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Leica Q3 vs Pentax K-3

The Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2023 and October 2013. The Q3 is a fixed lens compact, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Q3) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 60.3 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
Leica Q3
versus
Pentax K-3
Leica Q3   Pentax K-3
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
28mm f/1.7 Pentax K mount lenses
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 50-100,000 ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1840k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
15 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
130 x 80 x 93 mm, 743 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3? 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 Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Q3 is only available in black.

Size Leica Q3 vs Pentax K-3
Compare Q3 versus K-3 top
Comparison Q3 or K-3 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 is notably larger (26 percent) than the Leica Q3. 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 and possibly misleading, as the Q3 has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the Q3 gets 350 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the K-3 can take 560 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the Q3 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

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.

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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.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D II 148 mm 97 mm 70 mm 766 g .. Y Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1 142 mm 93 mm 46 mm 800 g 250 n Sep 2018 US$ 5 999ebay.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. 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 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. 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 Leica Q3 features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 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.

Leica Q3 and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

With 60.3MP, the Q3 offers a higher resolution than the K-3 (24.1MP), but the Q3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 3.90μm for the K-3). However, the Q3 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 7 months) than the K-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that 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 resolution advantage of the Leica Q3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Q3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.6 inches or 121 x 80.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.8 x 64.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.8 x 21.1 inches or 80.7 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-3 are 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Q3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica Q3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (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.

Q3 versus K-3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D II Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p25.714.5323499
4.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
7.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
8.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
9.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
10.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
11.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
12.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
14.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
15.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
16.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1 Full Frame 37.4 7488 49924K/30p25.214.1275994
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 Q3 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, 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 Q3 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k 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 Q3 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.79x vs 0.63x), 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 Leica Q3, the Pentax K-3, and comparable 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.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D II3690 n3.6 / 2360 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.7/s n n
4.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
10.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
12.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
14.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Zeiss ZX16221 n4.3 / 2765 fixed Y 1/1000s 3.0/s n n
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 Q3 has a touchscreen, while the K-3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 Q3 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 Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3 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 Q3 and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Q3 only has one slot. The Q3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the K-3 can use UHS-I cards (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 Leica Q3 and Pentax K-3 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.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
4.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
9.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
11.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1Ystereo / mono---3.1YYY

It is notable that the Q3 offers wifi support, while the K-3 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 (unlike the Q3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Q3 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the K-3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-3 was succeeded by the Pentax K-3 II. Further information on the features and operation of the Q3 and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Leica Q3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica Q3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 24.1MP) with a 58% higher linear resolution.
  • 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 (8K/30p vs 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 (0.79x vs 0.63x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 1037k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the K-3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (130x80mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the K-3).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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 prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 7 months of technical progress since the K-3 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • 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.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • 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 heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Q3 is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 12 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Q3 23:12 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica Q3 and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact 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 Q3 and the K-3 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.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D II....4/5..4/54/5 Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
17.
 
Zeiss ZX13/5....83/1004/54/5 Sep 2018 US$ 5 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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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 use the search menu below. 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: Leica Q3 vs Pentax K-3

    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 Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 28mm f/1.7 Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2023 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 60.3 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9528 x 6328 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 50 - 100,000 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1216
    Screen Specs Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.79x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    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 Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 15 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in 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 Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica Q3 Pentax K-3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 130 x 80 x 93 mm
    (5.1 x 3.1 x 3.7 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 743 g (26.2 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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