Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Pentax K-1
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The EOS 5D Mark IV is the better pick for portraits; the K-1 is better for astrophotography.
Choose the EOS 5D Mark IV for
- faster bursts (7fps vs 4.4fps)
- a lighter body (890g vs 1010g)
- a lower price (from £249)
- stronger video (4K 30p (crop))
- more lenses in our database (17 vs 13)
Choose the K-1 for
- more resolution (36.4MP vs 30.4MP)
- in-body image stabilisation
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS 5D Mark IV | K-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 30.4MP | Full frame, 36.4MP |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S (DSLR) | Pentax K (DSLR) |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 4.4 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 204,800 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p (crop) | 1080p 30 |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 890 g | 1010 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6NH | Pentax D-LI90 |
| Card slots | CF + SD | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £249–1,029 | £784–879 |
| Native lenses in our database | 17 (10 third-party) | 13 (4 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | EOS 5D Mark IV |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | K-1 |
| 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 EOS 5D Mark IV uses Canon EF / EF-S (17 lenses in our database, 10 third-party) and the K-1 uses Pentax K (13 lenses, 4 third-party). Batteries: Canon LP-E6NH vs Pentax D-LI90 (about £71).
EOS 5D Mark IV compatible lenses → · K-1 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV better than the Pentax K-1?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS 5D Mark IV offers faster bursts (7fps vs 4.4fps), a lighter body (890g vs 1010g), a lower price (from £249); the K-1 offers more resolution (36.4MP vs 30.4MP), in-body image stabilisation.
Which is better for video, the EOS 5D Mark IV or the K-1?
The EOS 5D Mark IV is stronger for video: EOS 5D Mark IV records 4K 30p (crop), K-1 records 1080p 30.
Which is cheaper, the EOS 5D Mark IV or the K-1?
The EOS 5D Mark IV costs No longer sold new new and from £249 used at MPB; the K-1 costs No longer sold new new and from £784 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lenses on the K-1?
Not directly. The EOS 5D Mark IV uses Canon EF / EF-S and the K-1 uses Pentax K; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.