Nikon D80 vs Pentax K-5

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Nikon D80 versus Pentax K-5, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the D80 (10MP) and K-5 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

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The D80 was unveiled 5 years before the K-5 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the D80 scores versus the K-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D80 & Pentax K-5. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D80 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D80 provides outer measurements of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") with a weight of 668 grams (1.47 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

See the Nikon D80 versus Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the D80 vs the K-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the D80 and K-5 is 62 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by researching specs. The pic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the D80 and K-5.

All in all, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Pentax K-5 to render greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged D80 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.