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Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1

Portability
61
Imaging
77
Features
89
Overall
81
Nikon Z6 Mark II front
 
Pentax K-1 front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs

Nikon Z6 II
(Full Review)
  • 25MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Push to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 705g - 134 x 101 x 70mm
  • Revealed October 2020
  • Replaced the Nikon Z6
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 Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
  • Announced February 2016
  • Newer Model is Pentax K-1 II
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Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Overview

In this article, we are contrasting the Nikon Z6 II versus Pentax K-1, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the Z6 II (25MP) and K-1 (36MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (Full frame).

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The Z6 II was unveiled 4 years later than the K-1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon Z6 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the Z6 II matches up against the K-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z6 II over the Pentax K-1

 Z6 II K-1 
AnnouncedOctober 2020February 2016Fresher by 57 months
Display resolution2100k1037kSharper display (+1063k dot)
Touch friendly display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Nikon Z6 II

 K-1 Z6 II 
Display typeFully ArticulatedTiltingFully Articulating display

Common features in the Nikon Z6 II and Pentax K-1

 Z6 II K-1 
Manually focus Very exact focus
Display sizing3.2"3.2"Equivalent display size
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon Z6 II comes with external measurements of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 705 grams (1.55 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon Z6 II versus Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the Z6 II versus the K-1.

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the Z6 II and K-1 is 61 and 55 respectively.

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Comparison

Often, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the Z6 II and K-1.

As you can see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Pentax K-1 to render greater detail having an extra 11MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent Z6 II will have an advantage in sensor technology.

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 sensor size comparison

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon Z6 II
Portrait photography with Pentax K-1
86
you can focus manually
resolution is fantastic (25 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports face detection focus
saves RAW formats
85
has manual focus
excellent MP (36 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
comes with face detection autofocus
supports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon Z6 II as a Street photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Street photography camera
78
screen tilts
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW formats
provides focus via touch
weather proof
very good high ISO (51,200)
70
screen can move to multiple angles
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW files
weather proof
good ISO range (204,800)
heavier than competition in class (1,010g)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Z6 II Sports photography factors
Pentax K-1 Sports photography factors
82
high shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is fantastic (25MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports tracking autofocus
weather proof
comes with phase detect auto focus
low battery (410 CIPA)
76
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
excellent MP (36MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
comes with tracking autofocus
weather proof
sensor has phase detect autofocus
max frames per second low (4.4 frames per second)
terrible battery pack (760 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Nikon Z6 II Travel photography factors
Pentax K-1 Travel photography factors
66
weather proof
connects via bluetooth
provides focus via touch
resolution is fantastic (25 megapixels)
low battery (410 shots)
display is not selfie friendly
53
weather proof
excellent MP (36 megapixels)
terrible battery pack (760 shots)
heavier than competition in class (1,010g)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Z6 II as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Landscape photography camera
82
you can focus manually
switch lenses (Nikon Z mount)
good sized screen (3.2 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is fantastic (25 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
very good high ISO (51,200)
saves RAW formats
weather proof
has double storage slots
low battery (410 per charge)
81
has manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a good size (3.2")
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
excellent MP (36MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
does not have anti-alias filter
good ISO range (204,800)
supports RAW files
weather proof
has dual storage slots
terrible battery pack (760 per charge)
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Z6 II Vlogging features
Pentax K-1 Vlogging features
36
screen is touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
supports face detection focus
video res high (3840 x 2160 resolution)
does have external microphone port
display is not selfie friendly
31
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
comes with face detection autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
includes external mic jack
display isn't selfie friendly
heavier than competition in class (1,010 grams)
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Nikon Z6 II vs Pentax K-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z6 II and Pentax K-1
 Nikon Z6 Mark IIPentax K-1
General Information
Make Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Z6 Mark II Pentax K-1
Category Pro Mirrorless Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2020-10-14 2016-02-17
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 25 megapixels 36 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 5:4, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Max resolution 6048 x 4024 7360 x 4912
Max native ISO 51200 204800
Max enhanced ISO 204800 -
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW images
Min enhanced ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 273 33
Cross focus points - 25
Lens
Lens mount Nikon Z Pentax KAF2
Number of lenses 15 151
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Display type Tilting Fully Articulated
Display size 3.2 inches 3.2 inches
Resolution of display 2,100 thousand dot 1,037 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder resolution 3,690 thousand dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.7x
Features
Min shutter speed 30s 30s
Max shutter speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter speed 14.0 frames per sec 4.4 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash options Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off 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
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash sync 1/200s 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 56 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 56 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Max video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Built-in
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 705 grams (1.55 lb) 1010 grams (2.23 lb)
Dimensions 134 x 101 x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 96
DXO Color Depth score not tested 25.4
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 14.6
DXO Low light score not tested 3280
Other
Battery life 410 images 760 images
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs) Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage CFexpress Type B / XQD Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Storage slots Two Two
Price at release $1,997 $1,499