Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D850
Nikon D850 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The K-1 is the better pick for astrophotography; the D850 is better for portraits, wildlife.
Choose the K-1 for
- in-body image stabilisation
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)
- a newer design (2017)
Specs side by side
| Spec | K-1 | D850 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 36.4MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Pentax K (DSLR) | Nikon F (DSLR) |
| Released | 2016 | 2017 |
| Burst | 4.4 fps | 7 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 204,800 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | Lens only |
| Video | 1080p 30 | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 1010 g | 1005 g |
| Battery | Pentax D-LI90 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £784–879 | £699–1,329 |
| Native lenses in our database | 13 (4 third-party) | 25 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | D850 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | D850 |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| 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 D850 uses Nikon F (25 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Pentax D-LI90 (about £71) vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax K-1 better than the Nikon D850?
It depends on your priorities. The K-1 offers in-body image stabilisation; the D850 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 36.4MP), faster bursts (7fps vs 4.4fps), a lighter body (1005g vs 1010g).
Which is better for video, the K-1 or the D850?
The D850 is stronger for video: K-1 records 1080p 30, D850 records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the K-1 or the D850?
The K-1 costs No longer sold new new and from £784 used at MPB; the D850 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Pentax K-1 lenses on the D850?
Not directly. The K-1 uses Pentax K and the D850 uses Nikon F; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.