Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs
56 Imaging
65 Features
90 Overall
75
![Nikon D500 front Nikon D500 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Nikon-D500.jpg)
![Pentax K-5 IIs front Pentax K-5 IIs front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-5-IIs/Pentax-K-5-IIs-front.jpg)
60 Imaging
58 Features
83 Overall
68
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 1640000)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 860g - 147 x 115 x 81mm
- Released January 2016
- Replaced the Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Push to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Revealed June 2013
- Old Model is Pentax K-5
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Overview
In this article, we are contrasting the Nikon D500 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the D500 (21MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The D500 was revealed 2 years after the K-5 IIs which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the D500 matches up against the K-5 IIs in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D500 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D500 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D500 over the Pentax K-5 IIs
D500 | K-5 IIs | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2016 | ![]() | June 2013 | More modern by 32 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 2359k | ![]() | 921k | Crisper display (+1438k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 IIs over the Nikon D500
K-5 IIs | D500 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D500 and Pentax K-5 IIs
D500 | K-5 IIs | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen |
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Physical Comparison
In case you're going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon D500 comes with outer dimensions of 147mm x 115mm x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") along with a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon D500 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the D500 versus the K-5 IIs.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs size comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-5-IIs-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D500 and K-5 IIs is 56 and 60 respectively.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs top view buttons comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-5-IIs-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing specifications. The image here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the D500 and K-5 IIs.
To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Nikon D500 to provide you with greater detail because of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer D500 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs sensor size comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-5-IIs-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-5-IIs-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs Specifications
Nikon D500 | Pentax K-5 IIs | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon D500 | Pentax K-5 IIs |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Released | 2016-01-05 | 2013-06-04 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed 5 | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 21 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 4928 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 51200 | 12800 |
Highest boosted ISO | 1640000 | 51200 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Min boosted ISO | 50 | 80 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 153 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | 99 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Number of lenses | 309 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3.2" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 2,359 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.66x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames per second | 7.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/250s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 860 gr (1.90 lb) | 760 gr (1.68 lb) |
Dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 84 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 24.1 | 23.9 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.0 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 1324 | 1208 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1240 pictures | 980 pictures |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL15 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | XQD/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compliant) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Dual | One |
Retail cost | $1,497 | $749 |