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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1

Portability
59
Imaging
63
Features
62
Overall
62
Nikon Df front
 
Pentax K-1 front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs

Nikon Df
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Bump to 204800)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 760g - 144 x 110 x 67mm
  • Revealed December 2013
Pentax K-1
(Full Review)
  • 36MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 204800
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
  • Introduced February 2016
  • Replacement is Pentax K-1 II
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Overview

On this page, we are analyzing the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the Df (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (Full frame).

Photography Glossary

The Df was introduced 3 years earlier than the K-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the Df grades vs the K-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Df over the Pentax K-1

 Df K-1 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Nikon Df

 K-1 Df 
IntroducedFebruary 2016December 2013More modern by 26 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display resolution1037k921kClearer display (+116k dot)

Common features in the Nikon Df and Pentax K-1

 Df K-1 
Focus manually Dial precise focus
Display dimensions3.2"3.2"Equal display measurement
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen
Touch display Lack of Touch display

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Physical Comparison

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon Df features exterior dimensions of 144mm x 110mm x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") and a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Examine the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the Df and the K-1.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Df and K-1 is 59 and 55 respectively.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, its difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes merely by researching technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the Df and K-1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Pentax K-1 to result in greater detail using its extra 20 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged Df will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 sensor size comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder

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

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Df Portrait photography info
Pentax K-1 Portrait photography info
77
focusing manually
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
has face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
85
you can focus manually
MP count great (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
has face detection focus
saves RAW files
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon Df
Street photography with Pentax K-1
60
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
fixed screen
lack of image stabilization
70
screen articulates fully
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
saves RAW files
weather proof
very good high ISO (204,800)
more heavy than average (1,010 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Df Sports photography information
Pentax K-1 Sports photography information
69
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
weather proofing
good battery pack (1,400 shots)
has phase detect autofocus
max fps low (6.0 frames per second)
lack of image stabilization
76
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
MP count great (36MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
weather proof
has phase detect auto focus
slow continuous shooting (4.4 frames per second)
terrible battery (760 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon Df
Travel photography with Pentax K-1
60
good battery pack (1,400 per charge)
weather proofing
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
missing Time Lapse mode
does not offer selfie friendly screen
53
weather proof
MP count great (36MP)
terrible battery (760 per charge)
more heavy than average (1,010g)
screen isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Df as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Landscape photography camera
71
focusing manually
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is decent (3.2")
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
good battery pack (1,400 CIPA)
lack of image stabilization
missing Time Lapse mode
81
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
pretty good screen size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
MP count great (36MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
doesnt have anti aliasing filter
very good high ISO (204,800)
saves RAW files
weather proof
has double storage slots
terrible battery (760 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Df Vlogging information
Pentax K-1 Vlogging information
9
can't shoot video
31
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
has face detection focus
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
has external microphone port
screen isn't selfie friendly
more heavy than average (1,010g)
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Df and Pentax K-1
 Nikon DfPentax K-1
General Information
Company Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Df Pentax K-1
Class Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2013-12-20 2016-02-17
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 3 -
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 36 x 23.9mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 860.4mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 36 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Full resolution 4928 x 3280 7360 x 4912
Max native ISO 12800 204800
Max boosted ISO 204800 -
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Min boosted ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 39 33
Cross focus points 9 25
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Amount of lenses 309 151
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen size 3.2 inches 3.2 inches
Resolution of screen 921k dot 1,037k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen tech TFT-LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000s 1/8000s
Continuous shooting speed 6.0 frames per second 4.4 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash modes Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, 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
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync 1/250s 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Max video resolution None 1920x1080
Video format - MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Optional Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Built-in
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 760 grams (1.68 pounds) 1010 grams (2.23 pounds)
Physical dimensions 144 x 110 x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 89 96
DXO Color Depth score 24.6 25.4
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 14.6
DXO Low light score 3279 3280
Other
Battery life 1400 shots 760 shots
Battery form Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL14,EN-EL14a D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 secs) Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC card Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Storage slots One 2
Cost at launch $2,747 $1,499