Pentax is one of the big traditional photographic brands to make the transition from film into digital camera manufacturing, and it always seemed likely that it might one day make a full-frame digital SLR.

Yes, it's true. The new Pentax K-1 is the first time Pentax has ever made a 35mm full-frame digital camera. That's amazing considering Canon and Nikon have been at it for years, but also explains why Pentax has lagged behind for so long.

The Pentax K-1 is Pentax's long-awaited full-frame Digital SLR, and it brings all of Pentax's technology including weather-sealed camera bodies, shake-reduction sensor, pixel shift resolution and more to the camera community.

Pixel shift resolution for sharper more detailed images with better colour; Capable of taking excellent images; Very good noise performance; Customisable ISO controls for noise reduction; 5-axis image stabilisation sensor; One of the more compact FF Digital SLRs; LEDs light up camera in the dark,...

Auto white balance could be better; No built in flash-unit; USB 2 / UHS-I (not 3 and II respectively; Slow live view shutter response and focus

The Pentax K-1 is a new professional full-frame DSLR camera. Key features of the K-1 include a 36 megapixel 35mm sensor with an anti-aliasing simulator rather than an optical anti-aliasing filter, Pixel Shift Resolution technology which delivers super-high-resolution images with more accurate colour...

Announced on 17 February, the Pentax K-1 is Ricoh Imaging's first DSLR with a 'full-frame' sensor and offers a resolution of 36.4 effective megapixels. Like the Pentax K-3 II we reviewed in November 2015, there's no anti-aliasing filter in front of the sensor.

Pentax may be late to the full-frame party, but the K-1 sure made a loud entrance. When it comes to image quality, the new Pentax K-1 boasts an unprecedented level of performance and versatility which without question secures its spot as the most powerful K-mount camera released to date.

demanding photographers seeking excellent still image quality; users looking for an excellent value in a full-frame camera

demanding photographers seeking excellent still image quality; users looking for an excellent value in a full-frame camera

At $1,796.95, the Pentax K-1 ain't cheap but it isn't $6500 (like the Nikon D5) either, and this Pentax camera clearly punches above its weight for the features and image quality it delivers. What's more, the K-1 is a camera that feels a lot smarter than the average full frame DSLR.

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Pentax's full-frame dSLR debut, the K-1, hits at an opportune time. Canon hasn't updated its 6D or 5D Mark III in at least a couple of years, nor has Nikon done so with its D750 or D610 . That makes a new model at an aggressive price a welcome option.

The Pentax K-1 delivers excellent photo quality and a ton of features in a sturdy; well-designed body

The autofocus is inconsistent and the image stabilization isn't as good as competitors'

Pentax's full-frame dSLR debut, the K-1, hits at an opportune time. Canon hasn't updated its 6D or 5D Mark III in at least a couple of years, nor has Nikon done so with its D750 or D610. That makes a new model at an aggressive price a welcome option. The K-1 offers a ton of features with excellent photo quality and a great shooting design, but it also has one of the least-sophisticated autofocus systems and occasionally sluggish performance.

For photographers who want great photo quality for less than $2,000, the Pentax K-1 hits the bullseye.

The Pentax K-1 delivers excellent photo quality and a ton of features in a sturdy, well-designed body.

The autofocus is inconsistent and the image stabilization isn't as good as competitors'.