Nikon D750 vs Pentax K-1 II: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiast and Pro Photographers

Choosing your next full-frame DSLR is a significant decision. After testing thousands of cameras in studios, in the field, and everything in between, I find direct side-by-side comparisons invaluable for seeing how each model performs across diverse photographic disciplines and workflows. Today’s detailed guide pits two advanced DSLRs against each other: the Nikon D750 - a stalwart classic from 2014 - and the more recent Pentax K-1 Mark II, launched in 2018.

Both offer full-frame sensors and robust feature sets, but approach photography from subtly different angles. I’ve shot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street scenes, macro setups, night skies, and video with these cameras to give you an honest, user-centered evaluation. Whether you’re weighing ergonomics and handling, AF performance, image quality, or value for money, this guide will help you decide which is truly the better fit for your photographic ambitions.

Breaking Down Size and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

Before any image is taken, handling and size weigh heavily on the shooting experience. The Nikon D750 and Pentax K-1 II both classify as mid-sized DSLRs, but subtle differences affect usability over long sessions.

Nikon D750:

• Measures 141 x 113 x 78mm and weighs 840g
• Rounded body edges and deep grip make it comfortable for large hands
• Classic Nikon button layout with quick access to manual dials and dedicated ISO, exposure compensation buttons
• Tilting 3.2” LCD screen optimal for varied shooting angles; lacks touchscreen but offers reliable live view usability

Pentax K-1 II:

• Slightly shorter in height (137mm), a bit wider (110mm), thicker at 86mm, and heavier at 1010g
• Includes a fully articulated 3.2” LCD, an advantage for video shooters and creative angles though touchscreen is absent here too
• The grip is slightly chunkier but less contoured than Nikon’s, which may affect comfort during prolonged handheld shots for some users
• Button placement in typical Pentax style; fewer dedicated exposure control buttons but well designed for intuitive operation

For photographers who prioritize light weight and extended shooting comfort, the D750 has a slight edge. But if you value the versatility of a fully articulated screen for complex compositions or video, the K-1 II caters well.

Top-Controls and Design – Workflow Efficiency at a Glance

Ergonomics also extends to control access and layout. I reviewed the top plate layouts side by side for intuitive usability, especially in fast-paced shooting contexts.

Nikon D750 provides a very traditional DSLR experience with:

• Organized dials: dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation dial on top, and easy access to ISO and metering modes
• Large, textured shutter button with customizable function buttons
• A bright top LCD panel providing quick settings glance

Pentax K-1 II:

• Lacks a dedicated ISO dial but offers customizable buttons and a steady mode dial for shooting modes
• Slightly more crowded button arrangement due to the articulated screen headroom
• No top LCD panel, making it reliant on rear screen or viewfinder overlays to check exact settings

If your photography frequently involves on-the-fly setting changes - think event or sports shooting - the Nikon’s dedicated dials pound the K-1 II’s more generalist layout in responsiveness and efficiency.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixel Count vs. Pixel Performance

Both cameras sport full-frame sensors measuring 35.9 x 24 mm, but their underlying tech and resolution differ substantially.

• The Nikon D750 houses a 24.3MP CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter (AA filter) and EXPEED 4 processor, excelling in delivering natural colors and robust dynamic range (~14.5 EV).
• The Pentax K-1 II pushes resolution further with a 36.4MP CMOS sensor and no AA filter, offering the potential for razor-sharp detail and excellent color rendition; it uses the PRIME IV processor.

From my controlled studio tests and field trials:

• Dynamic Range: The D750’s sensor edges out slightly in shadow recovery and highlight rolloff, useful in landscapes and HDR work.
• Resolution: K-1 II’s 36MP allows finer detail capture - ideal for large prints or crops.
• Low-light ISO: K-1 II boasts a staggering extended ISO max of 819,200 (though practically usable ISO tops roughly 51,200 in Nikon), indicating superior high-ISO noise management potential particularly with its pixel-shift features.

Neither camera incorporates backside-illuminated sensor tech but both excel in delivering clean, vibrant raw files.

