Pentax K-3 Mark IIIvs Now Gen 3
Pentax
Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021)
Starting from £1699 new
Best for DSLR enthusiasts & outdoor photographers
View Pentax K-3 Mark III
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
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.
Classic Polaroid Fans & Square-Print Lovers — Now Gen 3 (2024): The definitive modern Polaroid. Autofocus, USB-C, and full-sized square prints — classic Polaroid experience, updated for today.
Who should buy what
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
Now Gen 3 (2024)
- Anyone who wants the classic full-sized square Polaroid print experience
- Instax users who prefer Polaroid's dreamy colour palette and white border
- Party hosts and event photographers who want iconic-looking keepsakes
- Previous Polaroid Now owners upgrading to the Gen 3's improved autofocus
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable; only the pentax k-3 mark iii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Pentax K-3 Mark III (2021) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £120 |
| Sensor | 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS (AA-filterless) | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 25.7MP | — |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | SAFOX 13 phase-detect, 101-point (25 cross-type) | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | 5.5-stop 5-axis IBIS (Shake Reduction III) | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 12fps | N/A |
| Battery Life | 800 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 820g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.05× magnification | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | N/A |
| Mount | Pentax KF-mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Pentax K-3 Mark III | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
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