• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 204,800
  • APS-C 361.2mm2
  • 25.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1,600,000

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Differences

Pentax K-1 advantages over Pentax K-3 III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 25.7 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    74 vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-3 III advantages over Pentax K-1

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    3 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    540k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.05x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    101 vs 33
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 4.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600000 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-3 III
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 20-40mm F2.8-4 Lens
  • Kit with 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens
All K-3 III Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Unlocks the full potential of full-frame Pentax lenses; Excellent image quality; Great ergonomics and build; Very compact for full-frame; Decent performance; Fast autofocus with great low-light capabilities; Very wide sensitivity range; Bright, accurate viewfinder; Articulated LCD; Stabilization, Wi-Fi and GPS in-camera

  • No built-in flash strobe; Quite heavy compared to APS-C flagships; Somewhat soft images and blown highlights by default in JPEG mode; Warm Auto white balance indoors; Slow startup and buffer clearing; Small top-deck status display; Weak viewfinder illumination; Below-average battery life for DSLR

  • Read our Pentax K-1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Pentax K-1
Canon 5DS
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 5DS
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Pentax K-1
Canon 5DS R
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 5DS R

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 5DS R
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Pentax KP

Pentax K-1
Pentax KP
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Lighter weight

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Pentax KP

Pentax K-3 III
Pentax KP
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Pentax KP

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-1
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-3 III
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Canon 90D

Pentax K-1
Canon 90D
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-1 vs Canon 90D

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 90D
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Canon 90D

Compare Other Cameras?