Nikon D850 vs Pentax K-1 Mark II
Nikon D850 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The D850 is the better pick for portraits, wildlife; the K-1 Mark II is better for travel, astrophotography.
Choose the D850 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 36.4MP)
- faster bursts (7fps vs 4.4fps)
- a lighter body (1005g vs 1010g)
- a lower price (from £699)
- stronger video (4K 30p)
- more lenses in our database (25 vs 13)
Choose the K-1 Mark II for
- in-body image stabilisation
- a newer design (2018)
Specs side by side
| Spec | D850 | K-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 36.4MP |
| Mount | Nikon F (DSLR) | Pentax K (DSLR) |
| Released | 2017 | 2018 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 4.4 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 819,200 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 1080p 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 1005 g | 1010 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Pentax D-LI90 |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B + SD | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £699–1,329 | £1,049–1,209 |
| Native lenses in our database | 25 (14 third-party) | 13 (4 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | K-1 Mark II |
| Portraits | D850 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | D850 |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | K-1 Mark II |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The D850 uses Nikon F (25 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the K-1 Mark II uses Pentax K (13 lenses, 4 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Pentax D-LI90 (about £71).
D850 compatible lenses → · K-1 Mark II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon D850 better than the Pentax K-1 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The D850 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 36.4MP), faster bursts (7fps vs 4.4fps), a lighter body (1005g vs 1010g); the K-1 Mark II offers in-body image stabilisation, a newer design (2018).
Which is better for video, the D850 or the K-1 Mark II?
The D850 is stronger for video: D850 records 4K 30p, K-1 Mark II records 1080p 30p.
Which is cheaper, the D850 or the K-1 Mark II?
The D850 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used at MPB; the K-1 Mark II costs No longer sold new new and from £1,049 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon D850 lenses on the K-1 Mark II?
Not directly. The D850 uses Nikon F and the K-1 Mark II uses Pentax K; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.