We compare the Pentax K-3 and Pentax K-5 IIs to see what the differences are between this major update and predecessor.
| Pentax K-5 IIs in Digital SLRs
The Pentax K-3 Digital SLR is a significant upgrade to the K-5 II / IIs, and sits at the top of the range, above the K-5 II and IIs, so in order to provide a guide to what the Pentax K-3 offers, we are comparing it to the Pentax K-5 IIs.
To find out more about the Pentax K-3, read our hands-on preview, or watch our Pentax K-3 Feature overview video.

Key Features Comparison:
Pentax K-5 IIs | Pentax K-3 |
16.28MP APS-C sensor | 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (Sony) |
No anti-aliasing filter | No Anti-Aliasing Filter |
PRIME II image processor |
PRIME III image processor (14bit AD/RAW) with AA simulator (moving sensor) / in camera correction with software as well |
3inch 921k dots, gapless screen | 3.2inch 1037k dots, gapless screen |
100% field of view, glass pentaprism | 100% viewfinder, glass pentaprism |
0.92X magnification | 0.95X magnification |
11 point AF, 9 cross type, -3EV | 27 point AF, 25 cross type, -3EV to +18EV |
77 segment metering system | 86k RGB exposure meter |
7fps maximum frame rate | 8.3fps continuous shooting |
100,000 shot shutter release rating | 200,000 shot shutter release rating |
Dual axis electronic level | Dual axis electronic level |
4step Shake Reduction (SR) | 4step Shake Reduction (SR) |
AWB | New Multi-area AWB (from Ricoh) |
SD card slot | Dual SD card slot |
ISO100 to 12800, expandable to ISO80, 51200 | ISO100 - ISO51200 |
Full HD Movie Mode | Improved Full HD Video, 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p |
Mic socket |
Mic socket / Headphone socket, Adjustable mic level (20 steps) |
USB2.0 | USB3.0 |
Eye-Fi compatible | Eye-Fi / FLU Card compatible |
740 shot battery life | 560 shot battery life |
131mm x 97mm x 72.5mm | 131.5mm x 100mm x 77.5mm |
680g | 800g |
K5 II s Body only RRP - £949.99, now £799 | K-3 Body only £1099 |

Pentax K-5 IIs VS Pentax K-3 - the back of the K-3 (on the right) will say RICOH on the final production version, however, the model shown here is a pre-production version.

The Pentax K-3 has a new switch next to the mode dial, to let you switch the lock on and off depending on what you prefer.

On the side is a new headphone socket, as well as a new AF-mode button so you can switch between the different focusing modes available. On the other side is the new dual-SD card slot, which will accommodate the new FLU card, as well as regular SD cards.

To find out more about the Pentax K-3, read our Pentax K-3 Hands-On Preview, or watch our Pentax K-3 Feature overview video.
Comparison Table
Pentax K-5 IIs | Pentax K-3 | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Pentax | |
Lens | |||
Effective Magnification | 1.5x | 1.5x | |
Image Sensor | |||
Pixels | 16.3Mp (Megapixels) | 24Mp (Megapixels) | |
Pixels (W) | 4928 | 6016 | |
Pixels (H) | 3264 | 4000 | |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C | |
Sensor Size (width) | 23.7mm | 23.5mm | |
Sensor Size (height) | 15.7mm | 15.6mm | |
Aspect Ratio |
|
| |
LCD Monitor | |||
LCD Monitor | 3in | 3.2in | |
Screen resolution | 921,000 dots | 1037k | |
Touch Screen | No | No | |
Focusing | |||
Focusing modes |
|
| |
Exposure Control | |||
Shutter speeds shortest | 1/8000sec | 1/8000sec | |
Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | 30sec | |
Bulb mode | No Data | Yes | |
Exp modes |
|
| |
Metering |
|
| |
ISO sensitivity | 100 - 51200 | 100 - 51200 | |
White balance |
|
| |
Exposure Comp | +/-5 | +/-5 | |
Viewfinder | |||
Magnification | No Data | No Data | |
Shooting Options | |||
Continuous shooting | 7fps | 8.3fps | |
Video | |||
Movie mode | Yes | Yes | |
Video Resolution |
|
| |
Video FPS | 30 | 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p | |
Stereo Sound | No | No | |
Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | Yes | |
Other Features | |||
Image Stabilisation | Yes | Yes | |
Interface | |||
HDMI | Yes | Yes | |
USB | USB 2 | USB 3 | |
Wi-Fi | No | No | |
Storage | |||
Card Type |
|
| |
File Type |
|
| |
Power Source | |||
Battery Type | Rechargeable D-LI90P Lithium-ion battery | Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90P | |
Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 740shots | 560shots | |
Box Contents | |||
Box Contents | No Data | No Data | |
Dimensions | |||
Weight | 680g | 800g | |
Width | 131mm | 131.5mm | |
Height | 97mm | 100mm | |
Depth | 72.5mm | 77.5mm | |
View Full Details | View Full Details |
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