Canon 1D X Mark II vs Pentax K-3 III
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 III are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2016 and March 2021. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on a full frame (1DX Mark II) and an APS-C (K-3 III) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 25.6 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 III? 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.
Body comparison
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 III. 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The K-3 III can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 1DX Mark II is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-3 III is considerably smaller (47 percent) than the Canon 1D X Mark II. Moreover, the K-3 III is substantially lighter (46 percent) than the 1DX Mark II. 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 1DX Mark II gets 1210 shots out of its Canon LP-E19 battery, while the K-3 III can take 800 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1DX Mark II has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the K-3 III, Pentax provides the D-BG8 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D X Mark II | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1530 g | 1210 | Y | Feb 2016 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax K-3 III | 135 mm | 104 mm | 74 mm | 820 g | 800 | Y | Mar 2021 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | 150 mm | 160 mm | 80 mm | 1385 g | 1800 | Y | Aug 2007 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 1D C | 158 mm | 164 mm | 83 mm | 1545 g | 1120 | Y | Apr 2012 | 14,999 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 1D X Mark III | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1440 g | 2850 | Y | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 152 mm | 114 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 850 | Y | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 5D Mark III | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 950 g | 950 | Y | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon 6D | 145 mm | 111 mm | 71 mm | 770 g | 1090 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 6D Mark II | 144 mm | 111 mm | 75 mm | 765 g | 1200 | Y | Jun 2017 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X-H1 | 140 mm | 97 mm | 86 mm | 673 g | 310 | Y | Feb 2018 | 1,899 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-3 | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 560 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Pentax K-3 II | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 720 | Y | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-70 | 126 mm | 93 mm | 74 mm | 688 g | 410 | Y | Jun 2016 | 649 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax KP | 132 mm | 101 mm | 76 mm | 703 g | 390 | Y | Jan 2017 | 1,099 | ebay.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 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 K-3 III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the 1DX Mark II, 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D X Mark II features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-3 III an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 III is 58 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.
Despite having a smaller sensor, the K-3 III offers a higher resolution of 25.6 megapixels, compared with 20 MP of the 1DX Mark II. 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 3.76μm versus 6.57μm for the 1DX Mark II). However, it should be noted that the K-3 III is much more recent (by 5 years and 1 month) than the 1DX Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 III 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 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31 x 20.6 inches or 78.6 x 52.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.8 x 16.5 inches or 62.9 x 41.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.6 x 13.8 inches or 52.4 x 35 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D X Mark II are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
The 1DX Mark II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
Unlike the 1DX Mark II, the K-3 III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) 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 Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 III are ISO 100 to ISO 160000 (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.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.1 | 13.5 | 3207 | 88 | |
2. | Pentax K-3 III | APS-C | 25.6 | 6192 | 4128 | 4K/30p | 24.2 | 13.7 | 2083 | 85 | |
3. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | none | 24.0 | 12.0 | 1663 | 80 | |
4. | Canon 1D C | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 4K/24p | 24.3 | 13.0 | 2155 | 85 | |
5. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
6. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.2 | 14.5 | 3248 | 91 | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 11.9 | 1815 | 79 | |
8. | Canon 5D Mark III | Full Frame | 22.1 | 5760 | 3840 | 1080/30p | 24.0 | 11.7 | 2293 | 81 | |
9. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
10. | Canon 6D | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 12.1 | 2340 | 82 | |
11. | Canon 6D Mark II | Full Frame | 26.0 | 6240 | 4160 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 11.9 | 2862 | 85 | |
12. | Fujifilm X-H1 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1806 | 82 | |
13. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
14. | Pentax K-3 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.4 | 1216 | 80 | |
15. | Pentax K-3 II | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.6 | 13.6 | 1106 | 80 | |
16. | Pentax K-70 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.8 | 13.1 | 1639 | 80 | |
17. | Pentax KP | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1699 | 81 | |
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. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the 1DX Mark II provides a higher frame rate than the K-3 III. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 4K/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1DX Mark II and the K-3 III are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the 1DX Mark II has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 III (0.76x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1D X Mark II, the Pentax K-3 III, and comparable cameras.
