Nikon Df vs Pentax K-1

The Nikon Df and the Pentax K-1 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2013 and February 2016. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 36.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon Df		Pentax K-1
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses		Pentax K mount lenses
16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor		36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 204,800)		ISO 100-204,800
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 921k dots		3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)
5.5 shutter flaps per second		4.4 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
1400 shots per battery charge		760 shots per battery charge
144 x 110 x 67 mm, 760 g		137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Df and the Pentax K-1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon Df and the Pentax K-1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-1 is somewhat smaller (5 percent) than the Nikon Df. However, the K-1 is markedly heavier (33 percent) than the Df. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Df gets 1400 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the K-1 can take 760 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Nikon Df	144 mm	110 mm	67 mm	760 g	1400	Y	Nov 2013	EUR 2 999	ebay.com
2.		Pentax K-1	137 mm	110 mm	86 mm	1010 g	760	Y	Feb 2016	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 5D Mark IV	151 mm	116 mm	76 mm	890 g	900	Y	Aug 2016	EUR 4 065	amazon.com
4.		Nikon D4	160 mm	157 mm	91 mm	1340 g	2600	Y	Jan 2012	EUR 5 999	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D4S	160 mm	157 mm	91 mm	1350 g	3020	Y	Feb 2014	EUR 6 149	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D500	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	860 g	1240	Y	Jan 2016	EUR 2 399	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D600	141 mm	113 mm	82 mm	850 g	900	Y	Sep 2012	EUR 2 149	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D610	141 mm	113 mm	82 mm	850 g	900	Y	Oct 2013	EUR 1 949	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D750	141 mm	113 mm	78 mm	750 g	1230	Y	Sep 2014	EUR 2 149	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D800	146 mm	123 mm	82 mm	1000 g	900	Y	Feb 2012	EUR 2 899	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D800E	146 mm	123 mm	82 mm	1000 g	900	Y	Feb 2012	EUR 3 219	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D810	146 mm	123 mm	82 mm	980 g	1200	Y	Jun 2014	EUR 3 299	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D850	146 mm	124 mm	79 mm	1005 g	1840	Y	Jul 2017	EUR 3 799	amazon.com
14.		Nikon D7100	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	EUR 1 179	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-M1 II	134 mm	91 mm	67 mm	574 g	440	Y	Sep 2016	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
16.		Pentax K-1 II	137 mm	110 mm	86 mm	1010 g	670	Y	Feb 2018	EUR 1 999	amazon.com
17.		Sony A99 II	143 mm	104 mm	76 mm	849 g	490	Y	Sep 2016	EUR 3 599	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The K-1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 35 percent) than the Df, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 36.2MP, the K-1 offers a higher resolution than the Df (16.2MP), but the K-1 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 7.29μm for the Df). Yet, the K-1 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 3 months) than the Df, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon Df are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the Df, the K-1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon Df has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-1 has a markedly higher DXO score than the Df (overall score 7 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and -0 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon Df	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	none	24.6	13.1	3279	89
2.		Pentax K-1	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/60i	25.4	14.6	3280	96
3.		Canon 5D Mark IV	Full Frame	30.1	6720	4480	4K/30p	24.8	13.6	2995	91
4.		Nikon D4	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	1080/30p	24.7	13.1	2965	89
5.		Nikon D4S	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	1080/60p	24.4	13.3	3074	89
6.		Nikon D500	APS-C	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	24.0	14.0	1324	83
7.		Nikon D600	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/30p	25.1	14.2	2980	94
8.		Nikon D610	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/30p	25.1	14.4	2925	94
9.		Nikon D750	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/60p	24.8	14.5	2956	93
10.		Nikon D800	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/30p	25.3	14.4	2853	95
11.		Nikon D800E	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/30p	25.6	14.3	2979	96
12.		Nikon D810	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/60p	25.7	14.8	2853	97
13.		Nikon D850	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/30p	26.4	14.8	2660	100
14.		Nikon D7100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.2	13.7	1256	83
15.		Olympus E-M1 II	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	23.7	12.8	1312	80
16.		Pentax K-1 II	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/60i	25.1	14.0	2698	93
17.		Sony A99 II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	25.4	13.4	2317	92
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The K-1 indeed provides for movie recording, while the Df does not. The highest resolution format that the K-1 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The Df and the K-1 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), as well as the same magnification (0.70x). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon Df and Pentax K-1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon Df	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	n	n
2.		Pentax K-1	optical	Y	3.2 / 1037	full-flex	n	1/8000s	4.4/s	n	Y
3.		Canon 5D Mark IV	optical	Y	3.2 / 1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	7.0/s	n	n
4.		Nikon D4	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
5.		Nikon D4S	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
6.		Nikon D500	optical	Y	3.2 / 2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	n
7.		Nikon D600	optical	Y	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	Y	n
8.		Nikon D610	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
9.		Nikon D750	optical	Y	3.2 / 1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
10.		Nikon D800	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	4.0/s	Y	n
11.		Nikon D800E	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	4.0/s	Y	n
12.		Nikon D810	optical	Y	3.2 / 1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	n
13.		Nikon D850	optical	Y	3.2 / 2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0/s	n	n
14.		Nikon D7100	optical	Y	3.2 / 1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0/s	Y	n
15.		Olympus E-M1 II	2360	n	3.0 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	18.0/s	n	Y
16.		Pentax K-1 II	optical	Y	3.2 / 1037	full-flex	n	1/8000s	4.4/s	n	Y
17.		Sony A99 II	2400	Y	3.0 / 1229	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the K-1 and the Df is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the Df offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The Nikon Df and the Pentax K-1 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Df and the K-1 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Df only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Df and Pentax K-1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon Df	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Pentax K-1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon 5D Mark IV	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Nikon D4	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Nikon D4S	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Nikon D500	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Nikon D600	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Nikon D610	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D750	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Nikon D800	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D800E	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D810	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
13.		Nikon D850	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	Y	Y
14.		Nikon D7100	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Olympus E-M1 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
16.		Pentax K-1 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
17.		Sony A99 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the K-1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the Df does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-1 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the Df and the K-1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-1 was replaced by the Pentax K-1 II, while the Df does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the Df and K-1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Df Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-1 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon Df better than the Pentax K-1 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Nikon Df:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.5 vs 4.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 250g or 25 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1400 versus 760) on a single battery charge.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in November 2013).

Arguments in favor of the Pentax K-1:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 49%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (35 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the Df launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-1 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 5 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Df and the Pentax K-1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Df or the K-1 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Nikon Df	4/5	..	..	81/100	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	EUR 2 999	ebay.com
2.		Pentax K-1	5/5	..	..	84/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 5D Mark IV	4.5/5	+ +	4/5	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	EUR 4 065	amazon.com
4.		Nikon D4	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	EUR 5 999	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D4S	5/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	EUR 6 149	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D500	5/5	+ +	4.7/5	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	EUR 2 399	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D600	4/5	+ +	..	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	EUR 2 149	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D610	4/5	+ +	..	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	EUR 1 949	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D750	5/5	+ +	4/5	90/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	EUR 2 149	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D800	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2012	EUR 2 899	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D800E	..	..	..	84/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2012	EUR 3 219	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D810	5/5	..	5/5	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	EUR 3 299	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D850	4.5/5	+ +	5/5	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2017	EUR 3 799	amazon.com
14.		Nikon D7100	5/5	+ +	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	EUR 1 179	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-M1 II	5/5	+ +	5/5	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
16.		Pentax K-1 II	..	..	4.5/5	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	EUR 1 999	amazon.com
17.		Sony A99 II	..	..	4.5/5	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	EUR 3 599	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

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