Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1
Portability
54 Imaging
72 Features
80 Overall
75
54 Imaging
72 Features
80 Overall
75
Portability
55 Imaging
76 Features
82 Overall
78
55 Imaging
76 Features
82 Overall
78
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs
Nikon D800
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Increase to 25600)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 900g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Introduced June 2012
- Replaced the Nikon D700
- Replacement is Nikon D810
Pentax K-1
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 204800
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
- Revealed February 2016
- Later Model is Pentax K-1 II
Photography Glossary Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Overview
In this write-up, we will be comparing the Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the D800 (36MP) and the K-1 (36MP) is relatively well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (Full frame).
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banThe D800 was revealed 4 years prior to the K-1 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the D800 matches up against the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
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Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D800 & Pentax K-1. The full galleries are available at Nikon D800 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D800 over the Pentax K-1
| D800 | K-1 |
|---|
Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Nikon D800
| K-1 | D800 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revealed | February 2016 |  | June 2012 | Newer by 44 months |
| Screen type | Fully Articulated |  | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
| Screen resolution | 1037k |  | 921k | Crisper screen (+116k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D800 and Pentax K-1
| D800 | K-1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually |  | Dial accurate focus | ||
| Screen sizing | 3.2" |  | 3.2" | Equivalent screen size |
| Selfie screen |  | Missing selfie screen | ||
| Touch friendly screen |  | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Physical Comparison
When you are going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D800 enjoys exterior measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the D800 versus the K-1.
Considering size and weight, the portability score of the D800 and K-1 is 54 and 55 respectively.
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the D800 and K-1.
Clearly, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same resolution and you can expect similar quality of pictures although you should consider the age of the products into consideration. The more aged D800 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder
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Portrait Comparison
Nikon D800 as a Portrait photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Portrait photography camera
you can focus manually
megapixel count high (36 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
comes with face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
has manual focus
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
features face detection autofocus
delivers RAW formats
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Street photography with Nikon D800
Street photography with Pentax K-1
large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization
screen articulates
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
weather sealing
very good ISO range (204,800)
more heavy than competition (1,010g)
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Sports photography with Nikon D800
Sports photography with Pentax K-1
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
megapixel count high (36 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
comes with tracking autofocus
weather proof
has phase detect autofocus
continuous shooting slow (4.0 frames/s)
lack of image stabilization
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
amazing MP (36MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
features tracking autofocus
weather sealing
comes with phase detect autofocus
continuous shooting slow (4.4 fps)
terrible battery life (760 per charge)
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Nikon D800 as a Travel photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Travel photography camera
weather proof
megapixel count high (36MP)
has built in flash
display is not selfie friendly
weather sealing
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
terrible battery life (760 shots)
more heavy than competition (1,010g)
does not feature selfie friendly display
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesLandscape Comparison
Nikon D800 Landscape photography highlights
Pentax K-1 Landscape photography highlights
you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is good (3.2 inch)
megapixel count high (36MP)
large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
two card slots
lack of image stabilization
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
pretty good screen size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
does not have anti-alias filter
very good ISO range (204,800)
delivers RAW formats
weather sealing
has double storage slots
terrible battery life (760 shots)
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Nikon D800 Vlogging factors
Pentax K-1 Vlogging factors
comes with face detection autofocus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
has external mic socket
display is not selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
features face detection autofocus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
does have external microphone port
does not feature selfie friendly display
more heavy than competition (1,010 grams)
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Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Specifications
| Nikon D800 | Pentax K-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model type | Nikon D800 | Pentax K-1 |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
| Introduced | 2012-06-11 | 2016-02-17 |
| Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | Expeed 3 | - |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor measurements | 35.9 x 24mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
| Sensor surface area | 861.6mm² | 861.6mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 36 megapixels | 36 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Peak resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 7360 x 4912 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 204800 |
| Highest enhanced ISO | 25600 | - |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW data | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| AF single | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect AF | ||
| Contract detect AF | ||
| Phase detect AF | ||
| Total focus points | 51 | 33 |
| Cross type focus points | 15 | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens support | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
| Number of lenses | 309 | 151 |
| Crop factor | 1 | 1 |
| Screen | ||
| Display type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
| Display diagonal | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| Resolution of display | 921k dot | 1,037k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch function | ||
| Display tech | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.7x |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
| Continuous shutter speed | 4.0 frames per second | 4.4 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain, High-speed sync | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash sync | 1/250 seconds | 1/200 seconds |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Optional | Built-in |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 900g (1.98 pounds) | 1010g (2.23 pounds) |
| Dimensions | 146 x 123 x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") | 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | 95 | 96 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | 25.3 | 25.4 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.4 | 14.6 |
| DXO Low light rating | 2853 | 3280 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 900 pictures | 760 pictures |
| Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | EN-EL15 | D-LI90 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec, 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage media | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Storage slots | Two | Two |
| Retail pricing | $2,999 | $1,499 |