• APS-C 361.2mm2
  • 25.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1,600,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Pentax K-3 III advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600000 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Pentax K-3 III

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Newer
    2 years vs 4 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax KP

Pentax K-3 III
Pentax KP
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic S5 II
Pentax KP
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon SL3

Pentax K-3 III
Canon SL3
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Canon SL3
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon 90D

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 90D
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Canon 90D
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon Z5

Pentax K-3 III
Nikon Z5
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Pentax K-3 III
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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