Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D
54 Imaging
72 Features
80 Overall
75


59 Imaging
53 Features
52 Overall
52
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Raise to 25600)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 900g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Announced June 2012
- Succeeded the Nikon D700
- Updated by Nikon D810
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Boost to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 142 x 101 x 70mm
- Announced June 2008
- Superseded the Pentax K10D

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Overview
On this page, we are contrasting the Nikon D800 versus Pentax K20D, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the D800 (36MP) and K20D (15MP) and the D800 (Full frame) and K20D (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

The D800 was brought out 4 years later than the K20D and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the D800 grades against the K20D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D800 & Pentax K20D. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon D800 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D800 over the Pentax K20D
D800 | K20D | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | June 2012 | ![]() | June 2008 | Fresher by 49 months |
Display dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper display (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K20D over the Nikon D800
K20D | D800 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D800 and Pentax K20D
D800 | K20D | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Physical Comparison
When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon D800 features exterior measurements of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
Look at the Nikon D800 versus Pentax K20D in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the D800 compared to the K20D.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the D800 and K20D is 54 and 59 respectively.

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The graphic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the D800 and K20D.
All in all, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The D800 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Nikon D800 will give extra detail having its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The newer D800 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D800 vs Pentax K20D Specifications
Nikon D800 | Pentax K20D | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D800 | Pentax K20D |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2012-06-11 | 2008-06-25 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 3 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 35.9 x 24mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 861.6mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 36 megapixel | 15 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 4672 x 3104 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 25600 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 11 |
Cross focus points | 15 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 309 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3.2 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of display | 921k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 4.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain, High-speed sync | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain, wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/250 secs | 1/180 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
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) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 900 grams (1.98 pounds) | 800 grams (1.76 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 146 x 123 x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") | 142 x 101 x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 95 | 65 |
DXO Color Depth score | 25.3 | 22.9 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 14.4 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 2853 | 639 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 900 shots | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL15 | D-LI50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec, 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant | SD/MMC/SDHC card |
Card slots | Two | One |
Pricing at release | $2,999 | $700 |