• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon D7000 advantages over Pentax K-5 IIs

  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 740 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    39 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Pentax K-5 IIs advantages over Nikon D7000

  • Less expensive
    $1200 vs $1500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    6.7 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    22 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Pentax K-5 IIs

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality; Better than average noise vs. detail handling at high ISOs; Very good dynamic range in JPEGs, excellent in RAW files; Lots of high-end features in a relatively compact body; 6 fps burst mode.

  • Viewfinder not as accurate as specified; Viewfinder doesn't show ISO unless adjusting; No live histogram in Live View mode; No phase-detect Live View AF mode.

  • Noticeably better sharpness than standard K-5 II; Compact yet control-rich body packs in the features; Updated autofocus system focuses in near-darkness; Fully weather-sealed; Very good dynamic range; In-body image stabilization; Dual-axis level with horizon correction.

  • Prone to moire, aliasing, and false color artifacts; Can seem intimidating at first; Fewer autofocus points than competitors; Doesn't take advantage of high-speed UHS-I flash cards; Movie feature set is very dated and file sizes huge.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 60D

Nikon D7000
Canon 60D
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Pentax K-5 IIs
Canon 60D
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony A35

Nikon D7000
Sony A35
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A35
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony A37

Nikon D7000
Sony A37
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A37
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Pentax K-30

Nikon D7000
Pentax K-30
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-30
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Pentax K-5 II

Nikon D7000
Pentax K-5 II
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 II
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
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