Leica M8 vs Pentax K-3 II
The Leica M8 and the Pentax K-3 II are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2006 and April 2015. The M8 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera, while the K-3 II is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-H (M8) and an APS-C (K-3 II) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 10.4 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.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica M8 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.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica M8 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 consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).
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 (18 percent) than the Leica M8. Moreover, the K-3 II is substantially heavier (35 percent) than the M8. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 II is splash and dust-proof, while the M8 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 M8 gets 550 shots out of its Leica BLI-312 battery, while the K-3 II can take 720 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. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M8 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 591 g | 550 | n | Sep 2006 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax K-3 II | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 720 | Y | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon T3 | 130 mm | 100 mm | 78 mm | 495 g | 700 | n | Feb 2011 | 449 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon XTi | 127 mm | 84 mm | 65 mm | 556 g | 370 | n | Aug 2006 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M Typ 262 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2015 | 5,195 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D7200 | 136 mm | 107 mm | 76 mm | 765 g | 1110 | Y | Mar 2015 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D3000 | 126 mm | 97 mm | 64 mm | 536 g | 500 | n | Jul 2009 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D5000 | 127 mm | 104 mm | 80 mm | 590 g | 510 | n | Apr 2009 | 749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D40X | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 520 | n | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic L10 | 135 mm | 96 mm | 78 mm | 556 g | 450 | n | Aug 2007 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-3 III | 135 mm | 104 mm | 74 mm | 820 g | 800 | Y | Mar 2021 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
15. | Pentax K-S2 | 123 mm | 91 mm | 73 mm | 678 g | 410 | Y | Feb 2015 | 749 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-3 | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 560 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax K-5 II | 131 mm | 97 mm | 73 mm | 760 g | 740 | Y | Sep 2012 | 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 obviously take relative prices into account. 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 80 percent) than the M8, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica M8 features an APS-H sensor and the Pentax K-3 II an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 II is 24 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 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 II offers a higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 10.4 MP of the M8. 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 6.84μm for the M8). However, it should be noted that the K-3 II is much more recent (by 8 years and 7 months) than the M8, 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 neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 II 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 Leica M8 are 19.7 x 13.2 inches or 50 x 33.4 cm for good quality, 15.7 x 10.5 inches or 40 x 26.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.1 x 8.8 inches or 33.3 x 22.3 cm for excellent quality prints.
Unlike the M8, 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 Leica M8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 2500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 II are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).
In terms of underlying technology, the M8 is build around a CCD 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.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-3 II offers substantially better image quality than the M8 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 2.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 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.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M8 | APS-H | 10.4 | 3936 | 2630 | none | 21.1 | 11.3 | 663 | 59 | |
2. | Pentax K-3 II | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.6 | 13.6 | 1106 | 80 | |
3. | Canon T3 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2848 | 720/30p | 21.9 | 11.0 | 755 | 62 | |
4. | Canon XTi | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.0 | 664 | 62 | |
5. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
6. | Leica M Typ 262 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | none | 24.8 | 13.7 | 2478 | 90 | |
7. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
8. | Nikon D7200 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.5 | 14.6 | 1333 | 87 | |
9. | Nikon D3000 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.1 | 563 | 62 | |
10. | Nikon D5000 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 868 | 72 | |
11. | Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
12. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | |
13. | Panasonic L10 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.3 | 10.8 | 429 | 55 | |
14. | Pentax K-3 III | APS-C | 25.6 | 6192 | 4128 | 4K/30p | 24.2 | 13.7 | 2083 | 85 | |
15. | Pentax K-S2 | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.9 | 1514 | 79 | |
16. | Pentax K-3 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.4 | 1216 | 80 | |
17. | Pentax K-5 II | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/25p | 23.8 | 14.1 | 1235 | 82 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The K-3 II indeed provides for movie recording, while the M8 does not. The highest resolution format that the K-3 II can use is 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The M8 and the K-3 II 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica M8, the Pentax K-3 II, 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. | Leica M8 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Pentax K-3 II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | n | Y | |
3. | Canon T3 | optical | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Canon XTi | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica M Typ 262 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Nikon D7200 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Nikon D3000 | optical | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D5000 | optical | n | 2.7 / 230 | full-flex | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D40X | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Panasonic L10 | optical | n | 2.5 / 207 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Pentax K-3 III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
15. | Pentax K-S2 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/6000s | 5.4/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Pentax K-3 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Pentax K-5 II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the K-3 II, but is missing on the M8 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The Pentax K-3 II 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.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M8 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 M8 only has one slot. The K-3 II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the M8 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
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 Leica M8 and Pentax K-3 II 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. | Leica M8 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Pentax K-3 II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon T3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon XTi | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
6. | Leica M Typ 262 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D7200 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
9. | Nikon D3000 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D5000 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D40X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D80 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Panasonic L10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Pentax K-3 III | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
15. | Pentax K-S2 | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Pentax K-3 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Pentax K-5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 II (unlike the M8) 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.
