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Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7

The Pentax K-3 and the Sony Alpha A7 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced in October 2013. The K-3 is a DSLR, while the A7 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3) and a full frame (A7) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-3
versus
Sony A7
Pentax K-3   Sony A7
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
24.1 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
8.3 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
560 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 474 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 and the Sony Alpha A7? 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 Pentax K-3 and the Sony A7 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 K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7 is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7
Compare K-3 versus A7 top
Comparison K-3 or A7 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Pentax K-3. Moreover, the A7 is substantially lighter (41 percent) than the K-3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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 K-3 gets 560 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the A7 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient 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.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 US$ 1 099ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
10.
 
Samsung NX1 139 mm 102 mm 66 mm 550 g 500 Y Sep 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 US$ 2 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A99 147 mm 111 mm 78 mm 812 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.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 obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The K-3 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 24 percent) than the A7, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-3 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7 is 133 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-3 and Sony A7 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Pentax K-3 offers a higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the Sony A7. 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 5.97μm for the A7). It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. 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 A7 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Pentax K-3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

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.

K-3 versus A7 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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 A7 has a markedly higher DXO score than the K-3 (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.1 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
2.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
5.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
6.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
8.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
9.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
10.
 
Samsung NX1 APS-C 28.0 6480 43204K/30p24.213.2136383
11.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
12.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
13.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
14.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
15.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
16.
 
Sony A99 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.014.0155589
17.
 
Sony RX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.912.647469
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 can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the A7 provides a faster frame rate than the K-3. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7 has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the K-3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.71x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-3 and Sony A7 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.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
6.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Samsung NX12360 Y3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/8000s 15.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
14.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
15.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony A992359 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 6.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony RX101440 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The K-3 has one, while the A7 does not. While the built-in flash of the K-3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Pentax K-3 has 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.

The K-3 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7 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 Pentax K-3 and Sony Alpha A7 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.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
10.
 
Samsung NX1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0YYY
11.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
13.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony A99Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
17.
 
Sony RX10Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-

It is notable that the A7 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the K-3 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the A7) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the K-3 and the A7 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the A7 was followed by the Sony A7 II. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 and A7 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Pentax K-3 better than the Sony A7 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (560 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (24 percent cheaper at launch).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.63x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 1037k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 326g or 41 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • 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.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7 emerges as the winner of the match-up (16 : 13 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-3 13:16 A7

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 and the Sony A7 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 K-3 and the A7 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 hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 099ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
10.
 
Samsung NX15/5....87/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 499ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 799 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 2 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A995/5....84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date 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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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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7

    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 Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2013 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 1,699
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 35.8 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 855.62 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm 5.97 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2 2.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 90
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 24.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 14.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1216 2248
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)560 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz) 474 g (16.7 oz)
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    Check K-3 offers at
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    Check A7 offers at
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