Nikon D7500 vs Pentax K-x

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D7500 and the Pentax K-x, 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 D7500 was introduced in April 2017 and Pentax K-x was introduced in December 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D7500 Highlights

      • 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 922k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax K-x Highlights

      • 12.6 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 4.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      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 D7500 and Pentax K-x.

      PROS

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      •   Video Capture
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Digital Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Long Battery Life - 1900 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.6 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.9 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 86
      •   Weight - 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.7 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      •   Weight - 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D7500

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D7500 over Pentax K-x.

      Nikon D7500 vs Pentax K-x
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.9 Megapixel vs 12.6 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 6,400
      Higher Boosted ISO 1,640,000 vs 12,800
      Max Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 vs 4288 x 2848
      Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 11
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Digital Image Stabilization vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Touch Screen vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/6000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 4.7 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Average Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1483 vs 811
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.3 vs 22.8
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 14.0 vs 12.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 86 vs 72
      Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1280 x 720
      Higher Video Recording Limit 30 min vs 25 min
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D7500.

      Advantage of Pentax K-x

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-x over Nikon D7500.

      Nikon D7500 vs Pentax K-x
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Lighter 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz) vs 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 950 shots vs 1900 shots

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

      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 D7500 Pentax K-x
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D7500 Pentax K-x
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min25 min
        No Built-in GPS

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D7500 has a 3.2" Tilting screen with 922k dot resolution and Pentax K-x has a 2.7" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Nikon D7500 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Nikon D7500 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Nikon D7500 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D7500 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderPentax K-x has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Nikon D7500 has 100% coverage with 0.94x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax K-x has 96% coverage with 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D7500 features a 20.9 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200 and expands to 50 - 1,640,000 in boosted mode. Pentax K-x features a 12.6 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.


      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 D7500 is equipped with EXPEED 5 processor and can take pictures up to 5568 x 3712 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4176 x 2784, 2784 x 1856 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax K-x is equipped with PRIME processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2684, 3072 x 2048, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D7500 has Nikon F lens mount and Pentax K-x has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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 Nikon D7500

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D7500. 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-x

      Pentax K-x has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). 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 Nikon D7500

      Nikon D7500 has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g, 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.


      Bluetooth on Nikon D7500

      Nikon D7500 has a built-in Bluetooth (version 4.1 LE) which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D7500 comes with EN-EL15a battery pack with battery life of 950 shots and Pentax K-x comes with 4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 1900 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D7500 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax K-x has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D7500 has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Pentax K-x has Electronically controlled Vertical Run Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D7500, and up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-x. Nikon D7500 can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps. Pentax K-x can shoot continuously up to 4.7 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D7500 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax K-x has 11 focusing points. Nikon D7500 has detection range from -3 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D7500 ranges from -3 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D7500 and ±3 EV range on Pentax K-x. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D7500 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax K-x.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D7500 and 16.00 m on Pentax K-x. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Nikon D7500 and via Hot shoe to Pentax K-x. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D7500 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-x.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D7500 body has dimensions of 136 x 104 x 73 mm (5.35 x 4.09 x 2.87") and Pentax K-x body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 68 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 2.68"). Nikon D7500 weighs 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz) and Pentax K-x weighs 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz).

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      136 mm

      104 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      123 mm

      92 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      104 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      92 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      73 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      68 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D7500 and Pentax K-x

      Nikon D7500 and Pentax K-x 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 D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      84
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      75
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.7 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1900 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      71
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.7 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1900 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      83
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      82
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      84
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1900 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D7500 and Pentax K-x and give them scores of 77 and 64 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 D7500

      Pentax K-x

      OVERALL
      77
      OVERALL
      64

      Sensor

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      71
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.9 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 86
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.6 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72

      Photo

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      74
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.7 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      BAD
      38
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      EXCELLENT
      94
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D7500

      Pentax K-x

      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 950 shots
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1900 shots


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

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