Pentax K70 Vs Nikon D7100: Which Dslr Camera Is Right For You? Find Out Here
What To Know
- The Pentax K70 features a contrast-detect autofocus system with 11 autofocus points, while the Nikon D7100 boasts a phase-detection autofocus system with 51 autofocus points.
- The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 offer impressive ISO performance, enabling you to shoot in a wide range of lighting conditions.
- The Pentax K70 has a native ISO range of 100-102400, expandable to 204800, while the Nikon D7100 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200.
In the realm of photography, the choice of camera can significantly impact the quality and creativity of your images. When it comes to mid-range DSLRs, the Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both cameras offer impressive features, but which one emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that set them apart.
Key Specifications Comparison: Pentax K70 vs Nikon D7100
| Feature | Pentax K70 | Nikon D7100 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C CMOS | 24.1MP APS-C CMOS |
| Image Processor | PRIME MII | EXPEED 4 |
| Autofocus Points | 11 | 51 |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 6 fps | 6 fps |
| ISO Range | 100-102400 (expandable to 204800) | 100-25600 (expandable to 51200) |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| LCD Screen | 3-inch vari-angle | 3.2-inch fixed |
| Video Recording | Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps | Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 fps |
| Battery Life | 410 shots | 950 shots |
| Weight | 688g | 675g |
Image Quality: Capturing Stunning Details
Both the Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 boast impressive image quality, thanks to their high-resolution sensors and capable image processors. The Pentax K70’s 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, while the Nikon D7100’s 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor produces vibrant and color-accurate shots. In terms of dynamic range, the Nikon D7100 has a slight edge, capturing more detail in both highlights and shadows. However, the Pentax K70’s PRIME MII image processor offers excellent noise reduction, resulting in clean and grain-free images even at high ISO settings.
Autofocus Performance: Precision and Speed
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 employ different autofocus systems, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Pentax K70 features a contrast-detect autofocus system with 11 autofocus points, while the Nikon D7100 boasts a phase-detection autofocus system with 51 autofocus points. In bright and well-lit conditions, both cameras perform admirably, delivering fast and accurate focus. However, in low-light situations, the Nikon D7100’s phase-detection autofocus system shines, providing quicker and more precise focusing.
Continuous Shooting Speed: Capturing Fleeting Moments
When it comes to capturing fast-paced action, the Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 offer comparable continuous shooting speeds. Both cameras can shoot at 6 frames per second (fps), allowing you to freeze fleeting moments with ease. However, the Nikon D7100 has a slight advantage in terms of buffer capacity, allowing you to shoot more consecutive frames before the camera’s buffer fills up.
ISO Performance: Pushing the Boundaries of Sensitivity
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 offer impressive ISO performance, enabling you to shoot in a wide range of lighting conditions. The Pentax K70 has a native ISO range of 100-102400, expandable to 204800, while the Nikon D7100 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200. Both cameras produce clean and usable images at low ISO settings, and they handle noise remarkably well at higher ISO values. However, the Nikon D7100 exhibits slightly better noise control at extremely high ISO settings.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Composing and Reviewing Images
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 both feature optical viewfinders, providing a bright and clear view of the scene you’re shooting. The Nikon D7100’s viewfinder offers slightly higher magnification, making it easier to compose your shots precisely. When it comes to LCD screens, the Pentax K70 has a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen, allowing you to tilt and swivel the screen for more flexible shooting angles. The Nikon D7100, on the other hand, has a fixed 3.2-inch LCD screen, which is slightly larger than the Pentax K70’s screen.
Video Recording: Capturing Moving Images
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 both offer video recording capabilities, but their performance in this area differs. The Pentax K70 can record Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 30 fps, while the Nikon D7100 can record Full HD video at 60 fps. Additionally, the Nikon D7100 offers a wider range of video recording options, including slow-motion and time-lapse modes.
Battery Life: Powering Your Photography Adventures
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 have different battery life ratings. The Pentax K70’s battery is rated for 410 shots per charge, while the Nikon D7100’s battery is rated for 950 shots per charge. This means you can shoot for longer periods without having to worry about running out of power with the Nikon D7100. However, it’s worth noting that the Pentax K70 uses AA batteries, which are more readily available and less expensive than the Nikon D7100’s proprietary battery.
The Bottom Line: Unveiling the Superior Mid-Range DSLR
The Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 are both excellent mid-range DSLRs that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. While they share many similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. The Pentax K70 excels in image quality, especially at high ISO settings, and it offers a weather-sealed body, making it a great choice for outdoor photography. The Nikon D7100, on the other hand, has a more advanced autofocus system, a faster continuous shooting speed, and better video recording capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice between the Pentax K70 and Nikon D7100 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Nikon D7100 has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range.
Q: Which camera has faster autofocus, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: The Nikon D7100 has a more advanced autofocus system and performs better in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera has better continuous shooting speed, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: Both cameras have a continuous shooting speed of 6 fps, but the Nikon D7100 has a larger buffer capacity.
Q: Which camera has better ISO performance, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: Both cameras have impressive ISO performance, but the Nikon D7100 has slightly better noise control at extremely high ISO settings.
Q: Which camera has a better viewfinder, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: The Nikon D7100’s viewfinder offers slightly higher magnification, making it easier to compose shots precisely.
Q: Which camera has a better LCD screen, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: The Pentax K70 has a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen, while the Nikon D7100 has a fixed 3.2-inch LCD screen.
Q: Which camera has better video recording capabilities, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: The Nikon D7100 offers better video recording capabilities, including Full HD video at 60 fps and a wider range of video recording options.
Q: Which camera has better battery life, the Pentax K70 or the Nikon D7100?
A: The Nikon D7100 has better battery life, with a battery rated for 950 shots per charge compared to the Pentax K70’s battery rated for 410 shots per charge.
