[2] The camera was listed as discontinued in February 2013,[3][4][5][6] but the following July was reintroduced to the Japanese market in a new white and blue colour variant.

DxOMark has rated the potential image quality of the K-01 as slightly lower than the K-5 and D7000.

DxOMark's Sport (low light ISO) rating placed the K-01 first among all MILCs at the time it was tested.

Almost immediately upon its release, the K-01 became one of the most controversial Pentax offerings,[14] with criticism focusing on the Marc Newson design, which many considered made the camera too heavy and uncomfortable to hold, with poorly-placed controls, while acknowledging its strong image quality and low-light / high ISO performance.

[17][18][19] Positive aspects of the K-01 included its image and build quality and its compatibility with all existing Pentax K-mount lenses.