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Canon G1 X Mark II vs Pentax K-3

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2014 and October 2013. The G1X Mark II is a fixed lens compact, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an 1.5-inch (G1X Mark II) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 13 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 24.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon G1 X Mark II
versus
Pentax K-3
Canon G1 X Mark II   Pentax K-3
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
24-120mm f/2.0-3.9 Pentax K mount lenses
13 MP – 1.5" sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-12,800 ISO 100-51,200
Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.2 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
240 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
116 x 74 x 66 mm, 553 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Check K-3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Pentax K-3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G1X Mark II is only available in black.

Size Canon G1 X Mark II vs Pentax K-3
Compare G1X Mark II versus K-3 top
Comparison G1X Mark II or K-3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-3 is considerably larger (53 percent) than the Canon G1 X Mark II. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 is splash and dust-proof, while the G1X Mark II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G1X Mark II has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the G1X Mark II gets 240 shots out of its Canon NB-12L battery, while the K-3 can take 560 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 EUR 849ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 EUR 1 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 EUR 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 500D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 EUR 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 760D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 EUR 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 EUR 749ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 EUR 789ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 EUR 599ebay.com
10.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 EUR 529ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus Stylus 1 116 mm 87 mm 57 mm 402 g 410 n Oct 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 EUR 799ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 EUR 999ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 EUR 999ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G1X Mark II was launched at a lower price than the K-3, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G1 X Mark II features an 1.5-inch sensor and the Pentax K-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 is 40 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.85 and 1.5. The sensor in the G1X Mark II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the K-3 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon G1 X Mark II and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the G1X Mark II (13MP), but the K-3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 4.49μm for the G1X Mark II). It is noteworthy in this context that the G1X Mark II is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the K-3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G1 X Mark II are 20.8 x 15.6 inches or 52.8 x 39.6 cm for good quality, 16.6 x 12.5 inches or 42.3 x 31.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.9 x 10.4 inches or 35.2 x 26.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G1X Mark II versus K-3 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-3 offers substantially better image quality than the G1X Mark II (overall score 22 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 2.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
5.
 
Canon 500D APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
6.
 
Canon 760D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
7.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
8.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
9.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
10.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
11.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
12.
 
Olympus Stylus 1 1/1.7 11.8 3968 29761080/30p20.711.617951
13.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
15.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
17.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the K-3 provides a faster frame rate than the G1X Mark II. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G1X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G1X Mark II can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G1 X Mark II and Pentax K-3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 500Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 760Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
12.
 
Olympus Stylus 11440 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 7.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
15.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G1X Mark II has a touchscreen, while the K-3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The G1X Mark II has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the K-3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Canon G1 X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G1X Mark II and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G1X Mark II only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and Pentax K-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 500DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 760DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Olympus Stylus 1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--

It is notable that the G1X Mark II offers wifi support, while the K-3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the G1X Mark II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the G1X Mark II and the K-3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the G1X Mark II was followed by the Canon G1 X Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the G1X Mark II and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G1 X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon G1 X Mark II better than the Pentax K-3 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the K-3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (116x74mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the K-3).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the K-3).

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Advantages of the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 13MP), which boosts linear resolution by 39%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (22 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 5.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 240) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 11 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

G1X Mark II 11:21 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G1 X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G1X Mark II or the K-3. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 EUR 849ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 EUR 1 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 EUR 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 500D..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 EUR 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 760D5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 EUR 749ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 EUR 749ebay.com
8.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 EUR 789ebay.com
9.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 EUR 599ebay.com
10.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 EUR 529ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus Stylus 1..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 EUR 799ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 EUR 999ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 EUR 999ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon G1 X Mark II vs Pentax K-3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9 Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2014 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 799 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1.5" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 18.7 x 14.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 261.8 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 23.4 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.85x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 13 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4160 x 3120 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.49 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 4.96 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6 PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 58 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.5 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 581 1216
    Screen Specs Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.2 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Canon G1 X Mark II Pentax K-3
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-12L Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)240 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 116 x 74 x 66 mm
    (4.6 x 2.9 x 2.6 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 553 g (19.5 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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