A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon Z fc vs Pentax K-3 III

The Nikon Z fc and the Pentax K-3 III are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2021 and March 2021. The Z fc is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 III is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 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
Nikon Z fc
versus
Pentax K-3 III
Nikon Z fc   Pentax K-3 III
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Nikon Z mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
20.7 MP – APS-C sensor 25.6 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (100 - 204,800) ISO 100-160,000
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
300 shots per battery charge800 shots per battery charge
135 x 94 x 44 mm, 445 g 135 x 104 x 74 mm, 820 g
logo
Check Z fc price at
amazon.com
logo
Check K-3 III price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z fc 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.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon Z fc 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The Z fc can be obtained in seven different colors (silver, grey, brown, pink, green, white, beige), while the K-3 III is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Nikon Z fc vs Pentax K-3 III
Compare Z fc versus K-3 III top
Comparison Z fc 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 larger (11 percent) than the Nikon Z fc. Moreover, the K-3 III is substantially heavier (84 percent) than the Z fc. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 III is splash and dust-proof, while the Z fc 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 Z fc gets 300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL25 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 Z fc 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. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z fc 135 mm 94 mm 44 mm 445 g 300 n Jun 2021 959 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 140 mm 97 mm 86 mm 673 g 310 Y Feb 2018 1,899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z30 128 mm 74 mm 60 mm 405 g 330 Y Jun 2022 709 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z50 127 mm 94 mm 60 mm 450 g 320 Y Oct 2019 859 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3 111 mm 65 mm 33 mm 381 g 310 n Mar 2014 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The Z fc was launched at a markedly lower price (by 52 percent) than the K-3 III, 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. 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the K-3 III is 2 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon Z fc and Pentax K-3 III sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the K-3 III offers a higher resolution of 25.6 megapixels, compared with 20.7 MP of the Z fc. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 4.22μm for the Z fc). Moreover, it should be noted that the Z fc is a somewhat more recent model (by 2 months) than the K-3 III, and its sensor might 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 Pentax K-3 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31 x 20.6 inches or 78.6 x 52.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.8 x 16.5 inches or 62.9 x 41.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.6 x 13.8 inches or 52.4 x 35 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon Z fc are 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm for good quality, 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm for very good quality, and 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

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

Unlike the Z fc, 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 Nikon Z fc has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 100-204800. 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.

Z fc versus K-3 III 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z fc APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.213.8213185
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.3180682
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
5.
 
Nikon Z30 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.313.9223086
6.
 
Nikon Z50 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.113.6196384
7.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
8.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
9.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
10.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.738452
12.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
13.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
16.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
17.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

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, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z fc has an electronic viewfinder (2360k 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 K-3 III has a higher magnification than the one of the Z fc (0.70x vs 0.68x), 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 Nikon Z fc and Pentax K-3 III along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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.
 
Nikon Z fc2360 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H13690 Y3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon Z30none n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon Z502360 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
17.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that differentiates the K-3 III and the Z fc is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-3 III reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the Z fc offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The Z fc has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the K-3 III does not have a selfie-screen.

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 Z fc 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 Nikon Z fc 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Z fc and the K-3 III write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Z fc only has one slot. The K-3 III supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the Z fc can use UHS-I cards.

ad

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 Nikon Z fc and Pentax K-3 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z fcYstereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1Ystereo / monoY-micro3.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon Z30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
8.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
9.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3-stereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
16.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
17.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
padding

It is notable that the K-3 III has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The Z fc lacks such a headphone port.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 III (unlike the Z fc) 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 Z fc 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 Z fc does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the Z fc and K-3 III can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z fc Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 III Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon Z fc better than the Pentax K-3 III or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z fc:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 375g or 46 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (52 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 2 months after the K-3 III).

ilogo

Advantages of the Pentax K-3 III:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (25.6 vs 20.7MP), which boosts linear resolution by 11%.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.68x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1040k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (800 versus 300) 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.
  • 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: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2021).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the K-3 III is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 10 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.

Z fc 10:16 K-3 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z fc 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 Z fc or the K-3 III. 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z fc4/5..4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2021 959 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1..+5/586/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z304/5..4/586/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2022 709 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z505/5..5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 859 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 429ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V33/5....76/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2014 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

logo
Check Z fc price at
amazon.com
logo
Check K-3 III price at
amazon.com

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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon Z fc 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 Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2021 March 2021
    Launch Price USD 959 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 23.3 x 15.5 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 361.15 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 25.6 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 6192 x 4128 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.22 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 5.60 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 160,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 6 PRIME V
    Screen Specs Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.68x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/4000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-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 UHS-I Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no 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 Nikon Z fc Pentax K-3 III
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL25 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge800 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 135 x 94 x 44 mm
    (5.3 x 3.7 x 1.7 in)
    135 x 104 x 74 mm
    (5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 445 g (15.7 oz) 820 g (28.9 oz)
    logo
    Check Z fc price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check K-3 III price at
    amazon.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon Z fc vs Pentax K-3 III