Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D780

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D780

35mm 861.6mm²
36.4 megapixels
ISO 100 - 819,200

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-1 II Review.
How does it shoot? Pentax K-1 II in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the K-1 II.
Compare Pentax K-1 II image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Pentax K-1 II conclusion.

35mm 858.0mm²
24.5 megapixels
ISO 100 - 51,200

Go in depth with our full Nikon D780 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D780.

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Differences

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Nikon D780

Less expensive
$1997 vs $2797
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
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
More cross-type AF points
25 vs 15
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
More pixels
36.4 vs 24.5 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Optional anti-aliasing filter
Optional vs Fixed
Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
Higher extended ISO
819200 vs 204800 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D780 advantages over Pentax K-1 II

Bigger pixels
~ 5.94 vs 4.88 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

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

2260 vs 670 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
4 years vs 6 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Higher-res screen
786k vs 346k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
More AF points
51 vs 33
More AF points improve autofocus
Wider angle kit lens
24 mm vs 28 mm
Capture more of the scene with the included lens
Longer exposure
900 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
12.0 fps vs 4.5 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
12.0 fps vs 4.6 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
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
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
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

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
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-1 II User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D780 User Reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-1 II

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 28-105mm Lens

All K-1 II Deals

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Buy the Nikon D780

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens

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

We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon D780, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Nikon D780 Shooter's Report

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Pentax K-1 II

Canon 5DS R

$1747
35mm

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1729
35mm

Less expensive
Fast startup

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5DS R

Nikon D780

Canon 5DS R

$2097
35mm

Focus peaking
Bigger pixels

$1729
35mm

Less expensive
More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Pentax K-1

Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-1

$1747
35mm

Higher extended ISO

$1800
35mm

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D780

Pentax K-1

$2097
35mm

Bigger pixels
Shoot 4K video

$1800
35mm

In-Camera Image Stabilization
High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1 II

Canon 5D Mark IV

$1747
35mm

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$2499
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

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

Nikon D780

Canon 5D Mark IV

$2097
35mm

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$2499
35mm

NFC
Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Sony A99 II

Pentax K-1 II

Sony A99 II

$1747
35mm

Lens selection
Less expensive

$3198
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Sony A99 II

Nikon D780

Sony A99 II

$2097
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

$3198
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Nikon D850

Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D850

$1747
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$2664
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D850

Nikon D780

Nikon D850

$2097
35mm

Bigger pixels
On-sensor phase detect

$2664
35mm

More cross-type AF points
More pixels

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850

Compare Other Cameras?