Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-1 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-1. Both cameras cost the same, yet are aimed at different crowds. If you happen to like both but can’t decide which one is better for the money, this post is for you.

Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.

	Nikon D500	Pentax K-1
Megapixels	20.9	36.4
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Format	APS-C (DX)	Full Frame
Crop Factor	1.5x	None
AA Filter	None	On/Off
Image Resolution	5568 x 3712	7360 x 4912
Body Image Stabilization	No	Yes
Lens Mount	Nikon FX/DX	Pentax K
ISO	100 - 51,200	100 - 204,800
Expanded ISO	50 - 1,638,400	None
AF Points	153	33
Cross-type AF Points	99	25
Continuous Mode	10fps	4.5fps
LCD	3.2" - Articulating	3.2" - Articulating
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	No
Focus Peaking	No	Yes
Top LCD Display	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical	Optical
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.00x	0.70x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	1920x1080 (60i/50i/30/25/24p)
	1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)	1280x720 (60/50p)
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD + XQD	SD + SD
Dual Card Slots	Yes	Yes
SD UHS Support	UHS-II	UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	30"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	200	74
RAW Buffer Size	200	17
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	No
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/200
Startup Time	0.3s	1.2s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	Yes
Built- in NFC	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	No
USB Type	USB 3.0	USB 2.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	760 shots
Battery Included	Yes (EN-EL15)	Yes (D-LI90)
Weight	30.2 oz (856g)	35.8 oz (1,015g)
Size	5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2"	5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2016

Nikon D500 Advantages:

• ISO – 1,638,400 vs 204,800. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF Points – 153 vs 33. More means you have a lot more focus points to choose from to perfectly frame your subject.

• Cross-type AF Points – 99 vs 25. Cross-type AF Points are much more accurate and faster in low light.

• Continuous mode – 10fps vs 4.5fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Touchscreen Support

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• Video Resolution – 4K video available.

• UHS-II – Faster writing speeds than UHS-I, but you need a memory card that can handle such speeds.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 200 vs 74. Useful for long bursts.

• RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 17.

• Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs 1/200.

• Built-in NFC

• Bluetooth Support

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 760 shots.

• Weight – The Nikon D500 weighs 159g less.

Since the D500 was made for action, it’s no surprise it beats the K-1 in speed overall. The AF system is miles ahead, with 120 more AF points, 99 vs 25 cross-type. It can shoot twice as fast, record 4K videos, has 2 memory card slots with UHS-II support and a 200 shots JPEG/RAW buffer.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Pentax K-1 Advantages:

• Megapixels –  15.5 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Pentax K-1 is a much better choice.

• Sensor Format – Full Frame is bigger than APS-C, which results in slightly less noise at higher ISO levels.

• AA Filter – You can turn it on and off.

• Body Image Stabilization – The Pentax K-1 has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.

• Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).

• Built-in Flash

The K-1 is Pentax’s first full frame DSLR, and it’s an excellent camera while we’re at it. Affordable (for what it offers), 36MP FF sensor with an AA filter that you can turn on at any time, body image stabilization and focus peaking. No Canon or Nikon DSLR offers this, but you’ve got pros and cons at every company. If you’ve got Pentax lenses or don’t want to spend too much for a 36MP camera, you’ll love the K-1.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.