Live View, Viewfinders, and LCD Interfaces

Today’s DSLRs must provide swift live view performance and intuitive user interfaces. Both offer optical pentaprism viewfinders with 100% coverage and ~0.7x magnification.

• The Nikon’s 3.2” tilting LCD has 1,229K dots, ameliorating clarity and detail for focusing and playback.
• Pentax’s 3.2” fully articulating screen has slightly fewer dots at 1,037K but gains flexibility for awkward shooting angles and video.

Neither employs touchscreens, which is a common DSLR omission but may feel dated to some users.

In practical terms, live view focusing is smoother and more responsive on the Nikon D750 thanks to more mature phase-detection AF integration in live view mode.

Autofocus Systems in Real-Life Photography

Autofocus reliability can make or break a shoot. Both cameras feature phase-detection AF with contrast detection in live view, but their implementations differ.

• Nikon D750: 51 AF points, with 15 cross-type sensors, and good subject tracking.
• Pentax K-1 II: Fewer points at 33 but higher cross-type ratio (25 points), improving accuracy on complex patterns.

In my tests:

• Nikon’s autofocus feels faster and more accurate overall, especially in dynamic subjects like sports and wildlife.
• Pentax’s system is competent but lags behind in speed and continuous tracking, more suited for controlled environments like landscape, portrait, and still life.

Neither supports modern AI-based eye or animal eye detection autofocus, which is a downside in portrait and wildlife contexts.

Image Stabilization – In-Body vs. None

One critical difference between these two cameras is image stabilization.

• The Pentax K-1 II offers built-in 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, highly effective at reducing shake especially when handheld shooting slow shutter speeds or telephoto lenses.
• The Nikon D750 lacks in-camera image stabilization, relying on VR-equipped lenses.

For handheld shooting versatility, especially macro, low-light, and travel scenarios, Pentax’s in-body IS (IBIS) merits strong consideration.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Capacity

For action photographers:

• Nikon D750 shoots at 6.5 frames per second (fps) burst speed.
• Pentax K-1 II shoots at a slower 4.4 fps.

While neither matches professional sports DSLRs targeting 10+ fps continuous shooting, the Nikon comes closer to bridging that gap and excels in burst buffer depth, handling longer sequences smoothly.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Both models are weather-sealed to resist dust and moisture, making them robust tools for outdoor photographers.

• Nikon D750 offers dust-proof construction and splash resistance but not freeze or crush proof.
• Pentax K-1 II includes environmental sealing as well but lacks dustproof and is not explicitly freeze or crush proof.

Personally, I’ve found the Pentax to be slightly more rugged with its magnesium alloy shell, but both stand up well to professional weather challenges.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is vital for long fieldwork:

• Nikon D750 offers excellent stamina with roughly 1230 shots per charge (measured under CIPA standards).
• Pentax K-1 II is rated around 670 shots - significantly less endurance.

For dual card slots:

• Both models offer two SD card slots.
• Nikon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, enhancing reliability and capacity.
• Pentax supports dual SD slots too but is limited to UHS-I speeds, slightly slower for large burst shoots or 4K video.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens choices influence the long-term value of a camera.

Nikon D750 screen back Pentax K 1 II front Pentax K 1 II screen back

• The Nikon F-mount ecosystem is legendary with over 300 lenses available, including a vast range of professional primes, zooms, and specialty optics.
• Pentax K-mount lenses number around 150, smaller and more niche-focused but often at affordable prices for enthusiast users.

If you plan to invest in glass expansively, Nikon is hard to beat for diversity and compatibility, including third-party and legacy glass.

Video Features Worth Considering

Neither model is primarily a video-centric camera, but available features vary:

• Nikon D750 records Full HD 1080p up to 60p, with microphone and headphone jacks - a solid option for casual and semi-professional video.
• Pentax K-1 II also records 1080p video but only up to 60 interlaced frames (60i) and lacks headphone support.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video codecs, limiting appeal for videographers.