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 1D X Mark II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 16.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Pentax K-3 III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
3. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 1D C | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Canon 1D X Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 20.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.9/s | n | n | |
8. | Canon 5D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Canon 5DS | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Canon 6D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
11. | Canon 6D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.5/s | n | n | |
12. | Fujifilm X-H1 | 3690 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | full-flex | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
13. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
14. | Pentax K-3 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | Y | Y | |
15. | Pentax K-3 II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | n | Y | |
16. | Pentax K-70 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/6000s | 6.0/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Pentax KP | optical | n | 3.0 / 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 feature that differentiates the K-3 III and the 1DX Mark II is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-3 III reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 1DX Mark II offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.
The Pentax K-3 III 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 1DX Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or CFast cards, while the K-3 III uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.
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 EOS-1D X Mark II and Pentax K-3 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Pentax K-3 III | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
3. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | Y | mono / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon 1D C | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon 5D Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Canon 5DS | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Canon 6D | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Canon 6D Mark II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
12. | Fujifilm X-H1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Pentax K-3 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Pentax K-3 II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Pentax K-70 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
17. | Pentax KP | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | - | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
It is notable that the K-3 III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1DX Mark II does not provide wifi capability.
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.
The K-3 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Pentax. In contrast, the 1DX Mark II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 1DX Mark II was succeeded by the Canon 1DX Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the 1DX Mark II and K-3 III can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 III Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Canon 1D X Mark II better than the Pentax K-3 III or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.70x).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (16 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1210 versus 800) on a single battery charge.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2016).
Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3 III:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (25.6 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 13%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller (135x104mm vs 158x168mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 710g or 46 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- 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.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (67 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 5 years and 1 month of technical progress since the 1DX Mark II launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 III emerges as the winner of the match-up (11 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D X Mark II and the Pentax K-3 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1DX Mark II and the K-3 III in practical situations. 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 expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D X Mark II | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax K-3 III | 4/5 | .. | 3/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Mar 2021 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | .. | .. | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | .. | Aug 2007 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 1D C | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Apr 2012 | 14,999 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 1D X Mark III | .. | + + | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 4/5 | 91/100 | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 5D Mark III | .. | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon 6D | 5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 6D Mark II | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2017 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X-H1 | .. | + | 5/5 | 86/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 1,899 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-3 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Pentax K-3 II | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 5/5 | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-70 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2016 | 649 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax KP | 4/5 | .. | 3/5 | 82/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
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.
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Canon R10
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Canon R6
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Nikon 1 J4
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Nikon Z9
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Pentax K-5
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony A7S III
- Canon M50 vs Pentax K-3 III
- Fujifilm X-T30 II vs Pentax K-3 III
- Nikon Z30 vs Pentax K-3 III
- Panasonic G95 vs Pentax K-3 III
- Pentax K-1 II vs Pentax K-3 III
- Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A7
Specifications: Canon 1D X Mark II vs Pentax K-3 III
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 Model | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Pentax K mount lenses |
Launch Date | February 2016 | March 2021 |
Launch Price | USD 5,999 | USD 1,999 |
Sensor Specs | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | 23.3 x 15.5 mm |
Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | 361.15 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | 28 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 20 Megapixels | 25.6 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 5472 x 3648 pixels | 6192 x 4128 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 6.57 μm | 3.76 μm |
Pixel Density | 2.31 MP/cm2 | 7.08 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 4K/60p Video | 4K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 51,200 ISO | 100 - 160,000 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 409,600 ISO | no Enhancement |
Image Processor | DIGIC 6+ (Dual) | PRIME V |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 88 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.1 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.5 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 3207 | .. |
Screen Specs | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76x | 0.70x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 1620k dots | 1620k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 16 shutter flaps/s | 12 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 500 000 actuations | 200 000 actuations |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | Lens stabilization only | In-body stabilization |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or CFAST cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 |
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 |
Bluetooth Support | no Bluetooth | Bluetooth built-in |
Geotagging | GPS built-in | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Canon 1D X Mark II | Pentax K-3 III |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Canon LP-E19 | Pentax D-LI90 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1210 shots per charge | 800 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
158 x 168 x 83 mm (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in) |
135 x 104 x 74 mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9 in) |
Camera Weight | 1530 g (54.0 oz) | 820 g (28.9 oz) |
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