The Pentax K-1 Mark II camera is a very minor update to the original K-1, but is a fine entry point for Pentax owners looking to step up to full-frame.

Proven 36MP full-frame image sensor; High resolution Pixel Shift capture; 5-axis stabilization; Weather-sealed; Attractive price; GPS and Wi-Fi

Slow, inconsistent autofocus; Outdated video toolset; Slower (4.4fps) burst shooting; Omits UHS-II SD support; Dwindling third-party lens support

It has an edge in the right conditions, but the Pentax K-1 II has few glowing features.

Excellent build quality; Great image quality; 5-axis stabilization; Pixel Shift Resolution; Unique; functional control layout

Upgrades over K-1 are of limited use; Pixel Shift requires Ricoh software; Slow burst rate; Lackluster video specifications

For me, the Mark II designation forever conjures up images of the classic Jaguar Mark 2 automobile, but this new Pentax DSLR may change my mind. When testing the original Pentax K-1 for Shutterbug I was impressed by its outstanding construction and image quality.

A super ISO and new Pixel Shift Resolution Most of the new camera's core appears to be the same as that of the K-1, such as the 36.4MP full-frame sensor that lacks an optical low-pass filter.

I would recommend this camera for landscape photographers and portrait artists. It's a great camera to step up to if you have been using an APS-C camera, especially if you have Pentax lenses already.

The Pentax K-1 has an ardent fan base. The second generation, albeit a very able camera, failed to add much with the upgrade. It retains a 36.4MP 35mm sensor, 3.2in 1037k-dot tilting screen, which lacks touch functionality, and a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system.

Canon and Nikon may dominate the full-frame DSLR market, but the Pentax K-1 Mark II is a compelling alternative...

36MP resolving power; Clever use of Shake Reduction; Sturdy build and controls

Weak video features; Only 4.4fps continuous shooting; Contrast-detect AF in live view

Pentax's new K-1 Mark II arrives some two years after the original K-1 -- that seems to be the general update cycle for all but the entry-level models -- with only two real enhancements. Even those are made possible by a single hardware change. But these updates may possibly mean a big improvement for people who need better low-light quality or who use Pentax's Pixel Shift Resolution mode. Otherwise, it's identical to its predecessor in all ways but the name badge.

There are only two updates to Pentax's flagship DSLR, but they're potentially impressive.