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Leica SL2 vs Pentax K-3

The Leica SL2 and the Pentax K-3 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in November 2019 and October 2013. The Leica SL2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL2) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 46.7 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 SL2
versus
Pentax K-3
Leica SL2   Pentax K-3
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
370 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 42 mm, 953 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 SL2 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

The physical size and weight of the Leica SL2 and the Pentax K-3 are illustrated 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Leica SL2 is only available in black.

Size Leica SL2 vs Pentax K-3
Compare Leica SL2 versus K-3 top
Comparison Leica SL2 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 smaller (16 percent) than the Leica SL2. Moreover, the K-3 is markedly lighter (16 percent) than the Leica SL2. 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 Leica SL2 gets 370 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 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 Leica SL2 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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 SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 EUR 1 099ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 EUR 4 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 EUR 3 849ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 EUR 2 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 EUR 3 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 EUR 3 699 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 EUR 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 EUR 999ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 EUR 3 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 markedly lower price (by 78 percent) than the Leica SL2, 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better 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 Leica SL2 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 SL2 and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the Leica SL2 offers a higher resolution than the K-3 (24.1MP), but the Leica SL2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 3.90μm for the K-3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2 is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 1 month) than the K-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further 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 SL2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 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.

Unlike the K-3, the Leica SL2 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (187MP) 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 SL2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-50000. 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.

Leica SL2 versus K-3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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 SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
7.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
8.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
9.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
10.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
11.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
12.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
14.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
16.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
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 also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Leica SL2 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/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 variety of features. For example, the Leica SL2 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 Leica SL2 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.78x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica SL2 and Pentax K-3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
12.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
14.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
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 Leica SL2 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 Leica SL2 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 SL2 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 Leica SL2 and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The Leica SL2 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the K-3 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 SL2 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 SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY

It is notable that the Leica SL2 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.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The Leica SL2 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 Leica SL2 and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Leica SL2 or the Pentax K-3 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica SL2:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 24.1MP) with a 39% higher linear resolution.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • 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 (4K/60p vs 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.63x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 1037k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • 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 6 years and 1 month of technical progress since the K-3 launch.

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Advantages of the Pentax K-3:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (131x100mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 153g or 16 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 370) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (78 percent cheaper at launch).
  • 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 Leica SL2 is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 7 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.

Leica SL2 21:07 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2 and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings 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 Leica SL2 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 expert reviews 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.

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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 SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 EUR 1 099ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 EUR 4 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 EUR 3 849ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 EUR 2 499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 EUR 3 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 EUR 3 699 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 EUR 999ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 EUR 999ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 EUR 3 599ebay.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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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 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.

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    Specifications: Leica SL2 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 SL2 Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2019 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2 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 46.7 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 50,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro III PRIME III
    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 SL2 Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2 Pentax K-3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/40000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2 Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2 Pentax K-3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 1.7 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 953 g (33.6 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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