Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 II. Both cameras are great for wildlife, sports and action, but that big price difference between them can make your decision a lot tougher.
Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.
Nikon D500 Pentax K-3 II
Megapixels 20.9 24.3
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C (DX) APS-C
Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
AA Filter None On/Off
Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 6016 x 4000
Body Image Stabilization No Yes
Lens Mount Nikon FX/DX Pentax K
ISO 100 - 51,200 100 - 51,200
Expanded ISO 50 - 1,638,400 None
AF Points 153 27
Cross-type AF Points 99 25
Continuous Mode 10fps 8fps
LCD 3.2" - Articulating 3.2" - Fixed
LCD Resolution 2,359,000 dots 1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen Yes No
Focus Peaking No Yes
Top LCD Display Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical Optical
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 1.00x 0.95x
Video Resolution 3840x2160 (30/25/24p) 1920x1080 (60i/50i/30/25/24p)
1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) 1280x720 (60/50p)
Microphone Jack Yes Yes
Headphone Jack Yes Yes
Memory Card Type SD + XQD SD + SD
Dual Card Slots Yes Yes
SD UHS Support UHS-II UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed 1/8000 1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed 30" 30"
Bulb Mode Yes Yes
JPEG Buffer Size 200 60
RAW Buffer Size 200 22
Time Lapse Yes Yes
Built-in Flash No No
Max Flash Sync Speed 1/250 1/180
Startup Time 0.3s 1.2s
Built-in Wi-Fi Yes No
Built-in GPS No Yes
Built- in NFC Yes No
Bluetooth Yes No
USB Type USB 3.0 USB 3.0
Environmentally Sealed Yes Yes
Battery Life (CIPA) 1240 shots 720 shots
Battery Included Yes (EN-EL15) Yes (D-LI90)
Weight 30.2 oz (856g) 27.07 oz (785g)
Size 5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2" 5.2 x 4.0 x 3.1"
Price Amazon Amazon
Release Date 2016 2015
Nikon D500 Advantages:
- ISO – 1,638,400 vs 51,200. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
- AF Points – 153 vs 27. More means you have a lot more focus points to choose from to perfectly frame your subject.
- Cross-type AF Points – 99 vs 25. Cross-type AF Points are much more accurate and faster in low light.
- Continuous mode – 10fps vs 8fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.
- LCD – It’s articulated.
- LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.
- Touchscreen Support
- Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
- Video Resolution – 4K video available.
- UHS-II – Faster writing speeds than UHS-I, but you need a memory card that can handle such speeds.
- JPEG Buffer Size – 200 vs 60. Useful for long bursts.
- RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 22.
- Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs 1/180.
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Built-in NFC
- Bluetooth Support
- Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 720 shots.
For a lot more money, the D500 has a higher max ISO, way better AF system with a lot more points, 10 vs 8fps, an articulating LCD with touchscreen support, 4K video, UHS-II, built-in Wi-Fi and way bigger RAW/JPEG buffer.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Pentax K-3 II Advantages:
- Megapixels – 3.4 more megapixels. It’s a small difference and you won’t notice it unless printing really big.
- AA Filter – You can turn it on and off.
- Body Image Stabilization – The Pentax K-3 II has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.
- Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).
- Built-in GPS
- Weight – The Pentax K-3 II weighs 71g less.
- Size – The Pentax K-3 II is noticeably smaller.
- Less Expensive – The K-3 II body costs around $1000 less
The K-3 II is a lot more affordable, which is why this comparison is not totally fair. However, if you want to upgrade to the D500 or are thinking about buying your first wildlife DSLR, you might be tempted by both. The K-3 II will let you spend some more money on a lens, and the advantages you get are a built-in GPS, smaller size, body stabilization and focus peaking. These are all good points, but it comes down to whether you find it better than what the D500 offers.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
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