Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-1
- Full frame
- 12 megapixels
- Nikon F
-
43
Overall -
18
Imaging -
45
Features -
69
Size -
0
Price
- Full frame
- 36 megapixels
- Pentax KAF2
-
60
Overall -
42
Imaging -
76
Features -
70
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-1: 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 - Semi-Pro DSLR. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Nikon and Pentax. Although Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1 are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Nikon D700 has a sensor with a resolution of 12.0 MP, while Pentax K-1 has a different resolution of 36.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D700 Key Features:
- 12.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 200 - 6400 (Expands to 100 - 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Built-in Wireless: No
- Dimensions: 147 x 123 x 77 mm
- Weight: 1074 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced by Nikon D750. Compare
Pentax K-1 Key Features:
- 36.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 204800
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3.2″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 4.4 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 137 x 110 x 86 mm
- Weight: 1010 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced by Pentax K-1 II.
Nikon D700 was substituted by Nikon D750.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D700 vs. D750
Nikon D750 vs. Pentax K-1
Why is Nikon D700 a better choice than Pentax K-1
| Sensor Area | 864 mm2 vs 861.6 mm2 | 0.3% larger pixel area |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps vs 4.4 fps | 0.6 fps faster |
| Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Number Of Focus Points | 51 vs 33 | 18 more focus points |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots vs 760 shots | 240 more frames with a single charge |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.72 vs 0.7 | 0.02 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over Nikon D700
| Wireless Connectivity | Built-In vs No | Better connectivity |
| Gps | Built-in vs Optional | Has GPS |
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Sensor Resolution | 36.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 66.7% more pixels |
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type | Flexible shooting positions |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots vs 922k dots | 11.1% higher resolution screen |
| Weight | 1010 g vs 1074 g | 64 g lighter |
| Dxo Color Depth | 25.4 vs 23.5 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.6 vs 12.2 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 3280 vs 2303 | Better High ISO performance |
Key PROs of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots | 760 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1
| Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 4.4 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-1: 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 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, Pentax K-1 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 64g less than the Nikon D700. 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D700 features a 12.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Expeed processor . Pentax K-1, in its turn, comes with a 36.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D700 and Pentax K-1 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 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 D700 | Pentax K-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D700 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax K-1 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (36 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D700 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (1000 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax K-1 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Image Stabilization
- Large Full frame(35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (137 x 110 x 86 mm)
Nikon D700 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2303)
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Pentax K-1 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (25)
- Nice Low Light ISO (3280)
- Big size (137 x 110 x 86 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (4.4 fps)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (33)
- Small battery life (760 shots)
Nikon D700 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1074 g)
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
- Video is not available
Pentax K-1 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1010 g)
- Big size (137 x 110 x 86 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D700 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (12.2)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2303)
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (12 MP)
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Pentax K-1 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (36 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.6)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (3280)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-1: 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 D700 or Pentax K-1, 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 D700 and Pentax K-1 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-1 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D700. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-1 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D700 | Pentax K-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model | D700 | K-1 |
| Announced | Oct 07, 2008 | Feb 17, 2016 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 36 x 24 mm | 35.9 x 24 mm |
| Sensor Area | 864.00 mm2 | 861.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 36.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 4256 x 2832 | 7360 x 4912 |
| Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 204,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | n/a |
| Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 144 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1x |
| 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 | 51 | 33 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 25 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 1,037k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.72 | 0.7 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 4.4 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 80 | 96 |
| DxO Color Depth | 23.5 | 25.4 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 12.2 | 14.6 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 2303 | 3280 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | 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 | 1074 g | 1010 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 147 x 123 x 77 mm | 137 x 110 x 86 mm |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots | 760 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL3e | D-LI90 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Built-in |
| Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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