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Nikon Z8 vs Pentax K-1

The Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-1 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2023 and February 2016. The Z8 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-1 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 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 Z8
versus
Pentax K-1
Nikon Z8   Pentax K-1
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Nikon Z mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 100-204,800
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2089k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)
30 shutter flaps per second 4.4 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
340 shots per battery charge760 shots per battery charge
144 x 119 x 83 mm, 910 g 137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g
logo
Check Z8 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z8 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Z8 is only available in black.

Size Nikon Z8 vs Pentax K-1
Compare Z8 versus K-1 top
Comparison Z8 or K-1 rear

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 notably smaller (12 percent) than the Nikon Z8. However, the K-1 is markedly heavier (11 percent) than the Z8. 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 Z8 gets 340 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15c battery, while the K-1 can take 760 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the Z8 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 i May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-1 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 760 i Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 i Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 i Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon R5 Mark II 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 746 g 340 i Jul 2024 US$ 4 299 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon R5 C 142 mm 101 mm 111 mm 770 g 320 i Jan 2022 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 i Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 i Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 i Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 i Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 i Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 i Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 i Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 i Feb 2019 US$ 3 699ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 i Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 i Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 i Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The K-1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 55 percent) than the Z8, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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.

Nikon Z8 and Pentax K-1 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Nikon Z8 offers a higher resolution of 45.4 megapixels, compared with 36.2 MP of the Pentax K-1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 4.88μm for the K-1). However, it should be noted that the Z8 is much more recent (by 7 years and 2 months) than the K-1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z8 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z8 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-1 are 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm for good quality, 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm for very good quality, and 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z8 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the Z8, 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 Z8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the Z8 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the K-1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z8 versus K-1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
2.
 
Pentax K-1 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.414.6328096
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
5.
 
Canon R5 Mark II Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648k/60p25.414.8333297
6.
 
Canon R5 C Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648k/60p25.414.5308296
7.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
8.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
9.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
10.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
11.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
12.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
13.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
14.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z8 provides a higher video resolution than the K-1. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Z8 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the K-1 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Z8 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-1 (0.80x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon Z8 and Pentax K-1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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 Z83690 i3.2 / 2089 full-flex i 1/32000s 30.0/s i i
2.
 
Pentax K-1optical i3.2 / 1037 full-flex i 1/8000s 4.4/s i i
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon R55760 i3.2 / 2100 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
5.
 
Canon R5 Mark II5760 i3.2 / 2100 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
6.
 
Canon R5 C5760 i3.2 / 2100 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D500optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D850optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon Z63690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon Z73690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 i3.2 / 2100 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon Z93690 i3.2 / 2089 full-flex i 1/32000s 30.0/s i i
14.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 i3.2 / 2100 full-flex i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
15.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical i3.2 / 1037 full-flex i 1/8000s 4.4/s i i
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 i3.0 / 2340 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 i3.0 / 1229 full-flex i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z8 has a touchscreen, while the K-1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z8 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z8 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.

The Z8 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards, while the K-1 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The Z8 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the K-1 can use UHS-I cards (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 Z8 and Pentax K-1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z8istereo / monoiifull3.2iii
2.
 
Pentax K-1istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVimono / monoiimini3.0iii
4.
 
Canon R5imono / monoiimicro3.2iii
5.
 
Canon R5 Mark IIimono / monoiifull3.2iii
6.
 
Canon R5 Cistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
7.
 
Nikon D500istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D850istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
9.
 
Nikon Z6istereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
10.
 
Nikon Z6 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
11.
 
Nikon Z7istereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
12.
 
Nikon Z7 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
13.
 
Nikon Z9istereo / monoiifull3.2iii
14.
 
Panasonic S1Ristereo / monoiifull3.1iii
15.
 
Pentax K-1 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIAistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
17.
 
Sony A99 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

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 both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.

The Z8 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the K-1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-1 was succeeded by the Pentax K-1 II. Further information on the features and operation of the Z8 and K-1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-1 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-1? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Nikon Z8:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 36.2MP) with a 12% higher linear resolution.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 1037k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 4.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 100g or 10 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 2 months of technical progress since the K-1 launch.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Pentax K-1:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (137x110mm vs 144x119mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (760 versus 340) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (55 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2016).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z8 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Z8 18:07 K-1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Z8 or the K-1. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-15/5....84/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon R5 Mark II......93/100.... Jul 2024 US$ 4 299 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon R5 C..+ +........ Jan 2022 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 3 699ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check Z8 price at
amazon.com
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Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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  • Fujifilm X-A1
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  • Fujifilm X-S10
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  • Fujifilm X-T1
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  • Fujifilm X-T50
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  • Fujifilm X10
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  • Fujifilm XP120
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  • Hasselblad X1D
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  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
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  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
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  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
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  • Leica M8
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  • Leica M10-P
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  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
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  • Leica T
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  • Leica V-LUX 1
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  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
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  • Leica X1
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  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
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  • Nikon 1 V1
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  • Nikon Coolpix A
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  • Nikon D1
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  • Nikon Z8
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  • Olympus E-1
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  • OM System OM-1
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  • Panasonic FZ80
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  • Panasonic GX1
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  • Panasonic L1
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  • Panasonic S9
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  • Panasonic ZS70
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  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
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  • Samsung NX1
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  • Sigma fp
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  • Sony A1
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Nikon Z8 vs Pentax K-1

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
Launch Date May 2023 February 2016
Launch Price USD 3,999 USD 1,799
Sensor Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 861.6 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 43.2 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 36.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 4.88 μm
Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 4.20 MP/cm2
Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 204,800 ISO
ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
Image Processor EXPEED 7 PRIME IV
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 96
DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 25.4
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.2 14.6
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2548 3280
Screen Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.70x
Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
LCD Resolution 2089k dots 1037k dots
LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fully flexible screen
Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/32000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 4.4 shutter flaps/s
Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CFexB or SDXC cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
Connectivity Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
Geotagging GPS built-in GPS built-in
Body Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-1
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15c Pentax D-LI90
Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots per charge760 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
Body Dimensions 144 x 119 x 83 mm
(5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in)
137 x 110 x 86 mm
(5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
Camera Weight 910 g (32.1 oz) 1010 g (35.6 oz)
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