Leica M11vs 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?
Rangefinder Enthusiasts & Collectors — Leica M11 (2022): 60MP of full-frame resolution in the thinnest digital M ever made — the M11 is the definitive expression of Leica's rangefinder tradition.
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
Leica M11 (2022)
- You shoot street, documentary, or reportage and prefer manual focus discipline
- You value a discreet, minimal camera that doesn't draw attention in public
- You're willing to invest time in the rangefinder learning curve for a uniquely rewarding experience
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 m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the pentax k-3 mark iii 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 | Leica M11 (2022) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £6,499 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (AA-filterless) |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 60.0MP | 25.7MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | SAFOX 13 phase-detect, 101-point (25 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS (Shake Reduction III) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 30fps electronic | 12fps |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | 800 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 530g body only | 875g body only | 820g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.05× magnification |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount | Pentax KF-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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