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Panasonic S9 vs Pentax K-3 II

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and the Pentax K-3 II are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in May 2024 and April 2015. The S9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 II is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (S9) and an APS-C (K-3 II) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 24 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
Panasonic S9
versus
Pentax K-3 II
Panasonic S9   Pentax K-3 II
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
6K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1840k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
30 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
470 shots per battery charge720 shots per battery charge
126 x 74 x 47 mm, 486 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Check S9 price at
amazon.com
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Check K-3 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and the Pentax K-3 II? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic S9 and the Pentax K-3 II is provided 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The S9 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, red, green), while the K-3 II is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Panasonic S9 vs Pentax K-3 II
Compare S9 versus K-3 II top
Comparison S9 or K-3 II 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 II is notably larger (40 percent) than the Panasonic S9. Moreover, the K-3 II is substantially heavier (65 percent) than the S9. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 II is splash and dust-proof, while the S9 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the S9 gets 470 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLK22 battery, while the K-3 II can take 720 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the S9 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.
 
Panasonic S9 126 mm 74 mm 47 mm 486 g 470 n May 2024 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R8 133 mm 86 mm 70 mm 461 g 220 n Feb 2023 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon RP 133 mm 85 mm 70 mm 485 g 250 n Feb 2019 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-S20 128 mm 85 mm 65 mm 491 g 750 n May 2023 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 US$ 849ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 US$ 2 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 II 134 mm 102 mm 92 mm 800 g 350 Y May 2025 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The K-3 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 27 percent) than the S9, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic S9 features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-3 II an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 II is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S9 and Pentax K-3 II sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the K-3 II offers a slightly higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the S9. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 5.94μm for the S9). Moreover, it should be noted that the S9 is much more recent (by 9 years and 1 month) than the K-3 II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The S9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the S9, the K-3 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 II are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the S9 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the K-3 II uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S9 versus K-3 II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). 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.
 
Panasonic S9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8329796
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
3.
 
Canon R8 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004k/60p24.514.7329593
4.
 
Canon RP Full Frame 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.311.9297785
5.
 
Fujifilm X-S20 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.314.0231586
6.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
7.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
8.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
9.
 
Panasonic S1 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8340697
10.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
11.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
12.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
13.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
14.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
17.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
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. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the S9 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3 II. It can shoot video footage at 6K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-3 II has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the S9 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic S9 and Pentax K-3 II 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.
 
Panasonic S9none n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R82360 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon RP2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-S202360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1 II5760 n3.2 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n 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 S9 has a touchscreen, while the K-3 II has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The S9 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 II does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the S9 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic S9 and the Pentax K-3 II 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 S9 and the K-3 II write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the S9 only has one slot. The S9 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the K-3 II can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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 Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and Pentax K-3 II 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.
 
Panasonic S9Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon R8Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon RPYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-S20Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
7.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY

It is notable that the S9 offers wifi support, while the K-3 II 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 II (unlike the S9) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-3 II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The S9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the K-3 II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-3 II was succeeded by the Pentax K-3 III. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Panasonic S9 better than the Pentax K-3 II or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S9:

  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (6K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 1037k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or 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.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (126x74mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 314g or 39 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 1 month of technical progress since the K-3 II launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3 II:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • 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.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (720 versus 470) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (27 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in April 2015).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S9 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 12 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.

S9 20:12 K-3 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S9 and the Pentax K-3 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S9 and the K-3 II in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews 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.
 
Panasonic S9............ May 2024 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R84.5/5+ +4.5/587/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2023 US$ 1 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon RP4/5+4/5..4.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-S205/5+ +5/586/100..4.5/5 May 2023 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 849ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 2 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 II............ May 2025 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. 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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Check S9 price at
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Check K-3 II offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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: Panasonic S9 vs Pentax K-3 II

    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 Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2024 April 2015
    Launch Price USD 1,499 USD 1,099
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 6K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1106
    Screen Specs Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder 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 1840k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic S9 Pentax K-3 II
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLK22 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)470 shots per charge720 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 126 x 74 x 47 mm
    (5.0 x 2.9 x 1.9 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 486 g (17.1 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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