• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Pentax K-5 IIs advantages over Nikon Z6 II

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon Z6 II advantages over Pentax K-5 IIs

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.81 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Newer
    4 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 921k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    14.0 fps vs 6.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • 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 Sony A35

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A35
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon Z6 II
Sony A35
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony A57

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A57
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Nikon Z6 II
Sony A57
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Sony A37

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A37
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Nikon Z6 II
Sony A37
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon R6

Pentax K-5 IIs
Canon R6
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Top deck display
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Nikon Z6 II
Canon R6
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon Z5

Pentax K-5 IIs
Nikon Z5
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Top deck display
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z5
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
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