Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D6

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Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D6

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35mm 861.6mm²
36.4 megapixels
ISO 100 - 204,800

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-1 Review.
How does it shoot? Pentax K-1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the K-1.
Compare Pentax K-1 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Pentax K-1 conclusion.

35mm 858.0mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 100 - 102,400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D6 Review.

Succeeded by the Pentax K-1 II
Compare K-1 vs K-1 II
Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D6

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Differences

Pentax K-1 advantages over Nikon D6

Less expensive
$1800 vs $6500 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
More pixels
36.4 vs 20.8 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Optional anti-aliasing filter
Optional vs Fixed
Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Nikon D6 advantages over Pentax K-1

Bigger pixels
~ 6.45 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
More cross-type AF points
99 vs 25
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Newer
5 years vs 9 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Higher-res screen
590k vs 346k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
More AF points
153 vs 33
More AF points improve autofocus
Longer exposure
900 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Higher extended ISO
327680 vs 204800 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
Built-in GPS
Both provide
Geotag your photos
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
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

Unlocks the full potential of full-frame Pentax lenses; Excellent image quality; Great ergonomics and build; Very compact for full-frame; Decent performance; Fast autofocus with great low-light capabilities; Very wide sensitivity range; Bright, accurate viewfinder; Articulated LCD; Stabilization, Wi-Fi and GPS in-camera
No built-in flash strobe; Quite heavy compared to APS-C flagships; Somewhat soft images and blown highlights by default in JPEG mode; Warm Auto white balance indoors; Slow startup and buffer clearing; Small top-deck status display; Weak viewfinder illumination; Below-average battery life for DSLR
Read our Pentax K-1 Review

We haven’t reviewed the Nikon D6.
Read our Nikon D6 Preview

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1

Canon 5DS

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1549
35mm

Fast startup
More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS

Nikon D6

Canon 5DS

$6500
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

$1549
35mm

Lighter weight
More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Pentax K-1

Canon 5DS R

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1849
35mm

Fast startup
More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS R

Nikon D6

Canon 5DS R

$6500
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

$1849
35mm

Lighter weight
More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Nikon D5

Pentax K-1

Nikon D5

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$4893
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6

Nikon D5

$6500
35mm

Built-in Bluetooth
Built-in GPS

$4893
35mm

Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-1

Pentax K-1 II

$1800
35mm

$1747
35mm

Higher extended ISO

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D6

Pentax K-1 II

$6500
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

$1747
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Pentax K-1

Canon 1DX Mark III

$1800
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$6499
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6

Canon 1DX Mark III

$6500
35mm

Longer exposure

$6499
35mm

Built-in Wi-Fi
On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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