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We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
For more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
JPEG images from the Pentax K-01 have good signal to noise ratio results, and while just beaten by the Pentax K-5 at ISO 100 and 12800, at all other sensitivities the K-01 just has the edge.
Raw (after conversion to TIFF) signal to noise ratio
TIFF files (after conversion from raw) again show that the K-01 handles noise well across the sensitivity range, with noise only starting to become apparent from ISO 3200.
JPEG Dynamic range
Results show that the Pentax K-01 produces similar results to the Pentax K-5, Panasonic GF5 and Olympus E-P3 up to ISO 800. Above this sensitivity the K-01 show better dynamic range performance than the comparison cameras.
Raw (after conversion to TIFF) dynamic range
Between sensitivities of ISO 100 and 1600 the TIFF (after conversion from raw) dynamic range shows a big improvement over the K-5. Above this sensitivity the results are still respectable, but show that tonal graduation in the highlights and shadows can easily be lost at the highest ISO settings.
