• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Nikon D780

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    25 vs 15
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 24.5 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D780 advantages over Pentax K-1 II

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.88 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 670 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More AF points
    51 vs 33
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 4.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-1 II
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 28-105mm Lens
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Buy the Nikon D780
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent build and comfortable handling; Bright, roomy viewfinder and articulated LCD; Great image quality; Good performance for the class; In-camera stabilization, GPS and Wi-Fi; Incredibly feature-rich design.

  • Bulkier than APS-C DSLRs; Top ISOs are for the spec sheet, not the real world; JPEGs are a bit punchy by default; Slow startup; Below-average battery life; Only a relatively modest update to the K-1.

  • Read our Pentax K-1 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5DS
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5DS

Nikon D780
Canon 5DS
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Pentax K-1

Pentax K-1 II
Pentax K-1
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $1800
  • 35mm

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Sony A99 II

Pentax K-1 II
Sony A99 II
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Sony A99 II

Nikon D780
Sony A99 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Nikon D850

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D850
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $2597
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D850

Nikon D780
Nikon D850
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2597
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850

Compare Other Cameras?