Pentax K-1 vs Sony Alpha A99 II
Sony Alpha A99 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The K-1 is the better pick for astrophotography; the Alpha A99 II is better for wildlife, sports.
Choose the K-1 for
- a lower price (from £784)
- more lenses in our database (13 vs 1)
Choose the Alpha A99 II for
- more resolution (42.4MP vs 36.4MP)
- faster bursts (12fps vs 4.4fps)
- a lighter body (849g vs 1010g)
- stronger video (4K 30p)
Specs side by side
| Spec | K-1 | Alpha A99 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 36.4MP | Full frame, 42.4MP |
| Mount | Pentax K (DSLR) | Sony A (SLT/DSLR) |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Burst | 4.4 fps | 12 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 204,800 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 1080p 30 | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 1010 g | 849 g |
| Battery | Pentax D-LI90 | Sony NP-FM500H |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £784–879 | £994 |
| Native lenses in our database | 13 (4 third-party) | 1 (0 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A99 II |
| Sports & action | Alpha A99 II |
| Astrophotography | K-1 |
| 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 K-1 uses Pentax K (13 lenses in our database, 4 third-party) and the Alpha A99 II uses Sony A (1 lenses, 0 third-party). Batteries: Pentax D-LI90 (about £71) vs Sony NP-FM500H (about £60).
K-1 compatible lenses → · Alpha A99 II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax K-1 better than the Sony Alpha A99 II?
It depends on your priorities. The K-1 offers a lower price (from £784), more lenses in our database (13 vs 1); the Alpha A99 II offers more resolution (42.4MP vs 36.4MP), faster bursts (12fps vs 4.4fps), a lighter body (849g vs 1010g).
Which is better for video, the K-1 or the Alpha A99 II?
The Alpha A99 II is stronger for video: K-1 records 1080p 30, Alpha A99 II records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the K-1 or the Alpha A99 II?
The K-1 costs No longer sold new new and from £784 used at MPB; the Alpha A99 II costs No longer sold new new and from £994 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Pentax K-1 lenses on the Alpha A99 II?
Not directly. The K-1 uses Pentax K and the Alpha A99 II uses Sony A; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.