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Pentax K-1 vs Sony NEX-5R

The Pentax K-1 and the Sony Alpha NEX-5R are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2016 and August 2012. The K-1 is a DSLR, while the NEX-5R is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (K-1) and an APS-C (NEX-5R) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 36.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 16 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-1
versus
Sony NEX-5R
Pentax K-1   Sony NEX-5R
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 16 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen) Tilting touchscreen
4.4 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
760 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g 111 x 59 x 39 mm, 276 g
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Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com
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Check NEX-5R offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-1 and the Sony Alpha NEX-5R? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-1 and the Sony NEX-5R. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

Size Pentax K-1 vs Sony NEX-5R
Compare K-1 versus NEX-5R top
Comparison K-1 or NEX-5R rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-5R is considerably smaller (57 percent) than the Pentax K-1. Moreover, the NEX-5R is substantially lighter (73 percent) than the K-1. It is worth mentioning in this context that the K-1 is splash and dust resistant, while the NEX-5R does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the K-1 gets 760 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the NEX-5R can take 330 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-1 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 760 Y Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-5R 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 US$ 3 199ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 US$ 3 199ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-5 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 287 g 330 n May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5T 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2013 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3 117 mm 67 mm 42 mm 314 g 470 n May 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The NEX-5R was launched at a markedly lower price (by 58 percent) than the K-1, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-1 features a full frame sensor and the Sony NEX-5R an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NEX-5R is 58 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-1 and Sony NEX-5R sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the K-1 offers a higher resolution than the NEX-5R (16MP), but the K-1 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 4.78μm for the NEX-5R) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the K-1 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 5 months) than the NEX-5R, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony NEX-5R are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.4 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.9 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.6 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the NEX-5R, the K-1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Pentax K-1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-5R are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

K-1 versus NEX-5R MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-1 provides substantially higher image quality than the NEX-5R, with an overall score that is 18 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.7 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-1 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.414.6328096
2.
 
Sony NEX-5R APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.191078
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
6.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
8.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
9.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
11.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
12.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
13.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
14.
 
Sony NEX-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
15.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
16.
 
Sony NEX-5T APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60p23.613.0101578
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3 APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.712.3111473
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60i).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-1 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the NEX-5R relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the NEX-5R can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-EV1S. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-1 and Sony NEX-5R in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax K-1optical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
2.
 
Sony NEX-5Roptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
6.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
7.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
8.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony NEX-5optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
15.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Toptional n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the K-1, but is missing on the NEX-5R is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The NEX-5R has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the K-1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Pentax K-1 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The K-1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the NEX-5R uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The K-1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NEX-5R only has one slot. The K-1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the NEX-5R cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony NEX-5RYstereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
4.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
6.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
7.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
8.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
11.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
12.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
14.
 
Sony NEX-5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony NEX-5TYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

It is notable that the K-1 has a microphone port, which is missing on the NEX-5R. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-1 (unlike the NEX-5R) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-1 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the K-1 and the NEX-5R have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The NEX-5R was replaced by the Sony NEX-5T, while the K-1 was followed by the Pentax K-1 II. Further information on the features and operation of the K-1 and NEX-5R can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-5R Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Pentax K-1 better than the Sony NEX-5R or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 16MP) with a 50% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (18 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.7 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 920k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (760 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 5 months of technical progress since the NEX-5R launch.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha NEX-5R:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (111x59mm vs 137x110mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 734g or 73 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (58 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-1 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-1 24:09 NEX-5R

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-1 and the Sony NEX-5R place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the K-1 or the NEX-5R perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-15/5....84/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 799ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-5R........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 US$ 3 199ebay.com
9.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 US$ 3 199ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-53/5+ +..71/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5T........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-F34/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com
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Check NEX-5R offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-1 vs Sony NEX-5R

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 August 2012
    Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 365.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 28.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 4912 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 4.78 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2 4.39 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME IV BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 78
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.4 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.6 13.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3280 910
    Screen Specs Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 4.4 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Pentax K-1 Sony NEX-5R
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)760 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    111 x 59 x 39 mm
    (4.4 x 2.3 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1010 g (35.6 oz) 276 g (9.7 oz)
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    Check K-1 offers at
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    Check NEX-5R offers at
    ebay.com

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