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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1

Portability
59
Imaging
63
Features
62
Overall
62
Nikon Df front
 
Pentax K-S1 front
Portability
69
Imaging
63
Features
70
Overall
65

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Key Specs

Nikon Df
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 204800)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 760g - 144 x 110 x 67mm
  • Announced December 2013
Pentax K-S1
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/6000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 558g - 121 x 93 x 70mm
  • Launched August 2014
  • Updated by Pentax K-S2
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Overview

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the Df (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is relatively close but the Df (Full frame) and K-S1 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The Df was released 8 months prior to the K-S1 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the Df matches up versus the K-S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Df over the Pentax K-S1

 Df K-S1 
Screen dimension3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")

Reasons to pick Pentax K-S1 over the Nikon Df

 K-S1 Df 
LaunchedAugust 2014December 2013Newer by 8 months

Common features in the Nikon Df and Pentax K-S1

 Df K-S1 
Focus manually Very precise focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution921k921kSame screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither offers selfie screen
Touch screen Neither offers Touch screen

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Physical Comparison

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon Df offers external dimensions of 144mm x 110mm x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has specifications of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check out the Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the Df compared to the K-S1.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the Df and K-S1 is 59 and 69 respectively.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by looking through specifications. The image below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the Df and K-S1.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The Df because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax K-S1 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged Df will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 sensor size comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon Df
Portrait photography with Pentax K-S1
77
focusing manually
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
large sensor size (Full frame)
provides face detection focusing
supports RAW formats
77
focusing manually
megapixel count decent (20 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
provides face detection focusing
saves RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon Df as a Street photography camera
Pentax K-S1 as a Street photography camera
60
large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
73
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW files
lighter than competition (558 grams)
very good high ISO (51,200)
fixed screen
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Df Sports photography advice
Pentax K-S1 Sports photography advice
69
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
large sensor size (Full frame)
provides tracking autofocus
weather proofing
better than average battery pack (1,400 per charge)
has phase detect AF
painfully slow continuous shooting (6.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
69
high shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
provides tracking autofocus
supports phase detect AF
max frames per second low (5.4 frames/s)
bad battery (410 shots)
Photography Glossary

Travel Comparison

Nikon Df as a Travel photography camera
Pentax K-S1 as a Travel photography camera
60
better than average battery pack (1,400 shots)
weather proofing
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
doesn't have Timelapse function
does not have selfie friendly screen
60
lighter than competition (558 grams)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
built-in flash
does not have Timelapse function
bad battery (410 shots)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Df Landscape photography factors
Pentax K-S1 Landscape photography factors
71
focusing manually
swap lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is good (3.2 inches)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
better than average battery pack (1,400 shots)
does not have image stabilization
doesn't have Timelapse function
73
focusing manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
does not have low pass filter
very good high ISO (51,200)
saves RAW files
bad battery (410 per charge)
does not have Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Df as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-S1 as a Vlogging camera
9
can't record video
33
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides face detection focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition (558 grams)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
does not have external microphone port
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-S1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Df and Pentax K-S1
 Nikon DfPentax K-S1
General Information
Brand Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Df Pentax K-S1
Type Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Announced 2013-12-20 2014-08-27
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 3 Prime MII
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame APS-C
Sensor measurements 36 x 23.9mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 860.4mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 20 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Highest resolution 4928 x 3280 5472 x 3648
Highest native ISO 12800 51200
Highest boosted ISO 204800 -
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Lowest boosted ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points 39 11
Cross focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Amount of lenses 309 151
Focal length multiplier 1 1.5
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3.2 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 921k dot 921k 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 0.64x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/6000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 6.0 frames/s 5.4 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range no built-in flash 10.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, Auto, auto + redeye, on, on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync 1/250 secs -
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 fps)
Highest video resolution None 1920x1080
Video file format - H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Optional Eye-Fi Connected
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 pounds) 558 gr (1.23 pounds)
Dimensions 144 x 110 x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") 121 x 93 x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 89 78
DXO Color Depth score 24.6 23.5
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 13.0
DXO Low light score 3279 1061
Other
Battery life 1400 shots 410 shots
Battery form Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL14,EN-EL14a D-LI109
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 secs) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots 1 1
Launch price $2,747 $339