• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

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Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Pentax K-1 II

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 4.88 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.9 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.9 fps vs 4.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Sony A99

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 670 vs 500 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    25 vs 3
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 24.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    33 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    77 vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

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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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 Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Nikon D800

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D800
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D800

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

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

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A99 vs Nikon D800E

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D800E
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A99 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

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

Compared to Nikon D850

Sony A99
Nikon D850
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A99 vs Nikon D850

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D850
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D850

Compare Other Cameras?