Both the M8 and the K-3 II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M8 was replaced by the Leica M9, while the K-3 II was followed by the Pentax K-3 III. Further information on the features and operation of the M8 and K-3 II can be found, respectively, in the Leica M8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 II Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Leica M8 better than the Pentax K-3 II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Arguments in favor of the Leica M8:
- More compact: Is smaller (139x80mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 209g or 26 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2006).
Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3 II:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 10.4MP), which boosts linear resolution by 53%.
- High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2.3 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
- Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 230k dots).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (720 versus 550) out of a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- 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.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (80 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 8 years and 7 months of technical progress since the M8 launch.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 II is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 4 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.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the M8 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 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica M8 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2006 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax K-3 II | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 5/5 | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon T3 | .. | 80/100 | .. | 69/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2011 | 449 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon XTi | .. | + + | .. | + + | o | 4/5 | Aug 2006 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M Typ 262 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Nov 2015 | 5,195 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D7200 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2015 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D3000 | .. | + | .. | 72/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D5000 | .. | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2009 | 749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D40X | .. | 79/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic L10 | .. | 85/100 | .. | + | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2007 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-3 III | 4/5 | .. | 3/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Mar 2021 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
15. | Pentax K-S2 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 749 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-3 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax K-5 II | 5/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1300D vs Leica M8
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Pentax K-3 II
- Canon 400D vs Leica M8
- Canon SX740 vs Pentax K-3 II
- Fujifilm XF10 vs Leica M8
- Leica M8 vs Nikon D2Xs
- Leica M8 vs Nikon W300
- Leica M8 vs Olympus XZ-1
- Nikon D5300 vs Pentax K-3 II
- Panasonic FZ2500 vs Pentax K-3 II
- Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-S2
- Pentax K-3 II vs Sony A99 II
Specifications: Leica M8 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 Model | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Rangefinder camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Leica M mount lenses | Pentax K mount lenses |
Launch Date | September 2006 | April 2015 |
Launch Price | USD 5,499 | USD 1,099 |
Sensor Specs | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
Sensor Technology | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-H Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 27.0 x 18.0 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 486 mm2 | 366.6 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 32.4 mm | 28.2 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.3x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 10.4 Megapixels | 24.1 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3936 x 2630 pixels | 6016 x 4000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 6.84 μm | 3.90 μm |
Pixel Density | 2.13 MP/cm2 | 6.56 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | 1080/60i Video |
ISO Setting | 160 - 2,500 ISO | 100 - 51,200 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 59 | 80 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.1 | 23.6 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.3 | 13.6 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 663 | 1106 |
Screen Specs | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 2.5inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 1037k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
Focus System | Manual Focus | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 2 shutter flaps/s | 8.3 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | no shake reduction | In-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 | no | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | no PC Sync | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Geotagging | no internal GPS | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Leica M8 | Pentax K-3 II |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Leica BLI-312 | Pentax D-LI90 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 550 shots per charge | 720 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in) |
131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in) |
Camera Weight | 591 g (20.8 oz) | 800 g (28.2 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.