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K-1 vs K-3 II
Quick take: The K-1 has the highest resolution at 36MP; the K-3 II is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·13 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.
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Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | K-1Pentax · 2016 | K-3 IIPentax · 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £475 used | £185 usedBest |
| Sensor | 36.4MP full-frame CMOS | 24.35MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 36.4MPBest | 24.4MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i, 30p | Full HD 1080/60i, 30p |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type) | SAFOX 11 phase-detect AF, 27 points (25 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops | Sensor-shift Shake Reduction, 4.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.4fps | 8.3fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~760 shots (CIPA)Best | ~720 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1010g (with battery) | 785g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 136.5 × 110 × 85.5mm | 131.5 × 102.5 × 77.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x | Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.95x |
| Screen | 3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) | Pentax KAF2 (K-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD slots | Dual SD slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, micro HDMI, mic + headphone, cable switch, PC sync, Wi-Fi, GPS | USB 3.0, micro HDMI, mic + headphone, cable switch, PC sync, GPS |
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
K-1
K-3 II
Portrait
6.8/10
6.0/10
Street
4.9/10
4.9/10
Travel
5.0/10
5.0/10
Wedding & Events
6.8/10
6.3/10
Documentary
5.5/10
5.4/10
Sports & Action
5.5/10
6.2/10
Landscape
7.0/10
5.8/10
Wildlife
5.8/10
6.3/10
Casual
3.1/10
3.1/10
Food
5.9/10
4.5/10
Macro
5.3/10
4.4/10
Architecture
6.8/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
7.3/10
6.1/10
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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