Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-70

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D700 and the Pentax K-70, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D700 was introduced in October 2008 and Pentax K-70 was introduced in June 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D700 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax K-70 Highlights

      • 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 102,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70.

      PROS

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Weight - 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D700

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D700 over Pentax K-70.

      Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-70
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      More Focus Points 51 vs 11
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 921k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.72x vs 0.63x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/6000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Lower Min Flash Compensation -3 EV vs -2 EV
      Longer Battery Life 1000 shots vs 410 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D700.

      Advantage of Pentax K-70

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-70 over Nikon D700.

      Nikon D700 vs Pentax K-70
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 24.2 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 102,400
      Max Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 vs 6000 x 4000
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Screen Type Fixed vs Fully Articulated
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
      Higher Max Metering +20 EV vs +22 EV
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Microphone Input vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz) vs 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-70.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D700 Pentax K-70
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Micro Type D
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D700 Pentax K-70
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70 have 3.0" screens with 922k dot and 921k dot resolutions respectively. Nikon D700 has a Fixed screen Pentax K-70 has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Pentax K-70 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D700 has 95% coverage with 0.72x magnification and Pentax K-70 has 100% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D700 features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Pentax K-70 features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 102,400.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D700 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3184 x 2120, 2128 x 1416 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax K-70 is equipped with PRIME MII processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1280 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D700 has Nikon F lens mount and Pentax K-70 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D700 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Pentax K-70 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Pentax K-70

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Pentax K-70. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-70

      Pentax K-70 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with 4.5 stops of compensation. This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Pentax K-70

      Pentax K-70 has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D700 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Pentax K-70 has a Micro Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D700 comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 1000 shots and Pentax K-70 comes with D-LI109 battery pack with battery life of 410 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D700 has a single CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slot. Pentax K-70 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D700 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Pentax K-70 has Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane (electronic when using Pixel Shift Resolution) shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D700, and up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-70. Nikon D700 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Pentax K-70 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D700 has 51 focusing points and Pentax K-70 has 11 (9 cross-type) focusing points. Pentax K-70 has detection range from -3 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70 range from 0 to +20 EV and 0 to +22 EV respectively and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D700 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax K-70.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-70. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D700 and via Hot Shoe or Wireless connection to Pentax K-70. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D700 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-70.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D700 body has dimensions of 147 x 123 x 77 mm (5.79 x 4.84 x 3.03") and Pentax K-70 body has dimensions of 126 x 93 x 74 mm (4.94 x 3.66 x 2.91"). Nikon D700 weighs 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz) and Pentax K-70 weighs 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz).

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      147 mm

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      126 mm

      93 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      93 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      77 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      74 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70

      Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      79
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D700 and Pentax K-70 and give them scores of 63 and 75 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      75

      Sensor

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   102,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      83
      •   Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      POOR
      49
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      71
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      83
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      GOOD
      83
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D700

      Pentax K-70

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1074 g (2.37 lb / 37.88 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1000 shots
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 688 g (1.52 lb / 24.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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