• APS-C 361.2mm2
  • 4.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 1600
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D2Hs advantages over Pentax K-5 IIs

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 9.46 vs 4.81 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Pentax K-5 IIs advantages over Nikon D2Hs

  • Less expensive
    $1200 vs $3500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    12 years vs 19 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    740g vs 1070g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 232k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 4.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 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
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D2Hs

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-5 IIs
Body Only
All K-5 IIs Deals

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.

  • Read our Pentax K-5 IIs Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A35

Nikon D2Hs
Sony A35
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D2Hs vs Sony A35

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A35
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A35

Compared to Sony A57

Nikon D2Hs
Sony A57
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D2Hs vs Sony A57

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A57
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A57

Compared to Sony A37

Nikon D2Hs
Sony A37
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D2Hs vs Sony A37

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A37
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A37

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon D2Hs
Sony A58
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D2Hs vs Sony A58

Pentax K-5 IIs
Sony A58
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A58

Compared to Pentax K-500

Nikon D2Hs
Pentax K-500
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D2Hs vs Pentax K-500

Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-500
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Top deck display
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax K-500

Compare Other Cameras?