Decision tools · Compare
Pentax K-1 Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Mark III
Quick take: The Pentax K-1 Mark II has the highest resolution at 36MP; the Pentax K-3 Mark III is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Pentax
Pentax K-3 Mark III 2021
Best for DSLR enthusiasts & outdoor photographers
£1699
list price · used from £856 at eBay
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
Pentax K-3 Mark III — Dslr Enthusiasts & Outdoor Photographers: 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
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | Pentax K-1 Mark IIPentax · 2018 | Pentax K-3 Mark IIIPentax · 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,899 | £1,699Best |
| Sensor | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS (no AA filter) | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (AA-filterless) |
| Resolution | 36.4MPBest | 25.7MP |
| Video | 1080p only, no 4K | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 12, 33-point DSLR phase-detect AF | SAFOX 13 phase-detect, 101-point (25 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Shake Reduction II (in-body) | 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS (Shake Reduction III) |
| Burst Rate | 4.4fps | 12fpsBest |
| Battery Life | 670 shots (CIPA) | 800 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 1010g (with battery and card) | 820g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | — | 134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.05× magnification |
| Screen | Multi-axis tilting screen (up/down/side), no touchscreen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Pentax KF-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-I) | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax K-3 Mark III
Portrait
6.7/10
6.6/10
Street
4.9/10
5.2/10
Travel
5.0/10
5.5/10
Wedding & Events
6.7/10
7.0/10
Documentary
5.5/10
6.4/10
Sports & Action
5.3/10
6.8/10
Landscape
7.0/10
6.2/10
Wildlife
5.6/10
6.8/10
Casual
3.3/10
4.3/10
Food
6.0/10
5.4/10
Macro
5.3/10
4.9/10
Architecture
6.9/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
7.3/10
6.5/10
Filmmaking
—
5.4/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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