW or WR lens.

Dual SD Card Slots

Two SD memory-card slots provide several recording options. Files can be stored sequentially, duplicated to both cards or separated by format, allowing RAW images to be saved to one card and JPEG files to the other.

Pentax K-Mount Compatibility

The Pentax K mount offers access to an extensive selection of modern and legacy lenses. This makes it possible to build a versatile astrophotography kit covering everything from wide-field Milky Way photography to more tightly framed areas of the night sky.

Full HD Video and 4K Interval Movie Capture

The K-1 Mark II records Full HD video at a range of frame rates and can create 4K interval movies in-camera—ideal for producing time-lapse sequences of stars moving across the sky.

Additional Specifications

• 36.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor

• ISO 100–819,200

• PRIME IV image processor with accelerator unit

• Built-in GPS, electronic compass and Astrotracer

• 5-axis in-body Shake Reduction

• SAFOX 12 autofocus system with 33 AF points

• Up to 4.4fps continuous shooting in full-frame mode

• Up to 6.4fps in APS-C crop mode

• Full HD video recording

• 4K interval movie mode

• 3.2-inch Flex-Tilt LCD

• Dual SD memory-card slots

• Weather-resistant magnesium-alloy construction

Ideal For

• Milky Way and wide-field astrophotography

• Constellation and star-field photography

• Nightscapes and astronomical landscapes

• Star-trail and time-lapse sequences

• Low-light landscape and nature photography

• Photographers working in cold, damp or remote locations

Explore the Night Sky with Pentax

With its high-resolution full-frame sensor, built-in Astrotracer, excellent low-light performance and exceptionally durable construction, the Pentax K-1 Mark II is one of the most astronomy-friendly DSLR camera bodies available.

Whether you are photographing the Milky Way from a dark-sky site, capturing constellations without a separate tracking mount or creating dramatic landscapes beneath the stars, the K-1 Mark II provides the image quality and specialist features needed to take your night-sky photography further.