• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

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Differences

Nikon V1 advantages over Pentax KP

  • Thinner
    43 mm vs 75 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.8 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Pentax KP advantages over Nikon V1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/24000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax KP

Review Excerpt

  • Good image quality; Good quality lens; Full HD videos; Lightning fast AF; Fun to use.

  • Mode dial turns easily; Missing "modern" features like panorama, HDR; Somewhat heavy; Sluggish shot-to-shot cycle times; Proprietary external flash.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon V1
Nikon J1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Pentax KP
Nikon J1
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon V1
Nikon J2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Pentax KP
Nikon J2
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon V1
Nikon V2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect
Pentax KP
Nikon V2
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon D5600

Nikon V1
Nikon D5600
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $1065
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
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 V1
Canon T7i
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Pentax KP
Canon T7i
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
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