Pentax K-1 vs Nikon Z fc

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Pentax K-1 vs Nikon Z fc

Leave Feedback

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.

APS-C 369.0mm²
20.9 megapixels
ISO 100 - 51,200

Go in depth with our full Nikon Z fc Review.
See real-world photos taken with the Z fc.

Succeeded by the Pentax K-1 II
Compare K-1 vs K-1 II
Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon Z fc

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-1 advantages over Nikon Z fc

Larger sensor
35mm vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Bigger pixels
~ 4.88 vs 4.22 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
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
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
More pixels
36.4 vs 20.9 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Optional anti-aliasing filter
Optional vs None
Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
Faster shutter
1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z fc advantages over Pentax K-1

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
Thinner
43 mm vs 85 mm
Thinner
Newer
3 years vs 9 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Lighter weight
390g vs 1015g
Lighter weight
Longer exposure
900 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
11.0 fps vs 4.6 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (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
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
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

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

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read Z fc User Reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z fc

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 28mm f/2.8 (SE) Lens
Kit with DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Lens

All Z fc Deals

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 finished our review of the Nikon Z fc, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Nikon Z fc Shooter's Report

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 Z fc

Canon 5DS

$890
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$1549
35mm

Larger sensor
Top deck display

Compare Nikon Z fc 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 Z fc

Canon 5DS R

$890
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$1849
35mm

Larger sensor
Top deck display

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Canon 5DS R

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 Z fc

Pentax K-1 II

$890
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$1747
35mm

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Fujifilm X-T200

Pentax K-1

Fujifilm X-T200

$1800
35mm

Lens selection
Larger sensor

$799
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Fujifilm X-T200

Nikon Z fc

Fujifilm X-T200

$890
APS-C

Newer
Lacks anti-aliasing filter

$799
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Fujifilm X-T200

Compared to Nikon Z 30

Pentax K-1

Nikon Z 30

$1800
35mm

Larger sensor
Eye-level viewfinder

$697
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Nikon Z 30

Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30

$890
APS-C

Eye-level viewfinder
Thinner

$697
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Z fc vs Nikon Z 30

Compare Other Cameras?