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Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1

Portability
54
Imaging
73
Features
80
Overall
75
Nikon D800 front
 
Pentax K-1 front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs

Nikon D800
(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)
  • 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
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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).

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The 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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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 
RevealedFebruary 2016June 2012Newer by 44 months
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen resolution1037k921kCrisper screen (+116k dot)

Common features in the Nikon D800 and Pentax K-1

 D800 K-1 
Focus manually Dial accurate focus
Screen sizing3.2"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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the D800 and K-1 is 54 and 55 respectively.

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon D800 as a Portrait photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Portrait photography camera
83
you can focus manually
megapixel count high (36 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
comes with face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
85
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 Comparison

Street photography with Nikon D800
Street photography with Pentax K-1
60
large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization
70
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 Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon D800
Sports photography with Pentax K-1
74
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
76
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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Travel Comparison

Nikon D800 as a Travel photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Travel photography camera
66
weather proof
megapixel count high (36MP)
has built in flash
display is not selfie friendly
53
weather sealing
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
terrible battery life (760 shots)
more heavy than competition (1,010g)
does not feature selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon D800 Landscape photography highlights
Pentax K-1 Landscape photography highlights
79
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
81
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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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D800 Vlogging factors
Pentax K-1 Vlogging factors
30
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
31
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

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D800 and Pentax K-1
 Nikon D800Pentax 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