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Leica SL3 vs Pentax K-3 III

The Leica SL3 and the Pentax K-3 III are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2024 and March 2021. The Leica SL3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 III is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL3) and an APS-C (K-3 III) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 60.3 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.

Headline Specifications
Leica SL3
versus
Pentax K-3 III
Leica SL3   Pentax K-3 III
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 25.6 MP – APS-C sensor
8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-100,000 ISO 100-160,000
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2333k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
320 shots per battery charge800 shots per battery charge
141 x 108 x 85 mm, 769 g 135 x 104 x 74 mm, 820 g
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Check Leica SL3 price at
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Check K-3 III price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL3 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica SL3 and the Pentax K-3 III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side 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 Leica SL3 is only available in black.

Size Leica SL3 vs Pentax K-3 III
Compare Leica SL3 versus K-3 III top
Comparison Leica SL3 or K-3 III 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 III is notably smaller (8 percent) than the Leica SL3. However, the K-3 III is markedly heavier (7 percent) than the Leica SL3. 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 SL3 gets 320 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the K-3 III can take 800 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL3 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X2D 100C 149 mm 106 mm 75 mm 895 g 420 Y Sep 2022 EUR 8 699 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 EUR 4 599 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 EUR 699ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 EUR 7 299 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 702 g 530 Y Nov 2023 EUR 6 999 amazon.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 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 III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 71 percent) than the Leica SL3, 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 Leica SL3 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.

Leica SL3 and Pentax K-3 III sensor measures

With 60.3MP, the Leica SL3 offers a higher resolution than the K-3 III (25.6MP), but the Leica SL3 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 3.76μm for the K-3 III) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL3 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 11 months) than the K-3 III, 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 SL3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.7 inches or 120.9 x 80.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.7 x 64.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.6 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-3 III are 31 x 20.6 inches or 78.6 x 52.4 cm for good quality, 24.8 x 16.5 inches or 62.9 x 41.9 cm for very good quality, and 20.6 x 13.8 inches or 52.4 x 35 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica SL3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the Leica SL3, 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 Leica SL3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 100000, which can be extended to ISO 50-100000. 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.

Leica SL3 versus K-3 III MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 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 SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
3.
 
Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format 102.1 11656 8762none25.914.93550101
4.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
7.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
8.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
9.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
10.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
11.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
13.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
16.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
17.
 
Sony A9 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/120p25.414.7324396
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 Leica SL3 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3 III. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 4K/30p.

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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 SL3 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the K-3 III 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 SL3 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 Leica SL3, the Pentax K-3 III, 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 SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Hasselblad X2D 100C5760 Y3.6 / 2360 tilting Y 1/4000s 3.3/s n Y
4.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 III9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/80000s 120.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

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 SL3 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 SL3 and the Pentax K-3 III 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.

The Leica SL3 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC 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. Both the Leica SL3 and the K-3 III support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s (the second slot of the K-3 III only offers slower UHS-I transfer rates, though).

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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 SL3 and Pentax K-3 III 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 SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Hasselblad X2D 100CYstereo / mono---3.2Y--
4.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A9 IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 III (unlike the Leica SL3) 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 III has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the Leica SL3 and the K-3 III are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The K-3 III replaced the earlier Pentax K-3 II, while the Leica SL3 followed on from the Leica SL2. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL3 and K-3 III can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 III Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Leica SL3 better than the Pentax K-3 III or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica SL3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 25.6MP) with a 54% 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 4K/30p).
  • 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 (0.76x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2333k vs 1620k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • 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.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 11 months of technical progress since the K-3 III launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3 III:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (800 versus 320) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 3.1).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (71 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2021).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Leica SL3 is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

Leica SL3 17:09 K-3 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL3 and the Pentax K-3 III 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Leica SL3 or the K-3 III. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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.

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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 SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X2D 100C4/5..5/5...... Sep 2022 EUR 8 699 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 EUR 4 599 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 EUR 1 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
11.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 EUR 1 299ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 EUR 999ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 EUR 699ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 EUR 1 299ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 EUR 7 299 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III4.5/5.......... Nov 2023 EUR 6 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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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Check Leica SL3 price at
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Check K-3 III price at
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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 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.

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    Specifications: Leica SL3 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 Specifications
    Camera Model Leica SL3 Pentax K-3 III
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2024 March 2021
    Launch Price USD 6,999 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Leica SL3 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 60.3 Megapixels 25.6 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9520 x 6336 pixels 6192 x 4128 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 100,000 ISO 100 - 160,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro IV PRIME V
    Screen Specs Leica SL3 Pentax K-3 III
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x 0.70x
    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 2333k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL3 Pentax K-3 III
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL3 Pentax K-3 III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Leica SL3 Pentax K-3 III
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge800 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 141 x 108 x 85 mm
    (5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in)
    135 x 104 x 74 mm
    (5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 769 g (27.1 oz) 820 g (28.9 oz)
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