Z5vs Pentax K-3 Mark III
VS
Pentax
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
Starting from £1699 new
Best for DSLR enthusiasts & outdoor photographers
View Pentax K-3 Mark III
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
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
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
- DSLR photographers who want the finest APS-C optical viewfinder experience
- Outdoor and weather photographers who need robust all-weather sealing
- Pentax lens owners who want to use their existing K-mount glass
- Photographers who prefer optical viewfinders and refuse to switch to mirrorless
Quick take: The pentax k-3 mark iii has the highest resolution at 26mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (AA-filterless) |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 25.7MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | SAFOX 13 phase-detect, 101-point (25 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS (Shake Reduction III) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 12fps |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | 800 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 820g body only |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.05× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Pentax KF-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Pentax K-3 Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history