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Nikon Z8 vs Pentax K-3 III

The Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-3 III are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2023 and March 2021. The Z8 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 III is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Z8) and an APS-C (K-3 III) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 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 Z8
versus
Pentax K-3 III
Nikon Z8   Pentax K-3 III
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Nikon Z mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 25.6 MP – APS-C sensor
8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 100-160,000
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2089k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
30 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
340 shots per battery charge800 shots per battery charge
144 x 119 x 83 mm, 910 g 135 x 104 x 74 mm, 820 g
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Check Z8 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 Nikon Z8 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-3 III. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 III can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Z8 is only available in black.

Size Nikon Z8 vs Pentax K-3 III
Compare Z8 versus K-3 III top
Comparison Z8 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 (18 percent) than the Nikon Z8. Moreover, the K-3 III is markedly lighter (10 percent) than the Z8. 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 Z8 gets 340 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15c 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 Z8 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. 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.

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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.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 C 142 mm 101 mm 111 mm 770 g 320 Y Jan 2022 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 140 mm 97 mm 86 mm 673 g 310 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 US$ 3 899 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 50 percent) than the Z8, 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z8 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.

Nikon Z8 and Pentax K-3 III sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z8 offers a higher resolution than the K-3 III (25.6MP), but the Z8 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 3.76μm for the K-3 III) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z8 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 1 month) 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 Nikon Z8 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z8 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 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 Z8 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the Z8, 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 Z8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 III are ISO 100 to ISO 160000 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the Z8 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the K-3 III uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z8 versus K-3 III MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 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.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
3.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
4.
 
Canon R5 C Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648k/60p25.414.5308296
5.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.3180682
6.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
7.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
9.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
11.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
12.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
13.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
15.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
16.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
17.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
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 Z8 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 Z8 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k 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 Z8 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 III (0.80x vs 0.70x), 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 Z8 and Pentax K-3 III 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.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon R5 C5760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-H13690 Y3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
15.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/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 Z8 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 Z8 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 Z8 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 Z8 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 Nikon Z8 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.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R5 CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-H1Ystereo / monoY-micro3.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
7.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
16.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

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

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.

Both the Z8 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 Z8 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the Z8 and K-3 III can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 III Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon Z8 and the Pentax K-3 III? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z8:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 25.6MP) with a 33% 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 (0.80x vs 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 1620k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 12 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.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the K-3 III launch.

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Advantages of 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (135x104mm vs 144x119mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (800 versus 340) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (50 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2021).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z8 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 6 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 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.

Z8 18:06 K-3 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z8 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 incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Z8 or the K-3 III perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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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.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 C..+ +........ Jan 2022 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-H1..+5/586/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 amazon.com
13.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 US$ 3 899 amazon.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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check Z8 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. 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: Nikon Z8 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 Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2023 March 2021
    Launch Price USD 3,999 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 23.3 x 15.5 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 361.15 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 28 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 25.6 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 6192 x 4128 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 160,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 7 PRIME V
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.2 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2548 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2089k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/32000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno 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 Nikon Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 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 GPS built-in GPS built-in
    Body Specs Nikon Z8 Pentax K-3 III
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15c Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots per charge800 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 144 x 119 x 83 mm
    (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in)
    135 x 104 x 74 mm
    (5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 910 g (32.1 oz) 820 g (28.9 oz)
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    Check K-3 III price at
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