Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1
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-S1 front Pentax K-S1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-S1/Pentax-K-S1-front.jpg)
69 Imaging
63 Features
70 Overall
65
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Bump to 1640000)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 860g - 147 x 115 x 81mm
- Launched January 2016
- Old Model is Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 558g - 121 x 93 x 70mm
- Launched August 2014
- Later Model is Pentax K-S2
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Overview
On this page, we are looking at the Nikon D500 and Pentax K-S1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the D500 (21MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very close and both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The D500 was brought out 17 months later than the K-S1 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the D500 matches up versus the K-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D500 and Pentax K-S1. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D500 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D500 over the Pentax K-S1
D500 | K-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2016 | ![]() | August 2014 | More recent by 17 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 2359k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer display (+1438k dot) |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-S1 over the Nikon D500
K-S1 | D500 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D500 and Pentax K-S1
D500 | K-S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither offers selfie screen |
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon D500 offers outside dimensions of 147mm x 115mm x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has proportions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).
Compare the Nikon D500 and Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the D500 against the K-S1.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 size comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-S1-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D500 and K-S1 is 56 and 69 respectively.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 top view buttons comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-S1-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The graphic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the D500 and K-S1.
As you can plainly see, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should expect to see the Nikon D500 to result in extra detail having its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more recent D500 provides an edge in sensor tech.
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 sensor size comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-S1-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D500-vs-Pentax-K-S1-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-S1 Specifications
Nikon D500 | Pentax K-S1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D500 | Pentax K-S1 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2016-01-05 | 2014-08-27 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed 5 | Prime MII |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 369.0mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 21MP | 20MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 5472 x 3648 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 51200 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 1640000 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 50 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 153 | 11 |
Cross focus points | 99 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Available lenses | 309 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3.2" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 2,359 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.66x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/6000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 10.0fps | 5.4fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, auto + redeye, on, on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/250 secs | - |
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 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 860 grams (1.90 pounds) | 558 grams (1.23 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") | 121 x 93 x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 84 | 78 |
DXO Color Depth score | 24.1 | 23.5 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 14.0 | 13.0 |
DXO Low light score | 1324 | 1061 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1240 photographs | 410 photographs |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL15 | D-LI109 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | XQD/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compliant) | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | 2 | One |
Launch pricing | $1,497 | $339 |