• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Pentax KP advantages over Nikon D780

  • Less expensive
    $999* vs $2097
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More cross-type AF points
    25 vs 15
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/24000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D780 advantages over Pentax KP

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.91 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 390 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    5 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 27
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 7.0 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax KP
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Silver)
All KP Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D780
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
All D780 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Pentax KP
Pentax K-3 II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Pentax KP vs Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-3 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-3 II

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax KP
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax KP 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 Nikon D5600

Pentax KP
Nikon D5600
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax KP vs Nikon D5600

Nikon D780
Nikon D5600
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Canon T7i

Pentax KP
Canon T7i
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax KP vs Canon T7i

Nikon D780
Canon T7i
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon T7i

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Pentax KP
Pentax K-1 II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax KP vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?