X-A7vs Leica SL3vs Pentax K-3 Mark III
Pentax
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
From £1699
Best for DSLR enthusiasts & outdoor photographers
View Pentax K-3 Mark III
Which should you buy?
Beginner Fujifilm — X-A7 (2019): The most affordable X-mount entry — Fujifilm colour and film simulations with a large flip screen for beginners.
Professional & Luxury Hybrid Shooters — Leica SL3 (2024): Leica's most capable mirrorless — 60MP, 30fps burst, 8K ProRes, and 7.5-stop IBIS with L-mount's growing lens ecosystem.
Dslr Enthusiasts & Outdoor Photographers — Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021): The finest APS-C DSLR ever made — class-leading weather sealing, optical viewfinder, 5-axis IBIS, and extraordinary build for photographers committed to DSLR.
Who should buy what
X-A7 (2019)
- You want an affordable first mirrorless with decent video capabilities
- You shoot a lot of selfie-style content or vlog on a budget
- Note: no viewfinder and limited lens support — the X-T30 II is a better long-term investment
Leica SL3 (2024)
- You want Leica image quality with the convenience of autofocus and interchangeable lenses
- You shoot portraits, commercial, or editorial and want the best Leica system camera
- You plan to use Leica M lenses via adapter alongside native SL glass
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
- You're a committed DSLR photographer with significant investment in Pentax glass
- You shoot in extreme weather conditions and place build quality and reliability above everything
- You prefer optical viewfinder performance and want the best modern APS-C DSLR available
Quick take: The leica sl3 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, pentax k-3 mark iii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £6,499 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (AA-filterless) |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 60.0MP | 25.7MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | SAFOX 13 phase-detect, 101-point (25 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 7.5-stop IBIS | 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS (Shake Reduction III) |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 30fps electronic | 12fps |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | 800 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 320g body only | 875g body only | 820g body only |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.05× magnification |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount | Pentax KF-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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