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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II

Portability
59
Imaging
64
Features
62
Overall
63
Nikon Df front
 
Pentax K-5 II front
Portability
60
Imaging
58
Features
82
Overall
67

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs

Nikon Df
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 204800)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 760g - 144 x 110 x 67mm
  • Launched December 2013
Pentax K-5 II
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Expand to 51200)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
  • Introduced June 2013
  • Replaced the Pentax K-5
Photography Glossary

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Overview

Below is a detailed review of the Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the Df (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is fairly close but the Df (Full frame) and K-5 II (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The Df was released 7 months later than the K-5 II which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the Df matches up against the K-5 II in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Df over the Pentax K-5 II

 Df K-5 II 
IntroducedDecember 2013June 2013More recent by 7 months
Display sizing3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")

Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Nikon Df

 K-5 II Df 

Common features in the Nikon Df and Pentax K-5 II

 Df K-5 II 
Manual focus Very precise focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display resolution921k921kSame display resolution
Selfie screen Neither has selfie screen
Touch display Neither has Touch display

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and size. The Nikon Df has physical measurements of 144mm x 110mm x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 II has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

See the Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the Df compared to the K-5 II.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II size comparison

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Df and K-5 II is 59 and 60 respectively.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II top view buttons comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the Df and K-5 II.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The Df uses the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field easier. The more recent Df provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II sensor size comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Df Portrait photography factors
Pentax K-5 II Portrait photography factors
78
has manual focus
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
comes with face detect autofocus
delivers RAW formats
74
has manual focus
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
provides face detect autofocus
saves RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon Df Street photography features
Pentax K-5 II Street photography features
60
large sensor size (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
weather proofing
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization
67
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
screen is fixed
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Df Sports photography info
Pentax K-5 II Sports photography info
69
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
comes with tracking focus
weather proofing
good battery life (1,400 per charge)
sensor has phase detect autofocus
max frames per second very slow (6.0 frames per second)
lack of image stabilization
79
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
provides tracking focus
environment proofing
supports phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon Df
Travel photography with Pentax K-5 II
60
good battery life (1,400 CIPA)
weather proofing
resolution is good (16MP)
no Timelapse function
does not have a selfie friendly display
65
environment proofing
good MP (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
doesn't have selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Nikon Df
Landscape photography with Pentax K-5 II
71
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount)
pretty good screen size (3.2 inches)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
large sensor size (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
weather proofing
good battery life (1,400 per charge)
lack of image stabilization
no Timelapse function
79
has manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
environment proofing
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon Df
Vlogging with Pentax K-5 II
9
no video
33
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides face detect autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
comes with microphone jack
doesn't have selfie friendly display
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Df and Pentax K-5 II
 Nikon DfPentax K-5 II
General Information
Brand Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Df Pentax K-5 II
Category Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Launched 2013-12-20 2013-06-04
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Expeed 3 Prime II
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame APS-C
Sensor measurements 36 x 23.9mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 860.4mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Highest resolution 4928 x 3280 4928 x 3264
Highest native ISO 12800 12800
Highest boosted ISO 204800 51200
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Lowest boosted ISO 50 80
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 39 11
Cross focus points 9 9
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Total lenses 309 151
Focal length multiplier 1 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3.2" 3"
Resolution of display 921k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display tech TFT-LCD TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.61x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 6.0 frames per sec 7.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range no built-in flash 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Maximum flash sync 1/250 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
Highest video resolution None 1920x1080
Video file format - Motion JPEG
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Optional None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 760 gr (1.68 lb) 760 gr (1.68 lb)
Dimensions 144 x 110 x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 89 82
DXO Color Depth score 24.6 23.8
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 14.1
DXO Low light score 3279 1235
Other
Battery life 1400 images 980 images
Battery format 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 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Retail price $2,747 $830