Nikon D5600 vs Pentax K-70
- APS-C
- 24 megapixels
- Pentax KAF2
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49
Overall -
24
Imaging -
63
Features -
73
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D5600 vs Pentax K-70: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Entry-Level DSLR. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Nikon and Pentax. Although Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 cameras that we are going to review here have significant distinctive features, they also have something in common. Thus, the first common trait of both models is sensor. These cameras feature identical 24.0 MP CMOS sensors.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D5600 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 25600
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 124 x 97 x 70 mm
- Weight: 465 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D5500. Compare
Pentax K-70 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 102400
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 126 x 93 x 74 mm
- Weight: 688 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
Nikon D5600 substituted Nikon D5500.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D5600 vs. D5500
Nikon D5500 vs. Pentax K-70
Why is Nikon D5600 a better choice than Pentax K-70
| NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Number Of Focus Points | 39 vs 11 | 28 more focus points |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots vs 921k dots | 11.2% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Battery Life | 820 shots vs 410 shots | 410 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 465 g vs 688 g | 223 g lighter |
What are the key reasons to pick Pentax K-70 over Nikon D5600
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| Continuous Shooting | 6 fps vs 5 fps | 1 fps faster |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/6000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) vs Optical (pentamirror) | Better framing and control |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63 vs 0.55 | 0.08 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70
| Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 6.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Nikon D5600 vs Pentax K-70: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D5600 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 223g less than the Pentax K-70. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 24.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D5600 | Pentax K-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
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| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D5600 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax K-70 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D5600 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (820 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (124 x 97 x 70 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax K-70 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Image Stabilization
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (126 x 93 x 74 mm)
- Small Number of autofocus Points (11)
Nikon D5600 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
No Significant Advantages
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (39)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (9)
- Small battery life (820 shots)
Pentax K-70 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Nice Max Native ISO (102400)
- Big size (126 x 93 x 74 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (6.0 fps)
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/6000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (11)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (9)
- Small battery life (410 shots)
Nikon D5600 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (465 g)
- Big size (124 x 97 x 70 mm)
Pentax K-70 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (688 g)
- Big size (126 x 93 x 74 mm)
Nikon D5600 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.0)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
Pentax K-70 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Max Native ISO (102400)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D5600 vs Pentax K-70: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D5600 or Pentax K-70, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D5600 and Pentax K-70 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Pentax K-70 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D5600. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D5600 vs Pentax K-70 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D5600 | Pentax K-70 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model | D5600 | K-70 |
| Announced | Nov 10, 2016 | Jun 08, 2016 |
| Body Type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 366.60 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 144 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
 |
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 39 | 11 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 9 | 9 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 921k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.55 | 0.63 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/6000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 6.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 12 | 12 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 465 g | 688 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 124 x 97 x 70 mm | 126 x 93 x 74 mm |
| Battery Life | 820 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14 | n/a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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