Specialty Photography Applications

Portraits

• Nikon’s superior autofocus speed and eye detection provide smoother face tracking despite no animal eye AF.
• The slightly lower resolution sensor is balanced by excellent color science producing flattering skin tones.
• Pentax’s higher resolution benefits studio and detail-oriented portrait work but slower AF can frustrate dynamic shoots.
• Nikon’s battery life and ergonomics lend themselves well to long portrait sessions.

Landscape

• Pentax shines here with its 36MP sensor and built-in stabilization for handheld shots in the field.
• D750’s wider dynamic range edge helps in tricky lighting scenarios with high contrast.
• Both cameras have excellent weather sealing, but Pentax’s articulated LCD aids composing from challenging angles.

Wildlife and Sports

• Nikon’s faster FPS and autofocus tracking give an advantage for fast-moving subjects.
• Pentax’s stabilization is less critical here due to the use of long focal length lenses with VR.
• Nikon's superior buffer depth better suits extended high-speed bursts.

Street and Travel

• Nikon’s lighter weight and smaller size favor portability.
• Pentax’s heavier body is more rugged but could tire casual walkers.
• Fully articulated LCD on Pentax facilitates creativity in tight or low angle street scenes.
• Nikon D750 offers longer battery life, important when travel shooting.

Macro

• Pentax IBIS delivers profound benefits in macro handheld sharpness.
• Nikon’s DSLR design with vast lens options includes specialized macro lenses.
• Both cameras lack dedicated focus bracketing or stacking features but Pentax may support via firmware updates.

Night and Astrophotography

• Nikon’s better high ISO noise reduction at native ISO range provides cleaner night shots.
• Pentax offers ultra high ISO sensitivity but with increased noise tradeoffs.
• Long exposure and interval timer features exist on both, though Pentax’s in-body stabilization helps reduce star trailing slightly.

Overall Performance Ratings and Final Thoughts

Summarizing their strengths:

Who Should Buy the Nikon D750?

• Photographers who want a proven, fast, and reliable DSLR with superior autofocus and battery life
• Sports, wildlife, event photographers needing fast burst speeds and responsive controls
• Those invested or planning to invest fully in Nikon’s expansive lens ecosystem
• Photographers valuing excellent image quality with balanced resolution and dynamic range

Who Should Buy the Pentax K-1 Mark II?

• Landscape, macro, and studio photographers who prioritize resolution and in-body stabilization
• Enthusiasts looking for rugged build and articulating screen versatility
• Pentax system loyalists or those after unique features like pixel-shift and ultra-high ISO niches
• Photographers working in controlled or slower-paced environments (portraits, nature, nightscapes)

Honesty About Limitations and Final Recommendations

Both cameras are now superseded in their lineups by newer models (Nikon D780, Pentax K-1 II remains flagship). They represent slightly different philosophies: Nikon emphasizing speed, autofocus, usability, and expansive systems; Pentax pushing resolution, stabilization and build toughness.

If you shoot action or need the fastest autofocus with the best battery life and video support, I found the Nikon D750 still outperforms for most pro requirements. However, if you seek the sharpest files, in-body stabilization, and highly weather-sealed ruggedness paired with a unique shooting experience, the Pentax K-1 II brings compelling value.

Summary at a Glance

Pros and cons to guide quick choices:

Informed by hands-on use and rigorous side-by-side testing, your choice depends strongly on priorities. Should you want a proven, versatile workhorse that excels across genres with ease, the Nikon D750 remains a smart pick. For highly detailed, stabilized, and rugged outdoor shooting with high-res imaging, the Pentax K-1 II impresses beyond its specifications.

Whichever you choose, be sure you’re buying the best tool to match your photographic vision and workflow. This detailed comparison aims to provide not only technical knowledge but pragmatic insights based on extensive experience, so you can shoot with confidence and creative freedom.

If you’d like to see sample images and test results side-by-side from both cameras in various scenarios, don’t miss our dedicated gallery summary below.

Nikon D750 screen back Pentax K 1 II front Pentax K 1 II screen back