Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-1 II

On this page, we are reviewing the Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-1 II, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the D90 (12MP) and K-1 II (36MP) and the D90 (APS-C) and K-1 II (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The D90 was brought out 10 years before the K-1 II which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the D90 scores vs the K-1 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D90 & Pentax K-1 Mark II. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D90 Gallery & Pentax K-1 II Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon D90 enjoys physical measurements of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") with a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 II has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D90 vs Pentax K-1 II in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the D90 and the K-1 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D90 and K-1 II is 60 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the D90 and K-1 II.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The D90 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-1 II will provide you with greater detail having its extra 24 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged D90 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.