• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-70 advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Less expensive
    $797 vs $1597
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Nikon Z5 advantages over Pentax K-70

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 3.92 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
  • Newer
    4 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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 Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-70

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

  • Huge bang for the buck; Great image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Good burst frame rate with deep buffer; Pentaprism viewfinder; Twin control dials; Articulated LCD; Comprehensive weather-sealing and freeze-proofing; Unbelievable wealth of rare to unique (yet very useful) features

  • Wi-Fi wireless communication is slow, clumsy and unintuitive; Video autofocus is prone to hunting or racking focus; Slow buffer clearing; Rather heavy for an entry-level DSLR; Autofocus and metering systems are a bit dated; Below average battery life

The Competition

Compared to Canon T6s

Pentax K-70
Canon T6s
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
Nikon Z5
Canon T6s
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Canon 77D

Pentax K-70
Canon 77D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Nikon Z5
Canon 77D
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon D7500

Pentax K-70
Nikon D7500
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $930
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Nikon Z5
Nikon D7500
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $930
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Pentax K-70
Nikon Z6 II
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Pentax K-70
Panasonic S5 II
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
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