• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Nikon D6

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 327680 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D6 advantages over Pentax K-1 II

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.88 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More AF points
    153 vs 33
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-1 II
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 28-105mm Lens
All K-1 II Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent build and comfortable handling; Bright, roomy viewfinder and articulated LCD; Great image quality; Good performance for the class; In-camera stabilization, GPS and Wi-Fi; Incredibly feature-rich design.

  • Bulkier than APS-C DSLRs; Top ISOs are for the spec sheet, not the real world; JPEGs are a bit punchy by default; Slow startup; Below-average battery life; Only a relatively modest update to the K-1.

  • Read our Pentax K-1 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5DS
  • $1126
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5DS

Nikon D6
Canon 5DS
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Nikon D5

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D5
  • $1126
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $6497
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $6497
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Pentax K-1

Pentax K-1 II
Pentax K-1
  • $1126
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $1800
  • 35mm

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D6
Pentax K-1
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1126
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2399
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D6
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $2399
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $1126
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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