Pentax KP vs Nikon D7500
Pentax KP has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The KP is the better pick for landscapes; the D7500 is better for wildlife.
Choose the KP for
- more resolution (24.3MP vs 20.9MP)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (703g vs 720g)
- in-body image stabilisation
Choose the D7500 for
- faster bursts (8fps vs 7fps)
- a lower price (from £299)
- stronger video (4K 30p (crop))
- more lenses in our database (25 vs 13)
Specs side by side
| Spec | KP | D7500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, 24.3MP | APS-C, 20.9MP |
| Mount | Pentax K (DSLR) | Nikon F (DSLR) |
| Released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 8 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 819,200 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | Lens only |
| Video | 1080p 60 | 4K 30p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 703 g | 720 g |
| Battery | Pentax D-LI109 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £464–594 | £299–594 |
| 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 | About equal |
| Landscape | KP |
| Wildlife & animals | D7500 |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| 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 KP uses Pentax K (13 lenses in our database, 4 third-party) and the D7500 uses Nikon F (25 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Pentax D-LI109 vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax KP better than the Nikon D7500?
It depends on your priorities. The KP offers more resolution (24.3MP vs 20.9MP), better low-light performance, a lighter body (703g vs 720g); the D7500 offers faster bursts (8fps vs 7fps), a lower price (from £299), stronger video (4K 30p (crop)).
Which is better for video, the KP or the D7500?
The D7500 is stronger for video: KP records 1080p 60, D7500 records 4K 30p (crop).
Which is cheaper, the KP or the D7500?
The KP costs No longer sold new new and from £464 used at MPB; the D7500 costs No longer sold new new and from £299 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Pentax KP lenses on the D7500?
Not directly. The KP uses Pentax K and the D7500 uses Nikon F; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.