• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1000.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon P530 advantages over Pentax KP

  • Less expensive
    $279 vs $999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    494g vs 699g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Pentax KP advantages over Nikon P530

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.91 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 390 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    35 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/24000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax KP

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P520

Nikon P530
Nikon P520
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Pentax KP
Nikon P520
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $427
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out

Compared to Nikon L840

Nikon P530
Nikon L840
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax KP
Nikon L840
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon B500

Nikon P530
Nikon B500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Manual focus
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax KP
Nikon B500
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon P530
Nikon D5600
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Pentax KP
Nikon D5600
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon T7i

Nikon P530
Canon T7i
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Pentax KP
Canon T7i
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Compare Other Cameras?