• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-3 II advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon T8i advantages over Pentax K-3 II

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 785g
    Lighter weight
  • More AF points
    45 vs 27
    More AF points improve autofocus

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
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Top-notch image quality; Spectacular detail from Pixel Shift Resolution; Better performance than K-3; Geotag images with no accessories; Great ergonomics in a compact body; Clever on-demand low-pass filtering; Broad sensitivity range; Large and bright viewfinder for an APS-C camera; Dual card slots

  • No built-in flash strobe; No wireless flash support out of the box; AstroTracer function can be finicky; AE Lock button is poorly located; Below-average battery life for a prosumer DSLR; Requires a different battery grip accessory than its predecessors

  • Read our Pentax K-3 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5500

Pentax K-3 II
Nikon D5500
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-3 II vs Nikon D5500

Canon T8i
Nikon D5500
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T8i vs Nikon D5500

Compared to Canon T6i

Pentax K-3 II
Canon T6i
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-3 II vs Canon T6i

Canon T8i
Canon T6i
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon T6i

Compared to Sony A68

Pentax K-3 II
Sony A68
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-3 II vs Sony A68

Canon T8i
Sony A68
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T8i vs Sony A68

Compared to Pentax KP

Pentax K-3 II
Pentax KP
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax KP

Canon T8i
Pentax KP
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T8i vs Pentax KP

Compared to Canon T7i

Pentax K-3 II
Canon T7i
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-3 II vs Canon T7i

Canon T8i
Canon T7i
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • NFC

Compare Canon T8i vs Canon T7i

Compare Other Cameras?